bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Performance in Egypt: An Empirical Study Based on the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI)
Authors: Ali Mohamed Abouelhassan , Kabil Moaaz , Alayan Rahaf , Magda Róbert , Dávid Lóránt Dénes
Published: June 2021

Entrepreneurship is a significant economic process in regional economic development. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the Egyptian entrepreneurial ecosystem by using the global entrepreneurship index (GEI) data from 2006–2017. This empirical study provides an in-depth insight into the Egyptian entrepreneurship ecosystem situation based on GEI methodology and its sub-indexes, pillars, and individual and institutional variables. Results revealed that the Egyptian entrepreneurial “Aspiration” pillars play a promising role in the Egyptian entrepreneurship ecosystem, especially the “Process Innovation” and “Risk Capital” pillars. Although the entrepreneurial “Abilities” pillars appear as shortcomings in the Egyptian GEI, especially the "Opportunity Startup" and "Competition" pillars. Furthermore, Egyptian entrepreneurial “Attitudes” pillars are considered to be the main disadvantage of forming the Egyptian GEI score. Finally, the paper proved that the “Risk Acceptance” and “Networking” pillars appeared as the weakest aspect of the Egyptian entrepreneurship ecosystem. Consequently, developing national policies and strategies to enhance these two pillars will improve the Egyptian GEI score by 2%.
Using AR Technology in Tourism Based on the Example of Maritime Educational Trips—A Conceptual Model
Authors: Kaźmierczak Rafał , Szczepańska Agnieszka , Kowalczyk Cezary , Grunwald Grzegorz , Janowski Artur
Published: June 2021

Technological progress in augmented reality (AR) creates new application opportunities for different branches of tourism. The application of modern technology is made possible by the widespread use of mobile devices and dedicated tourist applications. Preliminary market research demonstrates that there are no global solutions intended for tourists on sea voyages that make use of augmented reality. This paper analyzes the use of AR technology in water tourism. The proposed Maritime Educational Trip (MET) system makes it possible to combine geolocation information with the accumulated knowledge of a specific location and to present it with AR. An example prototypical Android application is developed, combining e-navigation with a knowledge base. The developed solutions show how a combination of the real world with a computer-generated world helps to expand the tourism space.
Measuring the Impact of Physical Geographical Factors on the Use of Coastal Zones Based on Bayesian Networks
Authors: Baltranaitė Eglė , Kelpšaitė-Rimkienė Loreta , Povilanskas Ramūnas , Šakurova Ilona , Kondrat Vitalijus
Published: June 2021

Coastal regions of the Baltic Sea are among the most intensively used worldwide, resulting in a need for a holistic management approach. Therefore, there is a need for strategies that even out the seasonality, which would ensure a better utilization of natural resources and infrastructure and improve the social and economic conditions. To assess the effectiveness of coastal zone planning processes concerning sustainable tourism and to identify and substantiate significant physical geographical factors impacting the sustainability of South Baltic seaside resorts, several data sets from previous studies were compiled. Seeking to improve the coastal zone’s ecological sustainability, economic efficiency, and social equality, a qualitative study (content analysis of planning documents) and a quantitative survey of tourists’ needs expressed on a social media platform and in the form of a survey, as well as long-term hydrometeorological data, were used. Furthermore, a Bayesian Network framework was used to combine knowledge from these different sources. We present an approach to identifying the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing the sustainability of coastal resorts. The results of this study may be used to advise local governments on a broad spectrum of Integrated Coastal Management matters: planning the development of the beaches and addressing the seasonality of use, directing investments to improve the quality of the beaches and protect them from storm erosion, and maintaining the sand quality and beach infrastructure. The lessons learned can be applied to further coastal zone management research by utilizing stakeholders and expert opinion in quantified current beliefs.
Cultural Landscapes: A Multi-Stakeholder Methodological Approach to Support Widespread and Shared Tourism Development Strategies
Authors: Della Spina Lucia , Giorno Claudia
Published: June 2021

Starting from the most recent international debate on the theme of cultural landscape, this study explores the theme of landscape as a ‘common good’ and as a field of investigation and experimentation of an innovative model of long-term sustainable tourism development. In this context, the document illustrates a multi-stakeholder spatial decision-making process based on an evaluation approach that is useful to support decision-makers in defining improvement strategies for resilient landscapes. The methodology was experimented on and tested as part of the ‘Sila Labscape’ project conducted in Sila National Park (Southern Italy), a UNESCO site of excellence. The purpose of the study is to support the park’s community in acquiring a greater awareness of the values and resources present within the park and to stimulate co-design for the enhancement and management of environmental and cultural sites. Starting from the representation of the landscape perceived by users, it is possible to trace the values and meanings of the most attractive places. The most relevant results concern the identification of perceived landscape values, the recognition of shared values, and their consequent use to map ‘places of value’. The elaboration, structuring, and evaluation processes allow the tracing of new touristic routes and the expression of shared intersubjective perception that are useful for supporting decision-makers in the development of potential integrated development strategies and actions.
Soil Health Beneath Amended Switchgrass: Effects of Biochar and Nitrogen on Active Carbon and Wet Aggregate Stability
Authors: Saini Priya , de Koff Jason P. , Link Richard , Robbins Chris
Published: June 2021

