bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic and Social Benefits of Aquavoltaics: A Case Study from Jiangsu, China
Authors: Wang Lingjun , Chen Jian
Published: October 2024

Aquavoltaics is an innovative and beneficial solution that makes dual use of water area for photovoltaic (PV) power generation and aquaculture. Currently, China has made remarkable developments in aquavoltaics. This paper first analyzes the current development status of aquavoltaics in China, then takes the TW “fishery–PV integration” base project in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, as a case study to analyze its economic and social benefits, and finally puts forward countermeasure suggestions for the development of aquavoltaics in China. It is found that Jiangsu Province is one of the clustering areas for the development of aquavoltaics in China, and the development of aquavoltaics in this province has a high level of specialization. The payback period (PP) of the TW “fishery–PV integration” base project is 10.44 years, the net present value (NPV) is USD 18.5334 million (the discount rate is 5%), and the internal rate of return (IRR) is 8.06%. The social benefits of this project are mainly reflected in the promotion of energy conservation and emission reduction, the alleviation of energy shortages, the optimization of land use, and the development of culture, tourism, science, and education. The development of aquavoltaics should be promoted by strengthening scientific research, paying attention to the impact of PV panel erection on the ecological environment of the waters, emphasizing the fishery farming part of the aquavoltaic project, and improving the commercial operation mode of the aquavoltaic project.
Optimizing Energy Yield and Economic Benefit of Renewable Energy Technologies for Urban Mediterranean Dwellings
Authors: Mizzi Andre’ , Yousif Charles
Published: October 2024

Mediterranean European cities are characterized by high population density and limited space for large-scale implementation of renewable energy installations. This paper addresses the optimization of renewable energy installations in Mediterranean dwellings with the scope of increasing their energy contribution and cost-effectiveness. In a case study for Malta, the three technologies studied were solar photovoltaics, solar water heating, and heat pump water heating. Technical and economic analyses were performed on a number of reference configurations using Polysun software (version 2022.8). Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to study the impact that different technical and economic factors have on the performance of the configurations considered. Finally, comparisons were made between the techno-economic results obtained from the reference and sensitivity analyses. Based on data collected, the presence of renewable energy source (RES) technologies in the residential sector of Malta was characterized and correlated with the types of dwellings considered. Among the results obtained, it was found that although a solar RES installation may experience some shading, this does not mean that it is rendered economically unfeasible. Moreover, from the simulations conducted, electrical energy storage technology was considered as too premature unless strongly subsidized, making economic sense only in specific circumstances. On the other hand, although heat pump water heating technology is also relatively modern, it was concluded to be the most beneficial in terms of both energy yield and economic benefit, generally speaking. Furthermore, it was determined that in a higher occupancy dwelling, solar water heating (SWH) and heat pump water heating (HPWH) result in considerably more attractive energy savings.
The Influence of World Heritage Sites on Tourism Dynamics in the EU 27 Nations
Authors: Kutlu Didem , Zanbak Mehmet , Soycan Sezer , Kasalak Murad Alpaslan , Aktaş Çimen Zeynep
Published: October 2024

Culture and tourism are crucial for economic growth and sustainable development, working together symbiotically. Culture boosts tourism by supporting heritage, production, and creativity, while cultural heritage, reflecting national identity and traditions, strengthens local economies. This study uses a panel data analysis to examine the impact of cultural factors on international tourist arrivals in 27 EU nations. The Driscoll–Kraay method reveals that UNESCO World Heritage Sites, government cultural expenditures, household recreation and cultural expenditures, real GDP per job, and bed capacity positively influence international tourist numbers. Regarding cultural factors, World Heritage Sites have the most significant influence, with each additional UNESCO site leading to a 0.22% rise in tourist numbers. The most crucial determinant of tourist arrivals is bed capacity, with a one percent increase leading to a 0.66% increase in tourist arrivals. Conversely, healthcare expenditures and political civil liberties have a negative impact on tourist arrivals. This study discusses managerial implications and offers recommendations for future research.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Urban Emergency Response Resilience During Public Health Crises: A Case Study of Wuhan
Authors: Sun Jia-Ying , Zhou Lang-Yu , Deng Jun-Yuan , Zhang Chao-Yong , Xing Hui-Ge
Published: October 2024

