bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inventory and Analysis of Environmental Sustainability Education in the Degrees of the University of Alcalá (Spain)
Authors: Chuvieco Emilio , Carrillo-Hermosilla Javier , López-Mújica Montserrat , Campo-López Eva , Lazo-Vitoria Ximena Angélica , Macias-Guarasa Javier , Petre-Bujan Alice Luminita , Perdigón-Melón José Antonio , Guardiola-Soler Jesús , Salado-García María Jesús
Published: July 2022

In order to promote education in environmental sustainability at higher education institutions and establish action priorities, a detailed analysis of the initial situation is needed, both in terms of courses offered and teaching and assessment strategies implemented. This article presents a methodology that can be used to standardize the evaluation of teaching in environmental sustainability at different universities. We exemplify its application at the University of Alcalá, located in Central Spain. The inventory was conducted using in-house software development for the extraction of environmental sustainability concepts in the degree courses’ syllabi, completed with a survey to faculty members and a manual review to confirm its adjustment to environmental issues. Those finally selected were analyzed in depth. The main results indicate that currently, only a small part of the courses (5.5%) offered at the University explicitly include environmental sustainability content. The grades that concentrate most of the courses are those of Environmental Sciences, Biology, Economics, Tourism and Pharmacy, with very low occurrence in the grades of Education and Health Sciences. It is concluded that further institutional commitment is needed in the definition of medium-term strategies to guide the training and dissemination efforts in order to promote sound environmental education in university courses.
Seismic Fragility Evaluation of Main Steam Piping of Isolated APR1400 NPP Considering the Actual Failure Mode
Authors: Jeon Bub-Gyu , Kim Sung-Wan , Yun Da-Woon , Hahm Daegi , Eem Seunghyun
Published: July 2022

An isolation system installed in a nuclear power plant (NPP) could increase seismic safety during seismic events. On the other hand, a more significant relative displacement may occur due to the isolation system. The seismic risk could be increased in the case of an interface piping system that connects isolated and nonisolated structures. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the piping systems when evaluating the safety of isolated-NPPs. This study performed seismic fragility analysis with isolated APR1400 nuclear power plants with the main steam piping. The main steam piping is the interface pipe connecting the isolated auxiliary building and the turbine building. The failure mode for seismic fragility analysis was defined as cracks caused by leakage. The experimental and numerical analysis results quantified the leak-through crack point as a damage index. The seismic fragility curves are suggested based on peak ground acceleration and the relative displacement between the isolated and nonisolated buildings.
Optimizing Buildings’ Life Cycle Performance While Allowing Diversity in the Early Design Stage
Authors: Yu Hanze , Yang Wei , Li Qiyuan , Li Jie
Published: July 2022

The main considerations in the early stage of architectural design are usually related to form and function. At the same time, with the growing concern regarding energy saving and carbon emission reduction, the parameters for the construction and physical quality of buildings are receiving more attention at the conceptual and schematic design stages. Diverse design options can emerge with the large number of variables to be considered in these stages. Moreover, the combined efforts to reduce buildings’ life cycle environmental impacts and cost, as well as the non-linear and often tradeoff relationship between the two objectives, make finding optimal design solutions for buildings’ life cycle performance complicated. Previous studies have established workflows to optimize buildings’ life cycle energy consumption, GWP, and/or cost; however, architectural design diversity has not been sufficiently discussed at the same time. In this study, a parametric optimization design process is established, aiming at minimizing the building’s operational energy consumption, life cycle environmental impacts, and life cycle cost. The setting of variables, as well as the workflows of the optimization process, is discussed from the perspective of both life cycle performance and architectural design diversity. A small-scale exhibition hall in China’s cold climate zone is selected as a case study. To approach the best design process applicable to this case, the optimal solution sets from different workflows under different variable settings are compared. The results show that by setting geometric and material variables in different steps in the entire optimization process, the resulting solutions can be a balance of architectural design and performance. In this case study, optimizing all of the design variables in one-step turned out to provide the best balance between design diversity and life cycle performance in the early design stage.
An Exploratory Study on Sustaining Cyber Security Protection through SETA Implementation
Authors: Wang Guangxu , Tse Daniel , Cui Yuanshuo , Jiang Hantao
Published: July 2022

