bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Low Voltage Microgrid Planning Methodology for Rural Electrification
Authors: Khon Kimsrornn , Chhlonh Chhith , Vai Vannak , Alvarez-Herault Marie-Cecile , Raison Bertrand , Bun Long
Published: February 2023

Recently, DC-powered devices such as loads (USB plugs, chargers, LED lighting) and distributed energy resources (solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage) have been increasingly used. Therefore, their connection to the grid requires AC/DC converters, which raises the question of operating part of the grid in DC in order to connect DC loads to DC producers and storage. In Cambodia, the electrification rate is only about 82% of the population in 2021 in rural areas. The objective of this work is to propose a low voltage microgrid comprehensive planning tool for electrification of developing countries. From the data collected on consumption needs, the objective is to find the optimal electrification scheme, i.e., AC or AC/DC distribution, optimal topology and distributed energy resources allocation and operation for both grid-connected and off-grid mode. A set of technical, economic, and environmental key performance indicators allows for comparison of solutions. The interest and efficiency of such a tool are illustrated on a real case study, an island area. Moreover, uncertainties on load consumption are also considered to assess the sensitivity and robustness of the proposed algorithm. The results show that, although the overall cost of the hybrid AC/DC microgrid is slightly higher than that of the AC microgrid, it allows a gradual electrification avoiding large initial investments.
A Phosphonic Functionalized Biopolymer for the Sorption of Lanthanum (III) and Application in the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Hamza Mohammed F. , Abdellah Walid M. , Zaki Doaa I. , Wei Yuezhou , Althumayri Khalid , Brostow Witold , Hamad Nora A.
Published: February 2023

Phosphonic acid functionalization of gellan gum and chitosan biopolymers was successfully performed. In the first step, the sorption was investigated using La(III) ions before testing for the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from pretreated industrial acidic leachate. The sorbent was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and pH of zero charge (pHPZC) determination. FTIR and EDX results show efficient grafting of phosphoryl groups. The sorption was determined for the crude materials before functionalization (PGEG) and after phosphorylation (TBP-PGEG). More efficient sorption was seen for phosphorylated sorbent than for the crude composite. The sorption capacity is 0.226 mmol La g−1 for the PGEG while the value is 0.78 mmol La g−1 for the TBP-PGEG. We infer that phosphonate groups participate in the sorption. The most effective sorption is at pH = 4. The kinetic behavior was described using pseudo first-order equations (PFORE), pseudo second-order equations (PSORE), and resistance to intraparticle diffusion (RIDE). The sorption isotherms can be better represented by Langmuir and Sips equations than by the Freundlich equation. The sorbent shows high stability performance during reuse cycles with a limit on the decrease in the sorption performances and stability in the desorption performances. We have thus developed a good tool for the recovery of REEs with a selectivity higher than that of the non-functionalized components.
Understanding College Students’ Engagement in Mobile Reading for Sustainability in Education: A Case Study from China
Authors: Liu Tingting , Li Yingjie , Feng Mengqin , Chen Yan , Zhang Tianyi
Published: February 2023

Mobile reading is viewed as a promising pathway to reading with sustainable education goals. At present, there have been many studies on the mobile reading of young readers and their reading comprehension by testing their task-based comprehension, but not much attention has been paid to the mobile reading of college students in China and the factors of reading engagement from readers’ perspectives. With the aim to investigate the factors that affect college students’ engagement in mobile reading, this study used interviews with open-ended questions and followed a qualitative content analysis design with an inductive and exploratory approach. The participants of this study were thirty college students with diverse majors out of three universities in Shanghai, China. They were selected from a pre-questionnaire, and these students (N = 30) were chosen from those who read on mobile devices for less than 2 h on average per day (N = 276). The results revealed that the college students perceived a variety of factors affecting their engagement in mobile reading, including the following: four motivational needs (information needs, academic needs, social needs, emotional needs), reading experience, reading efficacy, and reading strategies. It has been assumed that the most common factor that leads to the engagement of college students in mobile reading is the intention to be entertained. The investigation of this study has different results. Even the students who spent the minimum average time mobile reading used it with diverse needs in mind. Nevertheless, students’ reading experience, reading self-efficacy, and reading strategies indicated that sometimes they had difficulties engaging in mobile reading. These difficulties resulted from an imbalance between their needs and their engagement: whether they obtained what they needed. Considering that mobile reading could be an effective way to assist college students’ independent learning and sustainable development in future, it is necessary to understand the factors of mobile reading and rethink how to avoid difficulties to improve the mobile reading engagement of college students.
Which Wastepaper Should Not Be Processed?
Authors: Małachowska Edyta , Lipkiewicz Aneta , Dubowik Marcin , Przybysz Piotr
Published: February 2023

