bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservice Science Teachers’ Perspectives on and Practices Related to Self-Regulated Learning after a Brief Learning Opportunity
Authors: Tran Hong H. , Capps Daniel K. , Hodges Georgia W.
Published: May 2022

Teacher education programs are a critical site for preparing teachers’ self-regulated learning (SRL) knowledge and capacity to foster students’ SRL skills. The present study describes preservice science teachers’ (PSTs) perspectives and practices regarding SRL after a brief learning opportunity. The participants were 12 PSTs in a certification program for teaching secondary science. The data came from course assignments, lesson plans, and semi-structured interviews. The findings showed the PSTs appreciated the role of SRL and tried to integrate SRL processes into their science lessons. However, they needed further support to systematically implement SRL processes in classrooms. Findings from this study are relevant for science teacher educators who are interested in improving science teaching because the link between SRL and science teaching is discussed. They may also support teacher educators in making more informed decisions about course design and instruction regarding SRL. Finally, since suggestions for future studies are discussed, this research is relevant for science education researchers who study teachers’ perspectives on and practices related to SRL.
A TLBO-Tuned Neural Processor for Predicting Heating Load in Residential Buildings
Authors: Almutairi Khalid , Algarni Salem , Alqahtani Talal , Moayedi Hossein , Mosavi Amir
Published: May 2022

Recent studies have witnessed remarkable merits of metaheuristic algorithms in optimization problems. Due to the significance of the early analysis of the thermal load in energy-efficient buildings, this work introduces and compares four novel optimizer techniques—the firefly algorithm (FA), optics-inspired optimization (OIO), shuffled complex evolution (SCE), and teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO)—for an accurate prediction of the heating load (HL). The models are applied to a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network to surmount its computational shortcomings. The models are fed by a literature-based dataset obtained for residential buildings. The results revealed that all models used are capable of properly analyzing and predicting the HL pattern. A comparison between them, however, showed that the TLBO-MLP with the coefficients of determination 0.9610 vs. 0.9438, 0.9373, and 0.9556 (respectively, for FA-MLP, OIO-MLP, and SCE-MLP) and the root mean square error of 2.1103 vs. 2.5456, 2.7099, and 2.2774 presents the most reliable approximation of the HL. It also surpassed several methods used in previous studies. Thus, the developed TLBO-MLP can be a beneficial model for subsequent practical applications.
Transportation Interrelation Embedded in Regional Development: The Characteristics and Drivers of Road Transportation Interrelation in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Yang Lu , Wu Dan , Cao Shuhui , Zhang Weinan , Zheng Zebin , Liu Li
Published: May 2022

Unbalanced regional development is often accompanied by a heterogeneity in regional transportation. The relationship between the interrelation of regional transportation and economic connections among cities remains unclear. This study attempts to explicate the structural characteristics of the spatial interrelation network of road transportation in Guangdong province. This study analyzes road traffic data in Guangdong province from 2015 to 2020 using a gravity model, social network analysis, and the quadratic assignment procedure (QAP). The results indicate that the spatial network of road transportation interrelations in Guangdong province have obvious core–periphery features. The intercity transportation interrelation in Guangdong province is significantly correlated with the differences in population density, vehicle population, and tourism resources, as well as the distance between cities; however, the effects of these factors vary across different regions. To promote balanced regional development, Guangdong province should strengthen the transportation interrelation between peripheral cities and other cities to raise the position of peripheral cities in the network. Introducing the required personnel and developing tourism resources with regional features would help develop peripheral cities that have a low population density and abundant tourism resources. This provincial transportation development strategy should consider balancing the development of mega metropolitan areas and non-coastal, small- and medium-sized cities to balance regional development.
Assessing the Ecosystem Services Potential of Endemic Floras: A Systematic Review on the Greek Endemics of Peloponnese
Authors: Cheminal Alexian , Kokkoris Ioannis P. , Zotos Anastasios , Strid Arne , Dimopoulos Panayotis
Published: May 2022

