bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Forest EcoSpatial Network for Carbon Stocking Using Complex Network Theory in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Zhang Huiqing , Lin Simei , Yu Qiang , Gao Ge , Xu Chenglong , Huang Huaguo
Published: May 2023

The Yellow River Basin serves as a crucial ecological barrier in China, emphasizing the importance of accurately examining the spatial distribution of forest carbon stocks and enhancing carbon sequestration in order to attain “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. Forest patches have complex interactions that impact ecosystem services. To our knowledge, very few studies have explored the connection between these interactions and carbon stock. This study addressed this gap by utilizing complex network theory to establish a forest ecospatial network (ForEcoNet) in the Yellow River Basin in which forest patches are represented as nodes (sources) and their interactions as edges (corridors). Our objective was to optimize the ForEcoNet’s structure and enhance forest carbon stocks. First, we employed downscaling technology to allocate the forest carbon stocks of the 69 cities in the study area to grid cells, generating a spatial distribution map of forest carbon density in the Yellow River Basin. Next, we conducted morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and used the minimum cumulative resistance model (MCR) to extract the ForEcoNet in the basin. Finally, we proposed optimization of the ForEcoNet based on the coupling coordination between the node carbon stock and topological structure. The results showed that: (1) the forest carbon stocks of the upper, middle, and lower reaches accounted for 42.35%, 54.28%, and 3.37% of the total, respectively, (2) the ForEcoNet exhibited characteristics of both a random network and a scale-free network and demonstrated poor network stability, and (3) through the introduction of 51 sources and 46 corridors, we optimized the network and significantly improved its robustness. These findings provide scientific recommendations for the optimization of forest allocation in the Yellow River Basin and achieving the goal of increasing the forest carbon stock.
GNSS/RNSS Integrated PPP Time Transfer: Performance with Almost Fully Deployed Multiple Constellations and a Priori ISB Constraints Considering Satellite Clock Datums
Authors: Pei Gen , Pan Lin , Zhang Zhehao , Yu Wenkun
Published: May 2023

Currently, the space segment of all the five satellite systems capable of providing precise time transfer services, namely BDS (including BDS-3 and BDS-2), GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), has almost been fully deployed, which will definitely benefit the precise time transfer with satellite-based precise point positioning (PPP) technology. This study focuses on the latest performance of the BDS/GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS five-system combined PPP time transfer. The time transfer accuracy of the five-system integrated PPP was 0.061 ns, and the frequency stability was 1.24 × 10−13, 2.28 × 10−14, and 8.74 × 10−15 at an average time of 102, 103, and 104 s, respectively, which significantly outperforms the single-system cases. We also verified the outstanding time transfer performance of the five-system integrated PPP at locations with limited sky view. In addition, a method is proposed to mitigate the day-boundary jumps of inter-system bias (ISB) estimates by considering the difference in the satellite clock datums between two adjacent days. After applying a priori ISB constraints, the time transfer accuracy of the five-system integrated PPP can be improved by 37.9–51.6%, and the frequency stability can be improved by 14.8–21.6%, 5.3–7.6% and 20.0–29.6% at the three average times, respectively.
Combining Ground Penetrating Radar and Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Surveys to Characterize the Structure of the Calderone Glacieret (Gran Sasso d’Italia, Italy)
Authors: Pavoni Mirko , Boaga Jacopo , Carrera Alberto , Urbini Stefano , de Blasi Fabrizio , Gabrieli Jacopo
Published: May 2023

Ice is a rich reservoir of past climate information, and the well-documented increasing rate of glacier retreat represents a great loss for paleoclimate studies. In this framework, the Ice Memory project aims to extract and analyze ice cores from glacier regions worldwide and store them in Antarctica as a heritage record for future generations of scientists. Ice coring projects usually require a focused geophysical investigation, often based on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) prospecting to assess the most suitable drilling positions. As a novel approach in the Calderone Glacieret, we integrated the GPR method with Frequency Domain Electromagnetic (FDEM) surveys, a technique not commonly applied in the glacial environment. We used a separated-coils FDEM instrument to characterize the glacieret structure. The acquired FDEM datasets were inverted and compared to the GPR data and borehole information. The results demonstrated the capability of the FDEM technique to define the structure of the glacieret correctly; therefore, the potential to be applied in frozen subsoil environments. This opens new perspectives for the use of the FDEM technique to characterize periglacial environments, such as rock glaciers, where the coarse-blocky surface hinders data acquisition and enhances the problem of signal scattering.
Traditional Village Building Extraction Based on Improved Mask R-CNN: A Case Study of Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Wenke , Shi Yang , Zhang Jie , Hu Lujin , Li Shuo , He Ding , Liu Fei
Published: May 2023