In recent years, public health emergencies have severely disrupted city functions and endangered residents’ health and lives, enhancing the emergency response capacity, a crucial aspect of building resilient cities. Based on the Wuhan Statistical Yearbook and local economic and social big data, this study constructed a resilience assessment system that covers resistance, adaptability, and resilience. Evaluate the resilience level of each region and analyze its spatiotemporal characteristics using the entropy weight method, Theil index, and natural breakpoint method. The central area exhibited higher resilience levels, while peripheral areas showed lower resilience, owing to location advantage and developmental disparities. The obstacle degree model revealed that scientific and technological innovation, social rescue capabilities, and population size are the primary weak links in building urban emergency response capacity. Based on these findings, this study aims to provide policy recommendations and improvement measures for multiple stakeholders, guide the construction of resilient cities, enhance the ability to respond to public health crises and recovery speed, and ensure urban functions and residents’ well-being.
The Interaction Effects of Board Independence and Digital Transformation on Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance: Complementary or Substitutive?
Authors: Yu Jingzhuo , Hwang Yong-Sik
Published: October 2024

Both board independence (BI) and digital transformation (DT) play important roles in promoting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. However, few studies have focused on their interaction effects on ESG performance (ESGP). The study selected Chinese A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2023 as the research sample and used a moderating effect model to test the complementary or substitutive relationship between the two. The empirical results show that there is a substitutive effect, rather than a complementary one. Further analysis of the individual ESG pillars revealed that the substitutive effect of BI and DT is primarily reflected in corporate governance. Moreover, this substitutive effect is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises and non-manufacturing enterprises, and digital supervision mechanisms may have a stronger substitutive role than traditional independent director oversight mechanisms. These findings uncover the complex relationship between the two governance mechanisms and corporate ESGP, offering important insights for managers; companies need to strike a balance between “human governance” and “digital governance” to maximize ESGP.
Assessing Watershed Flood Resilience Based on a Grid-Scale System Performance Curve That Considers Double Thresholds
Authors: Su Xin , Wang Leizhi , Li Lingjie , Li Xiting , Wang Yintang , Liu Yong , Hu Qingfang
Published: October 2024

Enhancing flood resilience has become crucial for watershed flood prevention. However, current methods for quantifying resilience often exhibit coarse spatiotemporal granularity, leading to insufficient precision in watershed resilience assessments and hindering the accurate implementation of resilience enhancement measures. This study proposes a watershed flood resilience assessment method based on a system performance curve that considers thresholds of inundation depth and duration. A nested one- and two-dimensional coupled hydrodynamic model, spanning two spatial scales, was utilized to simulate flood processes in plain river network areas with detailed and complex hydraulic connections. The proposed framework was applied to the Hangjiahu area (Taihu Basin, China). The results indicated that the overall trend of resilience curves across different underlying surfaces initially decreased and then increase, with a significant decline observed within 20–50 h. The resilience of paddy fields and forests was the highest, while that of drylands and grasslands was the lowest, but the former had less recovery ability than the latter. The resilience of urban systems sharply declined within the first 40 h and showed no signs of recovery, with the curve remaining at a low level. In some regions, the flood tolerance depth and duration for all land use types exceeded the upper threshold. The resilience of the western part of the Hangjiahu area was higher than that of other regions, whereas the resilience of the southern region was lower compared to the northern region. The terrain and tolerance thresholds of inundation depth were the main factors affecting watershed flood resilience. The findings of this study provide a basis for a deeper understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of flood resilience and for precisely guiding the implementation and management of flood resilience enhancement projects in the watershed.
Urban Heat Island Differentiation and Influencing Factors: A Local Climate Zone Perspective
Authors: Ning Shunbin , Zhou Yuan , Wang Manlin , Li Bei , Li Pengyao , Zhang Li , Luo Yushu
Published: October 2024