As the interest in new, natural, sustainable products arises in many fields, wild plants are reconsidered as providers of traditional or innovative applications. The notion of ecosystem services (ES) provides a frame to evaluate their benefits, but is still scarcely applied to endemic floras. The present study reviews the available literature on the ES provided by the 494 taxa endemic to Greece that are present in Peloponnese. Six main categories are isolated: medical, aromatic, folk medicine, antimicrobial, environmental and craftsmanship interests. The literature documents such ES for 24.7% of the endemic taxa, with Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Boraginaceae as the families with the highest numbers of documented taxa. Spatial hotspots with a high density in taxa providing ES are mapped, while gaps of knowledge on the ES of endemic taxa are highlighted. For the first time, to our knowledge, taxonomic and phylogenetic bounds between taxa are exploited as a base to explore potential properties for endemic taxa. The basis for the development of predictive tools utilizing literature review datasets is set. Final outcomes also provide robust scientific evidence to support decision and policy making for the sustainable use and management of rural areas. The development of cultivation areas for threatened taxa of interest is suggested as a potent conservation measure, by selecting fields according to habitat suitability models.
System-Level Performance Analysis of Cooperative Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Wildfire Surveillance Using Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: Maqbool Ayesha , Mirza Alina , Afzal Farkhanda , Shah Tajammul , Khan Wazir Zada , Zikria Yousaf Bin , Kim Sung Won
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we propose an agent-based approach for the evaluation of Multiple Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle (MUAV) wildfire monitoring systems for remote and hard-to-reach areas. Emerging environmental factors are causing a higher number of wildfires and keeping these fires in check is becoming a global challenge. MUAV deployment for the monitoring and surveillance of potential fires has already been established. However, most of the scholarly work is still focused on MUAV operations details. In wildfire surveillance and monitoring, evaluations of the system-level performance in terms of the analysis of the effects of individual behavior on system surveillance has yet to be established. Especially in an MUAV system, the individual and cooperative behaviors of the team affect the overall performance of the system. Such systems are dynamic and stochastic because of an ever-changing environment. Quantifying the emergent system behavior and general performance measures of such a system by analytical methods is challenging. In our work, we present an agent-based model for MUAV surveillance missions. This paper focuses on the overall system performance of cooperative UAVs performing forest fire surveillance. The principal theme is to present the effects of three behaviors on overall performance: (1) the area allocation and (2) dynamic coverage, and (3) the effects of forest density on team allocation. For area allocation, three behaviors are simulated: (1) randomized, (2) two-layer barrier sweep coverage, and (3) full sweep coverage. For dynamic coverage, the effects of communication and resource unavailability during the mission are studied by analyzing the agent’s downtime spent on refueling. Last, an extensive simulation is carried out on wildfire models with varying forest density. It is found that cooperative complete sweep coverage strategies perform better than the rest and the performance of the team is greatly affected by the forest density.
The Role of Sports Policing and Tourism Safety at the Summer Olympics
Authors: Szabolcs Mátyás , Nagy-Tóth Nikolett Ágnes , Dávid Lóránt Dénes , Gogo Adol Fredrick Collins , Bujdosó Zoltán
Published: May 2022

The study examines the Summer Olympics from the point of view of sports policing and tourism safety. Held every four years, the Summer Olympics are the world’s biggest sporting events, posing a significant challenge for tourism and law enforcement professionals. Billions of people watch the Olympic events on television, and hundreds of thousands of people are simultaneously present at the venues. Ensuring the safety of tourists and athletes on-site is the host country’s responsibility. In many cases, the target of terrorists is the tourism sector, which in some countries, accounts for a significant share of annual revenue. An attack could therefore have significant economic and social consequences. This study uses crime statistics and economic data to analyze and comment on each Olympic venue. The data comes from international databases, police, and embassy sources. The study seeks to answer the question of whether it is possible to host a safe Olympic event and whether there is a link between the money spent on Olympic security and safety.
Achieving Zero Hunger Goal through Minimizing Waste in Food Supply Chain: Evidence from Asian Emerging Region
Authors: Liu Caiyun , Jiang Hui , Badulescu Daniel , Bac Dorin Paul
Published: May 2022

Agricultural products have taken center stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic as countries strive to become self-sufficient and independent. Despite this, Agri-products supply chain management has largely been ignored. Farmers are typically in charge of getting these products to market. The local market suffers because of the significant quantity of agricultural products wasted along the Agri-Food supply chain (AFSC), and export revenue is at risk. To address the issue of food waste in AFSC, this study identified the sources of food waste and proposed corrective measures for the local farming industry. Stakeholders from the farming community, transportation companies, and retailers were conducting semi-structured interviews and coding them using open-source coding. Lack of cold storage and improper handling and packaging of products have been found to have a negative impact on the distribution process in developing countries. In this regard, a well-designed supply chain strategy, network design, and information system can alleviate these issues. Farmers and transporters must be taught how to minimize damage during transport. Recycled packaging material can also be used, saving money while reducing the likelihood of product damage. This is among the pioneer studies that focus on the causes of food waste in AFSC in Pakistan.
Urban Health at a Glance in Italy by PASSI and PASSI d’Argento Surveillance Systems Data
Authors: Nobile Federica , Gallo Rosaria , Minardi Valentina , Contoli Benedetta , Possenti Valentina , Masocco Maria
Published: May 2022