As an essential material carrier of cultural heritage, the accurate identification and effective monitoring of buildings in traditional Chinese villages are of great significance to the sustainable development of villages. However, along with rapid urbanization in recent years, many towns have experienced problems such as private construction, hollowing out, and land abuse, destroying the traditional appearance of villages. This study combines deep learning technology and UAV remote sensing to propose a high-precision extraction method for conventional village architecture. Firstly, this study constructs the first sample database of traditional village architecture based on UAV remote sensing orthophotos of eight representative villages in Beijing, combined with fine classification; secondly, in the face of the diversity and complexity of the built environment in traditional villages, we use the Mask R-CNN instance segmentation model as the basis and Path Aggregate Feature Pyramid Network (PAFPN) and Atlas Space Pyramid Pool (ASPP) as the main strategies to enhance the backbone model for multi-scale feature extraction and fusion, using data increment and migration learning as auxiliary means to overcome the shortage of labeled data. The results showed that some categories could achieve more than 91% accuracy, with average precision, recall, F1-score, and Intersection over Union (IoU) values reaching 71.3% (+7.8%), 81.9% (+4.6%), 75.7% (+6.0%), and 69.4% (+8.5%), respectively. The application practice in Hexi village shows that the method has good generalization ability and robustness, and has good application prospects for future traditional village conservation.
Unmixing-Guided Convolutional Transformer for Spectral Reconstruction
Authors: Duan Shiyao , Li Jiaojiao , Song Rui , Li Yunsong , Du Qian
Published: May 2023

Deep learning networks based on CNNs or transformers have made progress in spectral reconstruction (SR). However, many methods focus solely on feature extraction, overlooking the interpretability of network design. Additionally, models exclusively based on CNNs or transformers may lose other prior information, sacrificing reconstruction accuracy and robustness. In this paper, we propose a novel Unmixing-Guided Convolutional Transformer Network (UGCT) for interpretable SR. Specifically, transformer and ResBlock components are embedded in Paralleled-Residual Multi-Head Self-Attention (PMSA) to facilitate fine feature extraction guided by the excellent priors of local and non-local information from CNNs and transformers. Furthermore, the Spectral–Spatial Aggregation Module (S2AM) combines the advantages of geometric invariance and global receptive fields to enhance the reconstruction performance. Finally, we exploit a hyperspectral unmixing (HU) mechanism-driven framework at the end of the model, incorporating detailed features from the spectral library using LMM and employing precise endmember features to achieve a more refined interpretation of mixed pixels in HSI at sub-pixel scales. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed UGCT, especially in the grss_d f c_2018 dataset, in which UGCT attains an RMSE of 0.0866, outperforming other comparative methods.
Evaluation of Blended Wind Products and Their Implications for Offshore Wind Power Estimation
Authors: Wang Xiaochun , Lee Tong , Mears Carl
Published: May 2023

The Cross-Calibrated Multi-Platform (CCMP) wind analysis is a satellite-based blended wind product produced using a two-dimensional variational method. The current version available publicly is Version 2 (CCMP2.0), which includes buoy winds in addition to satellite winds. Version 3 of the product (CCMP3.0) is being produced with several improvements in analysis algorithms, without including buoy winds. Here, we compare CCMP3.0 with a special version of CCMP2.0 that did not include buoy winds, so both versions are independent of buoy measurements. We evaluate them using wind data from buoys around the coasts of the United States and discuss the implications for the wind power industry and offshore wind farms. CCMP2.0 uses ERA-Interim 10 m winds as the background to fill observational gaps. CCMP3.0 uses ERA5 10 m neutral winds as the background. Because ERA5 winds are biased towards lower values at higher wind conditions, CCMP3.0 corrected this bias by matching ERA5 wind speeds with satellite scatterometer wind speeds using a histogram matching method. Our evaluation indicates that CCMP3.0 has better agreement with the independent buoy winds, primarily for higher winds (>10 m/s). This is reflected by the higher correlation and lower root-mean-squared differences of CCMP3.0 versus buoy winds, especially for higher wind conditions. For the U.S. coastal region (within 200 km), the mean wind speed of CCMP3.0 is enhanced by 1–2%, and the wind speed standard deviation is enhanced by around 3–5%. These changes in wind speed and its standard deviation from CCMP2.0 to CCMP3.0 cause an 8–12% increase in wind power density. The wind power density along the U.S. coastal region is also correlated with various climate indices depending on locations, providing a useful approach for predicting wind power on subseasonal to interannual timescales.
Advances in the Application of Small Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (sUAS) for High-Throughput Plant Phenotyping
Authors: Ayankojo Ibukun T. , Thorp Kelly R. , Thompson Alison L.
Published: May 2023

