bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Antenna-Channel Modeling for the Harsh Horse Hoof Environment
Authors: Goethals Jasper , Nikolayev Denys , Thielens Arno , Vermeeren Günter , Verloock Leen , Deruyck Margot , Martens Luc , Joseph Wout
Published: September 2022

This paper describes the exploration of the combined antenna–channel model for a horse hoof. An antenna of 25 mm × 40 mm is designed in the ISM 868 MHz band. During the characterization and design of the antenna, the dynamic and harsh environment of the horse hoof is taken into account throughout every step of the procedure because it is impossible to de-embed the antenna from its environment. The antenna and channel model are verified extensively by measurements in phantom and ex vivo. The antenna is verified to be robust against changes in the morphology of the horse’s hoof up to 50%. The dynamic environment was captured by considering different soil types and air, and the design was verified to be resilient against changes herein. The antenna performs well within the targeted band, with a fractional bandwidth of 8% and a gain of −2 dBi. Furthermore, a path loss model was constructed for a typical barn environment, and the antenna reaches a range of 250 m in the studied environment based on the LoRa technology. This research is important for monitoring horse health.
Two-Level Model for Detecting Substation Defects from Infrared Images
Authors: Li Bing , Wang Tian , Hu Zhedong , Yuan Chao , Zhai Yongjie
Published: September 2022

Training a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to detect defects in substation equipment often requires many defect datasets. However, this dataset is not easily acquired, and the complex background of the infrared images makes defect detection even more difficult. To alleviate this issue, this article presents a two-level defect detection model (TDDM). First, to extract the target equipment in the image, an instance segmentation module is constructed by training from the instance segmentation dataset. Then, the target equipment is segmented by the superpixel segmentation algorithm into superpixels according to obtain more details information. Next, a temperature probability density distribution is constructed with the superpixels, and the defect determination strategy is used to recognize the defect. Finally, experiments verify the effectiveness of the TDDM according to the defect detection dataset.
Stressors Length and the Habituation Effect—An EEG Study
Authors: Rejer Izabela , Wacewicz Daniel , Schab Mateusz , Romanowski Bartosz , Łukasiewicz Kacper , Maciaszczyk Michał
Published: September 2022

The research described in this paper aimed to determine whether people respond differently to short and long stimuli and whether stress stimuli repeated over time evoke a habituation effect. To meet this goal, we performed a cognitive experiment with eight subjects. During this experiment, the subjects were presented with two trays of stress-inducing stimuli (different in length) interlaced with the main tasks. The mean beta power calculated from the EEG signal recorded from the two prefrontal electrodes (Fp1 and Fp2) was used as a stress index. The main results are as follows: (i) we confirmed the previous finding that beta power assessed from the EEG signal recorded from prefrontal electrodes is significantly higher for the STRESS condition compared to NON-STRESS condition; (ii) we found a significant difference in beta power between STRESS conditions that differed in length—the beta power was four times higher for short, compared to long, stress-inducing stimuli; (iii) we did not find enough evidence to confirm (or reject) the hypothesis that stress stimuli repeated over time evoke the habituation effect; although the general trends aggregated over subjects and stressors were negative, their slopes were not statistically significant; moreover, there was no agreement among subjects with respect to the slope of individual trends.
Literature Review on Ship Localization, Classification, and Detection Methods Based on Optical Sensors and Neural Networks
Authors: Teixeira Eduardo , Araujo Beatriz , Costa Victor , Mafra Samuel , Figueiredo Felipe
Published: September 2022

Object detection is a common application within the computer vision area. Its tasks include the classic challenges of object localization and classification. As a consequence, object detection is a challenging task. Furthermore, this technique is crucial for maritime applications since situational awareness can bring various benefits to surveillance systems. The literature presents various models to improve automatic target recognition and tracking capabilities that can be applied to and leverage maritime surveillance systems. Therefore, this paper reviews the available models focused on localization, classification, and detection. Moreover, it analyzes several works that apply the discussed models to the maritime surveillance scenario. Finally, it highlights the main opportunities and challenges, encouraging new research in this area.
Ultra-Wideband Communication and Sensor Fusion Platform for the Purpose of Multi-Perspective Localization
Authors: Li Chunxu , Bulman Henry , Whitley Toby , Li Shaoxiang
Published: September 2022

Localization is a keystone for a robot to work within its environment and with other robots. There have been many methods used to solve this problem. This paper deals with the use of beacon-based localization to answer the research question: Can ultra-wideband technology be used to effectively localize a robot with sensor fusion? This paper has developed an innovative solution for creating a sensor fusion platform that uses ultra-wideband communication as a localization method to allow an environment to be perceived and inspected in three dimensions from multiple perspectives simultaneously. A series of contributions have been presented, supported by an in-depth literature review regarding topics in this field of knowledge. The proposed method was then designed, built, and tested successfully in two different environments exceeding its required tolerances. The result of the testing and the ideas formulated throughout the paper were discussed and future work outlined on how to build upon this work in potential academic papers and projects.
Autofocusing of Maneuvering Targets in Terahertz Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Based on Damped Newton Method
Authors: Wang Hetong , Yang Qi , Wang Hongqiang , Deng Bin
Published: September 2022