In the 21st century, numerous economic and environmental initiatives have significantly increased paper recycling, which continues to expand due to environmental awareness. With increasing recycling rate, low-quality paper fractions may be included in the process, leading to the overproduction of very low-value papers that cannot be reprocessed. Moreover, the production of paper from poor-quality wastepaper can result in the introduction of chemicals from the recycled paper into the recycling loop and unintended spread of chemical substances. Therefore, reliable and conscious selection of recycled pulp is imperative. To this end, the present study verified the properties of recycled pulp critical for the assessment of its papermaking ability for the production of high-quality sanitary paper. Following an examination of samples, it was found that the key parameters that influence the papermaking ability of wastepaper include presence of impurities, content of extractive substances, freeness, and length of fiber. On this basis, types of wastepaper that, at the very beginning, did not portend well for obtaining paper products with high potential for utility were eliminated.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Citizens’ Attitudes and Behaviors in the Use of Peri-Urban Forests: An Experience from Italy
Authors: De Meo Isabella , Alfano Andrea , Cantiani Maria Giulia , Paletto Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Peri-urban forests are complex systems capable of providing amenity and scenic values as well as recreational opportunities for citizens. From early 2020, national governments have promulgated restrictions, requiring citizens to adopt a new lifestyle to counter the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aimed to understand if citizens’ behaviors and attitudes in the use of peri-urban forests are changing due to COVID-19 restrictions. Methodologically, a questionnaire survey was carried out, adopting a systematic sampling method. Two peri-urban forests were chosen as study areas: the first one was close to the town of Trento in the Alps (Monte Marzola), and the second one was in the proximity of the city of Florence (Monte Morello). At the end of data collection, 281 questionnaires were collected and processed. The results showed an increase in visits to peri-urban forests during the COVID-19 pandemic (36.4% of visitors in Monte Marzola and 17.1% in Monte Morello, respectively) with the aim of satisfying the need for relaxation and contact with nature. However, the use of peri-urban forests in times of crisis has been quite different in the two contexts: the visitors of Monte Marzola evidenced the role of a forest as a place where they can satisfy their need to play sports (mean value 4.53 in a five-point Likert scale), while Monte Morello forest was considered by visitors to be a place where the demand for companionship was fulfilled (mean value 4.27).
Challenges toward Evidence-Based Policymaking Using Agent-Based Modeling for Federal Sports Grants: A Self-Reflection from a Transdisciplinary Project
Authors: Lampoltshammer Thomas J. , Maurer Heidrun , Pulda Nike , Klimek Peter , Hurt Jan , Rosenbichler Ursula
Published: February 2023

Despite their importance, federal grant systems often need more clarity regarding cost-effectiveness, lack of transparency, and slow feedback cycles. Sports funding systems aimed at improving child health and contributing to sustainable development goals are incredibly challenging due to their heterogeneity in stakeholders and regional aspects. Here, we analyze how we tackled these challenges in a transdisciplinary EU project in Austria, targeting the use of agent-based modeling for evidence-based policymaking in a co-creation process with policy stakeholders in the domain of federal sports grants to improve the health and well-being of children and youth. The initial and executed set of procedures is described, along with lessons learned during the project’s lifetime. These lessons derive a framework that provides an adapted set of processes, supporting methods, and critical decision points for an improved use of transdisciplinarity. In addition, the steps of the developed framework are combined with essential aspects of knowledge integration, following the main phases of the policy cycle and providing suggestions for required skills and competencies for capacity building concerning implementing the developed framework in the public sector. Our results show that the combination of transdisciplinarity, human-centered policymaking, and sports, supported by cutting-edge technologies such as agent-based modeling, can achieve significantly better results than a pure disciplinary approach and generate positive spill-over effects.
The Physical Environment in Remote Working: Development and Validation of Perceived Remote Workplace Environment Quality Indicators (PRWEQIs)
Authors: Mura Alessandro Lorenzo , Ariccio Silvia , Villani Teresa , Bonaiuto Flavia , Bonaiuto Marino
Published: February 2023

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more organizations have implemented remote working, resulting in a partial overlap between home and work environments. This study aimed to develop a tool named Perceived Remote Workplace Environment Quality Indicators (PRWEQIs) to study the impact of the remote work environment on worker well-being. A preliminary 20-item version was developed. In Study 1, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on a sample of remote students (N = 521); the results were confirmed in Study 2 through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) on a sample of remote workers (N = 463). The final 15-item PRWEQIs include five indicators, Acoustic comfort, Visual comfort, Quality of the furnishings, Safety, and Space usability, and a second-order factor referring to General perceived comfort. The scale constitutes an initial instrument for assessing the perception of the physical-spatial qualities of the remote working environment.
Novel Furrow Diking Equipment-Design Aimed at Increasing Water Consumption Efficiency in Vineyards
Authors: Oprescu Marius Remus , Biris Sorin-Stefan , Nenciu Florin
Published: February 2023