Perennial crops, like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), are important for bioenergy production and long-term carbon sequestration. Biochar, a byproduct of certain bioenergy production processes, is also identified as a potential tool for carbon sequestration and soil quality improvements, especially in marginal soils. Despite the focus on switchgrass, soil health characteristics under switchgrass production for biomass are unclear. This study focused on identifying the effects of four N rates (0, 17, 34, and 67 kg N ha−1) and biochar application (0 and 9 Mg ha−1) in a 3-year switchgrass field study on a silt loam soil. Soil active carbon (AC) and wet aggregate stability (WAS) were the indicators used to assess soil health. Our results indicated a decline in both AC and WAS over the study period, similar to other studies. Wet aggregate stability declined from 32% in 2018 to 15% in 2019. There were some significant differences between treatments, but no defined trends were observed. A decline in AC from 301 mg C kg soil−1 to 267 mg C kg soil−1 was also observed over the three-year period. Nitrogen rate also affected AC in the last year of study. Several possible explanations for the observed changes are proposed; however, a definitive mechanism is still unknown, thus future research is essential to improve our understanding and provide wider acceptance.
How to Effectively Design Referral Rewards to Increase the Referral Likelihood for Green Products
Authors: Kuang Di , Li Xiao-Fei , Bi Wen-Wen
Published: June 2021

Interpersonal referrals can effectively promote purchases. In view of the low sales of green products, this study introduces the referral reward program into green marketing and investigates the impact of reward type on customers’ referral likelihood for green product. Through a lab experiment with 302 participants in China involved, this study reveals the differential effects of monetary versus donation rewards on existing customers’ referral likelihood. Specifically, compared with monetary rewards, donation rewards are more effective in promoting recommendations. It is also indicated that the perceived fit between the reward and green products partially mediates the relationship between the reward type and referral likelihood. In addition, the relationship between the reward type and perceived fit is moderated by consumers’ green product knowledge. This research not only extends the literature on green marketing and referral reward programs, but also provides feasible suggestions for government and enterprises to promote green products and to improve social wellbeing.
From Stationary to Remote: Employee Risks at Pandemic Migration of Workplaces
Authors: Rymaniak Janusz , Lis Katarzyna , Davidavičienė Vida , Pérez-Pérez Manuela , Martínez-Sánchez Ángel
Published: June 2021

The first lockdown due to COVID-19 in the year 2020 created a particular scenario that forced a change to telework among diverse professions and social groups. This article presents the results of research carried out among samples of Polish, Lithuanian and Spanish remote workers concerning working conditions in organizations and at home, and the potential impact of some professional hazards from home-based telework. On the contrary to earlier published papers on pandemic-induced telework that focused on how the limitations at home of first-time remote workers impacted on their well-being and work–family balance, our research contributes to a more recent endeavor that focuses the analysis on the work design perspective. The results of the survey indicate that employees felt more stressed and in conflict at their remote workstations when they had to telework during the lockdown, and that this negative output was significantly related to the deterioration of some working dimensions like space, quality and design but not to the perception of professional hazards from home-based telework. According to our research, the forced situation seemed not to be a favorable factor for implementing changes in light of the insufficient technical and organizational preparation of employers as well as the employees’ mental preparation. It should be necessary to update sequentially the results of the epidemic-induced telework and conduct research for various stages of the pandemic and the subsequent economic recovery. This could help popularize remote work as one of the tools of the labor market in the future and as a tool for treating labor resources as an element of sustainable development.
Agricultural Practices Modulate the Beneficial Activity of Bacterial-Feeding Nematodes for Plant Growth and Nutrition: Evidence from an Original Intact Soil Core Technique
Authors: Trap Jean , Ranoarisoa Mahafaka Patricia , Raharijaona Sariaka , Rabeharisoa Lilia , Plassard Claude , Mayad El Hassan , Bernard Laetitia , Becquer Thierry , Blanchart Eric
Published: June 2021