High-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) involves the application of modern information technologies to evaluate the effects of genetics, environment, and management on the expression of plant traits in plant breeding programs. In recent years, HTPP has been advanced via sensors mounted on terrestrial vehicles and small unoccupied aircraft systems (sUAS) to estimate plant phenotypes in several crops. Previous reviews have summarized these recent advances, but the accuracy of estimation across traits, platforms, crops, and sensors has not been fully established. Therefore, the objectives of this review were to (1) identify the advantages and limitations of terrestrial and sUAS platforms for HTPP, (2) summarize the different imaging techniques and image processing methods used for HTPP, (3) describe individual plant traits that have been quantified using sUAS, (4) summarize the different imaging techniques and image processing methods used for HTPP, and (5) compare the accuracy of estimation among traits, platforms, crops, and sensors. A literature survey was conducted using the Web of ScienceTM Core Collection Database (THOMSON REUTERSTM) to retrieve articles focused on HTPP research. A total of 205 articles were obtained and reviewed using the Google search engine. Based on the information gathered from the literature, in terms of flexibility and ease of operation, sUAS technology is a more practical and cost-effective solution for rapid HTPP at field scale level (>2 ha) compared to terrestrial platforms. Of all the various plant traits or phenotypes, plant growth traits (height, LAI, canopy cover, etc.) were studied most often, while RGB and multispectral sensors were most often deployed aboard sUAS in HTPP research. Sensor performance for estimating crop traits tended to vary according to the chosen platform and crop trait of interest. Regardless of sensor type, the prediction accuracies for crop trait extraction (across multiple crops) were similar for both sUAS and terrestrial platforms; however, yield prediction from sUAS platforms was more accurate compared to terrestrial phenotyping platforms. This review presents a useful guide for researchers in the HTPP community on appropriately matching their traits of interest with the most suitable sensor and platform.
Editorial on New Challenges in Solar Radiation, Modeling and Remote Sensing
Authors: Polo Jesús , Kaskaoutis Dimitris
Published: May 2023

Accurate estimations or measurements of solar radiation are frequently required in many activities and studies in areas such as climatology, atmospheric physics and chemistry, energy and environment, ecosystems, and human health [...]
An Improved Parameter Estimation Method for High-Efficiency Multi-GNSS-Integrated Orbit Determination
Authors: Yan Xingyuan , Liu Chenchen , Yang Meng , Feng Wei , Zhong Min
Published: May 2023

The increased number of satellites and stations leads to the serious time consumption of the integrated precise orbit determination (POD), especially in the current global navigation satellite system (GNSS) with more than 120 satellites. To improve the computational efficiency of multi-GNSS-integrated POD, this paper proposed an improved parameter estimation method based on intel oneAPI high-performance computing, where the inactive parameters are eliminated in a batch mode. Compared with the classical estimation method based on the “one-by-one” elimination, the efficiencies were significantly improved with ratios of 2.53, 4.21, and 5.38 for 79, 126, and 171 stations’ GPS/BDS/Galileo/GLONASS-integrated POD, respectively. The elapsed time of the improved method by using 126 stations was the same as that of 79 stations’ POD by the classical estimation method. In terms of precision, the one-dimensional root mean square error (RMS) reductions were 0.1 cm (7%), 34.3 cm (11%), 1.9 cm (18%), 0.4 cm (8%), 0.2 cm (13%), and 0.4 cm (13%) for GPS, BDS GEO, BDS IGSO, BDS MEO, Galileo, and GLONASS satellites, respectively.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Spectral Calibration Light Source on Spectral Radiance Acquired by the Greenhouse-Gases Absorption Spectrometer-2 (GAS-2)
Authors: Li Shizhao , Cheng Long , Yang Hongchun , Ding Lei , Wang Xianghua
Published: May 2023

Monitoring global greenhouse gas concentration information via satellite remote sensing has become a critical area of research to support the further understanding of global carbon emissions. The Greenhouse-gases Absorption Spectrometer-2 (GAS-2) is being developed as the primary payload of the Fengyun-3H (FY-3H), which will be launched in 2024. Achieving high-precision mesurements of greenhouse gases requires precise spectral calibration. However, currently, there is no method for assessing the detection accuracy of GAS-2 using spectral calibration light sources, and quantitative studies are lacking. In this study, the influence model of calibration light sources on spectral calibration accuracy is established, and the spectral radiance acquired via GAS-2 is simulated using the line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM). We investigated the impact of different linewidths and wavelength stabilities of the calibration light source on its accuracy in four wavelength bands. This study is the first to examine the effects of the linewidth and wavelength stability of a calibration light source on the spectral radiance acquired via GAS-2. The initial results demonstrate that if the linewidth of the calibration light source is approximately 100 MHz and the wavelength stability is in the order of subpicometers, the radiance error obtained by GAS-2 is less than 10%. Among the four bands, the 2.06 μm (strong-CO2) band is more affected by the calibration light source than the other three bands. In addition, the wavelength stability of the light source has a greater influence on the error than the linewidth of the light source under the same error condition. The research findings can be used to guide and reference the selection of light sources in the laboratory spectral calibration of GAS-2, ultimately contributing to the instrument’s quantitative development level.
Evaluation of Temporal Stability in Radiometric Calibration Network Sites Using Multi-Source Satellite Data and Continuous In Situ Measurements
Authors: Qiao Enchuan , Ma Chao , Zhang Hao , Cui Zhenzhen , Zhang Chenglong
Published: May 2023