Maneuvering target imaging based on inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging has recently drawn significant attention. Among the many autofocusing technologies which are crucial in ISAR imaging, minimum-entropy-based autofocusing (MEA) is highly robust. However, traditional MEA is not suitable for terahertz (THz) ISAR imaging. For one thing, the iterative process in traditional MEA is too complicated to be utilized for THz-ISAR imaging with tremendous data. For another, THz wavelengths are very short and extremely sensitive to phase errors, so the compensation accuracy of the traditional MEA method can hardly meet the requirements of THz radar high-resolution imaging. Therefore, in this paper, the MEA algorithm based on the damped Newton method is proposed, which improves computational efficiency by approximating the first- and second-order partial derivatives of the image entropy function with respect to the phase errors, as well as by the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The search step size factor is introduced to ensure that the algorithm can converge along the declination direction of the entropy function and obtain the globally optimal ISAR image. The experimental results validated the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, which is promising in THz-ISAR imaging of maneuvering targets.
A Dual-Wavelength Fiber Laser Sensor with Temperature and Strain Discrimination
Authors: Sanchez-Gonzalez Arturo , Perez-Herrera Rosa Ana , Roldan-Varona Pablo , Duran-Escudero Miguel , Rodriguez-Cobo Luis , Lopez-Higuera Jose Miguel , Lopez-Amo Manuel
Published: September 2022

This work presents a dual-wavelength C-band erbium-doped fiber laser assisted by an artificial backscatter reflector. This fiber-based reflector, inscribed by femtosecond laser direct writing, was fabricated into a single mode fiber with a length of 32 mm. The dual-wavelength laser obtained, centered at 1527.7 nm and 1530.81 nm, showed an optical signal-to-noise ratio over 46 dB when pumped at 150 mW. Another feature of this laser was that the power difference between the two channels was just 0.02 dB, regardless of the pump power, resulting in a dual emission laser with high equalization. On the other hand, an output power level and a central wavelength instability as low as 0.3 dB and 0.01 nm were measured, in this order for both channels. Moreover, the threshold pump power was 40 mW. Finally, the performance of this dual-wavelength fiber laser enhanced with a random reflector for sensing applications was studied, achieving the simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature with sensitivities around 1 pm/με and 9.29 pm/°C, respectively.
Urban Resilience and Residential Greenery—The Evidence from Poland
Authors: Dobrzańska Joanna , Nadolny Adam , Kalbarczyk Robert , Ziemiańska Monika
Published: September 2022

Social distancing and movement restrictions associated with COVID-19 have highlighted the role played by easily accessible greenery at one’s own residence, which is of key importance to people’s physical and psychological wellbeing. The main focus of this study is to provide insights into residential green areas in Wrocław, Poland in terms of knowledge, investment, trends and associated issues, as examined from the perspective of the potential to boost urban resilience. Sixty-six representative multi-family construction projects typical of Central European cities were analyzed. The study is divided into three stages: I—pre-construction (selection of locations), II—construction of a housing estate (clearance of vegetation, number of trees planted, use of pro-ecological solutions), and III—post-construction (monitoring of the condition of green areas by means of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and data from Sentinel-2 satellites). The results highlighted the insufficient use of pro-ecological solutions (green roofs, fountains or ponds) and shortage of woody plants in residential green areas. Their implementation should be included in any strategies for Wrocław’s transformation toward a sustainable post-pandemic city. Furthermore, the main findings of the study also revealed an imbalance between the amount of vegetation cleared vs. vegetation planted during construction and unequal access to high-quality greenery for local residents. Although some positive trends in spatial planning were observed compared to previous studies, two construction projects were implemented in floodplains. NDVI analyses indicate the poor condition of residential green areas; moreover, the change in NDVI for the period 2015–2020 attests to the poor standards of vegetation maintenance. The results of this study suggest that the potential of residential green areas for boosting urban resilience has not been fully utilized in Wrocław. It is highly recommended to implement monitoring of the condition of green areas by means of NDVI and to introduce detailed provisions on the shaping of green estate areas in the Local Development Plans to enhance Wrocław’s resilience. The main findings being presented expand the directions of methods of monitoring residential areas’ conditions in terms of applied landscape research and boosting urban resilience.
Has Central Environmental Protection Inspection Promoted High-Quality Economic Development?—A Case Study from China
Authors: Li Haoran , Zhou Min , Xia Qing , Hao Xiaoru , Wang Jian
Published: September 2022