Free-living nematodes have beneficial effects on plant growth and nutrition. Exploring how agricultural practices modulate these beneficial effects is still challenging. A study was conducted in Ferralsols from Madagascar from one unmanaged grassland and 16 upland rainfed rice fields, representative of different agricultural practices: rotation, agroforestry and monoculture. Intact soil cores in plastic cylinders were sampled in the field to assess the effects of agricultural practices on changes in plant growth and nutrition induced by the presence of bacterial-feeding nematodes. The soil cores were fumigated to kill the nematodes and moistened with a filtered fresh soil suspension containing only microbial cells. A rice seed was introduced in the core, which was then incubated under natural climatic conditions for 40 days with or without inoculation of the bacterial-feeding nematode Acrobeloides sp. The inoculation of the nematodes induced lower, similar or higher plant biomass and nutrient content in comparison to the control according to the agricultural practices. Positive effects of Acrobeloides sp. on plant functions were frequent in soil cores sampled from fields with high plant diversity, especially from agroforestry systems. The intact soil core technique appears to be a robust means of mimicking field conditions and constitutes a promising tool to assess effects on soil processes of the ecological intensification of agricultural practices.
Public Norms in the Operation Scheme of Urban Rail Transit Express Trains: The Case of the Beijing Changping Line
Authors: Zhou Shenghan , Liu Houxiang , Wang Bo , Chen Bang , Zhou Yuliang , Chang Wenbing
Published: June 2021

The development of urban rail transit is of great significance to the sustainable development of cities. However, the formulation of public norms of the urban rail transit train operation scheme lacks the corresponding theoretical support, rationality and scientificity. Therefore, based on the research on passenger flow conditions, this paper establishes an optimization model of express train operation and uses a heuristic genetic algorithm to solve it. In addition, this paper takes the Beijing Changping Line as an example to conduct empirical research. Results show that the optimization model established reduces the operation cost of operating enterprises, improves the capacity of urban rail transit, reduces travel time and maintains the full load rate of trains at a more comfortable level. This will improve the attractiveness of urban rail transit and promote benign interaction between operators and passengers. It will also provide a theoretical basis for formulating public norms of transit train operation, make it more scientific and reasonable and promote the development of urban rail transit.
Determination of NPS Pollutant Unit Loads from Different Landuses
Authors: Choi Jiyeon , Park Baekyung , Kim Jinsun , Lee Soyoung , Ryu Jichul , Kim Kyunghyun , Kim Yongseok
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to estimate pollutant unit loads for different landuses and pollutants that reflected long-term runoff characteristics of nonpoint source (NPS) pollutants and recent environmental changes. During 2008–2014, 2026 rainfall events were monitored. The average values of antecedent dry days, total rainfall, rainfall intensity, rainfall duration, runoff duration, and runoff coefficient for each landuse were 3.8–5.9 d, 35.2–65.0 mm, 2.9–4.1 mm/h, 12.5–20.4 h, 12.4–27.9 h, and 0.24–0.45, respectively. Uplands (UL) exhibited high suspended solids (SS, 606.2 mg/L), total nitrogen (TN, 7.38 mg/L), and total phosphorous (TP, 2.27 mg/L) levels, whereas the runoff coefficient was high in the building sites (BS), with a high impervious surface ratio. The event mean concentration (EMC) for biological oxygen demand (BOD) was the highest in BS (8.0 mg/L), while the EMC was the highest in BS (in the rainfall range <10 mm) and UL and forest land (in the rainfall range >50 mm). The unit loads for BOD (1.49–17.76 kg/km2·d), TN (1.462–10.147 kg/km2·d), TP (0.094–1.435 kg/km2·d), and SS (15.20–327.70 kg/km2·d) were calculated. The findings can be used to manage NPS pollutants and watershed environments and implement relevant associated management systems.
Estimation of Energy Recovery Potential from Primary Residues of Four Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Tsiakiri Eleni P. , Mpougali Aikaterini , Lemonidis Ioannis , Tzenos Christos A. , Kalamaras Sotirios D. , Kotsopoulos Thomas A. , Samaras Petros
Published: June 2021

Wastewater treatment plants have been traditionally developed for the aerobic degradation of effluent organic matter, and are associated with high energy consumption. The adoption of sustainable development targets favors the utilization of every available energy source, and the current work aims at the identification of biomethane potential from non-conventional sources derived from municipal wastewater treatment processes. Byproducts derived from the primary treatment process stage were collected from four sewage treatment plants in Greece with great variation in design capacity and servicing areas with wide human activities, affecting the quality of the influents and the corresponding primary wastes. The samples were characterized for the determination of their solids and fats content, as well as the concentration of leached organic matter and nutrients, and were subjected to anaerobic digestion treatment for the measurement of their biomethane production potential according to standardized procedures. All samples exhibited potential for biogas utilization, with screenings collected from a treatment plant receiving wastewater from an area with combined rural and agro-industrial activities presenting the highest potential. Nevertheless, these samples had a methanogens doubling time of around 1.3 days, while screenings from a high-capacity unit proved to have a methanogens doubling time of less than 1 day. On the other hand, floatings from grit chambers presented the smallest potential for energy utilization. Nevertheless, these wastes can be utilized for energy production, potentially in secondary sludge co-digestion units, converting a treatment plant from an energy demanding to a zero energy or even a power production process.
Preparedness of Young People for a Sustainable Lifestyle: Awareness and Willingness
Authors: Dimitrova Anastazija , Vaishar Antonín , Šťastná Milada
Published: June 2021

