bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Illumination Single-Holographic-Exposure Lensless Fresnel (MISHELF) Microscopy: Principles and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Picazo-Bueno José Ángel , Sanz Martín , Granero Luis , García Javier , Micó Vicente
Published: January 2023

Lensless holographic microscopy (LHM) comes out as a promising label-free technique since it supplies high-quality imaging and adaptive magnification in a lens-free, compact and cost-effective way. Compact sizes and reduced prices of LHMs make them a perfect instrument for point-of-care diagnosis and increase their usability in limited-resource laboratories, remote areas, and poor countries. LHM can provide excellent intensity and phase imaging when the twin image is removed. In that sense, multi-illumination single-holographic-exposure lensless Fresnel (MISHELF) microscopy appears as a single-shot and phase-retrieved imaging technique employing multiple illumination/detection channels and a fast-iterative phase-retrieval algorithm. In this contribution, we review MISHELF microscopy through the description of the principles, the analysis of the performance, the presentation of the microscope prototypes and the inclusion of the main biomedical applications reported so far.
Digital Control and Demodulation Algorithm for Compact Open-Loop Fiber-Optic Gyroscope
Authors: Chen Lin , Huang Zhao , Mao Yuzheng , Jiang Biqiang , Zhao Jianlin
Published: January 2023

With the advantages of small size, low cost, and moderate accuracy, an open-loop fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) has a wide range of applications around control and automation. For the most cost-sensitive applications, a simple and stable digital algorithm with a reduced control-circuit volume and cost is highly desirable to realize high-precision control of a FOG. In this work, a new algorithm for an open-loop FOG is proposed based on the discrete multi-point demodulation in the sinusoidal modulation period. Utilizing this algorithm, stable control and angular velocity calculation of a gyro are realized with effectively suppressed gyro error. The use of this algorithm greatly reduces the requirements for processing power and simplifies the gyro circuit. Based on this algorithm, a digital FOG with a volume of only 25 × 20 × 40 mm3 achieves a bias instability of less than 0.15°/h, an angle random walk (ARW) of less than 0.015°/√h, a start-up time of less than 1 s, and a 3 dB bandwidth beyond 160 Hz. This low-cost, compact, and high-performance gyro is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of applications in the navigation and control fields such as unmanned driving.
Robust Moth-Inspired Algorithm for Odor Source Localization Using Multimodal Information
Authors: Shigaki Shunsuke , Yamada Mayu , Kurabayashi Daisuke , Hosoda Koh
Published: January 2023

Odor-source localization, by which one finds the source of an odor by detecting the odor itself, is an important ability to possess in order to search for leaking gases, explosives, and disaster survivors. Although many animals possess this ability, research on implementing olfaction in robotics is still developing. We developed a novel algorithm that enables a robot to localize an odor source indoors and outdoors by taking inspiration from the adult male silk moth, which we used as the target organism. We measured the female-localization behavior of the silk moth by using a virtual reality (VR) system to obtain the relationship between multiple sensory stimuli and behavior during the localization behavior. The results showed that there were two types of search active and inactive depending on the direction of odor and wind detection. In an active search, the silk moth moved faster as the odor-detection frequency increased, whereas in the inactive search, they always moved slower under all odor-detection frequencies. This phenomenon was constructed as a robust moth-inspired (RMI) algorithm and implemented on a ground-running robot. Experiments on odor-source localization in three environments with different degrees of environmental complexity showed that the RMI algorithm has the best localization performance among conventional moth-inspired algorithms. Analysis of the trajectories showed that the robot could move smoothly through the odor plume even when the environment became more complex. This indicates that switching and modulating behavior based on the direction of odor and wind detection contributes to the adaptability and robustness of odor-source localization.
Biomarkers and Corresponding Biosensors for Childhood Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Gharehzadehshirazi Azadeh , Zarejousheghani Mashaalah , Falahi Sedigheh , Joseph Yvonne , Rahimi Parvaneh
Published: January 2023

Although tremendous progress has been made in treating childhood cancer, it is still one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide. Because cancer symptoms overlap with those of other diseases, it is difficult to predict a tumor early enough, which causes cancers in children to be more aggressive and progress more rapidly than in adults. Therefore, early and accurate detection methods are urgently needed to effectively treat children with cancer therapy. Identification and detection of cancer biomarkers serve as non-invasive tools for early cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. Biosensors have emerged as a potential technology for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective biomarker detection and monitoring. In this review, we provide an overview of important biomarkers for several common childhood cancers. Accordingly, we have enumerated the developed biosensors for early detection of pediatric cancer or related biomarkers. This review offers a restructured platform for ongoing research in pediatric cancer diagnostics that can contribute to the development of rapid biosensing techniques for early-stage diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of children with cancer and reduce the mortality rate.
Wideband Multichannel Nyquist-Spaced Long-Haul Optical Transmission Influenced by Enhanced Equalization Phase Noise
Authors: Jin Cenqin , Shevchenko Nikita A. , Wang Junqiu , Chen Yunfei , Xu Tianhua
Published: January 2023

