bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Inhibition of Rumex vesicarius Mediated Chitosan-AgNPs Composite for C1018 CS in CO2-Saturated 3.5% NaCl Medium under Static and Hydrodynamic Conditions
Authors: Umoren Saviour A. , Solomon Moses M. , Nzila Alexis , Obot Ime B.
Published: December 2022

Rumex vesicarius (RVE) mediated chitosan–AgNPs composite was produced in situ by using an aqueous extract of Rumex vesicarius leaves as the reducing agent to reduce Ag+ to Ag0. The synthesized composite was evaluated as a sweet (CO2) corrosion inhibitor (CI) for C1018 carbon steel (CS) in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution under static and hydrodynamic conditions. The corrosion inhibitive performance was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (LPR), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) techniques, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) on corroded C1018 CS without and with additives. The effect of concentration, immersion time, temperature, and rotation speed on the CI performance of the composite was also investigated. The corrosion inhibitive effect increased with increasing composite dosage, with the highest inhibition efficiency (IE) acquired at the maximum composite dosage of 0.3%. Beyond this concentration, the IE decline with increasing concentration. Furthermore, IE was found to increase with immersion time and decline with a temperature rise from 25 to 40 °C, with the optimum temperature of 60 °C found to accelerate corrosion without and with RVE-mediated Chi–AgNPs composite. Under high shear stress, the Chi–AgNPs composite exhibits moderate corrosion inhibition under hydrodynamic conditions. The surface analysis results validate the formation of a protective covering due to composite adsorption on the CS surface. The RVE-mediated chitosan–AgNPs composite could be recommended as a CI for C1018 CS in sweet (CO2) corrosion environments at ambient temperature.
Effectiveness of Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovations in Smallholder Agriculture System in Ethiopia
Authors: Teklu Abyiot , Simane Belay , Bezabih Mintewab
Published: December 2022

The scientific basis for conceptualizing how farm households achieve the three climate-smart agriculture (CSA) pillars, the “triple benefit”, is not well developed. This paper examined the impacts of CSA innovations on simultaneously enhancing food security, climate adaptation, and reducing GHG emissions. A cross-sectional household survey was collected from a multi-stage sample of 424 smallholder farmers selected from five agroecosystems of the upper Blue Nile highlands in Ethiopia and analyzed using an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model. CSA innovations, improved variety, compost, row planting, and agroforestry, provide farmers with the benefits of enhanced food security and climate change adaptation, reducing GHG emissions from farm plots. Crop rotation provides farmers with enhanced food security and reduced livelihood vulnerability, while SWC meets the goal of enhancing food security and reducing GHG emissions. Unfortunately, adopting crop residue management, one of the recommended CSA practices in Ethiopia, does not deliver at least two of the CSA pillars. Farmers should be encouraged to adopt improved variety, crop rotation, compost, row planting, soil and water conservation, and agroforestry as the best portfolio of CSA innovation for highland smallholder agriculture systems.
Designer Selection for Complex Engineering System Design Projects Considering the Disciplines Demanded
Authors: Jin Guangying
Published: December 2022

Currently, technological advances and developments are leading to the rapid emergence of high-end technology products, accompanied by a variety of customer requirements, which will lead to engineering system design projects becoming more complex. Therefore, complex engineering design projects require designers with multidisciplinary backgrounds who can work together and approach complex problems. However, when company supervisors assign designers with interdisciplinary knowledge to complex projects, the knowledge gap of each discipline between designers will cause communication conflicts, which directly affects the efficiency of team communication and complex project execution. Therefore, it is very important for the design company to select a portfolio of designers with efficient interdisciplinary background communication. Thus, the main objective of our research is to propose a method to support company supervisors and their approach to the design team selection problem for complex engineering system design projects with consideration of the project’s required basic technical competence, personal competence, and multidisciplinary knowledge communication between the designers. The proposed method can help design firms to select the best multidisciplinary collaborative design team for complex engineering system design projects.
Advertising Innovative Sustainable Fashion: Informational, Transformational, or Sustainability Appeal?
Authors: Carfora Valentina , Catellani Patrizia
Published: December 2022

We aimed to understand how to promote innovative technology in the sustainable fashion market. The case study was the advertisement of a feminine bag with a chain coated using a new technology. We invited 550 women to read an Instagram post. In the control condition, the post only described the new technology. In the informational condition, the post emphasized the resistance and durability of the bag. In the transformational condition, the post emphasized the innovativeness and exclusivity of the bag. In the sustainability condition, the post emphasized the low environmental impact of its production. Results showed that the sustainability advertisement was the most persuasive in terms of consumers’ involvement, systematic processing, and intention to buy the bag. In addition, reference to the functional benefits was an effective strategy to promote purchasing intention when consumers were interested in novelty and high quality, and when engaged in shopping for fun and enjoyment.
Comparative Study of Geological Hazard Evaluation Systems Using Grid Units and Slope Units under Different Rainfall Conditions
Authors: Liu Shuai , Zhu Jieyong , Yang Dehu , Ma Bo
Published: December 2022