This article discusses the relationship between a consumer lifestyle and the environment. The willingness to adapt to a sustainable lifestyle was tested through a questionnaire among students of Mendel University in Brno, who are theoretically well-informed people. Overall, 417 students answered, i.e., 19% of the respondents. The students generally recognised the need to address environmental issues, and 90.6% intended to change their lifestyle in this direction. Among the barriers, they mentioned in particular lack of time, lack of financial resources, lack of specific information and insufficient conditions. Addressing this issue requires close co-operation in education between governmental and non-governmental organisations in both the public and private sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the situation in that it has drawn attention to the response of local companies to the global problem.
Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Beef Cattle Production in Brazil through Animal Management
Authors: D’Aurea André Pastori , da Silva Cardoso Abmael , Guimarães Yuri Santa Rosa , Fernandes Lauriston Bertelli , Ferreira Luis Eduardo , Reis Ricardo Andrade
Published: June 2021

Beef cattle production is an important agricultural activity in Brazil, which influences environmental and resource consumption. This study analyzed greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts from 17 farms, representing the Brazil’s productive system and determined possible improvements in the production chain. Methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions were evaluated using the updated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines for national inventories. The GHG inventory included emissions from animals, feeds, and “cradle-to-farm-gate” operations for animal management. Regression analyses of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions and productive indices were performed to identify possible GHG emission hotspots. The results varied considerably among the farms. The GHG yield ranged from 8.63 to 50.88 CO2eq kg carcass−1. The productive indices of average daily gain (p < 0.0001), area productivity (p = 0.058), and slaughtering age (p < 0.0001) were positively correlated with GHG yield. However, no correlation was found with the stocking rate (p = 0.21). The production chain could be improved through accurate animal management strategies that reduce the slaughtering age and daily weight gain individually or per area using pasture management and strategic animal supplementation, which could subsequently reduce GHG emissions in beef cattle production.
The Quest for Sustainable Teaching Praxis: Opportunities and Challenges of Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Teamwork
Authors: Doukanari Elli , Ktoridou Despo , Efthymiou Leonidas , Epaminonda Epaminondas
Published: June 2021

This article investigates the prospect of implementing multidisciplinary and multicultural student teamwork (MMT), along with Case-based Learning (CBL) and Problem-based Learning (PBL), as a sustainable teaching practice. Based on a mixed-method approach, which includes direct observation (both physical and virtual), questionnaire distribution, and focus groups, the study reveals that MMT through CBL and PBL can both facilitate and hinder sustainable learning. Our findings show that while MMT enhances knowledge sharing, it also poses a wide range of challenges, raising questions about its social significance as a sustainable teaching practice. The study suggests the implementation of certain mechanisms, such as ‘Teamwork Training’ and ‘Pedagogical Mentors’, aiming to strengthen the sustainable orientation of MMT through CBL and PBL.
Carbon Mineralization Rates and Kinetics of Surface-Applied and Incorporated Rice and Maize Residues in Entisol and Inceptisol Soil Types
Authors: S Rakesh , Sarkar Deepranjan , Sinha Abhas Kumar , Shikha  , Mukhopadhyay Prabir , Danish Subhan , Fahad Shah , Datta Rahul
Published: June 2021

Mineralization of carbon (C) is a burning issue that is regulated by soil attributes. It has direct impacts on crop productivity and quantification of organic residue addition in soil. For better understanding and achievement of potential tillage benefits, a comprehensive scientific understanding of C mineralization is very important. Therefore, a laboratory incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the C mineralization rates and kinetics of crop residues (rice and maize) when applied on the surface (as zero-tillage, ZT) and incorporation (as conventional tillage, CT) in four different soil types (S1 and S2 of Entisol; S3 and S4 of Inceptisols) of West Bengal state, India. Results showed that after 7 days of incubation, there was a rapid phase of decrease in CO2-C fluxes. It continued up to day 14 followed by a sluggish nature of CO2 emission up to day-42, and after that almost levelling off in all subsequent periods up to the end of 126 days of incubation. There was a progressive release of cumulative total C from the soils with an increase in time till the last day of incubation. For every 10% increase in C loss, there was about 0.376 mg/g C mineralization from the applied residue C. It was evident from the kinetic models that C mineralization from the residues followed the exponential model: C = Co(1 − e−kt). Similar rate constant (k) values were recorded in both placement methods, but the rate of maximum potential mineralizable (C0k) residue C was higher under residue incorporation treatments for both rice and maize residue. However, the rice and maize residues showed almost similar amounts of C mineralized over time when applied on the surface. The future prediction analysis using the equation C = Co(1 − e−kt) suggested that the residues incorporated into the soil releases a maximum C irrespective of residue type. We conclude that the residues when incorporated into the soil significantly increases the C footprints through maximum C mineralization; leaving the crop residue on the soil surface reduces the C footprints which helps in achieving sustainability from an environmental perspective.
Risk-Based Prioritization of Sewer Pipe Inspection from Infrastructure Asset Management Perspective
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Park Chan Young , Baek Seungwon , Han Seung H. , Yun Sungmin
Published: June 2021