Enhanced equalization phase noise (EEPN), generated from the uncompensated dispersion experienced by laser phase noises, can cause serious damage to the transmission quality of optical fiber systems. In this work, the performance of a wideband Nyquist-spaced long-haul nonlinear optical fiber communication systems suffering from EEPN is investigated and discussed through split-step numerical simulations and analytical models based on the perturbation analysis, in the cases of digital nonlinearity compensation (NLC) and electronic dispersion compensation (EDC). The efficiency and the accuracy of the analytical models were validated via simulations, considering the different symbol rates and modulation formats. The performance of the C-band transmission was comprehensively studied based on the model. Our results reveal that the growth of symbol rates and transmission distances aggravates the distortions in the C-band system.
Contactless Cardiovascular Assessment by Imaging Photoplethysmography: A Comparison with Wearable Monitoring
Authors: van Es Valerie A. A. , Lopata Richard G. P. , Scilingo Enzo Pasquale , Nardelli Mimma
Published: January 2023

Despite the notable recent developments in the field of remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), extracting a reliable pulse rate variability (PRV) signal still remains a challenge. In this study, eight image-based photoplethysmography (iPPG) extraction methods (GRD, AGRD, PCA, ICA, LE, SPE, CHROM, and POS) were compared in terms of pulse rate (PR) and PRV features. The algorithms were made robust for motion and illumination artifacts by using ad hoc pre- and postprocessing steps. Then, they were systematically tested on the public dataset UBFC-RPPG, containing data from 42 subjects sitting in front of a webcam (30 fps) while playing a time-sensitive mathematical game. The performances of the algorithms were evaluated by statistically comparing iPPG-based and finger-PPG-based PR and PRV features in terms of Spearman’s correlation coefficient, normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), and Bland–Altman analysis. The study revealed POS and CHROM techniques to be the most robust for PR estimation and the assessment of overall autonomic nervous system (ANS) dynamics by using PRV features in time and frequency domains. Furthermore, we demonstrated that a reliable characterization of the vagal tone is made possible by computing the Poincaré map of PRV series derived from the POS and CHROM methods. This study supports the use of iPPG systems as promising tools to obtain clinically useful and specific information about ANS dynamics.
A Strategy for Controlling Motions Related to Sensory Information in a Walking Robot Big Foot
Authors: Chavdarov Ivan , Yovchev Kaloyan , Miteva Lyubomira , Stefanov Aleksander , Nedanovski Dimitar
Published: January 2023

Acquiring adequate sensory information and using it to provide motor control are important issues in the process of creating walking robots. The objective of this article is to present control algorithms for the optimization of the walking cycle of an innovative walking robot named “Big Foot”. The construction of the robot is based on minimalist design principles—only two motors are used, with which Big Foot can walk and even overcome obstacles. It is equipped with different types of sensors, with some of them providing information necessary for the realization of an optimized walk cycle. We examine two laws of motion—sinusoidal and polynomial—where we compare the results with constant angular velocity motion. Both proposed laws try to find balance between minimizing shock loads and maximizing walking speed for a given motor power. Experimental results are derived with the help of a 3D-printed working prototype of the robot, with the correct realization of the laws of motion being ensured by the use of a PD controller receiving data from motor encoders and tactile sensors. The experimental results validate the proposed laws of motion and the results can be applied to other walking robots with similar construction.
Slider Sheet Detection in Charge-Induction Electrostatic Film Actuators
Authors: Kojima Motoki , Yoshimoto Shunsuke , Yamamoto Akio
Published: January 2023

This work analyzes a built-in slider detection method for a charge-induction type electrostatic film actuator with a high surface-resistance slider. In the detection method, one stator electrode is detached from the parallel driving electrodes and is dedicated to sensing. When a slider with induced charges moves over the sensing electrode, electrostatic induction occurs in the sensing electrode, which causes an electric current. The current is converted to a voltage through a detection resistance, which will be an output of the sensing circuit. This paper provides a framework to analyze the output signal waveform and shows that the waveform consists of two components. One component is caused by driving voltage and appears regardless of the existence of a slider. The other component corresponds to the movement of a slider, which appears only when a slider is moving over the sensing electrode. Therefore, the slider can be detected by monitoring the latter component. The two components generally overlap, which makes the detection of the latter component difficult in some cases. This paper proposes a method to decouple the two components by switching the detection resistance at an appropriate time. These methods are verified using a prototype actuator that has an electrode pitch of 0.6 mm. The actuator was driven with a set of pulse voltages with an amplitude of 1000 V. The experimental results show similar waveforms to the analytical results, verifying the proposed analytical framework. The performance of the sensing method as a proximity sensor was verified in the experiments, and it was confirmed that the slider can be detected when it approaches the sensing electrode within about 3 mm.
SD-HRNet: Slimming and Distilling High-Resolution Network for Efficient Face Alignment
Authors: Lin Xuxin , Zheng Haowen , Zhao Penghui , Liang Yanyan
Published: January 2023