With the acceleration of urbanization, the urban heat island (UHI) effect has become a major environmental challenge, severely affecting the quality of life of residents and the ecological environment. Quantitative analysis of the factors influencing urban heat island intensity (UHII) is crucial for precise urban planning. Although extensive research has investigated the causes of UHI effects and their spatial variability, most studies focus on macro-scale analyses, overlooking the spatial heterogeneity of thermal characteristics within local climate zones (LCZs) under rapid urbanization. To address this gap, this study took the central urban area of Chengdu, constructing a LCZ map using multisource remote sensing data. Moran’s Index was employed to analyze the spatial clustering effects of UHI across different LCZs. By constructing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models, the study further explored the influencing factors within these climate zones. The results showed that: (1) Chengdu’s built and natural environments had comparable proportions, with the scattered building zone comprising the highest proportion at 22.12% in the built environment, and the low vegetation zone accounting for 21.8% in the natural environment. The UHII values in this study ranged from 10.2 °C to −1.58 °C, based on specific measurement conditions. Since UHII varied with meteorological conditions, time, seasons, and the selection of rural reference points, these values represented dynamic results during the study period and were not constant. (2) Chengdu’s urban spatial morphology and UHII exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, with a global Moran’s I index of 0.734, indicating a high degree of spatial correlation. The highest local Moran’s I value was found in the proportion of impervious surfaces (0.776), while the lowest is in the floor area ratio (0.176). (3) The GWR model demonstrated greater explanatory power compared to the OLS model, with a fit of 0.827. The impact of spatial morphological factors on UHII varied significantly across different environments, with the most substantial difference observed in the sky view factor, which has a standard deviation of 13.639. The findings provide precise recommendations for ecological spatial planning, aiming to mitigate the UHI effect and enhance the quality of life for urban residents.
Does Low-Carbon Transition Promote Regional Sustainable Development? Evidence from the Huaihe River Ecological Economic Belt
Authors: Wang Guokui , Gao Junbo , Li Yangyang
Published: October 2024

The Chinese government has adopted a significant low-carbon transition strategy aimed at enhancing resource efficiency, advancing ecological conservation, and augmenting societal well-being. This research employs the super efficiency SBM model to evaluate the ecological well-being performance (EWP) within the Huaihe River Ecological Economic Belt. Subsequently, it employs the Sys-GMM model and conducts a threshold effect analysis to regressively examine the impact of the low-carbon transition on EWP. The key findings are as follows. The EWP in the Huaihe River Ecological Economic Belt is relatively low; cities with higher economic development levels tend to exhibit lower EWP scores. The impact of the low-carbon transition on EWP is contingent upon the level of regional economic development and exhibits a singular threshold effect predicated on the economic development level as the threshold variable. Specifically, when economic development is at a low level, an intensification of the low-carbon transition results in a decline in EWP within the Huaihe River Ecological Economic Belt. Conversely, when the economic development level surpasses the threshold, the low-carbon transition facilitates the enhancement of EWP. This study’s principal contribution lies in elucidating the intricate relationship between the low-carbon transition and sustainable development.
Perceived Responses of International Tourists to Transportation and Tourism Services During Typhoons Faxai and Hagibis in Japan
Authors: Choi Sunkyung , Liu Kexin , Hanaoka Shinya
Published: October 2024

There is a limited understanding on the information-seeking behavior of international tourists during disaster response scenarios due to the lack of empirical studies on crisis communication in Japan. This study clarifies the topics generated from both international tourists and official Twitter accounts by applying the embedding Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) topic model and examines the temporal sentiment changes toward transportation and tourism using the sentiment scores obtained from topic-based Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) sentiment analysis during disasters. A case study was conducted using Twitter data on Typhoons Faxai and Hagibis, which struck Japan in 2019. This study found differences in the topics generated among international tourists and officials in response and a continuous negative sentiment toward specific transportation services. The managerial implications of these findings regarding the use of social media in crisis communication in tourism are also discussed.
Assessment of Urban Resilience to Floods: A Spatial Planning Framework for Cities
Authors: Peiris Mutu Tantrige Osada Vishvajith
Published: October 2024

Urbanization-led economic growth drives infrastructure investments and population accumulation in cities, hence exploiting natural resources at an extreme rate. In this context, coastal cities have become vulnerable to climate change-induced extreme weather events and human-made disasters in recent history, where effective measures to improve the resilience of cities are pivotal for developing sustainable living environments. This study proposes a framework for assessing urban resilience to natural disasters (floods) using bottom-up spatial interactions among natural, physical, and social systems within cities and regions. It is noted that seminal studies focus on either the mitigation or adaptation strategies within urban environments to assess disaster resilience, where limited multidisciplinary and operational models hinder evaluations at the city scale. Therefore, urban system interactions and quantifiable parameters proposed in this framework are essential for policymakers and disaster management agencies in the timely allocation of resources to optimize the recovery process. Moreover, spatial planning agencies can adopt resilience mapping to identify the potential risk zones and orient sustainable land use management. Urban resilience can be embodied in spatial strategies with the operational framework proposed here, and future urban growth scenarios can be tested in multiple disaster conditions.
Study on the Value of Ecosystem Services and Land Use Change in the Area North of the Tianshan Mountains from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Wang Yang , Xue Xuan , Wang Haowei
Published: October 2024