The escalating number of aging sewer pipes necessitates an infrastructure asset management approach to achieve an efficient budget allocation for maintenance. This study suggests a risk-based prioritization framework for sewer pipe inspection considering the predicted condition of sewer pipes and the criticality of the economic, social and environmental impacts associated with them. The results from both models can be used to evaluate the risk of sewer pipes by classification into risk groups. A risk matrix is used for the classification, and it divides the sewer pipes into five risk groups. The results of this study show an improvement in the accuracy of finding sewer pipes in a bad condition using this framework. The condition prediction model can successfully find sewer pipes with a bad condition with over 70% precision. High-risk sewer pipes are highlighted using the differences in the environmental features as well as in the physical features associated with other sewer pipes. Additionally, through the combination of both the condition and criticality of sewer pipes, the framework systemically prioritizes needed maintenance for sewer pipes with a very bad condition. This prioritization framework is expected to help the process of deciding which sewer pipes should be prioritized within a constrained budget.
Participatory Democracy and Sustainability. Deliberative Democratic Innovation and Its Acceptance by Citizens and German Local Councilors
Authors: Kersting Norbert
Published: June 2021

Political participation and sustainability seem to be closely intertwined. In the last few decades it can be shown that the topic of sustainability and ecological interest groups play an important role in citizen engagement, political participation, and democratic innovations at the local level. Using a participatory rhombus model of participatory democracy, different forms of participation and democratic innovations in the representative sphere, in direct democracy, in demonstrative participatory space, and finally in deliberative participatory instruments are important in the decision-making for sustainability policies. Here the paper tries to close the gap in empirical data on the perceptions of citizens and councilors on these participatory instruments. Citizens believe strongly in the importance of elections and referendums, but they extend their political repertoire and start protesting and demanding more deliberative democracy. Councilors positively perceive democratic innovations, and the councilors of the Green Party in particular strongly support new participatory instruments. However, citizens and councilors do not support all instruments in the same way.
Dietary Fiber and Prebiotic Compounds in Fruits and Vegetables Food Waste
Authors: Pop Corina , Suharoschi Ramona , Pop Oana Lelia
Published: June 2021

The fruits and vegetables processing industry is one of the most relevant food by-products, displaying limited commercial exploitation entailing economic and environmental problems. However, these by-products present a considerable amount of dietary fiber and prebiotics with important biological activities, such as gut microbiota modulation, lowering the glycemic load and replacing some unhealthy ingredients with an impact on food texture. Therefore, the international scientific community has considered incorporating their extracts or powders to preserve or fortify food products an area of interest, mainly because nowadays consumers demand the production of safer and health-promoting foods. In the present review, literature, mainly from the last 5 years, is critically analyzed and presented. A particular focus is given to utilizing the extracted dietary fibers in different food products and their impact on their characteristics. Safety issues regarding fruits and vegetables wastes utilization and anti-nutritional compounds impact were also discussed.
Examining the Relationship between the Economic Performance of Technology-Based Small Suppliers and Socially Sustainable Procurement
Authors: Ryu Youngbok , Sueyoshi Toshiyuki
Published: June 2021

Sustainable public procurement plays an important role in addressing not only environmental but also economic and social issues through government acquisitions from technology-based small suppliers. In this context, the objective of this study is to better understand the holistic public procurement process by assessing the operational efficiency of technology-based small suppliers and associating the economic aspect of public procurement with the social aspect, such as women-owned businesses. To this end, we analyzed U.S. Department of Defense Small Business Innovation Research grantees by combining network data envelopment analysis with bootstrap truncated regression analysis. Drawing on the analysis results, we found that (1) there is heterogeneity in the performance of research and development, network building, and commercialization sub-processes, and (2) there is a positive relationship between the overall performance and women-owned small suppliers who excel particularly in network building. The former implies that small suppliers may have different expertise in the chain of public procurement; the latter suggests that woman entrepreneurs with a business network may be able to outperform their counterparts in the public procurement market.
Energy Loss Impact in Electrical Smart Grid Systems in Australia
Authors: Zaghwan Ashraf , Gunawan Indra
Published: June 2021