Productivity in viticultural practices is highly dependent on seasonal availability of rainfall and the efficiency of soil and water conservation strategies. Sustainable water consumption has been regarded as a business, social, and environmental responsibility, since resource availability becomes more challenging. The present research evaluates a new agricultural equipment design, employed in furrow compartmentalization works, with the aim of improving the efficiency of rainwater storage in the soil, reducing the runoff and the erosion on sloping soils. The newly developed equipment operates on the basis of a rigid memory and employs the cam-tappet mechanism, known for its high customization potential. The system functionality has been improved by integrating enhanced hoe shapes, adapted for the demanding working conditions encountered in vineyards. The evaluated performance indicators showed an increased up to 7% of the water storage effectiveness, while the micro-basins construction performance improved by 10%. The furrow diking phase is integrated into the weeding works, and recorded low additional fuel consumption of only 3–5%, being appreciated by farmers due to its constructive simplicity. As a result, the equipment has shown a significant application potential to increase deep water storage in vineyards and reduce the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture.
Income Disparity, Consumption Patterns, and Trends of International Consumption Center City Construction, Based on a Test of China’s Consumer Market
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Qianxiao
Published: February 2023

In order to promote an upgrade of China’s emerging consumer market and build an international consumer center city, and after analyzing the heterogeneity of the household consumption patterns in 14 cities in the east, middle, and west of China according to the fifth income group, the QUAIDS model was used. This revealed that (1) China’s consumer cities still have a high tendency towards basic consumption, the proportion of development-oriented consumption is obviously low, and the consumption of enjoyment has not yet developed a large-scale market. (2) The characteristics of China’s “dual-consumption” market are obvious: the trend of the structure of household consumption upgrading in eastern cities was obvious, and structural factors have a significant impact on the upgrade of consumption; however, urban consumption in the middle and western regions is still in the stage of basic consumption, and the trend of structural upgrading is weak. (3) Significant differences in consumption were found among urban household groups in different regions: the income gap between the middle and western groups had a significant impact on the heterogeneity and imbalance in the consumption market; as a result, the heterogeneity of the upgraded structure of household consumption in the central and western regions was prominent. However, the income gap among the eastern cities had less influence on the imbalance in the consumption market, and the trend towards and upgrade in the consumption patterns showed good consistency.
Do Financial Liabilities Matter in “Size Effect”? Evidence from the Chinese A-Share Market
Authors: Deng Xiaocui , Su Xiaojian
Published: February 2023

Financial liabilities, as an important part of the capital structure, are closely related to the value creation and scale of growth of a company. To test whether financial liabilities affect the “size effect” of company value, this paper employs the enterprise value factor, i.e., a size factor increasing financial liabilities, to study the performance of the company in the Chinese securities market. Taking the stocks of listed companies in the Chinese A-share stock market from 2000 to 2019 as samples, this paper applies the asset pricing models for an empirical study of enterprise value. These results show that: (i) the excess return of the portfolio constructed by the enterprise value is negative and significantly different from zero, which presents the robustness of “size effect” on the attribute of financial liabilities; (ii) additionally, the “size effect” also exists in the subsamples after the financial events occurred; (iii) the results still robust while controlling the risk factors of the asset pricing models respectively.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Face Mask Use among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ajaj Rahaf , Shahin Suzan , Moda Haruna , Ahmed Syed Ali Shafeeq
Published: February 2023

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimated daily use of face masks was at its highest, thereby creating huge public health and environmental challenges associated with the indiscriminate disposal of used ones. The present study assessed Abu Dhabi University students’ handling and disposal of single-use face masks during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was used to gather data from 255 students from the target group. Face mask type was found to be significantly influenced by both the student’s gender and age, while the participant’s habit of hand washing after handling a used face mask was found to be significantly influenced by the student’s age. The student’s educational level significantly influenced group decisions regarding the most appropriate face mask to use, as well as environmental and health consequences awareness of indiscriminate face mask disposal. While the students are adequately aware of COVID-19’s impact and had good knowledge of face mask use, a high proportion professed to the unsafe disposal of used face masks in public areas, thereby adding to microplastic pollution in the environment and its associated impacts. The study alluded to the need for strengthening the participant’s knowledge, attitude, and practices as precautionary measures that mitigate the environmental effect of the indiscriminate disposal of used face masks. The findings also call for a collaborative partnership among stakeholders toward designing effective educational campaigns to minimize the environmental impacts posed by face mask disposal.
The Study of Cu(II) Adsorption onto Synthetically Modified Geopolymers
Authors: Šuránek Matej , Melichová Zuzana , Mirković Miljana M. , Ivanović Marija , Pavlović Vladimir B. , Kljajević Ljiljana , Nenadović Snežana
Published: February 2023