It is undeniable that most business organizations rely on the Internet to conduct their highly competitive businesses nowadays. Cyber security is one of the important elements for companies to guarantee the normal operation of their business activities. However, there is no panacea in cyber security protection. Common security practices used are to deploy hardware and software security protection tools to combat the known security threats which may become more and more powerful later. In fact, the attackers and security practitioners are at war from time to time. As a result, such a tools-based security protection strategy cannot be sustained. On the other hand, the related awareness training for employees is ignored in a number of companies, which has made biased the decisions made by staff when facing cyber security breaches. In this study, in order to find ways to sustain such protection, we conduct a quantitative analysis to explore the key elements contributing to the SETA implementation of the companies and organizations. We evaluate the performances of eight supervised learning models in a dataset collected from cyber security breach surveys on UK businesses to perform a fundamental analysis. The detailed analysis is performed via the feature importance of features generated in the model with better performance in the task of detecting the companies and organizations with SETA implementation. The experiment result shows that the awareness related factors play the most significant role in the SETA implementation decision-making for the businesses, and most of the businesses are lacking the awareness to prevent the potential cyber security risks in the stuff using externally-hosted web services and products as well as services depending on online services.
Technological Innovation Efficiency in China: Dynamic Evaluation and Driving Factors
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Yang , Guan Heshan , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana
Published: July 2022

Innovation is the engine and accelerator that drives high-quality economic and enterprise development. In recent years, the output of scientific and technological innovation in China has been high, but the phenomenon of low efficiency and low quality of innovation occurs frequently. In this study, first, technological innovation efficiency (TIE) was measured. Then, a dynamic evaluation and analysis of spatial-temporal characteristics of efficiency were performed. Lastly, the driving factors of innovation efficiency were explored. TIE was calculated dynamically in 30 provinces of China from 2011 to 2019 based on the improved super-efficiency SBM-DEA model. Then, the kernel density estimation method was adopted to analyse the spatial-temporal differentiation characteristics and dynamic evolution process of provincial efficiency. The findings confirm that from 2011 to 2019, the top five provinces for TIE in China were Beijing (1.0), Shanghai (0.96), Hainan (0.96), Jilin (0.94) and Tianjin (0.91). The provinces with lowest average efficiency were Qinghai (0.77), Ningxia (0.73) and Inner Mongolia (0.73). The significant differences in the level of technological innovation in different regions were caused by the long-term and in-depth implementation of the government’s strategy of revitalising science and driving innovation in parts of areas. The findings of kernel function confirm that the TIE in most parts of China was gradually polarised. Furthermore, the results show that for every 1 unit of government R&D funding support, the average marginal utility of the expected TIE will reach 0.192, which is more significant in the central and western regions. On this basis, combined with environmental factors of innovation market, infrastructure, financing and enterprise innovation potential, the article also extracts the driving factors that affect the differences in provincial efficiency. The findings provide a reference for guiding provinces to carry out innovation activities independently and improve innovation quality and efficiency.
The Overlooked Contribution of National Heritage Designation in City Branding and Tourism Management
Authors: Dai Tianchen , Li Ji , Aktürk Gül , Jiao Jian
Published: July 2022

The designation of cultural heritage, especially the World Cultural Heritage Site, is extensively discussed regarding its impacts on tourism destination branding. However, the impact of the designation(s) of World and/or National Cultural Heritage Site on affective city image and behavioural intention is still under-researched. This study aims to investigate the respective impact of visitors’ awareness of the world and national heritage status on existential authenticity perceived at the heritage site, affective city image, and behavioural intention. The quantitative research method was employed to test the proposed structural model. A structured questionnaire was sent, and 363 valid responses were collected from domestic visitors at the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, China. The results demonstrate that cultural heritage designation, whether it is a world or a national one, when recognised by domestic visitors, determines the shaping of a positive affective image of the city hosting the heritage site, as well as visitors’ future intentions. However, visitor awareness of the world status and national status does not condition the affective city image and behavioural intentions in the same manner. This research takes the lead to stress the significant role of national heritage status in city branding and urges managerial attention.
Compound Positioning Method for Connected Electric Vehicles Based on Multi-Source Data Fusion
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Zhenhua , Fan Qinglan
Published: July 2022

With the development of electrified transportation, electric vehicle positioning technology plays an important role in improving comprehensive urban management ability. However, the traditional positioning methods based on the global positioning system (GPS) or roadside single sensors make it hard to meet requirements of high-precision positioning. Considering the advantages of various sensors in the cooperative vehicle-infrastructure system (CVIS), this paper proposes a compound positioning method for connected electric vehicles (CEVs) based on multi-source data fusion technology, which can provide data support for the CVIS. Firstly, Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory is used to fuse the position probability in multi-sensor detection information, and screen vehicle existence information. Then, a hybrid neural network model based on a long short-term (LSTM) framework is constructed to fit the mapping relationship between measured and undetermined coordinates. Moreover, the fused data are proceeded as the input of the hybrid LSTM model, which can export the vehicular real-time compound positioning information. Finally, an intersection in Shijingshan District, Beijing is selected as the test field for trajectory information collection of CEVs. The experimental results have shown that the uncertainty of fusion data can be reduced to 0.38% of the original level, and the maximum error of real-time positioning accuracy is less than 0.0905 m based on the hybrid LSTM model, which can verify the effectiveness of the model.
Environmental, Energy, and Water Footprints of Marble Tile Production Chain in a Life Cycle Perspective
Authors: Ahmad Tehseen , Hussain Majid , Iqbal Mudassar , Ali Ashfaq , Manzoor Wajiha , Bibi Hamida , Ali Shamsher , Rehman Fariha , Rashedi Ahmad , Amin Muhammad , Tabassum Anila , Raza Ghulam , Shams Dilawar Farhan
Published: July 2022