The selection of evaluation units in geological hazard evaluation systems is crucial for the evaluation results. In an evaluation system, relevant geological evaluation factors are selected and the study area is divided into multiple regular or irregular independent units, such as grids, slopes, and basins. Each evaluation unit, which includes evaluation factor attributes and hazard point distribution data, is placed as an independent individual in a corresponding evaluation model for use in a calculation, and finally a risk index for the entire study area is obtained. In order to compare the influence of the selection of grid units or slope units—two units frequently used in geological hazard evaluation studies—on the accuracy of evaluation results, this paper takes Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province, China, as a case study area. The area was divided into 7851 slope units by the catchment basin method and 12,985,257 grid units by means of an optimal grid unit algorithm. Nine evaluation factors for geological hazards were selected, including elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, land-use type, distance from a fault, distance from a river, engineering geological rock group, and landform type. In order to ensure the objective comparison of evaluation results for geological hazard susceptibility with respect to grid units and slope units, the weighted information model combining the subjective weighting AHP (analytic hierarchy process) and the objective statistical ICM (information content model) were used to evaluate susceptibility with both units. Geological risk evaluation results for collapses and landslides under heavy rain (25–50 mm), rainstorm (50–100 mm), heavy rainstorm (150–250 mm), and extraordinary rainstorm (>250 mm) conditions were obtained. The results showed that the zoning results produced under the slope unit system were better than those produced under the grid unit system in terms of the distribution relationship between hazard points and hazard levels. In addition, ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves were used to test the results of susceptibility and risk assessments. The AUC (area under the curve) values of the slope unit system were higher than those of the grid unit system. Finally, the evaluation results obtained with slope units were more reasonable and accurate. Compared with the results from an actual geological hazard susceptibility and risk survey, the evaluation results for collapse and landslide geological hazards under the slope unit system were highly consistent with the actual survey results.
Adaptability of a Reinforced Concrete Diaphragm Wall Cut by Disc Cutter
Authors: Yu Hang , Chen Lei , Peng Kaixi
Published: December 2022

On the background of a subway project in Suzhou City of Jiangsu Province and targeting the engineering difficulty of disc cutters cutting reinforced concrete walls, this paper illustrates the adaptability of a reinforced concrete diaphragm wall cut by disc cutter through conducting related laboratory tests and numerical simulations. When cutting a reinforced concrete diaphragm wall, the cutter should use the low-penetration depth excavation pattern with the depth of the penetration kept within 10 mm/r. In order to keep the torque in a small floating range, the cutterhead driving speed and thrust should be strictly controlled during the cutting period. Three types of fracture surface after the cutting operation, namely, single-side rolling destroy, double-sided rolling destroy, and brittle destroy. The percentage of the length of the cut steel bar smaller than 60 cm can reach 44.2% when the driving parameters of the disc cutter are well regulated. The simulation results show that the deeper the penetration, the more unstable the cutting load. The relationship between the normal force of the disc cutter and the penetration depth was linear, and the trend of the simulated value was comparable with the experimental one, which ensures the rationality of this pattern. The cutter spacing had little impact on the cutting results when it was wider than 80 mm.
Devising a Mechanism for Analyzing the Barriers of Blockchain Adoption in the Textile Supply Chain: A Sustainable Business Perspective
Authors: Nazam Muhammad , Hashim Muhammad , Nută Florian Marcel , Yao Liming , Zia Muhammad Azam , Malik Muhammad Yousaf , Usman Muhammad , Dimen Levente
Published: December 2022

The adoption of blockchain technology (BCT) in a supply chain holds great potential for textile industries by executing transactions among stakeholders in a most reliable and verifiable way. Textile industries in emerging economies, like Pakistan, confront severe economic pressures and uncertain environment and strive to achieve sustainable supply chain excellence through blockchain implementation. This study is an initiative to analyze the key barriers in adopting BCT-related practices within the textile industry. This study conducts an extensive review of the literature using fuzzy Delphi approach for finalizing the barriers and applied fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for prioritizing the barriers under uncertain environment. Based on the extensive review of the literature and panel discussions with experts, a total of five main barriers and 21 sub-barriers were categorized and ranked. The results and findings prioritize technological and system-related barriers (TSB) first, and human resources and R&D (HRB) barriers second among the other barrier dimensions. This paper highlights the need for an inclusive understanding of the various technological, environmental, and socio-economic perspectives to create blockchain applications that work for the textile sector. This study’s key findings and policy guidelines can assist concerned stakeholders in making strategic decisions for adopting BCT within the textile supply chain. The managerial implications are provided for the industrial decision-makers and policymakers aiming to integrate BCT into the supply chain processes. Presently, there exists no research in the context of Pakistan that highlights the challenges faced during the adoption of BCT in the supply chain. For this purpose, an approach in the form of an integrated model based on fuzzy set theory is developed. Finally, the robustness of the proposed model is checked through sensitivity analysis.
Assessment of Runoff Control Effect with Improved Stepped Bioretention System (ISBS) under Various Rainwater Conditions
Authors: Kang Wei , Wei Haiyang , Wu Shasha
Published: December 2022