The radiometric calibration network (RadCalNet) comprises four pseudo-invariant calibration sites (PICS): Gobabeb, Baotou, Railroad Valley Playa, and La Crau. Due to its site stability characteristics, it is widely used for sensor performance monitoring and radiometric calibration, which require high spatiotemporal stability. However, some studies have found that PICS are not invariable. Previous studies used top-of-atmosphere (TOA) data without verifying site data, which could affect the accuracy of their results. In this study, we analyzed the short- and long-term radiometric trends of RadCalNet sites using bottom-of-atmosphere (BOA) data, and verified the trends revealed by the TOA data from Landsat 7, 8, and Sentinel-2. Besides the commonly used methods (e.g., nonparametric Mann–Kendall and sequential Mann–Kendall tests), a more robust Sen’s slope method was used to estimate the magnitude of the change. We found that (1) the trends based on TOA reflectance contrasted with those based on BOA reflectance in certain cases, e.g., the reflectance trends in the red band of BOA data for La Crau in summer and autumn and Baotou were not significant, while the TOA data showed a significant downward trend; (2) the temporal trends showed statistically significant and abrupt changes in all PICS, e.g., the SWIR2 band of La Crau in winter and spring changed by 1.803% per year, and the SWIR1 band of Railroad Valley Playa changed by >0.282% per year, indicating that the real changes in sensor performance are hard to detect using these sites; (3) spatial homogeneity was verified using the coefficient of variation (CV) and Getis statistic (Gi*) for each PICS (CV < 3% and Gi* > 0). Overall, the RadCalNet remains a highly reliable tool for vicarious calibration; however, the temporal stability should be noted for radiometric performance monitoring of sensors.
Resin Adsorption of Phenolic Compounds from Olive Leaf and Coffee Residue Extracts: Batch and Packed Column Adsorption Experimental Investigation and Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Kodjapashis Michael P. , Zentelis Andreas D. , Zagklis Dimitris P. , Sygouni Varvara , Paraskeva Christakis A.
Published: May 2023

Phenolic compounds are important secondary metabolites often found in nature, and most prominently in plants. Plant biomass residues can be a sustainable source of this high-added-value group of compounds that can be used in the food and cosmetics industries due to their antioxidant properties. Olea europaea is a widely studied source of phenolic compounds, with olive leaves being an untapped solid residue with high phenolic content. Coffee residues after coffee extraction is another biomass residue stream rich in phenols. In this work, phenolic extracts of these two substrates, alongside different fractions produced through ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, were examined in resin adsorption experiments. Amberlite XAD16N was used as adsorbent in both batch and packed column experiments, with the experimental results being fitted with mathematical models for batch kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and column adsorption. The tested adsorbent proved capable of separating the target compounds, exhibiting a capacity of 72 mg of olive leaf phenols from nanofiltration retentate per g of resin in batch adsorption experiments, second order kinetics better described the batch adsorption process, while the use of the Thomas model sufficiently described the continuous adsorption process in packed columns (R2 > 0.9).
Classification and Discrimination of Birds and Small Drones Using Radar Micro-Doppler Spectrogram Images
Authors: Narayanan Ram M. , Tsang Bryan , Bharadwaj Ramesh
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the use of micro-Doppler spectrogram signatures of flying targets, such as drones and birds, to aid in their remote classification. Using a custom-designed 10-GHz continuous wave (CW) radar system, measurements from different scenarios on a variety of targets were recorded to create datasets for image classification. Time/velocity spectrograms generated for micro-Doppler analysis of multiple drones and birds were used for target identification and movement classification using TensorFlow. Using support vector machines (SVMs), the results showed an accuracy of about 90% for drone size classification, about 96% for drone vs. bird classification, and about 85% for individual drone and bird distinction between five classes. Different characteristics of target detection were explored, including the landscape and behavior of the target.
Oral History as a Source for the Interpretation of UBH: The World War II Shelters in Naples Case Study
Authors: Varriale Roberta
Published: May 2023

What can be the contribution of oral history to the interpretation of tangible cultural assets? Starting from this conceptual question, this article focuses on the case study of the experiences Second World War in Naples bomb shelters, recently included within the Underground Built Heritage (UBH) class. The hypothesis of the research is that bomb shelters are very significant elements in the subsoil of Naples but that, due to the lack of distinctive elements and dedicated storytelling, they are only partially exploited in the context of urban parks or generic itineraries Naples’s subsoil. The thesis of the research is that the memories of those children that took refuge there during World War II (WWII), which were collected with the adoption of the oral history methodology, can integrate their value as elements of local cultural heritage and eventually support their interpretation for the benefit of the new generations. The methodology adopted was the collection, via structured and unstructured interviews, of the direct testimonies of those who took refuge in Naples’ underground during the alarms. Twenty-three interviews were carried out, and all the issues introduced have been classified according to the various themes addressed during the narration in order to allow the reconstruction of dedicated storytelling in the future. The research was carried out immediately after the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, an event that claimed many victims belonging to the generation of our witnesses, whose memories were at risk of being lost forever.
Beyond Utterances: Embodied Creativity and Compliance in Dance and Dementia
Authors: Kosurko An , Stevanovic Melisa
Published: May 2023