The study of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions using the adsorption process on synthetically modified geopolymers was performed under static conditions. Three geopolymers (based on metaphase of Serbian clay, metaphase of German clay and metaphase of German clay plus 10% of carbon cloth) were used. The geopolymers were made by condensing a mixture of metaphases and alkali activator solution at a fixed ratio at room temperature and then at a temperature of 60 °C in a dry oven. Then, the geopolymer samples were pre-crashed to a fixed-radius size. Their properties were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Adsorption experiments were carried out under batch process as a function of the dose, concentration of metal, and contact time. The uptake of Cu(II) was rapid, and it increased with increasing metal concentration. The sorption percentage decreased with increasing concentration of Cu(II). The equilibrium adsorption capacity of geopolymers was measured and extrapolated using more isotherms. The data fit very well the linear Langmuir isotherm model. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model can well describe the adsorption behavior of Cu(II) ions with geopolymers samples. These results show that used geopolymers hold great potential to remove Cu(II) from industrial wastewater.
Do the Levels of Environmental Sustainability Disclosure and Indebtness Affect the Quality of Earnings?
Authors: Pereira Cláudia , Monteiro Albertina , Silva Diana , Lima Armindo
Published: February 2023

Previous research has found that, when firms engage in environmental sustainability practices, they tend to give a consistent signal to external stakeholders by acting in a more responsible, transparent, and ethical manner, and these firms tend to exhibit high earnings quality. However, other studies have found that those activities may mask a poor earnings quality. On the other hand, firms with high debt levels face constraints in raising funds. In this study, we expect these firms, when involved in environmental reporting practices, to reveal an increase in their earnings quality in order to improve their ability to capture financing. Thus, we analyze whether the level of environmental disclosure and a firm’s debt increase earnings quality. To analyze the former association, we develop an environmental sustainability reporting index (ESReporting), based on GRI standards, using the content analysis for Portuguese firms from 2016 to 2020. We use earnings persistence as a proxy for earnings quality because it is a fundamental characteristic to determine firm value. Regarding debt, we include a financial indicator to analyze its effect on earnings persistence. To test the hypotheses, we estimate a multiple linear regression, applying panel data. Our results suggest that ESReporting and debt tend to positively affect earnings persistence. In addition, our evidence suggests that ESReporting produces a higher positive impact then debt. These results show that ESReporting and debt may be used as regulating mechanisms of earnings management. Besides, this article brings some insights to the improvement of earnings quality resulting from a higher commitment to environmental disclosure and contributing to monitoring managers’ activities.
Supporting Speaking Practice by Social Network-Based Interaction in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Language Learning
Authors: Zou Bin , Guan Xin , Shao Yinghua , Chen Peng
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has led to the increasing use of AI speaking apps in foreign language learning. This research investigates the impact of social network-based interaction on students’ English speaking practice with the assistance of AI speaking apps in China. During the summer vacation, 70 students from different Chinese universities and majors were recruited for the experiment. They were required to practice speaking skills with AI apps for five weeks and were divided into two groups. Participants in the experimental group were encouraged to engage in various interactive activities when practicing speaking with AI apps, while those in the control group were asked to use AI speaking apps without interaction. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as well as pre-and post-tests. The results indicated that students generally held positive attitudes towards interactive activities when using AI apps to practice their spoken English. The finding also showed that social network-based interaction can effectively improve learners’ speaking skills in the AI context. This study contributes to the research on the implementation and promotion of AI speaking apps with social networking and extends the previous studies on network-based interaction to the AI-assisted learning environment. An investigation of interactions based on Chinese social network-based platforms such as WeChat can be further applied to other social networking platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp in different cultural contexts for AI-assisted speaking practice.
Socio-Economic Stability and Sustainable Development in the Post-COVID Era: Lessons for the Business and Economic Leaders
Authors: Kaftan Vitaly , Kandalov Wadim , Molodtsov Igor , Sherstobitova Anna , Strielkowski Wadim
Published: February 2023