Stepped bioretention systems have been increasingly used for rainwater treatment in hillside areas. However, the depth of aquifer and soil permeability coefficient limit the treatment effect of runoff rainwater, resulting in a large amount of overflow water, particularly during extreme rainfall events. Here, in contrast to the ordinary stepped bioretention system (OSBS), an improved stepped bioretention system (ISBS) was developed by changing the overflow channel and the inflow and overflow were analyzed under various rainwater conditions. ISBS has high stability and the ability to control runoff rainwater. The runoff rainwater volume reduction rate reached 51.5–100% and the removal rate of suspended solid, chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus and total nitrogen were 31.2–47.9%, 27.1–51.7%, 26.5–59.0% and 26.7–46.9%, respectively. According to the working principle of the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), the permeable water concentration of other rainfall events can be predicted by using the parameters obtained from extreme rainfall events. In general, ISBS is a very promising runoff rainwater treatment technology, which can reduce the overflow quantity and recharge groundwater under various rainwater conditions.
A Practical Model of the Application of Information Technology in Various Fields of Online Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mechanical Engineering, Traffic, Informatics and Statistics, Accounting and Auditing
Authors: Milosevic Dragan , Trnavac Dragana , Ilic Dragoljub , Vulic Miroslav , Djurdjev Mica , Radic Maja , Markovic Branka , Tomovic Nena , Ljubojevic Srdjan , Cakic Aleksandar , Bodolo Istvan , Dobric Mladen
Published: December 2022

This paper deals with the issue of education during the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and its effects on education development gained during that process. This topic is trending around sustainable education in urban and rural areas also including widespread areas and locations of students and faculties. In this paper, we present a model that was created in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and is functional even today. The model is supported on a website and it became a foundation for adding a great deal of material and solutions for more prosperous results in education on several faculties. The key findings imply that in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic with the system establishment of lectures and examinations, the level of adopted skills improved significantly and exceeded those before the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the passing of exams and average grades on subjects. The ANN model was developed, which provides results in terms of successfully passing knowledge tests and average grades by subjects. The innovativeness of the model is a combination of input and output parameters supporting the possibility of its wide application in various branches of science, which resulted in intense application of this model in numerous courses.
The Characteristics of Net Anthropogenic Nitrogen and Phosphorus Inputs (NANI/NAPI) and TN/TP Export Fluxes in the Guangdong Section of the Pearl River (Zhujiang) Basin
Authors: Bai Yang , Sun Chengqian , Wang Li , Wu Yang , Qin Jiaman , Zhang Xi
Published: December 2022

Human activities have greatly influenced the inputs and cycling pathways of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), causing dramatic environmental problems in the Pearl River Basin. In this study, the characteristics of net anthropogenic nitrogen and phosphorus inputs (NANI/NAPI) were analyzed in the Guangdong section of the Pearl River Basin from 2016 to 2020. NANI showed a very slight decrease trend from (1.51 ± 0.09) × 104 to (1.36 ± 0.08) × 104 kg·N·km−2·yr−1, while the average intensity of NAPI was 3.8 × 103 kg·P·km−2·yr−1. Both NANI and NAPI intensities were at high levels, resulting in the serious deterioration of water quality in the Pearl River Basin. Fertilizer input was the most important component for the intensities of NANI and NAPI, accounting for 38–42% and 53–56%. However, in the Pearl River Delta, the major components of NANI and NAPI were the human and animal consumption (food/feed) inputs and non-food net phosphorus input. The input of NANI and NAPI should be controlled for different areas, based on the differing driving forces, to alleviate the deterioration of water quality. This study of NANI and NAPI in the Pearl River Basin is one of the important prerequisites for clarifying the input and water quality, providing support for further effective control of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Pearl River.
Thermal Conductivity of Coconut Shell-Incorporated Concrete: A Systematic Assessment via Theory and Experiment
Authors: Mhaya Akram M. , Shahidan Shahiron , Algaifi Hassan Amer , Zuki Sharifah Salwa Mohd , Benjeddou Omrane , Ibrahim Mohd Haziman Wan , Huseien Ghasan Fahim
Published: December 2022