The marble industry is growing in Pakistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is the largest producer of marble tiles in Pakistan. Marble production consumes a considerable amount of water during its life cycle stages and impacts various environmental compartments, such as air, water, and soil; therefore, this study aimed to quantify the environmental impacts, water footprint, and cumulative energy demand of one-tonne marble tile manufactured in a small industrial estate Mardan (SIEM), Pakistan, and provide recommendations to improve its environmental impact profile. The study covers water consumption, energy use, and associated environmental impacts of raw materials and processes through different stages of the marble life-cycle during 2017–2018. The cradle-to-gate (extraction to factory gate or store house) life cycle assessment approach was followed in this study. The functional unit for the current study was one tonne of finished marble tile produced. Primary data from the field surveys and secondary data were modeled using the water scarcity index (WSI), CML 2000 v.2.05 methodology, and the cumulative energy demand indicator present by default in SimaPro v.8.3 software. The total water footprint required for one tonne of finished marble tile was 3.62 cubic meters per tonne (m3/t), with electricity consumed at processing units contributing to environmental burdens the most. Similarly, electricity consumed (at processing units and during polishing) and transportation of finished marble tile to the local market were responsible for global warming potential (388 kg CO2 eq/tonne tile), human toxicity (84.34 kg 1,4-DB-eq/tonne), freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity (94.97kg 1,4-DB eq/tonne) and abiotic depletion (7.1 × 10−5 kg Sb eq/tonne). The results of our study follow other marble tile LCA studies conducted globally (such as in Turkey and Italy), which also reported a high contribution to GWP, AP, EP, and HT due to electricity and fossil fuels consumption. The total cumulative energy demand (CED) was calculated as 5863.40 MJ (Mega Joule), with most energy usage associated with non-renewable fossil fuel sources. The results indicated that reducing electricity (using standard automatic machinery) and waste materials, especially paper and plastic wastes, can reduce environmental impacts. Most of the surveyed industrial units did not have wastewater treatment and recycling plants, and wastewater directly flows to nearby freshwater bodies and terrestrial ecosystems. These wastewaters should be adequately treated before being discharged into freshwater aquatic bodies. Environmental impacts must be improved by using the latest automatic machinery, reducing waste materials generation, reducing the distance between processing units and the market, and installing wastewater recycling plants.
Resilience and Systems—A Review
Authors: Mayar Khalilullah , Carmichael David G. , Shen Xuesong
Published: July 2022

This paper presents, from a systems orientation, a review of the resilience literature since its emergence as an ecological concept in academic parlance in 1973. It argues that much of the resilience literature covers existing ground in that existing engineering systems stability ideas are being reinvented. The review follows modern control systems theory as the comparison framework, where each system, irrespective of its disciplinary association, is represented in terms of inputs, state, and outputs. Modern control systems theory is adopted because of its cohesiveness and universality. The review reveals that resilience can be thought of in terms of adaptive systems and adaptation, where the system has the ability to respond to perturbations and changes through passive and active feedback mechanisms—returning the system state or system form to a starting position or transitioning to another suitable state or form. This systematic and cross-disciplinary review offers the potential for a greater understanding of resilience and the elimination of overlap in the literature, particularly related to terminology.
Tree Species Diversity and Stand Attributes Differently Influence the Ecosystem Functions of Pinus yunnanensis Secondary Forests under the Climate Context
Authors: Wang Lei , Huang Xiaobo , Su Jianrong
Published: July 2022