Practices of creativity and compliance intersect in interaction when directing local dances remotely for people living with dementia and their carers in institutional settings. This ethnomethodological study focused on how artistic mechanisms are understood and structured by participants in response to on-screen instruction. Video data were collected from two long-term care facilities in Canada and Finland in a pilot study of a dance program that extended internationally from Canada to Finland at the onset of COVID-19. Fourteen hours of video data were analyzed using multimodal conversation analysis of initiation–response sequences. In this paper, we identify how creative instructed actions are produced in compliance with multimodal directives in interaction when mediated by technology and facilitated by copresent facilitators. We provide examples of how participants’ variably compliant responses in relation to dance instruction, from following a lead to coordinating with others, produce different creative actions from embellishing to improvising. Our findings suggest that cocreativity may be realized at intersections of compliance and creativity toward reciprocity. This research contributes to interdisciplinary discussions about the potential of arts-based practices in social inclusion, health, and well-being by studying how dance instruction is understood and realized remotely and in copresence in embodied instructed action and interaction.
Alternative Food Networks and Short Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review Based on a Case Study Approach
Authors: Gori Francesca , Castellini Alessandra
Published: May 2023

Alternative food networks (AFNs) are commonly defined by attributes of local production and short supply chains, which integrate dimensions of spatial and social proximity. This new form of food chain is emerging as a response to the crisis in conventional agribusiness. This article presents a systematic review of the academic literature on the alternative food network and short supply chain in order to understand the main elements and topics explored in the empirical studies conducted from 2014 to 2021. This review only considers research using a single or multiple case study approaches. The Scopus and Web of Science databases were used for the literature search. The identification and eligibility processes were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) method. Six core topics were identified: motivation of actors; collaborative governance; social relations and trust; sustainability; boundary negotiation; and resilience. Most of the studies were developed in European countries. The results show that motivation to join the AFN and sustainability are the more explored topics, followed by the study of the different models of governance that characterize the AFN. In addition, the connection between different actors emerges, in a transversal manner, as an important pillar of AFNs. AFN features may change depending on social-economical, cultural, and geographical factors. There is therefore a need to explore other forms of AFNs; future research should conduct cross-analysis on AFNs in different countries and socio-economic contexts.
Integrating Communication and Task–Technology Fit Theories: The Adoption of Digital Media in Learning
Authors: Al-Rahmi Waleed Mugahed , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed , Al-Maatouk Qusay , Othman Mohd Shahizan , Alsaud Anas Ratib , Almogren Abeer S. , Al-Rahmi Ali Mugahed
Published: May 2023

In order to eliminate discrepancies between the literature on the use of digital media for education and its effects on students’ academic achievement in higher education institutions, this article aims to develop a model that would identify essential aspects that are predicted to continue to play a large role in TTF and CT for learning, which could be used to improve academic performance in higher education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and aspects of digital media and the relationship between their use in the TTF and CT theories to determine how they affect research students’ satisfaction and AP in HE institutions. Data for the TTF and CT theories were collected using a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire survey was the primary method of data collection. A total of 1330 students who were acquainted with digital media participated in the data collection survey from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. To assess the findings, quantitative structural equation modeling was used. Technological, task, and social characteristics were found to have a substantial association with TTF for using digital media sites for academic purposes, which had a favorable impact on satisfaction and educational achievement. Similar to this, a significant relationship between online communication, reasons for communicating, communication self-efficacy, and attitude toward using features with TC was found to exist for utilizing digital media sites for educational purposes that positively impacted satisfaction as well as academic performance. The study concludes that TTF and CT concepts for using digital media enhance students’ active learning and give them the ability to effectively exchange knowledge, data, and discussions. In order to further their educational objectives, we advise students to make use of digital media platforms. Additionally, educators in higher education institutions need to be convinced to use digital media platforms in their lessons.
Challenges and Perspectives of Nature-Based Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in Rural Areas of Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Istenič Darja , Bodík Igor , Merisaar Maret , Gajewska Magdalena , Šereš Michal , Griessler Bulc Tjaša
Published: May 2023