This paper focuses on social and economic stability, as well as sustainable development, in the post-COVID era in light of the recent theoretical approaches and leadership practices. As governments worldwide resorted to repeated national- and regional-specific impositions of social and economic isolation in an (often failed) attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus, their economies have been plunged into recessions, which have been deeper than those associated with the global financial crisis in the past. Successful business and economic leaders need to be aware of the dominant trends unfolding as the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually coming to its end and the New Globalization (a new era of international economy and international relations after COVID-19) is materializing. With global living, international travel, and trade interconnected, businesses need to plan for handling the future outbreaks and their economic, as well as social, consequences. The aim of this paper is to draw the lessons for business and economic leaders in the post-COVID era with a focus on the new trends and challenges for the sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper also presents an empirical model that assesses the novel ways of doing business and innovating using the sustainable economic practices after the COVID-19 pandemic. The model employs our own data collected from 450 managers and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic and Russia. Our results show that innovation and digitalization (e.g., smart metering or the Internet of Things (IoT)) are becoming the main drivers of the sustainable economic transformation of small and medium enterprises in the post-pandemic period. These results might be useful for both academic researchers and business practitioners searching for new pathways for innovating their sustainable business practices and recreating their customer base in the post-COVID era.
Antecedents of Electric Vehicle Purchase Intention from the Consumer’s Perspective: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ivanova Gulnaz , Moreira António Carrizo
Published: February 2023

The growing demand for conventional internal combustion engine vehicles can aggravate the current energy and environmental crisis by presenting a higher dependence on fossil fuels and a higher level of greenhouse gases. The transition to electric mobility is a sustainable solution to mitigate the negative impact on the environment and energy security. In recent years, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have grown steadily; however, their worldwide market share is still less than 10%. The present study aims to improve and strengthen the knowledge base on consumer behavior toward EV purchases by investigating the antecedents of EV purchase intention, as well as their impact. This paper is based on a systematic literature review where 63 articles published between 1994 and 2021 were analyzed. The antecedents were classified into three main categories: consumer characteristics, EV characteristics, and EV-related policies. A summary model represents the impact information of each of the main antecedents. The descriptive results of the sample are also discussed. Finally, this study indicates directions for future research and recommendations for developing the most effective strategies and policies that will accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
ZIF-67/SA@PVDF Ultrafiltration Membrane with Simultaneous Adsorption and Catalytic Oxidation for Dyes
Authors: Zhu Kaixuan , Mohammed Shabin , Tang Hai , Xie Zongli , Fang Sisheng , Liu Shasha
Published: February 2023

Due to their stable chemical properties and complex structures, dyes are difficult to be removed from water. Herein, a ZIF-67/SA@PVDF (ZSA3@PVDF) mixed matrix membrane has been fabricated by incorporating silicon aerogel (SA) and zeolitic imidazolate framework material 67 (ZIF-67) nanoparticles in a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane for the removal and degradation of dyes from water. The influence of SA and ZIF-67 on the morphology and structure of the membrane was confirmed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). In ZSA3@PVDF membrane, both SA and ZIF-67 are highly porous nanomaterials that possess good adsorption capacity, as confirmed by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) result. In addition, the cobalt (Co) element of ZIF-67 can catalyze peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to generate strong oxidizing sulfate radicals (SO42−), contributing to improving regeneration capacity of the ZIF-67/SA@PVDF membrane. The water flux of ZSA3@PVDF membrane is 427.6 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, and the Methylene blue (MB) removal rate is higher than 99% when filtrating 100 mL MB solution (5 mg/L). The regeneration test result shows that the removal rate of the ZSA3@PVDF membrane is still above 98% after five cycles of adsorption of MB. The self-cleaning experiment shows that the adsorption of SA in the ZSA3@PVDF membrane promotes the catalytic performance of the membrane, showing a better self-cleaning ability. The ZSA3@PVDF membrane provides a new strategy for the removal of dyes in the advanced purification of dye wastewater.
Rheological Characterization of Ground Tire Rubber Modified Asphalt Binders with Parallel Plate and Concentric Cylinder Geometries
Authors: Kocak Salih
Published: February 2023