It has been widely reported that biodiversity, ecosystems, and functional traits are positively interrelated in natural forest ecosystems. However, it remains unclear whether these relationships should be expected in secondary forests. In this study, we hypothesized that the multifunctionality (EMF) is affected by the climate dependency of tree-species diversity and stand attribute diversity in a secondary forest dominated by Pinus yunnanensis. By using forest inventory data from a wide range of areas, we quantified the aboveground biomass, soil organic carbon, ratio of soil carbon and nitrogen, total soil nitrogen, total soil phosphorus, total soil potassium, tree-species diversity, and stand attribute diversity (i.e., individual tree-size variations). We also quantified the climate data, including the mean annual temperature (MAT), and mean annual precipitation (MAP). We found that a higher MAT directly constrains all the ecosystem multifunctionalities (EMFs) and three of the five single functions. A higher MAP was negatively correlated with all the EMFs and four of the five single functions, but indirectly through diversity indices. Stand attribute diversity better explained the EMFs rather than tree species diversity. Meanwhile, most of the single functions were highly correlated with stand attribute diversity rather than tree species diversity. These results highlight the importance of diversity in promoting forest multifunctionality and underscore the importance of the climate context in defining EMF and shaping the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functions. We argue that the climate context should be taken into account when maximizing forest complexity, so as to enhance the multifunctionality of Pinus yunnanensis secondary forests.
Impact of Reducing Fertilizers and Pesticides on Sunflower Production in Romania versus EU Countries
Authors: Stoicea Paula , Chiurciu Irina , Soare Elena , Iorga Adina , Dinu Toma , Tudor Valentina , Gîdea Mihai , David Livia
Published: July 2022

The Farm-to-Fork strategy was the starting point for this study. Farmers in Romania and other member states expect a decrease in agricultural production in the main crops, due to the reduction of the quantities of fertilizers and pesticides allowed to be used. The article aims to highlight these quantities currently used, as well as the correlation with the realized productions, before the application of the mentioned strategy. The sunflower farming system was the object of the analysis, for which purpose the cultivated areas and the productions obtained in Romania were studied and compared to those in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary and Poland. It was found that in Romania, in the period 2010–2019, small amounts of fertilizers and pesticides were applied. Romania occupies the last position among the countries under analysis, both in terms of fertilizers and pesticides. To obtain a ton of sunflower in Romania, the nitrogen fertilizers used were 19.2 kg N active nutrient, with a negative deviation of −45.5 kg N active nutrient compared to Germany. The P2O5 phosphorus fertilizers used in Romania represent 7.48 kg of the active phosphorus nutrient with a negative deviation of −13.09 kg/ha compared to Spain. Potassium fertilizers used in Romania comprise 2.68 kg of active potassium nutrient used to obtain a ton of sunflower and have a negative deviation of −22.66 kg/ha compared to Poland. The pesticides used in Romania for sunflower cultivation represent 0.35 kg total pesticides used per ton and have a negative deviation of −2.48 kg compared to Spain, the largest consumer. In the event that a unit reduction of 50% for pesticides and 20% for fertilizers is applied, according to the Farm to Fork Strategy, the impact will be unequal on the productions obtained, both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Fuel Cell Hybrid Locomotive with Modified Fuzzy Logic Based Energy Management System
Authors: Jafari Kaleybar Hamed , Brenna Morris , Li Huan , Zaninelli Dario
Published: July 2022

As one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources today, fuel cells have become the focus of research in countries around the world, especially in the electric transportation field. This paper mainly studies the modeling of fuel cell hybrid locomotives (FCHL) including fuel cells, batteries, motors, and energy management systems. To increase the operating efficiency and improve the performance of FCHL, a modified fuzzy logic-based energy management system (MFL-EMS) is proposed and compared with the traditional power flow energy management system (PF-EMS). Meanwhile, a modified fuel cell hybrid power system model for locomotives is proposed, taking into account the traction motor features that, compared with a simplified controlled source load, can directly reflect the status of the locomotive running speed and the output power of the traction motor load. The proposed system parameters and configurations are determined by combining the characteristics of power and energy density, response characteristics, and charging/discharging characteristics of fuel cells and batteries. The precise simulation results revealed that adopting the proposed MFL-EMS in comparison to the traditional PF-EMS, reduced the hydrogen consumption by 2.943%. Comparing the battery output voltage, it is confirmed that with MFL-EMS it tends to be steeper than the one with PF-EMS, showing the proposed strategy’s robustness. Overall, the obtained results revealed an improved performance in terms of power distribution as well as SOC, which means less hydrogen consumption and therefore a more economical solution.
Elemental Stoichiometry (C, N, P) of Soil in the Wetland Critical Zone of Dongting Lake, China: Understanding Soil C, N and P Status at Greater Depth
Authors: Wu Yanhao , Wu Zijun , Jiang Simin , Lu Shuaishuai , Zhou Nianqing
Published: July 2022