To minimize the energy consumption and adverse impact of excessive waste accumulation on the environment, coconut shell (CA) became a potential (partial) replacement agent for fine aggregates in structural concrete production. Thus, systematic experimental and theoretical studies are essential to determine the thermal and structural properties of such concrete containing optimum level of CA. In this view, an artificial neural network (ANN) model, gene expression programming (GEP) model, and response surface method (RS) were used to predict and optimize the desired engineering characteristics of some concrete mixes designed with various levels of CA inclusion. Furthermore, the proposed model’s performance was assessed in terms of different statistical parameters calculated using ANOVA. The results revealed that the proposed concrete mix made using 53% of CA as a partial replacement of fine aggregate achieved an optimum density of 2246 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity of 0.5952 W/mK, which was lower than the control specimen (0.79 W/mK). The p-value of the optimum concrete mix was less than 0.0001 and the F-value was over 147.47, indicating the significance of all models. It is asserted that ANN, GEP, and RSM are accurate and reliable, and can further be used to predict a strong structural–thermal correlation with minimal error. In brief, the specimen composed with 53% of CA as a replacement for fine aggregate may be beneficial to develop environmentally amiable green structural concrete.
More Leadership, More Efficacy for Inclusive Practices? Exploring the Relationships between Distributed Leadership, Teacher Leadership, and Self-Efficacy among Inclusive Education Teachers in China
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Deng Meng , Tian Guoxiu
Published: December 2022

In response to the need for facilitating the sustainable development of inclusive education, this study conducts a pioneering attempt to analyze the relationship between two types of school leadership, organizational (i.e., distributed leadership, DL) and individual (i.e., teacher leadership, TL), and teacher self-efficacy among inclusive education teachers in Mainland China. A total of 893 teachers from primary inclusive education schools in Beijing and Shenzhen, China, participated in this study. Structural equation modeling examining the direct and mediating effects was conducted on collected data. The findings imply that principal-distributed leadership and inclusive education teacher leadership both positively predicted teacher self-efficacy. Additionally, inclusive education teacher leadership and its two dimensions, namely advocating inclusive values and liaising with an external support system, significantly mediated the influences of distributed leadership on inclusive education teacher self-efficacy. The implications of facilitating inclusive education in Chinese schools and other similar contexts are discussed.
Design and Innovative Integrated Engineering Approaches Based Investigation of Hybrid Renewable Energized Drone for Long Endurance Applications
Authors: Wang Yinyin , Kumar Lokeshkumar , Raja Vijayanandh , AL-bonsrulah Hussein A. Z. , Kulandaiyappan Naveen Kumar , Amirtharaj Tharmendra Ashok , Marimuthu Nagaraj , Al-Bahrani Mohammed
Published: December 2022

At present, surveillance is attracting attention in the field of UAV development. In particular, border surveillance plays a vital role in obtaining the required data around the border and for assisting in military operations. The primary function of this Hybrid UAV (VTOL and Fixed Wing) is to provide prerequisite data, captured during day/night surveillance, to the respective database. One of the primary problems that arise in border patrolling is the use of the UAV under different environmental conditions, thereby reducing its endurance firmly. In addition to the surveillance equipment, energy harvesting techniques are involved in solving the problem of endurance. The piezoelectric energy harvester and solar panels are added to harvest electrical energy in the UAV. Based on this application, the conceptual design of the Hybrid UAV, based on nature, was designed and investigated theoretically, as well as computationally. A series of analysis, which includes Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis and Analytical approach, was used to determine the energy harvested from the energy harvester. This work confirms the proposed integrated engineering approach for the estimation of renewable energy, via PVEH patches, and the same approach is thus offered to researchers for subsequent applications. Additionally, a hybrid energy idea for newly developed drones was proposed in this work. This concept will be extensively used in the unmanned aircraft system sectors.
A Systematic Literature Review on European Food Quality Schemes in Romania
Authors: Chifor Cristina , Arion Iulia D. , Isarie Vlad I. , Arion Felix H.
Published: December 2022

Geographical indications (GI) are designated by a member’s region or regions within a designated area when the particular quality, reputation, or other characteristics of a product are related solely to its geographical origin and manufacturing process. Manufacturing methods are carried out according to an established Code of Good Practices. The aim of the study was to offer an overview of the current status of the literature related to geographical indications in Romania. A comprehensive and systematic literature review was conducted, and the search process was carried out using keywords such as ‘Romanian geographical indications’ and ‘Romanian food labels.’ These specific words must be found in the title, in the abstract of the papers, and also in the keywords section. Agricultural and food products with geographical indications (including wine and spirits) are included in the research. Products and food not related to the agricultural environment, along with services, were not included. It was discovered that, in order to improve the situation concerning geographical indications in Romania and raise consumers awareness, it would be necessary to introduce new national certification that could be more accessible to both producers and consumers, and that would promote regional taste and encourage the preservation of culinary traditions.
Quality-of-Life Perception among Young Residents and Visitors: The Impact of COVID-19
Authors: Seabra Claudia , Almeida Sofia , Reis Manuel
Published: December 2022