Recently, scrap tire rubber-modified asphalt binders and pavements have been the preferred choice of state DOTs and parties involved due to the desirable engineering, as well as economic and environmental impacts. Rheological and mechanical properties of rubber modifications have been the main focus of researchers for the last couple of decades. This paper investigates the rutting potential, fatigue cracking resistance, and continuous performance grade (CPG) changes of waste tire rubber-modified, original, and aged asphalt binders. The CPG of asphalt binders is determined at high, intermediate, and low temperatures. A Delta T Critical comparison of the binder was carried out to establish a relationship between measured parameters. Linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests at equi-stiffness temperatures were conducted to discover the fatigue life of all binders while the multiple stress creep recovery test is performed to assess the high-temperature rutting performance of asphalt binders as per the Superpave performance grading system at accepted regional (58 °C) as well as high PG temperatures. In addition, parallel-plate geometry and concentric cylinder geometry were used with the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test to discover the impact of discrete particles available in crumb/ground tire rubber-modified asphalt binders as per standards. The results show that rubber modifications improved the base binder’s rutting resistance and continuous PGs without adversely affecting the fatigue cracking resistance. Based on the mathematical expressions developed, 2.71%, 7.82%, 12.94%, and 18.05% (by weight of binder), GTR modifications improved the high PG of the modified binders one, two, three, and four grade bumps, respectively. Similar linear correlations with R2 0.872 and 0.6 were established for continuous low and intermediate PGs, respectively. MSCR test results revealed that both 9% and 20% GTR modifications were achieved to enhance the H-grade traffic level of the original binder to E-grade.
Stuck in the Caterpillars’ Web: A Half-Century of Biocontrol Research and Application on Gregarious Lepidopteran Pests in Europe
Authors: Trajković Aleksandra , Žikić Vladimir
Published: February 2023

Unraveling multiple layers of collective behavior outside the well-known isopteran and hymenopteran societies was a tall order for the scientific community, especially in the case of gregarious juveniles in the order Lepidoptera. Often protected with a solid silk shelter, devoid of reproductive division of labor or conventional forms of parental care, caterpillar aggregations have rarely been considered in terms of economic importance. Of over 60 European communal species, 24 can be associated with voracious feeding habits, and thus be irruptive or pestilential, depending on the extent and severity. This review retrieves 59 cases of biocontrol against Hyphantria cunea (Drury), Euproctis chrysorrhoea (L.), Malacosoma neustria (L.), Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis and Schiffermüller), T. processionea (L.) and Yponomeuta malinellus (Zeller) and classifies them in predefined research and application subcategories. The percentage-wise distribution of the utilized or explored biocontrol agents was projected at 35.59% in favor of parasitoids and predators. Falling between fundamental and applicative disciplines, biocontrol, especially in its early days, built a global reputation of being underreported. To provide guidance for future research regarding the group, the functional trait-based concept used in this study is complemented with preliminary outcome assessment.
Novel Neural Network Optimized by Electrostatic Discharge Algorithm for Modification of Buildings Energy Performance
Authors: Fallah Arash Mohammadi , Ghafourian Ehsan , Shahzamani Sichani Ladan , Ghafourian Hossein , Arandian Behdad , Nehdi Moncef L.
Published: February 2023

Proper analysis of building energy performance requires selecting appropriate models for handling complicated calculations. Machine learning has recently emerged as a promising effective solution for solving this problem. The present study proposes a novel integrative machine learning model for predicting two energy parameters of residential buildings, namely annual thermal energy demand (DThE) and annual weighted average discomfort degree-hours (HDD). The model is a feed-forward neural network (FFNN) that is optimized via the electrostatic discharge algorithm (ESDA) for analyzing the building characteristics and finding their optimal contribution to the DThE and HDD. According to the results, the proposed algorithm is an effective double-target model that can predict the required parameters with superior accuracy. Moreover, to further verify the efficiency of the ESDA, this algorithm was compared with three similar optimization techniques, namely atom search optimization (ASO), future search algorithm (FSA), and satin bowerbird optimization (SBO). Considering the Pearson correlation indices 0.995 and 0.997 (for the DThE and HDD, respectively) obtained for the ESDA-FFNN versus 0.992 and 0.938 for ASO-FFNN, 0.926 and 0.895 for FSA-FFNN, and 0.994 and 0.995 for SBO-FFNN, the ESDA provided higher accuracy of training. Subsequently, by collecting the weights and biases of the optimized FFNN, two formulas were developed for easier computation of the DThE and HDD in new cases. It is posited that building engineers and energy experts could consider the use of ESDA-FFNN along with the proposed new formulas for investigating the energy performance in residential buildings.
Exploring the Dynamic Effects of Agricultural Subsidies on Food Loss: Implications for Sustainable Food Security
Authors: Kang Hyonyong , Suh Dong Hee
Published: February 2023

This paper analyzes the dynamic effects of agricultural subsidies on food loss using the two-stage dynamic panel model. The results reveal that dynamic adjustments exist in agricultural productivity (0.56) and food loss (0.58), with a U-shaped curve between them. That is, food loss declines as productivity grows, but it rises after reaching a certain productivity level. In addition, the results show that agricultural subsidies induce an increase in food loss in the short and long terms. Particularly in the short term, agricultural subsidies increase food loss directly by about 0.09%, and increase it indirectly by about 0.33% through changes in agricultural productivity. The long-term direct and indirect effects are estimated to be about 0.21% and 4.06%, respectively. While the indirect effects are greater than the direct effects, it is found that food loss responds more sensitively to agricultural subsidies in the long term.
Industrial Structure, Employment Structure and Economic Growth—Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Chao , Zheng Hongling , Wan Shenwei
Published: February 2023