Earth’s critical zone is defined as a plant–soil–water system, which covers a wide area and has a large vertical thickness, but the soil elemental stoichiometry characteristics of the critical zone at different depths are still unclear. In this study, the spatial distribution of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the critical zone of a typical wetland in Dongting Lake, China, and their ecological chemometric characteristics were analyzed. The results indicated that: (1) the average C, N and P contents were 18.05, 0.86 and 0.52 g/kg, respectively, with a decreasing trend from the surface to the deeper layers. The soil is relatively rich in C and P, while N is the main element limiting plant growth and development. (2) The mean values of soil C/N, N/P and C/P were 21.1, 1.7 and 35.4 respectively, with the C/N ratio and C/P ratio showing a trend of increasing and then decreasing in the vertical direction and reaching a maximum at a depth of 2–5 m below ground. (3) According to the correlation results, C, N and P in soils are coupled and influenced by each other (p < 0.001), and pH, infiltration coefficient and human activities are closely related to the spatial distribution of C, N and P. (4) Stable Redfield ratios (1:1.6:35.4) may exist in lake wetland soils, and future studies should be conducted for complete systems of the same type of wetlands. The results of the study will provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development and scientific management of lake wetlands.
Digitalisation of Schools from the Perspective of Teachers’ Opinions and Experiences: The Frequency of ICT Use in Education, Attitudes towards New Media, and Support from Management
Authors: Szyszka Michał , Tomczyk Łukasz , Kochanowicz Aneta M.
Published: July 2022

The digitalisation of education has become an irreversible process, and Poland is no exception. However, the issue of ICT usage in education raises many concerns and controversies, posing numerous methodological challenges at the same time. In the interpretation of our research, one of the most frequently used and validated models in empirical research—the Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT) model—was used. The aim of the research was to show the frequency of use of popular hardware, software and websites among teachers from Poland (in the Silesia Province) and finding answers to the questions pertaining to the main determinants of digital teaching aids. The frequency of ICT use in education was juxtaposed with the attitudes towards new media in the school environment as well as with the support of managers in that area. Quantitative research was conducted on a sample of N = 258 in 2020. A questionnaire in the form of a digital diagnostic survey was used to collect data. Based on the data collected, it was noted that: (1) Teachers use virtual systems (eRegisters) and interactive whiteboards most often, while educational podcasts and software for learning foreign languages are used least often; (2) approximately 40% of teachers use ICT often or very often in their school teaching; (3) in public schools, digital teaching aids are used slightly more often than in non-public institutions; (4) teachers are consistent in their use of digital teaching aids, so the individuals experimenting with and implementing ICT at school do so regardless of the type of software and hardware; (5) active support from school head teachers strengthens the frequency of ICT use in education; and (6) in schools where the use of smartphones by students is prohibited, the frequency of ICT use in education is at a lower level.
Impact of Digital Finance on Regional Carbon Emissions: An Empirical Study of Sustainable Development in China
Authors: Xue Qiutong , Feng Sixian , Chen Kairan , Li Muchen
Published: July 2022

China is currently in the process of industrialization, and the excessive consumption of fossil energy results in a significant increase in carbon emissions. With the significant development of information technology and the digital economy, digital finance has gradually become a new model that affects human activities, motivating us to explore the relationship between digital finance and carbon emissions. Based on panel data from 278 cities from 2011 to 2019, this study empirically analyzes the relationship between digital finance and carbon emissions and discusses it in terms of the nonlinearity, regional heterogeneity, and spatial spillover effects. We find empirical evidence indicating that digital finance can mitigate regional carbon emissions. Finally, we propose some relevant suggestions for promoting sustainable and healthy development of digital finance, and achieving carbon emissions reduction.
Impact of Canal Encroachment on Flood and Economic Vulnerability in Northern Bangladesh
Authors: Mukta Arifa Yasmin , Haque Md. Emdadul , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Fattah Md. Abdul , Gustave Williamson , Almohamad Hussein , Al Dughairi Ahmed Abdullah , Al-Mutiry Motrih , Ghassan Abdo Hazem
Published: July 2022

River and canal encroachments have become a common problem in Bangladesh. The prevalence of river and canal encroachments has a direct impact on population growth. However, the impacted population appears to be unaware of its negative consequences. To this end, we aimed to investigate the past and present canal scenarios with a focus on canal encroachment as the influencing factor in Ulipur upazila (highly vulnerable) of northern Bangladesh. To examine the impact of this encroachment, the Flood Vulnerability Index (FVI), Adaptive Capacity Index (ACI) and Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI) were used. Our results showed signs of narrowing of the canal structure of Ulipur upazila in 1982 and 1992, while satellite images from 2002 and 2012 showed the presence of encroachment in the middle and lower parts of the canal. The FVI value for Hatia union was 0.703, indicating that this area was highly vulnerable to flooding. According to the ACI, the Pandul union has a high capacity to cope with flood impact, while the Hatia union has less capacity to cope with flood impact. Conversely, Hatia’s union EVI value was 72.8, denoting a high economic vulnerability. Canal encroachments will have negative consequences for these impacted unions. It is critical to reduce the flooding and economic vulnerabilities associated with canal encroachments. It is found that canal excavation is very important for controlling flood water and reducing the damage caused by flooding.
Government Participation in Supply Chain Low-Carbon Technology R&D and Green Marketing Strategy Optimization
Authors: Li Nan , Deng Mingjiang , Mou Hanshu , Tang Deshan , Fang Zhou , Zhou Qin , Cheng Changgao , Wang Yingdi
Published: July 2022