(1) The percentage of the world’s urban population is 56% and is expected to reach 68% by 2050. In this study, we have investigated the dimensions of individual health by relating them to the type of residing municipality. (2) We also analyzed the health status, prevention, lifestyle, and elderly conditions in illustrated from PASSI and PASSI d’Argento (PdA) surveillance systems data by estimating the prevalence rates and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for different municipal residences. (3) Urban areas negatively influence some health outcomes, such as respiratory system diseases (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.18–1.30). With regards to the spontaneous participation in screening programs from female adults residing in urban areas, we observed ORs of 1.24 (1.13–1.37) and 1.30 (1.12–1.39) for breast and uterine cervix cancers, respectively. Urban contexts seem to promote healthy lifestyles, as there is a lower consumption of alcohol in both adult (0.92; 0.88–0.95) and elderly populations (0.85; 0.77–0.94), although sedentary life is more widespread. Compared to elderly residents living in rural settings, urban individuals find their neighborhood less safe and are less considered as a “resource”. (4) Urban areas promote some unhealthy conditions but can also be a valuable source of services and perspectives. According to the increasing urban population, public health policies towards implementing sustainable development should be established.
A Mixed Methods Study on Community-Based Tourism as an Adaptive Response to Water Crisis in San Andrés Ixtlahuaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Reyes-Santiago María del Rosario , Méndez-García Elia , Sánchez-Medina Patricia S.
Published: May 2022

Water scarcity is a threat in San Andrés Ixtlahuaca, Mexico, that imperils the survival of farming households whose food and income depend on rainfed agriculture. This research extends the framework of socioecological systems to tourism to understand how community-based tourism flourishes: not spontaneously but as part of an adaptive response to the water crisis. A research model was constructed based on mixed methods. For the qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 12 community leaders. Results show that different capabilities have been developed throughout the adaptive cycle: information capabilities at the Ω phase; involvement capabilities at the α phase; self-esteem capabilities at the r phase; and resource use capabilities at the k phase. These capabilities make it possible to face the water crisis, but they also favor the implementation of tourist activity. For the quantitative approach, a questionnaire was applied to 88 community participants directly involved in tourism activities to discover the current state of the tourism-related capabilities, their shaping, and relationships. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses raised was used. The activity makes the community resilient because it seeks to conserve and improve community resources through tourism-related capabilities.
Distribution Patterns of Soil Fauna in Different Forest Habitat Types of North Hebei Mountains, China
Authors: Zhang Huayong , Lin Qingxia , Huang Tousheng , Feng Yu , Zhang Shijia
Published: May 2022

The relationship between soil fauna distribution and forest habitat types is an ongoing concern. In this study, the distributions of soil fauna communities were investigated and compared in three forests of Betula platyphylla, Picea asperata, and Pinus sylvestris. A total of 39 groups of soil fauna belonging to four functional groups were found, with Acarina and Collembola being the dominant groups, and omnivorous and saprophagous being the dominant functional groups. An investigation on the temporal and spatial distribution of the soil fauna found similar changes in the three forests: the abundance of soil fauna was higher in August and September and lowest in May; explicit surface aggregation of the soil fauna emerged; and the density and group number decreased with the increase in soil depth. Via comparison, the total abundance of soil fauna in the B. platyphylla forest (16,772 ind m−2) was found to be higher than that in the P. asperata (12,972 ind m−2) and P. sylvestris (14,250 ind m−2) forests, and the indexes of diversity, richness and evenness of the soil fauna community in the B. platyphylla forest were the highest. Redundancy analysis showed that soil organic matter (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were positively correlated with soil fauna density, whereas pH and bulk density (BD) were negatively correlated. Compared with the two coniferous forests, the physicochemical factors positively (negatively) correlated with soil fauna density were the highest (lowest) in the B. platyphylla forest. The combined effect of these multiple factors suggests that the B. platyphylla forest recovered the most favorable conditions for the living and development of the soil fauna. The findings in this research may help us to understand the restoration effect of soil fauna in different forest habitat types, providing support for forest sustainable management in northern Hebei Mountain ecosystems.
Using Bidirectional Long-Term Memory Neural Network for Trajectory Prediction of Large Inner Wheel Routes
Authors: Horng Gwo-Jiun , Huang Yu-Chin , Yin Zong-Xian
Published: May 2022

When a large car turns at an intersection, it often leads to tragedy because the driver does not pay attention to the incoming car or the dead corner of the line of sight of the car body. On the market, the wheel difference warning system used in large cars generally adds sensors or lenses to confirm whether there are incoming vehicles in the dead corner of the line of sight. However, the accident rate of large vehicles has not been reduced due to the installation of a vision subsidy system. The main reason is that motorcycle and bicycle drivers often neglect to pay attention to the inner wheel difference formed when large vehicles turn, resulting in accidents with large vehicles at intersections. This paper proposes a bidirectional long-term memory neural network for the prediction of the inner wheel path trajectory of large cars, mainly from the perspective of motorcycle riders, through the combination of YOLOv4 and the stacked Bi-LSTM model used in this study to analyze the motion of large cars and predict the inner wheel path trajectory. In this study, the turning trajectory of large vehicles at the intersection is predicted by using an object detection algorithm and cyclic neural network model. Finally, the experiment shows that this study uses the stacked Bi-LSTM trajectory prediction model to predict the next second trajectory with one second trajectory data, and the prediction accuracy is 87.77%; it has an accuracy of 75.75% when predicting the trajectory data of two seconds. In terms of prediction error, the system has a better prediction error than LSTM and Bi-LSTM models.
Networked Transport and Economic Growth: Does High-Speed Rail Narrow the Gap between Cities in China?
Authors: Wu Bingyu , Li Weidong , Chen Jingyu
Published: May 2022