Environmental regulatory policies are crucial to the high-quality development of China’s economy. Can central environmental protection inspection, another major innovation in China’s environmental regulation policy, significantly contribute to high-quality economic development? To address this question, this paper is the first time to intensely discuss the relationship between central environmental protection supervision and the high-quality development of China’s urban economy. The research level is expanded from the previous micro-enterprise level to the macro level. Starting from the city, the main body of green innovation, and using the propensity score matching and difference-in-differences methods, we test the impact of central environmental protection inspection on high-quality economic development. A preassessment at the regional level reveals that the green total factor productivity of the inspected cities is significantly higher than that of the non-inspected cities, and parallel-trend tests and placebo tests also support the result. Subsequently, the persistence of the policy impact is further analyzed, and the results show a significant impact only in the year of policy implementation. Finally, the heterogeneity analysis shows that central environmental protection inspection can significantly promote high-quality economic development in cities in the eastern region, but has a significant inhibitory effect on the western region.
Pollution Evaluation and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Eleven Tissues of Mylopharyngodon piceus Collected from an Aquaculture Pond in Huzhou, near Southern Taihu Lake
Authors: Zhang Rongfei , Zhao Jianhua , Sheng Qiang , Zhang Yixiang , Ye Jinyun
Published: September 2022

Pollution evaluation and health risk assessment are critical procedures for residents consuming black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) contaminated with non-essential hazardous trace elements in an artificial wetland also known as an aquaculture pond. Samples were collected, dissected and digested to analyze the pollution status and health risk associated with four heavy metals present in eleven tissues of black carp fish based on the metal pollution index (MPI) and target hazard quotient (THQ). The results indicated that the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were 1.36 ± 0.04 mg/kg, 13.70 ± 0.50 mg/kg, 2.85 ± 0.10 mg/kg, and 4.98 ± 0.18 mg/kg in large black carp, while the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were 4.27 ± 0.08 mg/kg, 50.84 ± 0.82 mg/kg, 9.33 ± 0.18 mg/kg, and 22.49 ± 0.42 mg/kg in small specimens. The MPI values showed that the heavy metal pollution detected in small fish was much more significant than in large fish. Notably, the polluted metals were more likely to accumulate in the viscera (e.g., brain and heart) rather than in the external tissues (e.g., muscle and epidermis). In addition, the estimated THQ and HI values for three edible tissues demonstrated that the health risk associated with muscle tissue intake of both small and large black carp was within the acceptable range, while the contaminants were likely to pose health risks associated with the consumption of fish head tissue. Small black carp are generally not fit for human consumption, thus both the epidermis and muscle of the fish are often cooked in China. However, the ingestion of large black carp is relatively safe. The contributions to THQ values of these four heavy metals decreased in the following sequence: Cr > Pb > Cd > Cu. Cr is the critical pollutant with its contribution to HI values measuring over 50%. We suggest that in artificial wetlands (e.g., aquaculture ponds) more attention should be paid to heavy metal pollution, the conservation of the aquaculture ecosystem, and effects on human health.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Marine Sediment Samples from Kuwait Bay
Authors: Al-Sarawi Hanan A. , Najem Afrah B. , Lyons Brett P. , Uddin Saif , Al-Sarawi Mohammad A.
Published: September 2022

This study presents antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli derived from marine sediment in Kuwait. In total, 395 isolates of E. coli obtained were screened for their potential resistance to five commonly deployed frontline antibiotics by using the disk diffusion method. The results demonstrated widespread resistance across all the sites and in 98% of isolates. The highest counts were recorded in the sediment collected from sites near outfalls associated with local hospitals, where 58% of isolates screened displayed resistance to different antibiotic classes. The resistance was highest to ampicilin (beta-lactame class) > cefpodoxime (3rd generation cephalosporin class) > ciprofloxacin (flouroqunolone class) with AMR observance at 95%, 67% and 50% respectively. The latter two are wide spectrum antibiotics heavily used in Kuwait. This study demonstrates the presence of AMR bacteria in Kuwait’s marine environment, suggesting a need for environmental surveillance for AMR to be adopted as part of a One Health approach to Kuwait’s developing AMR national action plan.
Transfer of Natural Radionuclides from Soil to Abu Dhabi Date Palms
Authors: Raj Prasoon , Padiyath Nemeer , Semioshkina Natalia , Foulon Francois , Alkaabi Ahmed K. , Voigt Gabriele , Addad Yacine
Published: September 2022