This research draws attention to the potential and contextual influences on energy loss in Australia’s electricity market and smart grid systems. It further examines barriers in the transition toward optimising the benefit opportunities between electricity demand and electricity supply. The main contribution of this study highlights the impact of individual end-users by controlling and automating individual home electricity profiles within the objective function set (AV) of optimum demand ranges. Three stages of analysis were accomplished to achieve this goal. Firstly, we focused on feasibility analysis using ‘weight of evidence’ (WOE) and ‘information value’ (IV) techniques to check sample data segmentation and possible variable reduction. Stage two of sensitivity analysis (SA) used a generalised reduced gradient algorithm (GRG) to detect and compare a nonlinear optimisation issue caused by end-user demand. Stage three of analysis used two methods adopted from the machine learning toolbox, piecewise linear distribution (PLD) and the empirical cumulative distribution function (ECDF), to test the normality of time series data and measure the discrepancy between them. It used PLD and ECDF to derive a nonparametric representation of the overall cumulative distribution function (CDF). These analytical methods were all found to be relevant and provided a clue to the sustainability approach. This study provides insights into the design of sustainable homes, which must go beyond the concept of increasing the capacity of renewable energy. In addition to this, this study examines the interplay between the variance estimation of the problematic levels and the perception of energy loss to introduce a novel realistic model of cost–benefit incentives. This optimisation goal contrasted with uncertainties that remain as to what constitutes the demand impact and individual house effects in diverse clustering patterns in a specific grid system. While ongoing effort is still needed to look for strategic solutions for this class of complex problems, this research shows significant contextual opportunities to manage the complexity of the problem according to the nature of the case, representing dense and significant changes in the situational complexity.
Circular Design of Composite Products: A Framework Based on Insights from Literature and Industry
Authors: Joustra Jelle , Flipsen Bas , Balkenende Ruud
Published: June 2021

Composite materials are an attractive material choice as they enable lightweight, low-maintenance products with a long lifespan. Recycling these materials, however, remains a challenge. Homogeneous material composition and the use of thermoset matrices complicate reprocessing, and result in low-grade recyclate. This means that closing the loop for these materials in a circular economy remains challenging, especially for glass fibre-reinforced thermoset composites. For a circular economy, products need to be designed to preserve product functionality, material properties, and economic value for as long as possible. However, recovery strategies, design aspects and their interconnectedness are currently largely unexplored for products containing fibre-reinforced polymers. The aim of this study was to identify circular strategies and determine design aspects for products containing composites. To achieve this, we conducted a systematic literature review and consulted experts. The circular strategies are largely similar to generic circular economy strategies as far as product integrity is concerned. However, on a material level, we identified additional approaches, the most notable of which is structural reuse, which preserves the material quality and thereby value. The design aspects were clustered and positioned along the product design process to support implementation. Finally, the strategies and design aspects we identified were brought together in a framework to support product design and design research for products containing composite materials in the context of a circular economy.
Potential of Small Culverts as Wildlife Passages on Forest Roads
Authors: Chen Hsiang-Ling , Posthumus Erin E. , Koprowski John L.
Published: June 2021

Roads and traffic can cause animal mortality. Specifically, roads serve as barriers by impeding animal movement, resulting in demographic and genetic consequences. Drainage structures, such as culverts, can provide linkages between habitat patches. However, the potential of small culverts with diameters of <60 cm (e.g., wildlife passages that facilitate movement on forest roads) are relatively unknown. In this study, we used trail cameras to monitor the use of 14 small culverts, by mammals, along forest roads on Mt. Graham, home of the critically endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis), in southeastern Arizona, USA. From 2011 to 2013, we only recorded 20 completed road crossings through culverts. More than half of culvert uses were by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), followed by the rock squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus) and the bobcat (Lynx rufus). The Mt. Graham red squirrel was the only species that was common along the roads, but never crossed the roads. Culverts with higher usages were characterized by shorter culvert lengths and absence of accumulated soil inside the culverts. Our study shows that small-dimension drainage systems may provide alternative pathways for wildlife crossing roads, especially for slow moving and ground dwelling species. However, the potential of small culverts assisting wildlife crossings can only be maximized when culverts are accessible year-round.
Modern Analytical Techniques for Detection of Bacteria in Surface and Wastewaters
Authors: Canciu Alexandra , Tertis Mihaela , Hosu Oana , Cernat Andreea , Cristea Cecilia , Graur Florin
Published: June 2021