The construction of China’s high-speed rail has been arousing controversy for the possibility of exacerbating regional imbalance. This paper provides an empirical analysis based on the panel data of 276 prefecture-level cities during 2007–2018 to explore the authenticity of this inference. The panel threshold model is adopted to investigate whether the economic growth becomes stronger and more equal among China’s cities under the impact of the rapidly expanding high-speed rail network by taking per capita gross domestic product (pGDP) as the threshold variable. To fully explore the dynamic function, we incorporate three progressive indices to measure the role of cities in China’s high-speed rail network: the existence of high-speed rail, the number of lines, and the betweenness centrality of the city in the entire network. The result shows that high-speed rail can promote economic growth and that there is a threshold effect in this process. Specifically, cities with higher pGDP can benefit more from high-speed rail. Another significant conclusion can be drawn that high-speed rail can intensify regional disparities, yet the marginal economic gap tends to decline as the high-speed rail network gets more optimized. Meanwhile, this study recognized nine circle-like high-speed rail urban agglomerations based on empirical results, reflecting the polycentric developing pattern of China.
A Novel Neural Computing Model Applied to Estimate the Dynamic Modulus (DM) of Asphalt Mixtures by the Improved Beetle Antennae Search
Authors: Huang Jiandong , Zhou Mengmeng , Sabri Mohanad Muayad Sabri , Yuan Hongwei
Published: May 2022

To accurately estimate the dynamic properties of the asphalt mixtures to be used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), a novel neural computing model using the improved beetle antennae search was developed. Asphalt mixtures were designed conventionally by eight types of aggregate gradations and two types of asphalt binders. The dynamic modulus (DM) tests were conducted under 3 temperatures and 3 loading frequencies to construct 144 datasets for the machine learning process. A novel neural network model was developed by using an improved beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm to adjust the hyperparameters more efficiently. The predictive results of the proposed model were determined by R and RMSE and the importance score of the input parameters was assessed as well. The prediction performance showed that the improved BAS algorithm can effectively adjust the hyperparameters of the neural network calculation model, and built the asphalt mixture DM prediction model has higher reliability and effectiveness than the random hyperparameter selection. The mixture model can accurately evaluate and predict the DM of the asphalt mixture to be used in MEPDG. The dynamic shear modulus of the asphalt binder is the most important parameter that affects the DM of the asphalt mixtures because of its high correlation with the adhesive effect in the composition. The phase angle of the binder showed the highest influence on the DM of the asphalt mixtures in the remaining variables. The importance of these influences can provide a reference for the future design of asphalt mixtures.
Measuring the Service Quality of Fresh Food Delivery Platforms: Development and Validation of the “Food PlatQual” Scale
Authors: Kang Jee-Won , Namkung Young
Published: May 2022

This research conducted three studies to develop a scale for measuring the service quality of fresh food delivery platforms. In Study 1, the scale development stage, a total of 55 items were generated via literature reviews, text mining, and expert interviews. In Study 2, the preliminary assessment stage, the first consumer survey (n = 550) was conducted to purify and refine the items derived from Study 1 using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Lastly, in Study 3, the second consumer survey (n = 570) was carried out to validate the scale using CFA. Ultimately, Food PlatQual scale, consisting of 25 items with seven dimensions: “information quality”, “price”, “product assortment”, “problem resolution”, “delivery quality”, “ease of use”, and “trendiness”. The current study is expected to offer a theoretical basis for future research as well as offer useful managerial implications for sustainable fresh food delivery platform services.
Positive Effects and Optimal Ranges of Tea Saponins on Phytoremediation of Cadmium-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Yu Xiao-Lan , He Yong
Published: May 2022