This paper uses the differential game approach to construct a model of cooperative emission reduction involving the government, manufacturing firms, and retail firms under different power structures. It is found that the dominant player receives more subsidies; the development of a mechanism for horizontal technology R&D among enterprises can reduce the financial pressure on the government to implement compensation strategies and improve the effectiveness and performance of supply chain emission reduction; and the government can develop differentiated subsidy schemes to achieve Pareto optimality in the supply chain and environmental performance based on different game strategies and revenue-sharing agreements by enterprises.
Economic Uncertainty, Cultural and Ideational Transition, and Low Fertility
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Zhong Shuiying
Published: July 2022

Increased objective uncertainties, upward movement in the hierarchy of needs, and associated cultural and ideational transition are inherent to modern societies. These factors were previously treated as independent macro-shocks and studied separately, without regard for their interactions. In this paper, we provide an all-around framework to interpret fertility behavior and low fertility in developed economies, to compensate for the isolation of economic uncertainty from a cultural and ideational transition in previous empirical studies. In this regard, we conduct an empirical analysis of panel data of 34 OECD countries from 2000 to 2018, to discuss the impact of economic uncertainty on the fertility rate and the moderating effect of cultural and ideational transition on that impact. Below are our findings: (1) economic uncertainty significantly inhibits the fertility rate, and such an inhibiting effect is found to be underestimated after endogeneity is controlled; (2) according to heterogeneity analysis, the inhibiting effect of economic uncertainty on the fertility rate is stronger after the 2008 financial crisis and among low-income economies and countries where Confucianism is practiced; (3) a significant negative moderating effect of cultural and ideational transition on the relationship between economic uncertainty and fertility rate is observed, indicating that the inhibiting effect of structural dimensions that combine objective and subjective factors regarding the fertility rate may be self-reinforcing; and, (4) further tests show that economic uncertainty and cultural and ideational transition affect the fertility rate by means of the effect of delayed parenthood, the substitution of cohabitation for marriage, and fertility preferences. We find that fertility behavior is cumulatively affected by both economic uncertainty and cultural and ideational transition. This implies that reducing economic uncertainty and fostering a culture that encourages marriage and fertility are fundamental for increasing the fertility rate in China, a country resorting to the third-child policy to promote a fertility rebound.
The Emergence of Resources Seeking Chinese Firms’ Specific Advantages in Emerging Market
Authors: Iwaloye Ojo Olukayode , Im Hong Kei , Olarewaju Adeniyi Damilola , Gbadamosi Ayantunji , Alves Jose , Trimarchi Michael
Published: July 2022

It is argued that the role of the Chinese government to support the cross-border operations of Chinese firms is to assist these firms in overcoming their limited established brands, and their disadvantages in technology and managerial resources, which were also the reasons why such firms decided to enter emerging markets instead of developed markets. This strategic choice is preferred to avoid direct confrontation with established firms from developed countries endowed with superior ownership advantages. Therefore, Chinese resources seeking firms innovate by increasing investment in developing and emerging markets to develop unique ownership advantages for sustainable market development and competitive advantage. This research investigates the ownership advantages of resources seeking Chinese firms in these markets using the OLI theory. The paper contributes to explaining the specific advantages of Chinese MNEs when entering emerging markets. The study applied a two-stage qualitative methodology to examine Chinese firms operating in Nigeria. The first stage included an exploratory study based on interviews with key informants and experts while the second stage included a case study methodology. The study focused on resources seeking Chinese MNEs operating in Nigeria.
Disentangling the Factors That Contribute to the Growth of Betula spp. and Cunninghami lanceolata in China Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhang Hanyue , Feng Zhongke , Wang Shan , Ji Wenxu
Published: July 2022

Forests are indispensable materials and spiritual foundations for promoting ecosystem circulation and human survival. Exploring the environmental impact mechanism on individual-tree growth is of great significance. In this study, the effects of biogeoclimate, competition, and topography on the growth of Betula spp. and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook., two tree species with high importance value in China, were explored by gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and random forest (RF) machine learning (ML) algorithms. The results showed that the accuracy of RF was better than KNN, which was better than GBRT. All ML algorithms performed well for future diameter at breast height (DBH) predictions; the Willmott’s indexes of agreement (WIA) of each ML algorithm in predicting the future DBH were all higher than 0.97, and the R2 was higher than 0.98 and 0.90, respectively. The individual tree annual growth rate is mainly affected by the single-tree size, and the external environment can promote or inhibit tree growth. Climate and stand structure variables were relatively more important for tree growth than the topographic factors. Lower temperature and precipitation, higher stand density, and canopy closure were more unfavorable for their growth. In afforestation, the following factors should be considered in order: geographic location, meteorological climate, stand structure, and topography.
Critical Components of Airport Business Model Framework: Evidence from Thailand
Authors: Chutiphongdech Thanavutd , Vongsaroj Rugphong
Published: July 2022