Nuclear power and modern agriculture are two crucial sectors for sustainable development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As these industries mature rapidly in the country, their long-term inter-compatibility needs monitoring with local data on transfer of radionuclides from arid sandy soils to farm products. Date palms, main crop from the Arabian Peninsula, remain largely unstudied for radioecological impact assessments. This paper reports the first measurement of soil to UAE date palms concentration ratios for natural radionuclides. Representative samples of soils, fruits, and leaves from seven palms in Abu Dhabi have been studied using gamma-spectrometry. Average activity concentrations in the soils are around 278.9 Bq kg−1 for 40K, 15.5 Bq kg−1 for 238U, and 8.3 Bq kg−1 for 232Th. The latter two decay chains, in the plant samples, are close to detection limits, signifying their lower levels in the UAE flora and the need for upgrading analytical techniques. The geometric means of soil to fruit concentration ratios are 1.12 for 40K, but negligibly low for the others—approximately 0.08 for 238U and 0.17 for 232Th chains. The respective ratios for the leaves are approximately 0.13, 0.36, and 0.77. Personal radiation doses due to soils and dates are very low, posing no danger to the public.
Analysis of the Impact of Remanufacturing Process Innovation on Closed-Loop Supply Chain from the Perspective of Government Subsidy
Authors: Liu Kailing , Li Quanxi , Zhang Haowei
Published: September 2022

Efficient and low-cost remanufacturing can be achieved through process innovation. Consequently, the question of whether government subsidies for remanufacturing process innovation will stimulate improvement in this area and thus affect the closed-loop supply chain is worth discussing. To answer this question, we establish a closed-loop supply chain model consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer, taking into account both remanufacturing process innovation and government subsidy. This is done in order to explore the impact of remanufacturing process innovation on the closed-loop supply chain from the perspective of government subsidies. Moreover, the government subsidizes the manufacturer according to the improvement of remanufacturing process innovation levels. Specifically, we analyze the optimal decisions and the social welfare in two models—the benchmark model without government subsidy, and the government subsidy model. Our main findings are threefold. The optimal decisions of the two models vary with the proportion of new products’ production cost and remanufactured products’ production cost. The government subsidy for process innovation does not necessarily improve the profits of the manufacturer, the retailer, and the supply chain system. Moreover, there is a threshold; the government subsidy can hurt the retailer’s profits, and the retailer has no motivation to participate in the sale of new products when the government subsidy is below that threshold. The government subsidy for process innovation does improve overall social welfare and has a lesser environmental impact. The conclusions are also verified by numerical analysis.
Drivers’ Behavior and Traffic Accident Analysis Using Decision Tree Method
Authors: Abdullah Pires , Sipos Tibor
Published: September 2022

This study was carried out to examine the severity level of crashes by analyzing traffic accidents. The study’s goal is to identify the major contributing factors to traffic accidents in connection to driver behavior and socioeconomic characteristics. In order to find the most probable causes in accordance with the major target variable, which is the level of severity of the crash, the study set out to identify the main attributes induced by the decision tree method (DT). The local people received a semi-structured questionnaire interview with closed-ended questions. The survey asked questions about drivers’ attitude and behavior, as well as other contributing factors such as time of accidents and road type. The attributes were analyzed using the machine-learning method using DT with Python programming language. This method was able to determine the relationship between severe and non-severe crashes and other significant influencing elements. The Duhok city people participated in the survey, which was conducted in the Kurdistan area of northern Iraq. The results of the study demonstrate that the number of lanes, time of the accident, and human attitudes, represented by their adherence to the speed limit, are the primary causes of accidents with victims.
Effects of Sports Center Employees’ Self-Leadership on Organizational Commitment: Mediating Effects of Leader-Member Exchange
Authors: Son Won-ho , Baek Woo-yeul , Byon Kevin K.
Published: September 2022

Considering that the role of leadership is still essential for a corporate organization to grow and develop continuously, self-leadership based on a sense of ownership is emerging as the ideal leadership required of organizational members. However, despite the great efforts of academia in investigating the effectiveness of self-leadership in various industrial fields, prior literature on self-leadership in the context of sports center organizations seems to be limited. The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of sports center employees’ self-leadership on leader-member exchange (LMX) and organizational commitment and the mediation role of LMX in the relationship between self-leadership and organizational commitment. A total of 172 Korean sports center employees participated in the present study. The results indicated that sports center employees’ self-leadership significantly impacted LMX and organizational commitment, and LMX positively affected organizational commitment. Additionally, sports center employees’ LMX had an important partial mediation role in the relationship between self-leadership and organizational commitment. Consequently, the current study’s findings provide sports center organizations with practical implications for enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Comparative and Predictive Analysis of Electrical Consumption during Pre- and Pandemic Periods: Case Study for Romanian Universities
Authors: Andrei Paul Cristian , Stanculescu Marilena , Andrei Horia , Caciula Ion , Diaconu Emil , Bizon Nicu , Mazare Alin Gheorghita , Ionescu Laurentiu Mihai , Gaiceanu Marian
Published: September 2022