Confirming positive effects and offering optimal ranges of tea saponins on improving the efficiency of phytoremediation on cadmium is a prerequisite for applying tea saponins in field remediation. Existing studies qualitatively tested the feasibility of tea saponins on promoting the absorption of cadmium by hyperaccumulators in pots experiments, while this study investigated the effects of tea saponins on increasing the proportion of cadmium available fraction in contaminated soil quantitatively and confirmed tea saponins promoted the absorption by Portulaca oleracea in cadmium-contaminated water by independent soil experiments and hydroponic experiments. The results showed that for acquiring a higher proportion of cadmium available fraction, the concentration of tea saponins was negatively correlated with the concentration of cadmium contained in the soil, and the optimal treatment time of tea saponins was between 3–9 days depending on the cadmium concentration in contaminated soil. Using tea saponins could enhance the absorption of cadmium by Portulaca oleracea in a relatively short time to decrease the concentration of cadmium left in the contaminated water. The above findings help to deepen the understanding of tea saponins’ effects and use ranges on phytoremediation of cadmium both in soil and water and conduce studies on phytoremediation of other heavy-metal-contaminated soil and water with the help of tea saponins.
The Combined Effect of Ultraviolet Irradiation and Temperature on Hot Mix Asphalt Mixture Aging
Authors: Abouelsaad Ahmed , White Greg
Published: May 2022

Reliable accelerated simulation of asphalt aging is of significant interest to asphalt researchers and pavement practitioners alike. However, current laboratory aging protocols are either based on binder aging rather than mixture aging or use dry ovens to heat asphalt mixtures, omitting the important effects of UV radiation. Binder aging cannot take into account the interactions between the binder and aggregate phases during aging, while the omission of UV radiation ignores an important catalyst in the aging process. In this study, a comparison of the effect of conventional thermal oven aging to the combined effect of heat and ultraviolet irradiation on the resilient modulus and surface texture of dense-graded asphalt field cores and gyratory-compacted samples was undertaken. Significantly higher rates of modulus increase with aging time were measured for the samples aged by both heat and ultraviolet irradiation. The gyratory-compacted samples showed more realistic results in terms of surface texture compared to the field cores, likely due to the extraction of field cores from a small area of pavement that was subjected to concentrated pneumatic tyre rolling, which was not representative of typical asphalt construction. It was concluded that using aging indices, calculated as the ratio of the aged value to the initial value, is recommended for asphalt aging investigations. The findings of this study highlight the significance and importance of developing aging protocols that combine heat, ultraviolet irradiation, and any other environmental factors that may affect the aging behaviour of asphalt mixtures.
Spatial and Material Optimization for Novel Sustainable and Radio-Frequency-Friendly Micro-Homes
Authors: Falzetti Antonella , Cianca Ernestina , Rossi Tommaso
Published: May 2022

The paper addresses the issue of designing a novel building that is sustainable, spatially optimized and also RF-friendly. The latter term is used to indicate that building materials guarantee good radio-signal penetration (in the range of frequencies of interest for commonly used wireless standards) and good reflection behavior indoors, thus enabling the use of innovative RF-based non-invasive human-monitoring systems that take advantage of RF-scattering-rich environments. The need for connectivity is becoming, more and more, a key inhabitant requirement. Nevertheless, so far, there are no examples of architectural designs that take into account the need for connectivity at the beginning of the design stage. As a consequence, once the house and the building material have been designed, then providing high-quality wireless connectivity services might become challenging. Therefore, the paper presents the design of a novel “house-concept” for vulnerable social groups that is made of a novel sustainable building material. Such a novel building material has been experimentally characterized in terms of dielectric properties. Simulation results have shown that such a material is not RF-friendly and solutions have been proposed to improve its RF propagation behavior and enable the use of a novel RF-sensing monitoring system.
Learning Loss Recovery Dashboard: A Proposed Design to Mitigate Learning Loss Post Schools Closure
Authors: Aldosemani Tahani I. , Al Khateeb Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Research has shown the effectiveness of designing a Learning Analytics Dashboard (LAD) for learners and instructors, including everyone’s levels of progress and performance. An intertwined relationship exists between learning analytics (LA) and the learning process. Understanding information or data about learners and their learning journey can contribute to a deeper understanding of learners and the learning process. The design of an effective learning dashboard relies heavily on LA, including assessment of the learning process, i.e., gains and losses. A Learning Loss Recovery Dashboard (LLRD) can be designed as an instructional tool, to support the learning process as well as learners’ performance and their academic achievement. The current project proposes a LLRD prototype model to deal with potential learning loss; increase the achievement of learning outcomes; and provide a single, comprehensive learning process, where schools can evaluate and remedy any potential learning loss resulting from the distance-learning period that was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic dashboard prototype functions to determine learning gains by K–12 learners. It is expected that the implementation of the proposed dashboard would provide students, teachers, and educational administrators with an integrated portal, for a holistic and unified remedial experience for addressing learning loss.
Exploring a Pathway to Sustainable Performance in Manufacturing Firms: The Interplay between Innovation Capabilities, Green Process, Product Innovations and Digital Leadership
Authors: Sarfraz Muddassar , Ivascu Larisa , Abdullah Muhammad Ibrahim , Ozturk Ilknur , Tariq Jasim
Published: May 2022