Because of the scarcity of extant studies in the literature on airport business models, this study aims to identify a framework for airport business model design. Exploratory research obtained from key Thai respondents was used, and the data analysis was further enhanced by an extensive review of related grey literature available in public domains. With our qualitative data analysis, we propose the generic airport business model framework as a foundation for designing business models. Strategic partners, core business activities, human resources and sustainability-related projects should be considered basic components driving an airport to achieve high performance. The remaining business model components should be customised depending on business environments and location contexts.
Development of a Multiobjective Automatic Parameter-Calibration Framework for Urban Drainage Systems
Authors: Kim Seon Woo , Kwon Soon Ho , Jung Donghwi
Published: July 2022

Urban drainage systems (UDSs) continue to face challenges, despite numerous efforts to improve their sustainability through design, planning, and management. The goal of such initiatives is to avoid and minimize flooding as well as maintain the UDS’s sustainable functionality, which can be analyzed using a stormwater management model (SWMM). In this study, a multiobjective automatic parameter-calibration (MAPC) framework was developed based on the SWMM. It consisted of three steps: sensitivity analysis (Step I), objective selection (Step II), and SWMM parameter calibration (Step III). The proposed MAPC framework was verified using the Yongdap drainage network located in Seoul, South Korea. The resultant MAPC framework demonstrated that the system characteristics (such as percent of impervious area and hillslope) and problems in UDS design, planning, and management can be well reflected by the corresponding model. The MAPC framework proposed in this study can contribute to UDS modeling sustainability.
The Effects of ESG Combined Score on Business Performance of Enterprises in the Transportation Industry
Authors: Pham Thi Ngan , Tran Phung Phi , Le Minh-Hieu , Vo Hoang Nhi , Pham Cong Dat , Nguyen Hai-Dang
Published: July 2022

A plethora of present studies has the purpose of analyzing the connection related to the effect of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) on business performance. However, it has still not been able to bring out comprehensive results because of using a single metric to measure performance. Due to that, this research will: (i) use the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to measure transportation firms’ performance and (ii) use OLS regression to explore the relationship between ESG combined score and business performance. In the first stage, we found out that 43 out of 56 firms work inefficiently. The managers of those companies should utilize their resources and refer to the benchmarking as a sample to follow. The environmental and social scores positively affect business performance in the second stage. Thus, managers should consider ESG as an investment, primarily when transportation is categorized as an “environmentally sensitive industry”. Besides, investors should pay more attention to a company that has ESG activities because that firm has the chance to improve its business performance and deal with its commitments.
On Some Important Class of Dynamic Hilbert’s-Type Inequalities on Time Scales
Authors: El-Owaidy Hassan M. , El-Deeb Ahmed A. , Makharesh Samer D. , Baleanu Dumitru , Cesarano Clemente
Published: July 2022

In this important work, we discuss some novel Hilbert-type dynamic inequalities on time scales. The inequalities investigated here generalize several known dynamic inequalities on time scales and unify and extend some continuous inequalities and their corresponding discrete analogues. Our results will be proved by using some algebraic inequalities, Hölder inequality, and Jensen’s inequality on time scales.
Analyzing the Effect of Filtering and Feature-Extraction Techniques in a Machine Learning Model for Identification of Infectious Disease Using Radiography Imaging
Authors: Rasheed Jawad
Published: July 2022

The massive adaptation of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has facilitated efforts to battle against the COVID-19 pandemic that has inflicted millions of individuals around the world. Besides RT-PCR, radiography imaging examinations yields valuable insight for detecting and diagnosing this infectious disease. Thus, this paper proposed a computer vision and artificial-intelligence-based hybrid approach aid in efficient detection and control of COVID-19 disease. The study utilized chest X-ray images to segregate COVID-19 positive cases among healthy individuals by exploiting several combinational structures of image filtering, feature-extraction techniques, and machine learning algorithms. It analyzed the effects of three noise removal filters and two feature-extraction techniques on performance of several machine learning and deep-learning-based classifiers. The proposed schemes first remove unnecessary noise using a conservative smoothing filter, Crimmins speckle removal, and Gaussian filter. It then employs linear discriminant analysis (LDA) as linear method and principal component analysis (PCA) as non-linear feature-extraction technique to extract highly discriminant feature sets. Finally, it uses these feature sets to train various classification models, including convolutional neural network (CNN), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LG). Evidently, the proposed conservative smoothing filter with single peak to maintain symmetry in horizontal and vertical directions for enhancement of image, along with LDA and SVM, secured an overall classification accuracy of 99.93%. Experimental results show that, besides achieving high accuracies, the incorporation of feature-extraction techniques significantly reduces the computational time of the proposed model.
A New Extension to the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Metric-like Spaces
Authors: Uddin Fahim , Ishtiaq Umar , Javed Khalil , Aiadi Suhad Subhi , Arshad Muhammad , Souayah Nizar , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: July 2022