In Central and Eastern Europe, about one-third of the population lives in small settlements (<2000 PE). Since the current European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) does not clearly regulate the collection and treatment of wastewater from these settlements, countries solve the problem individually. Simple and robust technologies such as nature-based treatment systems could be the solution and are widely applied in many EU countries. In this paper, the status of wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse in rural areas of 14 countries in Central and Eastern Europe is presented together with the spread of different nature-based treatment systems. The results show that in the last decade, connection to wastewater treatment plants has increased from 9% to 19% of the total population in small settlements. The use of treated water is rarely applied. Sequencing batch reactors and other types of activated sludge systems predominate in treatment technologies. Nature-based treatment systems (mainly treatment wetlands) are used in all the countries studied. Their implementation is slowly increasing, hampered by lack of acceptance by authorities, lack of good case studies, and misdesigned or misoperated examples from the past. More awareness, formalized training on nature-based treatment systems, and supportive legislation are needed to promote sustainable sanitation solutions in small settlements.
Optical Wireless Power Transfer for Implanted and Wearable Devices
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Hoa
Published: May 2023

Optical wireless power transfer (OWPT) has been employed in the literature as a wireless powering approach for implanted and wearable devices. However, most of the existing studies on this topic have not studied the performances of OWPT systems when light is transmitted through clothing. This research therefore contributes to investigate the effects of clothing on OWPT performances from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. An obtained experimental result indicates that a single light-emitting diode (LED) transmitter is able to perform the OWPT through white cotton clothing, but failed with another dark cotton clothing, even at a small transmitting distance. Hence, this research proposes to employ LED arrays as optical transmitters to improve the OWPT system capability in terms of the wirelessly transmitted power, transmitting distance and system tolerance to misalignments, whilst keeping the system safety, low cost and simplicity. Consequently, a theoretical formula for the power transmission efficiency made by an LED array through clothing is proposed and then is verified with experimental results. Furthermore, the important role of multiple light reflections at the surfaces of clothing and the LED array transmitter is pointed out.
Impact of Compression Casting Technique on the Mechanical Properties of 100% Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Hameed Rashid , Tahir Muhammad , Zaib-un-Nisa  , Shahzad Shaban , Kazmi Syed Minhaj Saleem , Munir Muhammad Junaid
Published: May 2023

The research work presented in this manuscript focused on the comparative examination of the influence of the Compression Casting Technique (CCT) and the conventional casting method (i.e., compaction through vibration) on the performance of 100% Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC). The minimum target compressive strength of 100% RAC was 15 MPa keeping in view its application in the manufacturing of load-bearing concrete masonry units. A total of 28 concrete compositions were prepared by varying the coarse to fine aggregates ratio (i.e., 70:30 and 60:40), cement content (10% and 15%) by weight of total aggregates, casting technique, and applied pressure for compression casting (i.e., 25, 35, and 45 MPa). The concrete compositions were tested to determine their density, compressive strength, Elastic Modulus (EM), and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV). For comparison, samples of Natural Aggregate Concrete (NAC) were also tested for the same properties. The results highlighted the positive impact of CCT on the properties of 100% RAC. The compressive strength and EM of fully RAC was increased by 20–80% and 15–50%, respectively, by changing casting method from vibration to CCT. At casting pressure of 35 MPa and 15% cement, compressed 100% RAC exhibited compressive strength higher than vibrated NAC. The UPV value exhibited by 100% RAC was increased by changing the casting technique. The analytical models were proposed using regression analysis of experimental results to predict compressive strength and EM of compressed 100% RAC and NAC. These proposed models were evaluated using statistical parameters, i.e., average absolute error (AAE) and mean (M) and found to be able to predict the compressive strength and EM of RAC with reasonable accuracy as compared to the analytical models already existing in the literature. This study finally concluded that through CCT, 100% RAC with low cement content could achieve minimum target compressive strength of 15 MPa. The development and use of compressed load-bearing 100% RAC construction units would help to achieve sustainability in construction.
Soil Water Erosion and Its Hydrodynamic Characteristics in Degraded Bald Patches of Alpine Meadows in the Yellow River Source Area, Western China
Authors: Tong Shengchun , Li Guorong , Li Xilai , Li Jinfang , Zhai Hui , Zhao Jianyun , Zhu Haili , Liu Yabin , Chen Wenting , Hu Xiasong
Published: May 2023