In recent years, advancing industrialization and rapid climate change have considerably influenced the global consumption pattern of natural assets. Undoubtedly, this massive utilization of natural resources and hazardous environmental emissions have profoundly curbed the worldwide socio-economic context, substantially causing this ecological burden to amplify the harmful effects on countries’ prosperity. This study aims to improve the sustainable performance of manufacturing firms in Pakistan through innovation capabilities and green process innovation. The study has adopted a quantitative approach, and data has been accumulated through a structured questionnaire distributed among 299 employees working in manufacturing firms. A structural equation model using Smart PLS software was used to analyze the collected data from the respondents. The results have identified a significant correlation between innovation capabilities, green process innovation, and sustainable performance. The buffering role of digital leadership enhances the employees’ creative skills and sustainable performance. Additionally, the extent that green product innovation plays a mediating role between innovation capabilities, green process innovation, and sustainable performance has been contemplated. Henceforth, the current study also analyzes the moderating role of digital leadership in sustainable performance.
Mechanical Characterization of Industrial Waste Materials as Mineral Fillers in Asphalt Mixes: Integrated Experimental and Machine Learning Analysis
Authors: Tiwari Nitin , Baldo Nicola , Satyam Neelima , Miani Matteo
Published: May 2022

In this study, the effect of seven industrial waste materials as mineral fillers in asphalt mixtures was investigated. Silica fume (SF), limestone dust (LSD), stone dust (SD), rice husk ash (RHA), fly ash (FA), brick dust (BD), and marble dust (MD) were used to prepare the asphalt mixtures. The obtained experimental results were compared with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), which is used as a conventional mineral filler. The physical, chemical, and morphological assessment of the fillers was performed to evaluate the suitability of industrial waste to replace the OPC. The volumetric, strength, and durability of the modified asphalt mixes were examined to evaluate their performance. The experimental data have been processed through artificial neural networks (ANNs), using k-fold cross-validation as a resampling method and two different activation functions to develop predictive models of the main mechanical and volumetric parameters. In the current research, the two most relevant parameters investigated are the filler type and the filler content, given that they both greatly affect the asphalt concrete mechanical performance. The asphalt mixes have been optimized by means of the Marshall stability analysis, and after that, for each different filler, the optimum asphalt mixtures were investigated by carrying out Indirect tensile strength, moisture susceptibility, and abrasion loss tests. The moisture sensitivity of the modified asphalt mixtures is within the acceptable limit according to the Indian standard. Asphalt mixes modified with the finest mineral fillers exhibited superior stiffness and cracking resistance. Experimental results show higher moisture resistance in calcium-dominant mineral filler-modified asphalt mixtures. Except for mixes prepared with RHA and MD (4% filler content), all the asphalt mixtures considered in this study show MS values higher than 10 kN, as prescribed by Indian regulations. All the values of the void ratio for each asphalt mix have been observed to range between 3–5%, and MQ results were observed between 2 kN/mm–6 kN/mm, which falls within the acceptable range of the Indian specification. Partly due to implementing a data-augmentation strategy based on interpolation, the ANN modeling was very successful, showing a coefficient of correlation averaged over all output variables equal to 0.9967.
Sustainable Decommissioning Strategies for Nuclear Power Plants: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Park Kwangheon , Son Seunghyun , Oh Jinhyuk , Kim Sunkuk
Published: May 2022

The decommissioning of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is rapidly increasing because NPPs are not only no longer profitable in many cases but are also being decommissioned due to a lack of public acceptance or political reasons in many countries, particularly in Europe, following the explosion of the Fukushima Daiichi NPP. Accordingly, a significant body of research has focused on achieving safe, environmentally sound, and sustainable decommissioning in many countries where there is demand for NPP decommissioning. In order to achieve sustainable decommissioning that restores the NPP site to its pre-NPP environmental state, it is necessary to understand the safety, technology, and cost aspects as well as having the process and strategy to systematically promote them. Although there are a limited number of countries with experience and knowledge in the management of decommissioning multiple NPPs, researchers in countries just starting NPP decommissioning need diverse research information on how to formulate a sustainable decommissioning strategy as well as related factors. In particular, a systematic review of decommissioning strategies, such as DD, ID, and ET, and the influencing factors associated with each strategy is needed from the researcher’s point of view. In this regard, this study reviews the research literature on decommissioning strategies for nuclear power plants with a sustainable perspective. A systematic method involving a meta-analysis is used. The results of this study confirm that many researchers are most interested in DD and are dealing with ID and ET at the same level, but in reality, DD and ID are being adopted at similar rates. Thus far, only three ETs have been adopted in the United States. Most countries that have adopted ID are deemed to have been influenced by political decisions.
Citizen Engagement in EU Collective Action Energy Projects
Authors: Shortall Ruth , Mengolini Anna , Gangale Flavia
Published: May 2022