This research intends to measure the quality of life (QoL) perception, from the perspective of residents and tourists towards Coimbra, a city with an important World Heritage Site, as classified by UNESCO. In these times, preserving tangible and intangible heritage is so important for future memories. Identifying the QoL perceptions through the eyes of residents and tourists allows the improvement of the community well-being of the destination for both stakeholders. Starting from this assumption, this study aims to: (i) measure the tourists’ and residents’ perceptions on quality of life (QoL); (ii) analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on QoL perceptions, both from the tourists’ and residents’ perspective. To achieve these objectives, a questionnaire was disseminated to residents and tourists in two different phases, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that in general, residents and tourists exhibited, in both periods, medium and high perceptions of QoL, with an exception made for the Urban Issues domain that decreased even more during the pandemic. Furthermore, the results show, for residents and tourists, that the perception of Urban Issues, Way of Life, Community Pride and Awareness, Economic Strength, and Recreation Amenities impact significantly and positively their Community Well-Being perception. New paths for academics and for practitioners are presented at the end, as well as limitations and evidence for future research.
Improving Temporal Event Scheduling through STEP Perpetual Learning
Authors: Tang Jiahua , Zhang Du , Sun Xibin , Qin Haiou
Published: December 2022

Currently, most machine learning applications follow a one-off learning process: given a static dataset and a learning algorithm, generate a model for a task. These applications can neither adapt to a dynamic and changing environment, nor accomplish incremental task performance improvement continuously. STEP perpetual learning, by continuous knowledge refinement through sequential learning episodes, emphasizes the accomplishment of incremental task performance improvement. In this paper, we describe how a personalized temporal event scheduling system SmartCalendar, can benefit from STEP perpetual learning. We adopt the interval temporal logic to represent events’ temporal relationships and determine if events are temporally inconsistent. To provide strategies that approach user preferences for handling temporal inconsistencies, we propose SmartCalendar to recognize, resolve and learn from temporal inconsistencies based on STEP perpetual learning. SmartCalendar has several cornerstones: similarity measures for temporal inconsistency; a sparse decomposition method to utilize historical data; and a loss function based on cross-entropy to optimize performance. The experimental results on the collected dataset show that SmartCalendar incrementally improves its scheduling performance and substantially outperforms comparison methods.
Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown on Traffic Flow, Active Travel and Gaseous Pollutant Concentrations; Implications for Future Emissions Control Measures in Oxford, UK
Authors: Singh Ajit , Guo Tianjiao , Bush Tony , Abreu Pedro , Leach Felix C. P. , Stacey Brian , Economides George , Anderson Ruth , Cole Stuart , Thomas G. Neil , Pope Francis D. , Bartington Suzanne E.
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 lockdown provided a unique opportunity to test the impacts of changes in travel patterns on air quality and the environment. Therefore, this study provides insights into the impacts of COVID-19 emergency public health “lockdown” measures upon traffic flow, active travel and gaseous pollutant concentrations (NO, NO2 and O3) in Oxford city centre during 2020 using time-series analysis and linear regression methods. Comparisons of traffic counts indicated pronounced changes in traffic volume associated with national lockdown periods. Car volume reduced by 77.5% (statistically significant) during the first national lockdown, with lesser changes in goods vehicles and public transport (bus) activity during the second lockdown. Cycle flow reduced substantively during the first lockdown only. These changes resulted in a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations of 75.1% and 47.4%, respectively, at roadside, and 71.8% and 34.1% at urban background during the first lockdown period. In contrast ozone (O3) concentrations increased at the urban background site by 22.3% during the first lockdown period, with no significant changes in gaseous concentrations during the second lockdown at either roadside or urban background location. The diurnal pattern of peak mean NO and NO2 concentrations reduced in magnitude and was shifted approximately 2 h earlier in the morning and 2 h later in the evening (roadside) and 3 h earlier in the morning and 3 h later in the evening (urban background). Our findings provide an example of how gaseous air quality in urban environments could respond to future urban traffic restrictions, suggesting benefits from reductions in peak and daily NO2 exposures may be offset by health harms arising from increases in ground level O3 concentrations in the summer months.
Nickel-Cadmium-Sulfide Anchored on rGO Nanocomposite for Removal of Textile Industry Dyes
Authors: Kandhasamy Narthana , Murugadoss Govindasamy , Kannappan Thiruppathi , Kirubaharan Kamalan , Kumar Manavalan Rajesh
Published: December 2022