Degraded bald patches have been active influencing factors in recent years, leading to meadow degradation and soil erosion in the Yellow River source area. In this study, we aimed to quantify the soil water erosion patterns and the hydrodynamic characteristics of degraded bald patches under different vegetation coverage (10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90%) and slope (10°, 20° and 30°) combination treatments through simulated rainfall experiments, and to investigate the influence of rodent activities on meadow degradation and soil erosion using zokor mound bare ground as a control. The results show that rodent activity exacerbates erosion problems and that soil erosion rates are negatively correlated with the degree of meadow degradation as an exponential function (p < 0.01). All slope flows are laminar; Reynolds and Froude numbers decrease as a function of vegetation coverage exponentially and linearly (p < 0.01), respectively, and are positively correlated with slope. Flow resistance increases with increasing vegetation coverage and decreasing slope, and vegetation coverage and slope are significant factors affecting flow resistance (p < 0.05). Runoff shear stress was found to range from 1.71 to 5.27 N m−2 in the study area and is positively correlated with vegetation coverage and slope, with a much greater influence of slope than vegetation coverage (p < 0.05). Based on the Pearson correlation and grey correlation method analysis, we concluded that runoff rate, flow velocity, Reynolds number and the Froude number can all describe the hydraulic erosion state under the action of soil erosion on slopes. The Reynolds number was tentatively judged to be the best hydrodynamic parameter to describe the soil erosion process. We conclude that developing degraded bald patches reduces flow resistance and increases surface runoff capacity and soil erodibility by reducing vegetation coverage. The reasonable control of rodent activity can effectively combat erosion on degraded bald patches.
Generation Z Romanian Students’ Relation with Rural Tourism—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Tănase Mihail Ovidiu , Nistoreanu Puiu , Dina Răzvan , Georgescu Bogdan , Nicula Virgil , Mirea Cosmin Nicolae
Published: May 2023

The subject of generations and their differences has been intensely analyzed and debated. Each generation has its own characteristics, regardless of the element that differentiates them. Gen Z’s relationship with tourism has been approached in recent years from various perspectives by many scholars. For the current research, representative characteristics were identified as important for Gen Z: off-the-beaten-path locations and experiences. Off-the-beaten-path locations refer to small-scale destinations, under-tourism, local businesses, sustainability, and local traditions. All of the aspects mentioned before are typical of rural tourism. Experiences are introduced by various elements of rural attractiveness: material cultural heritage (MCH) and immaterial (ICH), the living human treasures program (LHT), wine tourism, products with a protected designation of origin (PDO), products with a protected geographical indication (PGI), culinary diversity, and other rural leisure facilities. Two purposes have been established: to identify the relationship between Gen Z and rural tourism and its components defined by cultural heritage and traditional gastronomy, and to construct a predictive model regarding Gen Z’s behavior when traveling to rural destinations. For this, we performed a quantitative investigation among university students from Romania using an online survey. Using 280 Gen Z respondents from 323 valid responses, we performed a direct logistic regression. The results showed that they value local gastronomy and unique attractions, which we can include in MCH. The price represents an important element when choosing an accommodation unit. Due to the constantly increasing share of Gen Z in the tourism market, destinations and tourism operators will have time to prepare and adapt to new realities. Transversal research will benefit from the opportunity to compare Gen Z’s preferences and changes over time.
The Presence of a Family Communal Space as a Form of Local Wisdom towards Community Cohesion and Resilience in Coastal Settlements
Authors: Asmal Idawarni , Latief Rudi
Published: May 2023

Family communal spaces have multiple functions and can accommodate the activities of individuals and families. These spaces accommodate the life of gotong royong, which is a form of solidarity and togetherness in the form of local wisdom of the Indonesian people. Families apply this traditional concept in space and create cohesion through intense interaction between families, which will have an impact on the security and resilience of settlement against negative things that come from society and the environment. The purpose of this study is to examine how interactions influenced by local wisdom and the environment create cohesion, which has an impact on community and environmental resilience in coastal settlements. The research method uses geographic methods with socio-spatial analysis and behavioral mapping methods with place-central mapping analysis. The study shows cohesion between families increases because of the high-intensity meetings and a sense of belonging and togetherness as a family. Unity with the environment is also formed because of their livelihood as fishermen who have close relationships with the sea and the coast. In addition to cohesion, the family communal space creates community and environmental resilience because of the additional functions as areas of family and environmental control.
Sustainable Ready-Mixed Concrete (RMC) Production: A Case Study of Five RMC Plants in Nigeria
Authors: Olugboyega Oluseye , Ejohwomu Obuks , Omopariola Emmanuel Dele , Omoregie Alohan
Published: May 2023

This study aims to examine whether ready-mixed concrete (RMC) production in Nigeria is sustainable. This study proposes that RMC production will be sustainable, assuming the RMC plant, RMC products, plant management, RMC supply, RMC quality, and demand for RMC are sustainable. Based on a constructivist worldview, the proposition of RMC production’s sustainability was assessed by conducting a contextual analysis of five RMC plants in Lagos State, Nigeria. It was observed that the RMC plants required sustainability in power supply, plant output, and plant capacity. The plants have a sustainable supply of raw materials. The management methods and product control strategies were found to be unsustainable. Fair supply time, supply methods, and quality control systems were established in the findings. Challenges, such as administrative issues, economic problems, poor technology, and the absence of an innovative business model, influenced the sustainable demand for RMC products. This study concludes that alternative power supplies and methods such as just-in-time (JIT) purchasing systems and learning frameworks ought to be considered for RMC plants. Likewise, improving the ease of doing business would significantly help the sustainability of RMC production. This study presumes that RMC production is, as of now, not sustainable in Nigeria. Still, the sustainability of RMC production could be ensured through measures such as the reuse of waste, the adoption of innovative RMC production and delivery, and technological development.
Remanufacturing and Product Recovery Strategies Considering Chain-to-Chain Competition and Power Structures
Authors: Duan Housheng , Xu Jiayan
Published: May 2023