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires profound changes in the energy system, including digitisation and decentralisation. Collective action energy projects are a promising means of supporting this transformation since they redistribute control of energy resources to the citizens and foster sustainable energy behaviours, as well as potentially enhancing energy justice and democracy. The EU has funded a number of collective action energy R&I projects which combine the use of new technologies and community engagement. We identify 28 such projects and investigate the types of community engagement strategies trialed and the challenges they face. We find that engagement strategies comprise a mixture of shorter term participation and longer term behaviour change strategies. There is a tendency towards behaviour change strategies based on feedback and/or rewards, while other promising strategies like targeting group norms are less common. Overall, projects opt for medium-level participation, while co-creative or more empowering approaches are less common. A lack of consistency in approach and a lack of reported data on social impacts of the projects makes it difficult to determine how effective the engagement strategies (and hence projects themselves) have been. We provide some recommendations for designing and monitoring similar research projects going forward.
Analysis of the Dynamic Characteristics of the Top Flange Pile Driving Process of a Novel Monopile Foundation without a Transition Section
Authors: Li Ying , Li Jinghui , Shi Wei , Li Xin , Wang Bin
Published: May 2022

As the most widely used foundation type, the pile-driving capacity of large-diameter monopile foundations and the hammer force of pile top flanges is increasing, as are the stress and strain of traditional flange structures under the resistance to the cyclic impact load of pile hammers. This paper conducts an empirical study on the Rudong 150 MW offshore wind farm project in Longyuan, Jiangsu Province. The numerical simulation and calculation method of large-diameter pile fatigue damage is mastered and proposed, and a simulation analysis and comparison is conducted, as is an analysis of the sensitivity and feedback of the key software parameters. Based on the results of the above analysis, a pile simulation analysis of the offshore wind power projects under construction and those that are about to be started is performed. The pile hammer stroke energy and pile top hammer stroke process curve are extracted. According to the time range curve of limit and hammer stroke forces, the flange limit stress and distribution of the pile roof are simulated. Combined with the process characteristics of large-diameter pile sinking and analysis in the case of high hammer energy and high acceleration, the effect of the impact on the sensor is discussed. The results show that the instantaneous loading analysis could load at the flange of the pile, the maximum instantaneous stress was above 500 MPa, and the final maximum stress was approximately 307 MPa. Different loading methods vary greatly in the calculation results of the structure, so choosing the appropriate loading simulation method is key to pile sinking analysis.
Design of Constructed Wetland Treatment Measures for Highway Runoff in a Water Source Protection Area
Authors: Qian Guoping , Wang Chang , Gong Xiangbing , Zhou Hongyu , Cai Jun
Published: May 2022

Road runoff contains high levels of pollutants, such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons. If they are directly discharged into sensitive water bodies, they will cause irreversible pollution and damage to the water environment. Furthermore, the leakage of hazardous chemicals into sensitive waters will lead to serious consequences, so determining how to deal with road surface runoff has become an urgent problem. This research adopts a scheme for collecting and processing road runoff in a water source protection area using artificial wetlands. After optimizing and improving the general vertical flow of the wetland structure, a composite wetland structure and a relatively novel tandem wetland structure are proposed. An indoor model is established for experiments on various main wetland structure schemes. The results show that the two newly proposed wetland structures improve the possibility of water level control in general vertical flow structures. At the same time, the movement distance of the water flow in the wetland structure is changed to improve the treatment effect of runoff. The removal effect of composite and tandem wetland structures for heavy metals, petroleum substances, and COD (chemical oxygen demand) is significantly better than that of general vertical flow structures. Among them, the composite structure is better than the tandem structure at removing heavy metals, petroleum substances, and COD. However, due to the water discharge method of the structures, the latter has a better effect than the former in the treatment of suspended substances.
Designing Better Public Transport: Understanding Mode Choice Preferences Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ulahannan Arun , Birrell Stewart
Published: May 2022

Transport behaviour has evidently changed following the COVID-19 pandemic, with lower usage across multiple modes of public transport and an increasing use of private vehicles. This is problematic as private vehicle use has been linked to an increase in traffic-related air pollutants, and consequently global warming and health-related issues. Hence, it is important to capture transport mode choice preferences following the pandemic, so that potential service changes can be made to address the lower usage. In total, 1138 respondents took part in an online discrete choice experiment methodology to quantify the utility of public transport service attributes in decision making around the choice of public transport. The data resulted in the development of three models using a multinomial logit model in R. For respondents on personal or commuting journeys, the mode of transport had no effect on utility. Results found that fare cost was the most important factor driving transport mode preference, when a range of choices were available. Following this, keeping fare cost consistent, faster journey times were preferred to stronger access to transport (i.e., through the provision of more bus stops/stations). The provision of operational relevant information to the journey was only significantly valued by commuters and travellers who could claim their journey as a business expense. Finally, when cost became less relevant (i.e., for travellers on expensed journeys), there was a significantly strong preference for taxi and road vehicle transport over all other transport modes. The results from this empirical research are discussed and the implications of recent transport policy are discussed, and recommendations of public transport service design are made.
Attribute Framework Validation for Wellness Tourism within the Context of Thailand
Authors: Kongtaveesawas Natnisha , Prasarnphanich Pattarawan , Sinthupinyo Sukree , Ashton Ann Suwaree
Published: May 2022