The pandemic period was caused by COVID-19 and it has been an unprecedented event in the last 100 years of human history. Regarding universities, major changes have occurred both in the online method of education as well as in the patterns of their electrical consumption, respective of both students’ and teachers’ residential electrical consumption. The focus of this research is to conduct and assess a comparative analysis of universities’ electrical consumption during the pre- and pandemic periods. Polynomial regression is used to model the electrical consumption of four Romanian universities during the period 2019–2021. Also, this study proposes a method for predicting the electrical consumption of universities in three months of 2021, compared to that of the same months in 2020. The data analysis shows that the electrical consumption had decreased between 20.6% and 36.29% in the pandemic period of 2020 compared to that of 2019. Additionally, this study evaluates the electrical consumption of universities due to their use of computers, which represents an important percentage of the total consumption; this was between 11.28% and 60.5% in the pre-pandemic year 2019, but this was substantially reduced in 2020, to be between 57.13% and 77.27%. Based on the data that has been provided by students and teachers, the calculated values show that the electrical residential consumption increased by about 20 kWh per month and per computer unit during the pandemic.
Pathways and Estimate of Aquifer Recharge in a Flood Basalt Terrain; A Review from the South Fork Palouse River Basin (Columbia River Plateau, USA)
Authors: Medici Giacomo , Langman Jeff B.
Published: September 2022

Aquifer recharge is one of the most important hydrologic parameters for understanding available groundwater volumes and making sustainable the use of natural water by minimizing groundwater mining. In this framework, we reviewed and evaluated the efficacy of multiple methods to determine recharge in a flood basalt terrain that is restrictive to infiltration and percolation. In the South Fork of the Columbia River Plateau, recent research involving hydrologic tracers and groundwater modeling has revealed a snowmelt-dominated system. Here, recharge is occurring along the intersection of mountain-front alluvial systems and the extensive Miocene flood basalt layers that form a fractured basalt and interbedded sediment aquifer system. The most recent groundwater flow model of the basin was based on a large physio-chemical dataset acquired in laterally and vertically distinctive locations that refined the understanding of the intersection of the margin alluvium and the spatially variable basalt flows that filled the basin. Modelled effective recharge of 25 and 105 mm/year appears appropriate for the basin’s plain and the mountain front, respectively. These values refine previous efforts on quantifying aquifer recharge based on Darcy’s law, one-dimensional infiltration, zero-flux plane, chloride, storage, and mass-balance methods. Overall, the combination of isotopic hydrochemical data acquired in three dimensions and flow modelling efforts were needed to simultaneously determine groundwater dynamics, recharge pathways, and appropriate model parameter values in a primarily basalt terrain. This holistic approach to understanding recharge has assisted in conceptualizing the aquifer for resource managers that have struggled to understand aquifer dynamics and sustainable withdrawals.
Does Age Matter? Using Neuroscience Approaches to Understand Consumers’ Behavior towards Purchasing the Sustainable Product Online
Authors: Chiang Ming-Chang , Yen Chiahui , Chen Hsiu-Li
Published: September 2022

In recent years, online shopping platforms have displayed more sustainable products to attract consumer attention. Understanding the effect of age on online shopping patterns can provide a broader understanding of the critical role of consumer attention. Physiological measures can explain consumers’ responses to features of online shopping websites and help these companies understand the decision-making process of consumers by using neuroscience-integrated tools. When consumers browse and shop on a platform, their eyes constantly move, effectively scanning the area of interest to capture information. This study attempts to evaluate the impact of consumer age on psychological and physiological responses to online shopping platforms by using eye tracking, EEG recordings, and FaceReader software. Eye tracker data on the average duration and number of fixations and saccades indicated that the older group had fewer eye movements than the younger group. The temporal and frontal cortices of the younger and older groups showed differences in EEG activity. The research also analyzed the faces of younger and older adults using FaceReader software; the main differences occured in the happy, surprised, and neutral expressions observed. This study enhances our understanding of the psychology and behavior of younger and older people in neuromarketing research, combining noninvasive physiological and neuroscience methods to present psychological data.
Effect of Freeze-Thaw on Mechanical Properties of Loess with Different Moisture Content in Yili, Xinjiang
Authors: Guo Zekun , Zhang Zizhao , Mu Yanxiao , Li Ting , Zhang Yanyang , Shi Guangming
Published: September 2022