In addition to its economic potential and environmental significance, remanufacturing shows strategic importance in competition. Product recovery, a fundamental part of the remanufacturing system, should be aligned with the competition between supply chains. Moreover, the power structure of the supply chain influences interactive decisions. In this study, we investigate how supply chain competition and power structure influence product recovery strategies. We model the problem in two competing supply chains, where the manufacturers sell products through the respective retailers. Either manufacturer can choose between two product recovery strategies: collecting the used products for remanufacturing directly (that is, direct recovery) or assigning the task of product recovery to the retailer (indirect recovery). In addition, we conduct full-blown exploration of the impact of power structures, including Stackelberg-Manufacturer as the leader, Stackelberg-Retailer as the leader, and vertical Nash. The results reveal the joint inter- and intra-channel implications of the product recovery strategies.
Aligning the Sustainable Development Goals in the Wine Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Martínez-Falcó Joaquín , Martínez-Falcó Javier , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Visser Gustav
Published: May 2023

Academic contributions pertaining to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the wine industry have seen a steady rise in recent years due to the tremendous importance of these topics for economic, social, and environmental advancement. This study seeks to explore the wine industry by using bibliometric techniques to analyze 107 articles published between 1997 and 2022. The findings of the research indicate substantial growth in the rate of production since 2015, with the Environmental Sciences being the most predominant domain of study. Furthermore, the most influential publishers of related content are MDPI, Elsevier, and Springer. Thus, this research may be beneficial for researchers, both new and experienced, who wish to gain a more thorough understanding of the academic output related to SDGs in the wine industry.
Environmental Contract: A Collaborative Tool to Improve the Multilevel Governance of European MPAs
Authors: Muccitelli Serena , Pozzi Carolina , D’Ascanio Romina , Magaudda Stefano
Published: May 2023

The main challenges faced by Europe for 2030 concern the achievement of 30% of protected marine surfaces, the improvement of connections between marine protected areas (MPAs), and especially, their more efficient management. The governance of MPAs is therefore called upon to strengthen its objectives, becoming part of a wider network of actors in dialogue with economic counterparts, addressing manifold interference and impacts, and ultimately strengthening biodiversity protection. This work explores the local dimension of MPAs’ governance through the opportunities offered by the Interreg MED TUNE UP project “Promoting multilevel governance for tuning up biodiversity protection in marine areas” (2019–2022), which commits to enhancing the effectiveness of MPAs in the Mediterranean, through the implementation of Environmental Contracts. Based on this experience, a two-fold analysis of multiple case studies has been developed, considering both the local and the European scale of regulations and governance chains. The results show that the MPA Contract is an effective tool to improve the governance of European MPAs and thus tackle the local responses to EU and national protection policies through a process of vertical and horizontal subsidiarity. The need for an interinstitutional dialogue to address the establishment of effective environmental governance and the enforcement of regulations affecting marine areas has been highlighted.
The Impact of Utility Model Patent Quality on Export Performance in China: A Moderated Mediation Effect Model
Authors: Ma Ran , Kong Xiaodan , Wang Mianqing , Kong Xiangde
Published: May 2023

Utility model patent quality is vital for emerging countries to cultivate a strong domestic market and increase openness. Given China’s high-quality development, this study incorporates enterprise utility model patent quality and export domestic value-added rate (DVAR) into a unified analysis framework to explore their relationship using authorized patent data and financial and customs data of Chinese industrial enterprises from 2002 to 2014. The utility model patent data used to support this study’s findings were provided by the Incopat Patent Database, while the enterprise financial data and customs data were supplied by the RESSET Database. The empirical results show that: (i) utility model patent quality significantly contributes to enterprises’ export DVAR; (ii) factor-intensive heterogeneous analysis indicates that the utility model patent quality of capital-intensive enterprises has a more significant promotion effect on DVAR; (iii) the price–cost markup and the relative price of intermediate goods are crucial domestic channels for utility model patent quality to promote DVAR; and (iv) market segmentation moderates the mediating role of the domestic intermediate relative price. Therefore, the government should further improve the utility model system, focus on increasing domestic market advantages, and develop industry-specific patent guidance policies. This study contributes to the literature by exploring the influence of utility model patent quality on enterprises’ DVAR using an optimized utility model quality index, providing policy references for optimizing China’s utility model patent system and upgrading the import gains of enterprises. However, this study has some limitations, and future research should strengthen the subdivision of utility model patents in different industries and explore the economic performance of the combination of inventions and utility models.