In this manuscript, we introduce the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy controlled metric-like spaces via continuous t-norms and continuous t-conorms. This new metric space is an extension to intuitionistic fuzzy controlled metric-like spaces, controlled metric-like spaces and controlled fuzzy metric spaces, and intuitionistic fuzzy metric spaces. We prove some fixed-point theorems and we present non-trivial examples to illustrate our results. We used different techniques based on the properties of the considered spaces notably the symmetry of the metric. Moreover, we present an application to non-linear fractional differential equations.
A Scaled Dai–Yuan Projection-Based Conjugate Gradient Method for Solving Monotone Equations with Applications
Authors: Althobaiti Ali , Sabi’u Jamilu , Emadifar Homan , Junsawang Prem , Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we propose two scaled Dai–Yuan (DY) directions for solving constrained monotone nonlinear systems. The proposed directions satisfy the sufficient descent condition independent of the line search strategy. We also reasonably proposed two different relations for computing the scaling parameter at every iteration. The first relation is proposed by approaching the quasi-Newton direction, and the second one is by taking the advantage of the popular Barzilai–Borwein strategy. Moreover, we propose a robust projection-based algorithm for solving constrained monotone nonlinear equations with applications in signal restoration problems and reconstructing the blurred images. The global convergence of this algorithm is also provided, using some mild assumptions. Finally, a comprehensive numerical comparison with the relevant algorithms shows that the proposed algorithm is efficient.
A Note on the Lagrangian of Linear 3-Uniform Hypergraphs
Authors: Hu Sinan , Wu Biao
Published: July 2022

Lots of symmetric properties are well-explored and analyzed in extremal graph theory, such as the well-known symmetrization operation in the Turán problem and the high symmetric in the extremal graphs. This paper is devoted to studying the Lagrangian of hypergraphs, which connects to a very symmetric function—the Lagrangian function. Given an r-uniform hypergraph F, the Lagrangian density πλ(F) is the limit supremum of r!λ(G) over all F-free G, where λ(G) is the Lagrangian of G. An r-uniform hypergraph F is called λ-perfect if πλ(F) equals r!λ(Kv(F)−1r). Yan and Peng conjectured that: for integer r≥3, there exists n0(r) such that if G and H are two λ-perfect r-graphs with |V(G)| and |V(H)| no less than n0(r), then the disjoint union of G and H is λ-perfect. Let St denote a 3-uniform hypergraph with t edges {e1,⋯,et} satisfying that ei∩ej={v} for all 1≤i<j≤t. In this paper, we show that the conjecture holds for G=S2 and H=St for all t≥62. Moreover, our result yields a class of Turán densities of 3-uniform hypergraphs. In our proof, we use some new techniques to study Lagrangian density problems; using a result of Sidorenko to find subgraphs, and a result of Talbot to upper bound the Lagrangian of a hypergraph.
Comparative Evaluation of the Capacity of Commercial and Autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains to Remove Ochratoxin A from Natural and Synthetic Grape Juices
Authors: Dammak Islem , Alsaiari Norah Salem , Fhoula Imene , Amari Abdelfattah , Hamdi Zohra , Hassouna Mnasser , Ben Rebah Faouzi , Mechichi Tahar , Lasram Salma
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we assessed the ability of two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in viable and dead forms, to remove ochratoxin A (OTA) from an artificially contaminated synthetic grape juice medium (SGM) (10 µg OTA/L) and a naturally contaminated grape juice (6.64 µg OTA/L). The first strain, named Levulin FB, is a commercial yeast used in making wine. The second, named SC5, is an autochthonous strain isolated from table grapes. OTA concentrations in juices before and after their contact with yeast cells were assessed. A significant decrease in OTA level (p < 0.05) in the SGM medium and in the natural grape juice was observed after 1 h of adding yeast cells (20 g/L) in viable and heat-treated forms. It was inferred that the dead forms of the two strains were more able to eliminate OTA than their viable forms in both media. This study demonstrates the potential application of an autochthonous yeast for the natural decontamination of grape juice from fungal toxins.