Face alignment is widely used in high-level face analysis applications, such as human activity recognition and human–computer interaction. However, most existing models involve a large number of parameters and are computationally inefficient in practical applications. In this paper, we aim to build a lightweight facial landmark detector by proposing a network-level architecture-slimming method. Concretely, we introduce a selective feature fusion mechanism to quantify and prune redundant transformation and aggregation operations in a high-resolution supernetwork. Moreover, we develop a triple knowledge distillation scheme to further refine a slimmed network, where two peer student networks could learn the implicit landmark distributions from each other while absorbing the knowledge from a teacher network. Extensive experiments on challenging benchmarks, including 300W, COFW, and WFLW, demonstrate that our approach achieves competitive performance with a better trade-off between the number of parameters (0.98 M–1.32 M) and the number of floating-point operations (0.59 G–0.6 G) when compared to recent state-of-the-art methods.
Archaeological Evidence for the Dietary Practices and Lifestyle of 18th Century Lisbon, Portugal—Combined Steroidal Biomarker and Microparticle Analysis of the Carbonized Faecal Remains
Authors: Fundurulic Ana , Manhita Ana , Filipe Vanessa Galiza , Henriques José Pedro , Marques António , Celant Alessandra , Magri Donatella , Barrocas Dias Cristina
Published: January 2023

The study of the urban context in the contemporary center of Portugal’s capital city uncovered traces of daily lives that were abruptly interrupted and utterly transformed by the Great Lisbon Earthquake on the morning of 1 November 1755. Charred organic residue was recovered from a cylindrical vessel excavated from the storage area of the town house at the Rossio square. The archaeological sample was studied through a multi-analytical approach based on microstructural, elemental and biomolecular characterization by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR), variable pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (VP-SEM-EDS), and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The residue was identified as human faeces collected in the ceramic vessel for disposal, and further analysis provided additional information about diet and the living conditions in the 18th century.
Analysis of the Bicycle Roads System as an Element of a Smart Mobility on the Example of Poland Provinces
Authors: Wolniak Radosław
Published: January 2023

Based on cited literature, it can be observed that the bike road system is an important part of Smart Mobility. The amount of bicycle roads can be seen as one of the technical-infrastructure indicators used to measure the potential of the Smart Mobility system. Taking this into account the analysis of the development of bike roads in particular provinces of Poland, which is conducted in this paper is a contribution to the knowledge about Smart Cities in the area of Smart Mobility. This publication uses data on the operation of bicycle roads in Poland from 2012 to 2021 for analysis. It uses data collected by the Polish Central Statistical Office. The analysis covered the last 10 years. The latest data that is currently available in terms of complete statistics are from 2021, and it was decided to end the conducted analysis this year. The data for all Polish 16 provinces were analyzed in the paper. The main important finding of the paper is finding the correlation between the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and the length of bicycle roads in Poland. Also, the very important finding of the paper is connected with the analysis of geographical patterns of bicycle roads in Poland. The analysis of the correlations between the variables allows us to conclude that more is invested in bicycle paths in the provinces located in northwestern Poland than would result from the wealth of the provinces as measured by GDP per capita. In particular, this is the case in Greater Poland, Pomerania, and Kuyavia-Pomerania. By contrast, in central and southwestern Poland, investments in bicycle paths in individual provinces are smaller than their wealth level would suggest. This situation is particularly the case in Opole Province, Lesser Poland, Lower Silesia, Subcarpatia, and Holy Cross. For these provinces in particular, it should be recommended to accelerate the construction of new bicycle roads, which will have a positive impact on the quality of life of residents in smart cities as well as ecology. Analysis of the functioning of bicycle roads as an element of a Smart City on the example of Poland Provinces.
Balance and Fall Risk Assessment in Community-Dwelling Older Adults after Recovery from COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: El-Bagalaty Amira E. , Mohamed Mariam El-Sayed , Abdelraouf Osama R. , Abdel Ghafar Mohamed A. , Abdelaal Alshaimaa K. , Abdelgalil Abdelgalil A. , Mousa Gihan S.
Published: January 2023