Various geological disasters such as collapses, landslides, and mudslides occur frequently in Yili, Xinjiang. The loess in this area provides a basis for the occurrence of landslides and other disasters. At the same time, Yili Valley is typically a seasonally frozen soil region. The freeze–thaw cycle is an essential disaster-inducing factor. However, scholars have lain a research emphasis on the material source of the Yili Loess, while lacking a systematic investigation of the degradation mechanism of the soil’s physical and mechanical properties under the freeze–thaw action. Therefore, it is prudent to investigate the changes in mechanical properties of loess in this region under the freeze–thaw cycle. In this study, focusing on a typical loess landslide in Yili, some in situ soil samples were collected to conduct related physical and mechanical tests. According to the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of the loess in the region, four different groups of soil samples with varying moisture contents were prepared and subjected to different freeze–thaw cycles. The changes of apparent individual characteristics under freeze–thaw cycles were observed, and a consolidated undrained (CU) shear test was carried out to obtain the changes of shear strength indices of loess samples with varying moisture contents under freeze–thaw cycles. The results showed the obvious development of characteristics during freeze–thaw cycles, with the growth of many frost and ice crystals. At the freezing stage, the growth of ice crystals led to hexagonal peeling bodies on the surface layer. At the thawing stage, a rapidly melting network ice crystal pattern imposed a thermal thawing disturbance on the surface rock soil. After multiple freeze–thaw cycles, the soil’s peak strength dropped significantly and the internal friction angle changed slightly, but the cohesion was adversely affected, with frequent fluctuations. The present study enhances the research level of loess’s mechanical and strength properties under freeze–thaw cycles and provides a theoretical foundation for preventing loess landslides in this region.
Preparing TVET Teachers for Sustainable Development in the Information Age: Development and Application of the TVET Teachers’ Teaching Competency Scale
Authors: Diao Junfeng , Hu Ke
Published: September 2022

Echoing research interests in recent concepts and models of TVET teachers’ teaching competency, it is clear that the focus of existing scales needs to be updated. The paper summarizes six aspects of TVET teachers’ competency in the information age and develops the corresponding scale using 88 items. The data from 461 TVET teachers confirm the reliability and validity of the scale, which serves as a measuring instrument the teaching competency of TVET teachers in the information age. The paper collects answers from 815 TVET teachers, who are clustered into six types by k-means clustering, each representing shared characteristics of a group of TVET teachers. The paper develops a feasible method to classify TVET teachers according to the characteristics of their teaching ability in six aspects, which can provide valuable clues for the designing of tailored teacher training programs and teacher development strategies for vocational education teachers in the information age.
Enriching BIM with Unmanned Aerial Systems Data for Enhancing Construction Management Operations
Authors: Rahnamayiezekavat Payam , Mourad Mohamed , Mostafa Sherif , Moon Sungkon , Senaratne Sepani
Published: September 2022

The use of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) in construction project management (CPM) is an emerging methodology aimed at improving the performance of project management practices. Despite the different functions that an UAS offers, which are well covered in various sources ranging from isolated exploratory works to ad hoc case studies, construction practitioners still demonstrate little interest in UAS technology. The underwhelming interest is rooted in a lack of an understanding of the value of the data collected using UASs and their potential to enrich Building Information Modelling (BIM). This research presents the details of the UAS developed to check the accuracy of work performed, along with the generation of the corresponding progress payment reports as well as referencing and tracking information in real time, for a residential project. This study also discusses combining the data generated from the UAS and 5D BIM to develop a smart construction site. The UAS–BIM combination enables the project stakeholders to be fully informed of the work’s progress and quality to avoid mistakes that could lead to extra costs and delays. The paper identified the main obstacles to applying the UAS via interviews with the project managers and tradespersons involved in the selected project. Assuredly, a digital culture is essential for a smart construction site to shift the project team from a passive data user to a more proactive analyzer to improve performance and site safety. Other obstacles include ethical reservations, legal requirements, liability risks, weather conditions, and the continuation of using an UAS in non-open-air construction environments.
Can Fujian Achieve Carbon Peak and Pollutant Reduction Targets before 2030? Case Study of 3E System in Southeastern China Based on System Dynamics
Authors: Zhao Lei , Pan Wenbin , Lin Hao
Published: September 2022

Fujian Province has entered the golden period of industrialization and rapid economic development, and its economy and society are undergoing significant changes. An unreasonable industrial structure and rapid growth of energy consumption will result in a high pressure of carbon peak and environmental pollution in Fujian Province in 2030. How to improve energy efficiency, control environmental pollution, and achieve a carbon peak by 2030 while ensuring economic growth has become the focus of the attention of researchers and relevant policymakers. A disadvantage of the current 3E (Economy–Energy–Environment) system is that it has no quantitative basis for the selection of variables and no combined analysis of carbon emissions and environmental pollution, which is not conducive to paying attention to environmental pollution in the process of achieving carbon peak. Based on the STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology) model analysis results of environmental pollution and carbon emissions in Fujian Province, this paper established the 3E system model of Fujian Province to simulate three development scenarios and explored the EKC (Environmental Kuznets Curve). The results of the STIRPAT model showed that population, economic structure, and energy structure were the main influencing factors of environmental pollution and carbon emissions in Fujian Province. The 3E system simulation results showed that the current development scenario (scenario one) in Fujian Province is not sustainable, and the carbon peak and pollutant reduction cannot be achieved in 2030. A more stringent development scenario (scenario three) was required to achieve carbon peak and pollutant reduction on schedule. The trend of the carbon emission EKC curve in Fujian Province was different from that of environmental pollution. The carbon emission EKC curve of Fujian Province was a common inverted “U” shape, while the environmental pollution EKC curve had three shapes of “N”, “M,” and inverted “U”. This study can provide a quantitative method for selecting 3E system variables and a new method for establishing the 3E model, and provide a quantitative reference for Fujian Province to develop subsequent policies to control carbon emissions and environmental pollution.
Construction Information Management: Benefits to the Construction Industry
Authors: Adekunle Peter , Aigbavboa Clinton , Akinradewo Opeoluwa , Oke Ayodeji , Aghimien Douglas
Published: September 2022