This paper takes China’s economic data from 1978 to 2020 as a sample, combined with indicators such as a correlation coefficient, degree of deviation, and employment elasticity, to carry out a correlation analysis on employment structure, industrial structure, and economic growth. On this basis, a regression model is established to characterize the impact of economic structure deviation on economic growth, and the linkage relationship between employment structure, industrial structure, and economic growth is further explored through a vector self-regression model. The research results show that: the degree of deviation of China’s economic structure is weakening, and the economic structure is continuously optimized; the improvement of the degree of deviation of the economic structure has a significant contribution to China’s economic growth; the impact of the industrial structure on the employment structure is first strong and then slow; the impact of economic growth on the industrial structure is lagging and long-term; the impact of the optimization of the employment structure on economic growth is most obvious in the early stage; the impact of economic growth on the employment structure is more direct; the adjustment of the industrial structure shows a certain stickiness; and that economic transformation and high-quality development require continuous advancement. This paper describes the impact of structural deviation on economic growth and reveals the interactive impact of industrial structure, employment structure, and economic growth, which can provide decision-making reference for policy makers. Specifically, it includes formulating policies to realize skills spillover to improve the employment structure; formulating policies to promote industrial integration to optimize industrial structure; formulating policies to encourage innovation so as to promote the improvement of total factor productivity and then drive the adjustment and optimization of industrial structures and employment structures; and finally, encouraging policy makers to ensure the persistence and consistency of relevant policies so that the effects of relevant policies can be truly realized.
Using Artificial Intelligence Approach for Investigating and Predicting Yield Stress of Cemented Paste Backfill
Authors: Tran Van Quan
Published: February 2023

The technology known as cemented paste backfill (CPB) has gained considerable popularity worldwide. Yield stress (YS) is a significant factor considered in the assessment of CPB’s flowability or transportability. The minimal shear stress necessary to start the flow is known as Yield stress (YS), and it serves as an excellent measure of the strength of the particle-particle interaction. The traditional evaluation and measurement of YS performed by experimental tests are time-consuming and costly, which induces delays in construction projects. Moreover, the YS of CPB depends on numerous factors such as cement/tailing ratio, solid content and oxide content of tailing. Therefore, in order to simplify YS estimation and evaluation, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches including eight Machine Learning techniques such as the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm, Gradient Boosting algorithm, Random Forest algorithm, Decision Trees, K-Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines and Gaussian Process are used to build the soft-computing model in predicting the YS of CPB. The performance of these models is evaluated by three metrics coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The 3 best models were found to predict the Yield Stress of CPB (Gradient Boosting (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) and Random Forest (RF), respectively) with the 3 metrics of the three models, respectively, GB {R2 = 0.9811, RMSE = 0.1327 MPa, MAE = 0.0896 MPa}, XGB {R2 = 0.9034, RMSE = 0.3004 MPa, MAE = 0.1696 MPa} and RF {R2 = 0.8534, RMSE = 0.3700 MPa, MAE = 0.1786 MPa}, for the testing dataset. Based on the best performance model including GB, XG and RF, the other AI techniques such as SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), Permutation Importance, and Individual Conditional Expectation (ICE) are also used for evaluating the factor effect on the YS of CPB. The results of this investigation can help the engineers to accelerate the mixed design of CPB.
Emotional Eating Sustainability in Romania—A Questionnaire-Based Study
Authors: Bacârea Anca , Bacârea Vladimir Constantin , Buicu Florin , Crăciun Călin , Kosovski Bianca , Guiné Raquel , Tarcea Monica
Published: February 2023

Background: In Romania, there is little information regarding emotional eating and risk profile for obesity in eating disorders. Therefore, our purpose was to estimate the relationship between demographic, anthropometric, and emotional eating profiles among the Romanian adult population. Methods: The present study is descriptive and cross-sectional, involving 674 Romanian participants who answered the online questionnaire, which was developed and validated in 2019 through a European project. SPSS Statistics v.25 was used for statistical analyses, the Spearman test for linear regression, and Cronbach’s alpha for the evaluation of the internal consistency of the scales. Results: The mean age of the studied population (mostly women, 67.95%) was 38.13 ± 13.41 years old, and the mean BMI (calculated based on self-declared weight and height) was 24.63 ± 4.39 kg/m2; both measures are significantly higher in men than in women. BMI was also significantly higher in participants using food as an escape from situations such as stress, loneliness, feeling depressed, or as an emotional consolation. This behavior was observed especially in the elderly, similar to other European countries. Conclusion: Our data contribute to a better understanding of emotional eating in Romania, and we hope to improve public health policies, with the goal of preventing obesity and chronic related disorders.
Investigating Parents’ Attitudes towards the Use of Child Restraint Systems by Comparing Non-Users and User Parents
Authors: Champahom Thanapong , Jomnonkwao Sajjakaj , Thotongkam Woraanong , Jongkol Pornsiri , Rodpon Porntip , Ratanavaraha Vatanavongs
Published: February 2023