Background: SARS-CoV-2 atypical symptoms in older persons include falls, confusion, dizziness, and unusual weariness. Falls and their consequences are among the most prevalent causes of disability among older adults, significantly lowering quality of life and resulting in the loss of independence as well as impaired psychosocial functioning. The study purpose was to examine the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infectious disease on balance in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Sixty-four older adults aged ≥ 60 years from both sexes, 31 treated for SARS-CoV-2 infection and 33 matched normal controls participated in the study. The Biodex Stability System (BSS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used for evaluation of balance and fall risk. The correlation between the Biodex overall stability index and the Berg Balance Scale score was investigated. Results: When compared to controls, the SARS-CoV-2 group had significantly higher values of the Biodex overall stability index (OSI) (p = 0.011), anterior–posterior stability index (APSI) (p = 0.013), mediolateral stability index (MLSI) (p = 0.018), and fall risk index (FRI) (p = 0.008), as well as statistically lower scores on the Berg balance scale (p = 0.003). A moderate negative correlation was found between the two assessment tools in the SARS-CoV-2 group. Conclusion: Balance impairment and an increased risk of falling are among the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 in community-dwelling older adults.
Influence of Sports Training in Foothills on the Professional Athlete’s Immunity
Authors: Malsagova Kristina A. , Astrelina Tatiana A. , Balakin Evgenii I. , Kobzeva Irina V. , Adoeva Elena Ya. , Yurku Kseniya A. , Suchkova Yuliya B. , Stepanov Alexander A. , Izotov Alexander A. , Butkova Tatyana V. , Kaysheva Anna L. , Pustovoyt Vasiliy I.
Published: January 2023

Neuroplasticity and inflammation play important part in the body’s adaptive reactions in response to prolonged physical activity. These processes are associated with the cross-interaction of the nervous and immune systems, which is realized through the transmission of signals from neurotransmitters and cytokines. Using the methods of flow cytometry and advanced biochemical analysis of blood humoral parameters, we showed that intense and prolonged physical activity at the anaerobic threshold, without nutritional and metabolic support, contributes to the development of exercise-induced immunosuppression in sportsmen. These athletes illustrate the following signs of a decreased immune status: fewer absolute indicators of the content of leukocytes, lowered values in the immunoregulatory index (CD4+/CD8+), and diminished indicators of humoral immunity (immunoglobulins A, M, and G, and IFN-γ). These factors characterize the functional state of cellular and humoral immunity and their reduction affects the prenosological risk criteria, indicative of the athletes’ susceptibility to develop exercise-induced immunosuppression.
Identification of Optimal Movement Patterns for Energy Pumping
Authors: Luginbühl Micha , Gross Micah , Lorenzetti Silvio , Graf David , Bünner Martin J.
Published: January 2023

Energy pumping is a way to gain kinetic energy based on an active vertical center of mass movement in rollers in sports like skateboarding, skicross, snowboard cross and BMX. While the principle of the energy transfer from the vertical movement to the horizontal movement is well understood, the question of how to achieve the optimal energy transfer is still unresolved. In this paper, we introduce an inverse pendulum model to describe the movement of the center of mass of an athlete performing energy pumping. On this basis, the problem of identifying the optimal movement pattern is formulated as an optimal control problem. We solve the discretized optimal control problem with the help of a SQP-algorithm. We uncover that the optimal movement pattern consists of a jumping, flying, and landing phase, which has to be timed precisely. We investigate how the maximal horizontal speed depends on parameters like rollers height and maximal normal force of the athlete. Additionally, we present a qualitative comparison of our results with measured results from BMX-racing. For athletes and coaches, we advice on the basis of our results that athlete’s performance is optimized by using maximal force and adopt an exact and proper timing of the movement pattern.
Soil Amendment with a Lignite-Derived Humic Substance Affects Soil Properties and Biomass Maize Yield
Authors: Solek-Podwika Katarzyna , Ciarkowska Krystyna , Filipek-Mazur Barbara
Published: January 2023

A two-year pot experiment was set up to determine the ability of Actosol (Act) to improve soil properties and maize yields. The Act effects were compared to those of manure, nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (NPK) and an additive-free control (Ctr). After years 1 and 2, the pH, sorption properties, total carbon (TC), total N (TN), available P and K contents, dehydrogenase activity (DHA), residuum (Re) and humic acids (HAs) were measured in coarse- and medium-textured soils. Maize yield, N, P and K were also quantified. The plant element uptake and soil quality index (SQI) were calculated. In both soil types, the Act increased the DHA, cation exchange capacity, bioavailable K, P, TC, TN, C HAs and C Re in the soils compared to the Ctr. The maize yield, K and P contents and their uptake by the maize increased in both soil types after Act application. The SQI increased by >50% with a single dose (Act1), almost doubling with a double dose (Act2) compared to the Ctr. With Act1 and Act2, the P and K uptake increased several-fold. The soil properties and maize yield after using Act demonstrated its utility in improving soil organic matter and maize growth and in disposing of waste.
Financing Romanian Agricultural Cooperatives’ Investments for the 2023–2027 Horizon
Authors: Zlati Monica Laura , Florea Andrei Mirel , Antohi Valentin Marian , Dinca Marius Sorin , Bercu Florentin , Fortea Costinela , Silvius Stanciu
Published: January 2023