The design and development of a novel route for the preparation of efficient photocatalysts for the treatment of polluted water is an essential need. Due to rapid expansion of pharmaceutical and textile industries, the discharge of drugs and sewage contaminants leads to water contamination. To address these issues, hydrothermally synthesized Ni–Cd–S/rGO nanocomposite with a cauliflower structure was developed. The prepared nanocomposite was studied using advanced characterization techniques to confirm crystal structure, surface morphology, optical studies and material composition in detail. Further, the photodegradation process of textile-based Methylene Blue (MB) and Methyl Orange (MO) dyes using Ni–Cd–S/rGO nanocomposite with desired time interval under natural sunlight was also investigated. The maximum photocatalytic performance of > 90% was achieved for the photocatalyst. The photodegradation rate can be maintained after 5 recycling tests in the presence of MB and MO dyes. The remarkable degradation efficiency, high rate constant and reusability of the Ni–Cd–S/rGO nanocomposite make it an excellent choice for textile effluent treatment.
Technical, Environmental, and Process Safety Assessment of Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol Fermentation of Cassava Residues
Authors: Meramo Samir , Gonzalez-Quiroga Arturo , Gonzalez-Delgado Angel
Published: December 2022

The North-Colombian region has enormous potential for producing bioproducts and bioenergy from agricultural residues. Yet, scaling bioproducts and bioenergy to industrial practice requires further investigation, especially for environmental impact minimization and improved process safety. This work assesses two alternatives for valorizing cassava residues via acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) fermentation. Two ABE fermentation routes are assessed. In Route 1, pretreatment and purification involve dilute-acid pretreatment and multi-effect distillation and decantation operations, while Route 2 includes steam explosion and reactive distillation. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Waste Reduction Algorithm (WAR) were applied to assess ABE fermentation. Simulation results indicate butanol yields of 0.10–0.12 kg/kg feedstock and net energy ratio (NER) <1. Route 2 shows the highest total output of Potential Environmental Impacts (PEI) with 5.56 PEI/kg butanol. Both ABE fermentation routes obtained Fire and Explosion Damage Index (FEDI) values above 300 for acetone and ethanol recovery/purification stages. Both routes are classified as “hazardous” considering the flammability of handled substances, and their relative safety performance is remarkably similar. These results pave the way toward deploying both routes for adding value to the cassava residues in North Colombia by applying safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly transformation technologies.
Impact of Experienced Workplace Incivility (EWI) on Instigated Workplace Incivility (IWI): The Mediating Role of Stress and Moderating Role of Islamic Work Ethics (IWE)
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ali , Hadi Noor Ul , Hossain Muhammad Muazzem , Malik Ishtiaq Ahmed , Imran Muhammad , Mujtaba Bahaudin G.
Published: December 2022

There has been an increase in uncivil behaviors in the 21st century workplace, emphasizing the need for discussion. The current study is aimed at extending the literature available on workplace incivility by examining the impact of experienced workplace incivility on instigated workplace incivility. The study proposes that stress mediates the relationship between experienced workplace incivility and instigated workplace incivility. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that Islamic work ethics moderates the relationship between experienced and instigated workplace incivility, and between stress and instigated workplace incivility. Data were collected at three-time lags from respondents (N = 258) working in the sustainable public service sector. Results supported the hypotheses that experienced workplace incivility impacts instigated workplace incivility. The results also supported mediation and moderation hypotheses, confirming that stress is a mediator, and Islamic work ethics is a moderator. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed followed by limitations.
Reactivating Built Heritage with Shared, Creative, and Transcalar Approaches: An Exploration of the Marche Apennine Inner Area
Authors: Ferretti Maddalena , Di Baldassarre Maria Giada , Rigo Caterina
Published: December 2022

The article investigates the possibilities of re-activating the built heritage of the Marche Apennine through shared, creative, and transcalar approaches. This is a particularly challenging task for marginal inner areas, which during the pandemic have been even more isolated due to previous structural issues such as lack of services, poor accessibility, economic stagnation, and depopulation. Italian inner areas are also facing an increase in environmental risks linked to ongoing climate change. This work focuses on the Appennino Basso Pesarese Anconetano in the Marche Region as part of the national project “Branding4Resilience”. The research methodological approach entails an exploration of the territory through quantitative and qualitative tools to investigate the possibility of a new reading of the Marche inner area and suggest operation at a local level, without losing the wider perspective on global challenges. This interpretation is synthesized in a territorial portrait that supports visions for the sustainable transformation of the area, and shows the need for shared collaborative approaches for more inclusive forms of living together. Finally, the work proposes built heritage as a trigger for development processes in marginalized territories, thus highlighting the crucial role of design and creativity, through transcalar approaches, to unveil relevant and often hidden resources and to envisage resilient futures for inner areas.
Corporate Social Responsibility of Chinese Multinational Enterprises: A Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Du Shu-Yun , Shao Xiao-Chen , Jiménez Alfredo , Lee Jeoung Yul
Published: December 2022