Contamination of surface waters with pathogens as well as all diseases associated with such events are a significant concern worldwide. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in developing analytical methods with good performance for the detection of this category of contaminants. The most important analytical methods applied for the determination of bacteria in waters are traditional ones (such as bacterial culturing methods, enzyme-linked immunoassay, polymerase chain reaction, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification) and advanced alternative methods (such as spectrometry, chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and magnetic field-assisted and hyphenated techniques). In addition, optical and electrochemical sensors have gained much attention as essential alternatives for the conventional detection of bacteria. The large number of available methods have been materialized by many publications in this field aimed to ensure the control of water quality in water resources. This study represents a critical synthesis of the literature regarding the latest analytical methods covering comparative aspects of pathogen contamination of water resources. All these aspects are presented as representative examples, focusing on two important bacteria with essential implications on the health of the population, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.
Democratically Sustainable Local Development? The Outcomes of Mixed Deliberation on a Municipal Merger on Participants’ Social Trust, Political Trust, and Political Efficacy
Authors: Strandberg Kim , Backström Kim , Berg Janne , Karv Thomas
Published: June 2021

Municipal mergers are typically contentious and polarizing issues among both citizens and politicians. In deciding on these, municipal-level referendums are often commissioned by municipal councils. Referendums, though, are also per se polarizing processes that only exacerbate an already polarizing issue. Adding deliberation to referendum processes has been shown in previous studies to be a more democratically sustainable process than mere referendums. In this study, we explore the use of mixed deliberation between citizens and politicians within a municipal merger process in the municipality of Korsholm in Finland, one year before a referendum on the issue occurred. The deliberations were two-hour sessions in February 2018, with local politicians present in each discussion group. Using pre- and post-deliberation surveys, we trace how citizens (n = 117) engaging in deliberation developed their social trust, political trust, and political efficacy during deliberation. Generally, we expected that all of these would be strengthened in deliberation. The results, however, reveal only a few statistically significant effects, some of which ran contrary to expectations.
Thermal Comfort in Places of Worship within a Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Vella Robert C. , Martinez Francisco Javier Rey , Yousif Charles , Camilleri Liberato
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the relationship between the actual thermal comfort levels measured according to EN 16798-1 standard and the expected thermal comfort of attendees in five parish churches throughout 2018. This is carried out through statistical analysis of qualitative research based on questionnaire responses from church goers and quantitative research based on indoor measured data. This investigation includes the gathering of scientific data relating to temperature and relative humidity together with statistical data through thermal sensation surveys (TSSs). Thus, this study provides first-hand information about occupants’ diversities of thermal sensations and dynamic behaviour adaptations to the intricate environment within churches. Results determine that a significant correlation exists between the actual thermal comfort levels measured according to EN 16798-1 standard and the expected thermal comfort perceived by the church attendees in most of the parish churches under review. Analysis of the sources of discomfort and suggestions made by the occupants revealed that passive design measures contribute towards improved indoor thermal conditions, reduced energy demand and lower carbon emissions. This information provides assurance for optimised decision-making methods, used to generate accurate solutions for policy-makers, architects and engineers, with an understanding of practical applications of passive measures for places of worship. Moreover, the paper provides insight on indoor comfort levels in places of worship within a Mediterranean context, which is insufficiently addressed by scholars at a global level.
Paleohydrogeology of the Karstic System of Fuentetoba Spring (Soria, Spain): An Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Sanz Pérez Eugenio , Fonolla Cristina , Menéndez Pidal Ignacio , Rosas Rodriguez Pablo
Published: June 2021

As a preliminary phase in the conservation and sustainable management of a karst system in Fuentetoba, Soria, Spain, an interdisciplinary study was carried out to determine its hydrogeological evolution. The hydrogeological history of this aquifer system began during the late Miocene, where discharges were driven by paleo-emergences in the moor, and associated conduits were developed under phreatic (or vadose) conditions—for example, the upper syngenetic galleries in the main known karst cave (Majada del Cura cave). Later on, the nearby karstic massifs, a general flattening of the relief, occurred during the Quaternary Period, during which the karstic base level had been in decline. The aquifer flow was then derived and modified towards the Fuentetoba spring from the earliest stages through the galleries of the aforementioned cave. The observations made in this cave indicate the existence of a unique type of hydrogeological organization. The hypogean network is the result of the excavation of the same water flow that has been entrenching and abandoning the vadose regimen toward the free regimen. The dating of the tuffaceous buildings, associated with the emergences, indicates that since almost the Middle Pleistocene, flow lines have converged in the Fuentetoba spring, inducing a high grade of karstification in the saturated zone of the syncline basin. Moreover, a major drainage conduit was developed by dissolution. During the late Upper Pleistocene, an essential component of the groundwater flow had been derived towards the source of the Mazos River spring. Tufa and paleogour datings in caves indicate that the aquifer has undergone different climatic stages during the latest Quaternary and, therefore, different feeding and recharge processes. These tufas and paleogours are interrelated as well, as they are associated with the warm stages during the most recent Quaternary, according to the regional context, when there was less natural recharge. The simulation of the springs’ flow enabled an approximate quantification of the variation in the aquifer’s hydraulic balance during the different climatic stages. For example, during the last glaciation, the natural recharge was impacted by snowmelt and increased by 160%.
Tourism Competitiveness and Sustainability Indicators in the Context of Surf Tourism: The Case of Cape Town
Authors: Martín-González Roberto , Swart Kamilla , Luque-Gil Ana-María
Published: June 2021