Agriculture represents an important sector of the Romanian economy, with certain vulnerabilities under the current geo-political context and pedoclimatic changes with a direct impact upon food security at national and European levels. This paper analyzes the possibilities for revitalizing the Romanian agricultural sector, which was affected by the excessive inflation (especially via the price increases of fertilizers and fuels) and drought, both generating significant cereal and agricultural production losses. The current research highlights the main investment options for the managers of 219 Romanian agricultural cooperative companies, including the available financing alternatives. In our view, the investments realized within the agricultural cooperative companies support the creation and increase in value added and reduce specific risks, consolidating the role and status of agricultural producers within the food chain. The research evaluates the Romanian agricultural investment typologies and establishes a model of assessing these investments by correlating the information obtained from the questionnaire distributed. The research methods include analyzing the reference literature, building the database, collecting and processing the questionnaires’ observations, transforming the qualitative data into quantitative ones and modeling them with econometric instruments. The results obtained using the econometric model reveal the main investment directions to be integrating the production chains through economic association forms, including constructing and modernizing the warehouses, processing the primary products and obtaining higher value-added products, identifying various distribution channels, making the most of all available resources and focusing on digitalization, efficiency, circular economy and short supply chains. The study is of interest for the investors and managers of agricultural cooperative companies from Romania and Europe in view of securing sustainable development, enhancing the role of agricultural producers within the food chain and increasing efficiency of the agricultural activity, with a direct impact upon European food security.
Comparison of Bacterial Diversity in the Rhizosphere of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H.Rob. in Different Habitats
Authors: Ni Xinying , Zhao Caiyun , Li Junsheng , Li Bai , Zhu Jinfang
Published: January 2023

The invasion of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H.Rob. affects microbial community structure, but seldom do studies focus on bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of C. odorata from different habitats. To reveal the impacts of C. odorata on bacterial communities in different habitats, diversity and functional groups of bacteria were compared in the rhizosphere soil of C. odorata collected from three habitats: abandoned land, a mature eucalyptus forest (eight-years), and a young eucalyptus forest (one-year). In this study, 3701 OTUs (operational taxonomic units) were obtained by next-generation sequencing. Simpson diversity indexes of bacteria in eucalyptus forests were significantly higher than that in abandoned land. Based on PCoA analysis, significant differences in the composition of bacterial communities were observed among the three habitats. Significant differences in bacterial communities among the three habitats were also demonstrated by biomarkers based on linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis. Functional prediction analysis showed that the abundance of nitrogen-fixing functional genes in eucalyptus forests was greater than that in abandoned land. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) found that the biomass of C. odorata, soil pH, and total phosphorus were the main factors that impacted the microbial community structure. The results highlight the microbial community varied with habitats invaded by C. odorata, providing new evidence for understanding the invasion of C. odorata in different habitats.
Development of a Benefit Assessment Matrix for Nanomaterials and Nano-enabled Products—Toward Safe and Sustainable by Design
Authors: Hong Hyunjoo , Som Claudia , Nowack Bernd
Published: January 2023

Industry and scientists develop new nanomaterials and nano-enabled products to make use of the specific properties that the nanoscale can bring. However, the benefit of a nano-enabled product over a conventional product is not always a given. This paper describes our development of a Benefit Assessment Matrix (BAM) that focuses on the functional, health and environmental benefits of nanomaterials, nano-enabled manufacturing and nano-enabled products. The BAM is an Excel spreadsheet-based tool to help researchers and small and medium-sized enterprises assess these potential benefits throughout their product’s life cycle while they are still in the early phase of the innovation process. Benefit indicators were developed based on a review of the literature on the life cycles and intrinsic properties of nanomaterials, nano-enabled manufacturing and nano-enabled products. Assessing the benefits of a nano-enabled product involves a comparative approach, contrasting them against the benefits of a conventional reference product. To help users understand the reliability of the benefits, the BAM identifies the evidence of the benefit claimed. The BAM provides a different action plan for each phase of the stage–gate product innovation process. The tool’s applications and potential are presented using three case studies, focusing at different phases of the innovation process: nano-clays used in internal automobile body-panels, nano-TiO2 used in outdoor facade coatings and nano-Ag used in T-shirts. Using these cases studied, we highlight how the results from the BAM can be used to give recommendations for moving towards the concept of safe and sustainable by design in nanotechnology development.
The Evaluation and Improvement of the Production Processes of an Automotive Industry Company via Simulation and Optimization
Authors: Utku Durdu Hakan
Published: January 2023