Background: Research on the theoretical integration of attributes of wellness tourism in the form of the physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental (PMSE) attribute framework and the effect of cultural differences on the framework validation has not been conducted before. Objectives: This study developed and validated the key underlying attributes of the wellness tourism experience framework within the Thailand context. Methods: From reviewing the related literature to identify potential sub attributes under the four dimensions of the PMSE framework, themes were developed using a theory- and prior research-driven method within different cultural contexts. The fitness of the PMSE attribute framework model within the context of Thailand wellness tourism was confirmed through a survey design with a quantitative approach from the generalities of the sample groups. The entire dataset was statistically tested with descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results and Conclusions: After adjustments, the four-factors with a 28-item model substantiated the data. The results validated that the mental experience dimension accounted for the most variance, with an indicator value of 0.99 in the framework, predicting the effective wellness tourism experience better than the other attributes. Experience design should involve the participation of all stakeholders in the wellness tourism system in terms of managerial contribution. Recommendations for the planning of wellness experiences concerning each four-factor will be investigated in future studies.
Flexural Behaviour of Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Ternary Blend Geopolymer Concrete Beams
Authors: Sathish Kumar Veerappan , Ganesan Namasivayam , Indira Pookattu Vattarambath , Murali Gunasekaran , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich
Published: May 2022

Geopolymer concrete is one of the innovative eco-friendly materials that has gained the attention of many researchers in the sustainable development of the construction industry. The primary objective of this experimental investigation is to study the flexural behaviour of the ternary blend geopolymer concrete (TGPC) with various proportions of hybrid fibres. In this study, 27 reinforced concrete beams were cast with a TGPC grade of M55 and tested under monotonic loading conditions. The specimens were beams of length 1200 mm, depth of 150 mm, and width of 100 mm. Crimped steel (metallic) fibres and polypropylene (non-metallic) fibres were used in hybrid form to study the effect on the TGPC beams under flexure. The volume fractions of steel fibres were varied up to 1% with an increment of 0.5%, and polypropylene fibres varied from 0.1% to 0.25% with an increment of 0.05%. The test results were analysed based on the first crack load, ultimate load, load-deflection behaviour, energy absorption capacity, moment-curvature relationship, and ductility behaviour and compared with TGPC specimens without fibres. The experimental study reveals that the TGPC is one of the best alternatives for conventional cement concrete. The addition of hybrid fibres potentially improves the flexural properties of TGPC to a great extent. The test results showcased that the HTGPC with 1% steel and 0.1% polypropylene fibres exhibited better flexural properties than the other combinations of hybrid fibres considered in this study. Additionally, an effort was made to develop a model to estimate the flexural strength of TGPC with hybrid fibres, and the predicted values were found satisfactorily with the test results.
Sustainable Development Perspectives in Physical Education Teacher Education Course Syllabi: An Analysis of Learning Outcomes
Authors: Fröberg Andreas , Lundvall Suzanne
Published: May 2022

Although school education, including the subject of physical education (PE), has the potential to contribute to the visions set out by the 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals (SDGs), little attention has been directed towards sustainable development perspectives in PE teacher education (PETE). In this explorative paper, we aimed to investigate how sustainable development perspectives are reflected in Swedish PETE course syllabi, focusing on learning outcomes. The source of data was 496 learning outcomes retrieved from PETE course syllabi at the eight Swedish PETE institutions that examine PE teachers for compulsory school grades 7−9 and upper secondary school. A qualitative thematical analysis was performed, and two educational resources developed to support how to use education in achieving SDGs were used as a guiding framework. The findings show eight learning outcomes (<2%) explicitly related to sustainable development perspectives. We found these learning outcomes in courses dealing with outdoor education, movement and health didactics, and work environment and ergonomics. Our further analysis suggests that 37 learning objectives (19% as cognitive, 43% as socio-emotional, and 38% as behavioural) and 31 competencies (35% within knowledge and understanding, 32% within skills and applications, and 32% within values and attributes) could be linked to our themes of learning outcomes. These learning objectives and competencies of the SDGs were for good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, peace, justice, and strong institutions. The main findings signal a possibility to work with the conceptualisation of sustainable development perspectives and SDGs in PETE. PETE educators should be encouraged to critically reflect on what it can mean to include sustainable development perspectives in PETE course syllabi.