Sport tourism has experienced considerable growth in the last decades, either from the sport events perspective or considering an active sport tourism approach. Therefore, some emergent market niches like surf tourism have been developed in numerous coastal destinations to attract sustainability-sensitive tourists due to the ongoing environmental challenges and the socio-economic crisis. Cape Town is positioned in a prominent place in terms of competitiveness, with a considerable variety of beaches and surf spots facing multiple issues. The aim of this study is to try to identify the most competitive beaches and subdistricts in terms of sustainability and to suggest criteria for surf-tourism-related indicators to obtain an overview about this space, using weighting indicators, and applying geography and political economy lenses. The results reveal that Strand, Table View, and Surfers’ Corner are the most competitive beaches. Additionally, beaches located in some underprivileged areas such as Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha are potentially interesting from a socio-economic development point of view, although they show a lack of accommodation infrastructures. These results seem to indicate that those areas should be closely monitored, and destination managers should focus their attention and finance there to obtain a more sustainable surf tourism development.
Modelling and Validation of Cavitating Orifice Flow in Hydraulic Systems
Authors: Casoli Paolo , Scolari Fabio , Rundo Massimo
Published: June 2021

Cavitation can occur at the inlet of hydraulic pumps or in hydraulic valves; this phenomenon should be always avoided because it can generate abnormal wear and noise in fluid power components. Numerical modeling of the cavitation is widely used in research, and it allows the regions where it occurs more to be predicted. For this reason, two different approaches to the study of gas and vapor cavitation were presented in this paper. In particular, a model was developed using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method with particular attention to the dynamic modeling of both gaseous and vapor cavitation. A further lumped parameter model was made, where the fluid density varies as the pressure decreases due to the release of air and the formation of vapor. Furthermore, the lumped parameter model highlights the need to also know the speed of sound in the vena contracta, since it is essential for the correct calculation of the mass flow during vaporization. A test bench for the study of cavitation with an orifice was set up; cavitation was induced by increasing the speed of the fluid on the restricted section thanks to a pump located downstream of the orifice. The experimental data were compared with those predicted by CFD and lumped parameter models.
Amoebic Foraging Model of Metastatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Andoh Daiki , Gunji Yukio-Pegio
Published: June 2021

The Lévy walk is a pattern that is often seen in the movement of living organisms; it has both ballistic and random features and is a behavior that has been recognized in various animals and unicellular organisms, such as amoebae, in recent years. We proposed an amoeba locomotion model that implements Bayesian and inverse Bayesian inference as a Lévy walk algorithm that balances exploration and exploitation, and through a comparison with general random walks, we confirmed its effectiveness. While Bayesian inference is expressed only by P(h) = P(h|d), we introduce inverse Bayesian inference expressed as P(d|h) = P(d) in a symmetry fashion. That symmetry contributes to balancing contracting and expanding the probability space. Additionally, the conditions of various environments were set, and experimental results were obtained that corresponded to changes in gait patterns with respect to changes in the conditions of actual metastatic cancer cells.
New Secure and Practical E-Mail Protocol with Perfect Forward Secrecy
Authors: Lee Chien-Ding , Chen Tzung-Her
Published: June 2021

The invention of electronic mail (e-mail) has made communication through the Internet easier than before. However, because the fundamental functions of the Internet are built on opensource technologies, it is critical to keep all transmitted e-mail secure and secret. Most current e-mail protocols only allow recipients to check their e-mail after the recipients are authenticated by the e-mail server. Unfortunately, the subsequent e-mail transmission from the server to the recipient remains unprotected in the clear form without encryption. Sometimes, this is not allowed, especially in consideration of issues such as confidentiality and integrity. In this paper, we propose a secure and practical e-mail protocol with perfect forward secrecy, as well as a high security level, in which the session keys used to encrypt the last e-mail will not be disclosed even if the long-term secret key is compromised for any possible reason. Thus, the proposed scheme benefits from the following advantages: (1) providing mutual authentication to remove the threat of not only impersonation attacks, but also spam; (2) guaranteeing confidentiality and integrity while providing the service of perfect forward secrecy; (3) simplifying key management by avoiding the expense of public key infrastructure involvement; and (4) achieving lower computational cost while meeting security criteria compared to the related works. The security analysis and the discussion demonstrate that the proposed scheme works well.