This study analyzes papers on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Chinese multinational enterprises (CMNEs) published in top-tier management and international business journals. We extracted six key constructs from these studies, examined their interconnections, and identified five themes. These themes are (1) the relationship between corporate governance and CSR practice, (2) the relationship between institutional environments and CSR practice, (3) the relationship between resources and capabilities and CSR practice, (4) the relationship between strategy/activity and CSR practice, and (5) the relationship between corporate performance and CSR practice. Our study aim is to reveal research gaps that have not been identified in other previous review articles. Thus, based on the research gaps identified through a review of previous studies, we identified that there is a strong relationship between CSR and national cultural contexts; however, most current research on CSR has focused on Western cultural contexts. Thus, to further explore how CSR of CMNEs may differ from other countries (e.g., Western countries) that is our review aim, we provide five directions for future CSR research on CMNEs. Finally, we theoretically and conceptually analyze recent studies on the impacts of corporate governance, resources, and capabilities on CMNEs’ CSR practices in relation to corporate performance through a theoretical framework and identify future research directions on Chinese MNEs’ CSR by reviewing various theories and perspectives over the last 13 years.
Rural Ecological Environment Promotes the Improvement of the Mechanism of Bilateral Economic Interest Connection between Agricultural Enterprises and Farmers under the New Retail Format
Authors: Chao Gao , Feng Meixue
Published: December 2022

In order to further explore the rural ecological environment promoting the new retail format, the research on improving the mechanism of bilateral economic interest linkage between agricultural enterprises and farmers under the rural ecological environment promoting the new retail format was proposed. Through in-depth analysis of the bilateral interest linkage mechanism between agricultural enterprises and farmers under the new retail format, this study starts with specific cases to deeply summarize the specific problems of the bilateral economic interest linkage mechanism between agricultural enterprises and farmers under the development trend of the rural ecological environment and fully reveal the unreasonable phenomena in the linkage mechanism. The results show that the main problems of the current agricultural enterprise linkage mechanism are the frequent occurrence of default events, the low stability of the linkage, the loose connections, and the lack of risk sharing and value creation mechanisms. On this basis, starting from the economic benefits acquisition and development needs of farmers and enterprises, this paper focuses on the innovation and improvement strategies of the bilateral economic benefit linkage mechanism from the aspects of the development of cooperative economic organizations, capital investment, and innovation of the industrial operation mode.
Sustainable Promotion of Traditional Rural Buildings as Built Heritage Attractions: A Heritage Interpretation Methodology Applied in South Italy
Authors: Parlato Monica C. M. , Valenti Francesca , Porto Simona M. C.
Published: December 2022

The study describes the methodology implemented to include a rural cultural heritage attraction within an existing tourist route, i.e., the Sicilian Roads of Wine (“Strade del vino”). The aim was to promote a traditional rural building (TRB) as a tourist attraction and diversify rural tourism offerings. By promoting TRB and wine and food, the rural tourism sector offers a significant opportunity to achieve sustainable socio-economic development in rural areas, rural diversification, and landscape preservation. The inclusion of the TRB within the visitor route is based on a detailed heritage analysis approach as an operative process which could enable the comprehension and collective use of the cultural sites. The valorization of a traditional rural building with wine cellars and oil mills, located within the Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG) boundary, will be described. The objective is to make an architectural heritage building made with local materials and following the traditional Sicilian building techniques accessible to tourists. Special attention is paid to restore the building by respecting its identity and relevant building regulations and focusing on a complete, sustainable approach regarding social, environmental, and economic factors.
Material, Functional, and Aesthetic Solutions for Urban Furniture in Public Spaces
Authors: Grabiec Anna M. , Łacka Agnieszka , Wiza Weronika
Published: December 2022

Urban furniture is a wide collection of objects of different sizes and geometries, performing different functions in the city. The paper describes the history and contemporary development trends of urban furniture. It analyses the construction materials most often used in their production, as well as functional and aesthetic solutions. A questionnaire survey, exploring the issue of urban furniture from the view point of the student population, was statistically analysed. It showed the preferences and expectations of current and future users of urban furniture, which can be helpful in achieving harmony between the creation of a positive image of the city and the comfort of public spaces for its residents. In the study of the preferences of urban furniture users, contingency tables were used for questions with a possible single answer. The results of questions with possible multiple answers were illustrated using Venn diagrams or equivalent UpSetR charts.
Research on Rheological Energy Characteristics of Fractured Sandstone Strengthened with CFRP
Authors: Zhang Shuguang , Yang Juefeng , Li Yanmo , Guo Jiahao , Yun Xiao
Published: December 2022