This paper aimed to unveil the outcome of an appraisal of the systematic approach to construction information management. This was performed with a view of creating awareness of how information management can be beneficial through the management of the large chunk of information emanating from construction processes. This will improve the gathering, sharing, and storage of information for construction activities. The study implemented a quantitative survey approach with the aid of a questionnaire as the mechanism for data gathering from architects, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, mechanical and electrical engineers, construction managers, and project managers. Data analysis ensued with the aid of SPSS in which applicable measure of dispersal and inferential statistics were implemented. The study unveiled that information management is a major aspect of the construction procedure, and that, to achieve in construction, there must be a well-structured information system. Further findings revealed that the benefits of information management include the firm’s growth, organizational performance, enhanced market value, employee’s motivation, and quality service. The prowess of this study depends on the appraisal of the benefits of systematic management of construction information and how identification of the benefits can help to motivate construction companies.
Determination of Energy Parameters and Their Variability between Varieties of Fodder and Turf Grasses
Authors: Sobol Łukasz , Wolski Karol , Radkowski Adam , Piwowarczyk Elżbieta , Jurkowski Maciej , Bujak Henryk , Dyjakon Arkadiusz
Published: September 2022

Due to the need to diversify energy sources and transform the energy system and its decarbonization, new paths for obtaining raw materials are being sought. One of the potential options is to increase the use of grasses’ share in bioenergy production, which has a significant area potential. However, the diversified chemical composition of grasses and their anatomical heterogeneity mean that, between the various cultivars and species, the parameters determining their energetic usefulness may differ significantly, hence the key is to know the appropriate parameters at the variety level of a given species in order to effectively carry out the combustion process. In this experiment, a total of 23 varieties of seven grass species (Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra L.), Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), Meadow Fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.), Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris L.), Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina L.), which had not yet been evaluated in terms of energy utilization, were tested. Proximate analysis showed the average ash content was in the range of 5.73–8.31%, the content of volatile matter in the range of 70.99–82.29% and the content of fixed carbon in the range of 5.96–17.19%. Higher heating value and lower heating value of grasses ranged from 16,548–18,616 kJ∙kg−1, 15,428–17,453 kJ∙kg−1, respectively. The Sheep Fescue turned out to be the most useful species for combustion. It has been shown that there may be statistically significant differences in the parameters determining their combustion suitability between the various varieties of a given species of grass. Therefore the major finding of this work shows that it is necessary to need to know theparameters of a given variety is necessary to optimize the combustion process and maintain the full energy efficiency of the system (especially lower heating value).
Climate-Smart Agriculture in African Countries: A Review of Strategies and Impacts on Smallholder Farmers
Authors: Ariom Thaddaeus Obaji , Dimon Elodie , Nambeye Eva , Diouf Ndèye Seynabou , Adelusi Oludotun Olusegun , Boudalia Sofiane
Published: September 2022

The agricultural sector contributes approximately 10–20% of the total anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. Consequently, climate change can negatively affect crop yields and livestock production thus threatening food security, especially in a vulnerable continent like Africa. This review provides an overview of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and their impacts on smallholder farmers in five African countries (Algeria, Senegal, Benin, Nigeria and Zambia). A total of 164 published articles on CSA practices were reviewed. Analysis of extracted data showed that CSA practices are classified as follows: agricultural practices, restoration practices of degraded lands, forest and cropland regeneration practices, practices in the livestock sub-sector, water resources and use of weather and climate information services. Moreover, climate change effects differed alongside strategies adapted from one country to another. Adoption of these strategies was often influenced by financial means put in place by governments, the role of policy legislation, access to climate information and farmers’ intellectual level. To address this deficiency, scientific-outcome-based research should be used to increase the effectiveness of climate adaptation management programs. In conclusion, to enhance the uptake of climate-smart agricultural practices in Africa, this review recommends the use of scientific-research-driven adaptation measures and prioritization of climate change in governments’ agendas.
The Spatiotemporal Change of Xiao Qaidam Lake from 1990 to 2020 and Its Potential Hazards
Authors: Wang Yu , Yao Xiaojun , Hu Na , Sha Te , Chu Xinde
Published: September 2022