In developing countries, there are no laws to enforce child safety seat use, so there is still a very low rate of use. This study aimed to understand parents’ attitudes toward CRS use based on the health belief model (HBM) theory. To find realistic policies encouraging the use of CRSs, the model was split into two sub-models: a group of parents using a CRS (CRS user) and a group of parents not using a CRS (CRS non-user). Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and measurement invariance (MI) to test the differences between the two parent groups, the CFA results indicated that there were six constructs based on the HBM. According to the individual models of SEM, in the CRS non-user model, no significant latent construct was found to affect the use of CRSs, whereas in the CRS user model, the perceived severity and the cues to action were significant for using a CRS (p < 0.05). The MI results indicated that the attitudes of the two parent groups were different. The recommendations for policies obtained from the study results include promotion aimed toward increasing safety awareness, public relations regarding CRS usefulness, and pricing strategies from the government sector.
Genotoxicity of Synthetic Food Colors on Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria in Agricultural Lands Irrigated with Wastewater of Corresponding Industries
Authors: John Arooba , Luqman Muhammad , Muhammad Sohaib , Hanif Uzma , Sardar Andleeb Anwar , Ali Shaukat , Hasnain Ali , Tufail Matiba , Khan Zafar Iqbal , Hussain Muhammad Iftikhar , Binyameen  , Anjum Muhammad Naveed , Ejaz Amna , Chaudhry Muhammad Shahzad , Yang Hsi-Hsien , Awan Muhammad Umer Farooq
Published: February 2023

Food colors are considered the most important component of foodstuff for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the products. The rapid increase in population raised the demand for food materials, while wastewater from as-related processing industries is used for irrigation. This study was conducted to examine the genotoxicity of industrial wastewater on the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Three predominantly used synthetic food colors, including Azorubine E-122, Tartrazine E-102 and Allura Red AC E-129, were used during this project. Rhizobacteria were isolated from agricultural soils and treated with various concentrations of Azorubine E-122, Tartrazine E-102 and Allura red E-129 for a 24 and 48 h duration. DNA extraction and quantification were performed through a modified CTAB method, spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. A comet assay was used to check DNA damage. According to the results, all the food colors had caused significant damage to DNA depending upon the concentration and exposure time. The extent of DNA damage caused by Azorubine E-122 was relatively greater compared with the other colors, so the fragmentation rate of 86% and 92% was obtained at 1.25% concentration for 24 and 48 h, respectively. The current results have revealed the devastation capacity of food colors by accelerating distortion risk to soil micro-flora, hence the fertility of the soil.
How Does Intelligent Manufacturing Affect the ESG Performance of Manufacturing Firms? Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Lipeng , Saat Nur Ashikin Mohd
Published: February 2023

It is no longer possible for China’s economy to grow by relying on the rapid expansion of manufacturing. On the one hand, China’s previous rough manufacturing development pattern seriously harmed the environment. On the other hand, China’s manufacturing productivity and international competitiveness have decreased as a result of the disappearance of demographic dividends and growing labor costs. China’s manufacturing firms must simultaneously increase productivity while lowering environmental pollution. This study, which takes intelligent manufacturing pilot demonstration projects as a quasi-natural experiment, investigates the impact of intelligent manufacturing (IM) on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance using data from 2149 listed manufacturing firms in China from 2009 to 2021. The results indicate that ESG performance of the listed firms could be improved using IM. The heterogeneity test reveals that IM in non-state-owned firms helps to improve ESG performance at the 1% significance level, while the effect is not significant in state-owned firms. Moreover, the effect in eastern China is significant at the 1% level and at the 5% level in western China, but not significant in central and northeastern China. The two channels through which IM improves corporate ESG performance are promoting innovation investment and improving the quality of the information environment. This study also verifies that both internal and external supervision could strengthen the positive impact of IM on corporate ESG performance, which provides empirical evidence for strengthening the supervision of manufacturing firms. The conclusions of the study reveal the internal force of manufacturing firms to improve ESG performance and also provide theoretical support for their implementation of IM projects.