Production delays are significant problems for the loss of goodwill of the customers and the loss of profits associated with them. The delays may accrue as a result of insufficient resource planning and poorly designed unsatisfactory procedures. In this study, a new mathematical model is proposed to optimize the production processes by minimizing production delays, and a simulation model is developed to test the alternative facility designs. The purpose is to increase customer satisfaction by ensuring that the products are delivered timely and preventing lost sales in an automotive company that manufactures garbage collectors by using real data. The mixed-integer programming problem related to the minimization of production delays is solved by the GAMS CPLEX 24.1.3 software. In this way, the total delay in the production area is minimized by the mathematical model to prevent labor and time loss. Accordingly, the alternative designs are investigated for the improvement of the production processes by using discrete system simulation. A system analysis is performed to determine the bottlenecks in the production processes by developing a simulation model via the ARENA simulation software. With the proposed facility layout alternatives, the delays are eliminated, the total production time is reduced, and an increase in production efficiency is observed.
Bibliometric Analysis and Comprehensive Review of Stormwater Treatment Wetlands: Global Research Trends and Existing Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Reyes Nash Jett D. G. , Geronimo Franz Kevin F. , Guerra Heidi B. , Kim Lee-Hyung
Published: January 2023

Stormwater treatment wetlands are widely recognized as efficient and cost-effective solutions to growing stormwater problems. This study presented a new approach to evaluating the current status and trends in stormwater treatment wetlands research. The annual scientific productivity of different states was identified using a bibliometric analysis approach. The number of publications related to stormwater treatment wetlands has exhibited an increasing trend since the earliest record of publication. USA and China were among the states that had the most number of stormwater treatment wetlands-related publications and international collaborations. In terms of the population-to-publication ratio, Australia, Canada, and South Korea were found to have a higher level of scientific productivity. Analysis of frequently used keywords and terms in scientific publications revealed that the efficiency of stormwater treatment wetlands and the processes involved in the removal of nutrients and trace elements were adequately investigated; however, inquiries on the removal of organic micropollutants and emerging pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, microplastics, and industrial compounds, among others, are still lacking. Through the comprehensive review of related scientific works, the design, components, and primary factors affecting the performance of stormwater treatment wetlands were also identified. Future works that address the aforementioned knowledge gaps are recommended to optimize the benefits of stormwater treatment wetlands.
Research on Construction Waste Recycling Subsidy Model Considering Contractor’s Environmental Awareness
Authors: Tan Ruwen , Jin Huan , Yu Minjiu , Yang Jingsong , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2023

Considering the environmental awareness of contractors, this paper constructs a construction material supply chain consisting of the government, a manufacturer, and a contractor, analyzes the decision-making and influencing factors of various stakeholders under no subsidy, contractor subsidy, and manufacturer subsidy, and studies the formulation of subsidy policies for construction waste recycling from the perspective of the government. The results show that: compared with subsidizing the manufacturer, when the government subsidizes the contractor, the recycling rate is lower, and the manufacturer’s profit, consumer surplus, and social welfare are higher. The manufacturer will use the price mechanism to grab government subsidies at this time, which will increase governmental subsidy expenditure. We also show that the recycling cost and the environmental awareness of the contractor affect the decision-making of the government and the manufacturer in different ways. Therefore, the government should analyze the contractor’s environmental awareness and evaluate the manufacturer’s recycling cost before formulating subsidy policies to promote construction waste recycling.
Evaluating Sediment Yield Response to Watershed Management Practices (WMP) by Employing the Concept of Sediment Connectivity
Authors: Nazaripouya Hadi , Sepehri Mehdi , Atapourfard Abbas , Ghermezcheshme Bagher , Santos Celso Augusto Guimarães , Khoshbakht Mehdi , Meshram Sarita Gajbhiye , Rana Vikas Kumar , Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy , Pham Quoc Bao , Anh Duong Tran
Published: January 2023