The rheological energy characteristics and evolution law of fractured sandstone strengthened with CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) were studied to solve the problem of rheological failure of rock after engineering excavation disturbance. In this paper, the graded loading rheological tests of fractured sandstone after reinforcement are carried out. The results show that the failure rheological stress of sandstone increases with the increase of the area strengthened by CFRP. When the reinforcement area is from 3140 mm2 to 4710 mm2, the failure rheological stress of rock mass is increased from 65 MPa to 75 MPa, approximately 15.4%. Except for the initial rheological stage, the elastic energy is decreasing and the dissipative energy is increasing. The elastic energy is fully released, and the dissipative energy is provided by the total energy when the rock is destroyed. The energy dissipation ratio (Ud/U) of sandstone under the two reinforcement areas reached the minimum value at the stable rheological stage, which was 0.26 (A = 3140 mm2) and 0.42 (A = 4710 mm2) respectively. The energy mechanism of CFRP is that CFRP stores energy mainly and consumes energy secondly before the energy inflexion. However, CFRP switches to consuming energy mainly and storing energy secondly after the energy inflexion. The energy storage coefficient of CFRP can directly describe the function of elastic energy or dissipative energy of CFRP under arbitrary stress. When the energy storage coefficient T > 1, the damage of CFRP is small. Further, the energy storage coefficient reaches the maximum value of 5 at the energy inflection point (55 MPa). When the energy storage coefficient T < 1, the damage of CFRP is large, and the energy storage coefficient reaches the minimum value of 0.005 at the stress of 40 MPa. During the rheological process of fractured sandstone strengthened with CFRP, the energy evolution shows the relationship between elastic energy and dissipated energy. The energy mechanism of CFRP explains the working mechanism of the reinforced structure in the rheological process and plays a guiding role in the analysis of the rheological failure of the reinforced rock in the practical engineering.
Exploring the Critical Success Factors of Value Management Implementation for Sustainable Residential Building Project: A Stationary Analysis Approach
Authors: Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Uddin Md Sharif , Momena Alaa Fouad
Published: December 2022

During the past two decades, value management (VM), has developed into a recognized construction practice. However, the methods and activities associated with VM adopt informal approaches in developing countries. This study aims to explore the critical success factors (CSFs) of VM implementation. Consequently, VM CSFs were investigated from the previous literature and further categorized over a semi-structured interview. The importance of these CSFs investigated by 335 structured questionnaires completed by residential building professionals. Subsequently, the exploratory study using the exploratory Pearson correlation of the VM CSFs was employed to validate the categorization resulting from a semi-structured interview and pilot study phases. Based on the validation results, the VM CSFs may be divided into four dimensions: culture and environment, workshop dynamics, stakeholder and knowledge, and standardization. Through important relative index (RII) analysis, the essential CSFs creates a VM team from a variety of disciplines, VM knowledge, experience of participants, and professional experience of the different participants’ diverse disciplines. In addition, this research used a stationary analytic strategy to evaluate the degree to which VM critical success factors (CSFs) have been incorporated into residential construction projects in Egypt. The results revealed that “establishing the roles and purposes of various professions” was the stationary success factor for adopting VM. This research establishes a road map for successful VM implementation via VM CSFs in Egypt and other underdeveloped nations. Stakeholders in the residential construction sector would benefit from this study by learning more about VM CSFs and how they may be used to increase the value of their projects.
The Strength and Elastic Modulus of Pervious Concrete Considering Pore and Fiber during Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Wu Yi , Dai Jun , Shi Bailei , Wu Bingquan
Published: December 2022

The interface between aggregate and cement matrix and the strength of the cementation layer between aggregates are the key factors affecting the strength of pervious concrete. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of porosity, compressive strength and elastic modulus of pervious concrete before and after freeze–thaw cycles. The effective porosity and total porosity were obtained by the underwater weighing and CT (computed tomography) image analysis methods. Uniaxial and triaxle compression tests were carried out to obtain the strength and elastic modulus of pervious concrete considering pore and fiber. The results indicated that the effective modulus and effective stress were closely related to the porosity, and the continuous fracture of cementation points between aggregates caused damage to pervious concrete. Inclined shear failure of pervious concrete occurred under uniaxial pressure, and the strength and elastic modulus increased with increases in confining pressure. With the increase in freeze–thaw cycles, the porosity increased linearly, the strength and elastic modulus decreased and a mutational point appeared between 40 and 50 times during the freeze–thaw cycles. The fiber enhanced the strength of the cementation layer and increased the connection between aggregates, thus improving the strength and integrity of pervious concrete. This work is needed to serve as a reference for the fracture mechanism of pervious concrete and the effect of freeze–thaw cycles considering pore and fiber.