In the climatic context of warming and humidification in Northwest China, most lakes in Qinghai Province experienced a rising water level and expanding area, inundating grassland and infrastructure around lakes, and even extreme events such as lake outburst floods. Based on Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI and GF PMS images, lake water level data, SRTM digital elevation model (DEM), GlobeLand30 and meteorological data used in this study, we analyzed the area change of Xiao Qaidam Lake in Qaidam Basin with its causes, factors and potential hazards. The results show that the area of Xiao Qaidam Lake increased by 60.42 km2 (85.43%) from 1990 to 2020, which can be roughly divided into three stages: fluctuation decline in 1990–2001 (−1.89 km2/a); relatively stable in 2002–2014; and rapid expansion in 2015–2020 (8.54 km2/a). In 2020, the water level and water volume of Xiao Qaidam Lake increased by 3.62 m and 0.39 km3, respectively, compared with 2015, resulting in the inundation of an area of 54.55 km2 of grassland around the lake and a direct threat to the Liuge and Dexiao Expressways. Both the increase in annual precipitation (12.63 mm/10a) and the decrease in potential evapotranspiration (−13.38 mm/10a) since 1990 are the main reasons for the rapid expansion of Xiao Qaidam Lake, and the increasing trend of climate warming and humidification will lead to the continuous expansion of Xiao Qaidam Lake in the next decades. According to the water volume growth rate from 2015 to 2020, it is predicted that by 2024 the area and water level of Xiao Qaidam Lake will reach 154 km2 and 3180 m, respectively, and part of Liuge and Dexiao Expressways will be submerged. Therefore, it is urgent to strengthen the monitoring of Xiao Qaidam Lake and formulate corresponding disaster prevention and reduction measures.
Potential of Organic Amendments for Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil–Coriander System: Environmental Fate and Associated Ecological Risk
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Iftikhar , Khan Zafar Iqbal , Akhter Pervaiz , Al-Hemaid Fahad M. , Al-Hashimi Abdulrahman , Elshikh Mohamed Soliman , Ahmad Kafeel , Yang Hsi-Hsien
Published: September 2022

Pollution by organic wastes and manures is an important problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries and novel solutions for their proper management and valorization are needed. Waste-derived organic manures may increase metal load in the soil–plant ecosystem and food chain, with potential risks to public health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of three manures (poultry waste (PW), press mud (PM), and farmyard manure (FYM)) on heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) toxicity in a soil and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) system and their environmental impact (bioaccumulation, pollution load) and the consequent risk to human health via consumption. Results demonstrated that HMs in coriander fluctuated from 0.40 to 0.43 for Cd, 1.84 to 3.52 for Co, 0.15 to 0.16 for Cr, 1.32 to 1.40 for Cu, 0.05 to 0.09 for Pb, 1.32 to 2.51 for Fe, 0.10 to 0.32 for Mn, and 2.01 to 8.70 mg/kg for Zn, respectively. Highest pollution load index value was 2.89 for Cd and Mn showed the lowest (0.005). Daily intake of metal was noticed to be higher for Zn (0.049 mg/kg/day) for PW and lower for Mn (0.0005) at FYM treatment. The health risk index value was <1 and in the range of 2.30–2.50 for Cd showing potential carcinogenicity. It was concluded that as the organic amendments have the widest application in vegetables, it should be prudent to avoid their contamination and mobilization in plant–soil ecosystems to protect public health perspectives.
Study on the Impact of the Digital Economy on the Upgrading of Industrial Structures—Empirical Analysis Based on Cities in China
Authors: Guan Huaping , Guo Binhua , Zhang Jianwu
Published: September 2022

This paper used the entropy method to measure the comprehensive level of China’s urban regional digital economy development and measured the transformation and upgrading of industrial structures from both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. Based on the panel data of 271 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2018, this paper investigated the impact and transmission mechanisms of digital economy development on the transformation and upgrading of industrial structures through a fixed effects model, mediating effect model, and threshold regression model. The results show the following: First, the development of the digital economy has a significant positive role in promoting the quantity and quality of the upgrading of industrial structures, and has a stronger explanatory power for the quality of the upgrading of industrial structures. Second, the mechanism analysis shows that the digital economy can accelerate the transformation and upgrading of industrial structures by stimulating the level of regional innovation. Third, the analysis of the threshold regression model shows that the impact of the digital economy on the upgrading of industrial structures has nonlinear characteristics. Fourth, the impact of the digital economy on the upgrading of industrial structures has regional heterogeneity. It has the greatest impact in the western region, followed by the central region and the eastern region.