Watershed management practices (WMP) are widely used in catchments as a measure to reduce soil erosion and sediment-related problems. We used a paired catchment in the Gonbad region of Hamadan province, Iran, to evaluate sediment yield response to watershed management practices (WMP) by employing the concept of sediment connectivity (SC). To do this, the SC index as a representation of sediment yield was firstly simulated for the control catchment that there is no WMP. In the next step, the SC index was simulated for impacted catchment, including some WMP, i.e., seeding, pit-seeding, and exclosure. After assessing the accuracy of the produced SC maps using filed observations and erosion plots, the SC maps using quantile-quantile plot (Q-Q plot) were compared to achieve the role of WMP in reducing the rate of sediment yield. The Q-Q plot showed that there is a strong similarity between the SC of catchments, it can be concluded that the WMP has no significant impact on the reducing rate of the sediment yield in this study.
The Impact of ESG on Brand Trust and Word of Mouth in Food and Beverage Companies: Focusing on Jeju Island Tourists
Authors: Bae Gum-Kwang , Lee Sang-Mook , Luan Bui-Kim
Published: January 2023

This study conducted to verfiy the structural causal relationship between the ESG attributes of food and beverage companies, trust, and word of mouth (WOM) as perceived by consumers visiting Jeju Island. The present study used respondents who understand ESG management and selected a representative ESG management company in the food service business (e.g., Starbucks Reusable Cup or Samdasoo Unlabeled, etc.). A survey was requested from an online survey company, and total 521 participants were selected for the data analysis. The IBM 24.0 program and AMOS 22.0 program was employed to conduct statistic analysis. Present study demonstrated as follows. First, as a result of the hypothesis testing of the relationship between the three attributes of ESG and brand trust, the environmental factor (E) and the social factor (S) have a significant positive (+) effect on brand trust. Second, hypothesis testing on the relationship between the three attributes of ESG and the influence of WOM showed that environmental factors and social factors were critical antecedents of WOM. Next, verifying the hypothesis between brand trust and WOM, brand trust had a significant positive (+) effect on WOM. By verifying the hypotheses, the current study identified a critical relationship between the ESG management attributes of food and beverage companies and customers’ brand trust and WOM. These founding showed differences in the variables that directly affect brand trust and WOM among the ESG attributes recognized by tourists in Jeju Island about Jeju-based food and beverage companies practicing ESG management. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the value formed by these food and beverage companies’ ESG management activities could directly affect consumers’ brand trust and WOM intentions. Hence, the study intends to expand the range of ESG-related academic views and suggest meaningful marketing implications for various food and beverage companies that want to practice ESG management.
Continuous Improvement of VIVA-Certified Wines: Analysis and Perspective of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Casolani Nicola , Chiodo Emilio , Liberatore Lolita
Published: January 2023

The agri-food sector is one of the major contributors of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions responsible for global climate change. The suitability of world areas for viticulture is evolving due to climate change, with new challenges linked to the sustainability of production. Viticulture and the wine sector in general are, at the same time, impactful sectors associated with negative environmental externalities. The VIVA certification program is focused on the sustainability performance of the vine–wine supply chain in Italy. It comprehends four scientific indicators, called “Air”, “Water”, “Vineyard”, and “Territory”. The Air indicator expresses the impact that the production of a specific wine and / or the company activities have on climate change. This paper analyzes and compares GHG emissions of 45 wines certified VIVA 2.0 (or the subsequent 2.1 update). Results showed that the most impactful phase is the bottling phase (average values of 0.58 kg CO2-eq/bottle), which accounts for 41.1% of total emissions, followed by the industrial phase (about 19.9%). The total values of GHG emissions for each wine profile ranged between 0.81 and 2.52 kg CO2-eq/bottle. A coefficient of performances of GHG emissions was calculated to show the weak phase for each wine, a useful tool with a view to continuous improvement.
A Climate Change and Sustainability Education Movement: Networks, Open Schooling, and the ‘CARE-KNOW-DO’ Framework
Authors: Okada Alexandra , Gray Peter
Published: January 2023