The northern Tianshans region in the arid zone of northwestern China plays a key role in promoting high-quality development of the ecological environment. In recent years, ecological environmental protection in this region has encountered major challenges due to the dual impacts of human activities and natural changes. In order to accurately assess the current status of the ecological environment in the northern Tianshans, this study analyzed the spatial and temporal changes in land use and ecological and environmental effects using land use data from 2000 to 2020 and explored the current status of land use, land use dynamic process, and ecosystem service value (ESV) in the region. Two-factor spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed the spatio-temporal characteristics of the value changes over the 20-year period as well as their spatial heterogeneity. The results show that: (1) land use changes are dominated by increases in cultivated land, forest land, watershed, and wetland, and decreases in grassland, glacier snow, and bare land. Of these changes, the expansion of cultivated land area is the most significant, showing a total increase of 1136.13 × 103 hm2. (2) The ESV increased and then decreased, reaching the highest value in 2005 and the lowest in 2020. The value of individual ecosystem services is dominated by regulating services, accounting for about 67% of the total value. (3) The overall regional balance of ecological environment quality and the contribution rate of the conversion from bare land to other land types is as high as 82.7986%, constituting the main factor in regional ecological environment improvement. The spatial distribution pattern exhibits the characteristic of “high in the northeast and low in the southwest”. (4) There is a positive correlation between the ESV, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the Anthropogenic Impact Composite Index, with the NDVI being the main cause of spatial heterogeneity in the ESV. The research results provide a scientific basis for ecological protection, land management, and policy formulation in the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and are of great significance for promoting regional sustainable development.
A Human-Centered Shelter Design for People on the Move in the Al-Sahel Region
Authors: Al-Shoubaki Hind , Psychogyios Dimitris , Drilling Matthias , Chatziefthymiou Yioryos , Fragkou Tatiani , Costa André Marinho , Tsangrassoulis Aris
Published: October 2024

This article addresses the development of a human-centered shelter design tailored to meet the specific needs of refugees in the Al-Sahel Region. It focuses on five essential aspects of humanitarian-centered design. The goal is to create a livable unit that accommodates the three distinct phases of an emergency, transitional, and durable situation. We have adopted a non-linear design approach to develop the refugee shelter unit. We engage in discussions with team experts following each data collection phase. The conceptual design of the shelter unit is intended to align with the refugee settlement’s natural growth while maintaining a degree of control over its evolution. We have outlined a spatial configuration for a residential unit designed for three to six individuals and various patio options. Additionally, we have devised plans for an education and healthcare facility, all designed with the same structure to bring a more organized approach to the organic growth of the camp. The design proposal adopts a process-oriented approach, incorporating refugees indirectly in the design and construction of their shelters. While we do not assert that the framework of a ‘refugee camp’ can be sustainable, our goal is to show that its planning, in the absence of alternatives, should adhere to sustainability criteria.
Navicular Drop Height Asymmetry as an Intrinsic Risk Factor for Lower Limb Injury in Male Recreational Athletes
Authors: Domaradzki Jarosław
Published: October 2024

Morphological and functional asymmetry of the lower limbs is a well-recognized factor contributing to musculoskeletal injuries among athletes across different levels. However, limited research exists on evaluating foot mobility asymmetry as a potential predictor of such injuries. This study aimed to (1) assess the frequency of foot mobility asymmetries among amateur athletes, (2) investigate the predictive value of foot mobility asymmetry (measured via navicular height drop) for injury risk, and (3) explore the relationship between foot type and injury occurrence. A cross-sectional sampling method was employed to select 45 physically active male amateur athletes (runners and team sports practitioners) from a university. Injury history was retrospectively recorded, and a modified navicular drop test was conducted to classify foot arch height. The predictive power of navicular height drop asymmetry was analyzed using ROC curves, and the relationship between foot type (neutral and defective combinations—pronated or supinated) and injury occurrence was examined using chi-square tests for independence. Multiple logistic regression was applied to calculate injury risk odds ratios across different foot type subgroups. The results revealed a significant frequency (51.1%) of participants with at least one defective foot, including 31.1% with one neutral and one defective foot and 20% with both feet defective. Navicular height drop asymmetry emerged as a valuable predictor of injuries, with a 36% asymmetry identified as the cut-off for increased injury risk (AUC = 0.832, 95% CI: 0.691–0.973, p < 0.001). A significant relationship was found between foot type and injury occurrence. Only one out of 22 participants with neutral feet (4.55%) experienced an injury, compared to 9 out of 14 (64.29%) with one neutral and one defective foot and 5 out of 9 (55.56%) with both feet defective. These differences were statistically significant (χ2 = 16.24, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.60). The odds ratio for injury risk was 37.8 (p = 0.016) for those with asymmetry (one neutral and one defective foot) and 26.3 (p = 0.102) for those with both feet defective, compared to participants with both feet neutral. In clinical practice, these findings suggest that routine screenings for physically active individuals should incorporate foot mobility asymmetry assessment. However, it is essential to integrate this factor with other risk indicators. For individuals exhibiting high asymmetry, general foot defect correction programs may be beneficial, but injury prevention strategies should adopt a more comprehensive approach, focusing on overall fitness and tailored interventions for high-risk individuals.
Sixty Years of the Maximum Principle in Optimal Control: Historical Roots and Content Classification
Authors: Chertovskih Roman , Ribeiro Vitor Miguel , Gonçalves Rui , Aguiar António Pedro
Published: October 2024