This study explores the interplay and close cooperation gap between universities, schools, enterprises, policymakers, and wider society for the joint development of actions for CCSE ‘Climate Change and Sustainability Education’. We argue that CCSE, as the integration of sustainability and eco-consciousness at all educational levels, should empower learners by providing competences to identify issues and responsible actions to shape a liveable planet for all. Underpinned by the CARE-KNOW-DO theoretical principles, we explore CCSE issues and provide a novel foundation for a new education movement to combine strategies, initiatives, and interventions towards learning ecologies. Findings of our Delphi Study with 27 expert academics, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and policymakers of the UK Green-Forum presents seven recommendations to tackle the CCSE’s challenges: 1. Promote flexible real-context curriculum; 2. Foster cross-curricular practices with teachers’ training; 3. Establish CCSE definition with benchmarks including skills and qualifications; 4. Enhance learners’ agency through the cooperation of stakeholders and organisations; 5. Raise students’ passion for nature with a hopeful curriculum; 6. Increase green careers awareness through education, and 7. Implement tangible curriculum through policy-change with equity, diversity and inclusion. We present 60 green-initiatives and 33 green-skills for the CCSE, for empowering students to CARE-KNOW-DO actions towards a sustainable world with green-careers, green-lives, and green-societies.
Students’ Preferences and Perceptions Regarding Online versus Offline Teaching and Learning Post-COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Riaz Fatima , Mahmood Syed Esam , Begum Tahmina , Ahmad Mohammad Tauheed , Al-Shaikh Ayoub A. , Ahmad Ausaf , Shati Ayed A. , Khan Mohammad Suhail
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic at its peak compelled students to stay home and adapt to the distance learning system. The world has gone through phases of fear and respite in the recent years. There have been a number of studies related to student learning via online teaching during the pandemic. Now, as the vaccination coverage picks up and the pandemic appears to have achieved a plateau, it is time to take a view of students’ perceptions of online learning and its effectiveness in skill development during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assesses the students’ preferences and perceptions regarding offline and online learning post-COVID-19 lockdown and with the resumption of offline classes. A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University, Aseer region, from the period of 1 January 2022 to 30 January 2022. A convenience sampling technique was utilized to collect data from female students. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 22.0. A total of 480 students participated in the study, their mean age was 19.79 ± 1.48. More than half of the students (64%) still fear getting COVID-19 as they continue with the in-person or offline classes despite having completed their doses of vaccination. Almost half of the students have difficulty in waking up after the recommencement of offline classes. The majority (77%) felt tired after starting offline classes, and 63% felt unhappy after starting offline classes again. The majority of students believe that, with offline classes, they have difficulty in time management and concentration. The majority of students believed that, with online classes, they are more comfortable in gaining knowledge and learning, more alert, more satisfied, and gain higher scores in exams. The majority of students preferred the online mode of learning, with about 72% of students wishing to continue online learning in the future. This research underlines the influence of fear of getting COVID-19 after the commencement of face-to-face learning amongst the students. Students were more inclined to continue with online classes because of fear of getting COVID-19, despite having full doses of the vaccination in Saudi Arabia. There is a need for a better understanding of students’ motivations and coping mechanisms during the pandemic.
Seeds of Industry Sustainability: Consumer Attitudes towards Indoor Agriculture Benefits versus Its Advanced Technology
Authors: Seong Joseph , Valle de Souza Simone , Peterson H. Christopher
Published: January 2023

Indoor agriculture (IA) mitigates, to some extent, global problems such as increasing demand for food and limited natural resources. Though the potential benefits of IA as a sustainable agricultural production method are widely discussed, the success of the industry depends on consumer acceptance of IA innovative technology and their willingness to consume leafy greens produced under this technology. Using cluster analysis, four distinct groups of U.S. leafy green consumers were identified: “IA Skeptics”, “IA Open”, “IA Supportive”, and “IA Engaged”. A strong positive consumer cluster emerged with no evidence of an existing cluster of consumers who could be referred as “Knowledgeable Rejectors”, often found from the studies of consumer acceptance for novel food technologies. We concluded that, overall, U.S. leafy green consumers are ready to accept IA produce, but a significant number of consumers are yet to clearly decide on their attitude towards IA technology. Based on the evidence found from this study, we identified market opportunities for the IA industry with consumers of leafy greens given their broad willingness to consume IA produce and suggest marketing strategies to expand consumer awareness and acceptance of IA produce.
Volatile Fatty Acids Production by Acidogenic Fermentation of Wastewater: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Sanchez-Ledesma Lina Marcela , Ramírez-Malule Howard , Rodríguez-Victoria Jenny Alexandra
Published: January 2023

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on volatile fatty acids (VFA) production from wastewater fermentation published from 1981 to 21 June 2021. A total of 618 papers obtained from the Scopus database were analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.16 software. According to the results, this topic has been capturing the attention of researchers over the years, but with different research approaches, including optimization of anaerobic digestion in two-stage reactors, biological removal of nutrients from wastewater, energy production in bioelectrochemical systems, and recovery of VFA as value-added intermediate products to be used as inputs in a variety of industries. In addition, the bibliometric networks obtained from the authors’ keyword frequency showed that wastewater treatment by using fermentation to obtain VFA as a value-added by-product is an emerging topic that undoubtedly requires further research and collaboration between scientific institutions. In this regard, different types of wastewater have been used as a substrate for acidogenic fermentation; however, and based on the results, the production of VFA from cassava processing wastewater is seen as one of the emerging issues of this field. Finally, evaluating the effect of operating conditions on the fermentation process, such as pH, hydraulic retention time, organic loading rate, temperature, inoculum and substrate concentration, independent of the final application of the VFA produced, is a relevant aspect for bioprocess optimization and implementation on a large scale.