This study examines the scientific production focused on the Maximum Principle between 1962 and 2021. Results indicate a consistent increase in the absolute number of publications over time. In relative terms, there is a resurgence of interest in this research field after the period between 2004 and 2009. Overall, these findings support the idea of strategic complementarity between the Maximum Principle and optimal control. However, there is a notable exception during the period 2010–2015, characterised by a decline in scientific production focused on the Maximum Principle and a simultaneous increase in focus on optimal control. Academic journals that play a role in promoting this research field tend to have high impact factors and interesting cite scores. Using a modified Boston Consulting Group matrix, the results reveal the persistence of two researchers labelled as stars and three as cash cows. A multiple linear regression analysis confirms that reputation significantly influences the clustering trends. A critical discussion is provided to highlight the dichotomy between popularity and effective contributions in this research field.
Micro(nano)plastic and Related Chemicals: Emerging Contaminants in Environment, Food and Health Impacts
Authors: Carvalho Juliana G. R. de , Augusto Helga Coelho , Ferraz Ricardo , Delerue-Matos Cristina , Fernandes Virgínia Cruz
Published: October 2024

Microplastic pollution is a problem of increasing concern in food, and while food safety issues around the world are serious, an increasing number of food safety issues related to microplastics have become the focus of people’s attention. The presence of microplastics in food is a worldwide problem, and they are present in all kinds of foods, foods of both animal and plant origin, food additives, drinks, plastic food packaging, and agricultural practices. This can cause problems for both humans and the environment. Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, heart, placenta, and breastmilk, but their effects in humans are not well understood. Studies with mammals and human cells or organoids have given perspective about the potential impact of micro(nano)plastics on human health, which affect the lungs, kidneys, heart, neurological system, and DNA. Additionally, as plastics often contain additives or other substances, the potentially harmful effects of exposure to these substances must also be carefully studied before any conclusions can be drawn. The study of microplastics is very complex as there are many factors to account for, such as differences in particle sizes, constituents, shapes, additives, contaminants, concentrations, etc. This review summarizes the more recent research on the presence of microplastic and other plastic-related chemical pollutants in food and their potential impacts on human health.
Reexamining the Mycovirome of Botrytis spp.
Authors: Muñoz-Suárez Hugo , Ruiz-Padilla Ana , Donaire Livia , Benito Ernesto Pérez , Ayllón María A.
Published: October 2024

Botrytis species cause gray mold disease in more than 200 crops worldwide. To control this disease, chemical fungicides are usually applied. However, more sustainable control alternatives should be explored, such as the use of hypovirulent mycovirus-infected fungal strains. To determine the mycovirome of two Botrytis species, B. cinerea and B. prunorum, we reanalyzed RNA-Seq and small RNA-Seq data using different assembly programs and an updated viral database, aiming to identify new mycoviruses that were previously not described in the same dataset. New mycoviruses were identified, including those previously reported to infect or be associated with B. cinerea and Plasmopara viticola, such as Botrytis cinerea alpha-like virus 1 and Plasmopara viticola lesion-associated ourmia-like virus 80. Additionally, two novel narnaviruses, not previously identified infecting Botrytis species, have been characterized, tentatively named Botrytis cinerea narnavirus 1 and Botrytis narnavirus 1. The analysis of small RNAs suggested that all identified mycoviruses were targeted by the antiviral fungal mechanism, regardless of the viral genome type. In conclusion, the enlarged list of newly found viruses and the application of different bioinformatics approaches have enabled the identification of novel mycoviruses not previously described in Botrytis species, expanding the already extensive list.
Diversity and Taxonomy of Chrysophytes from the Pasvik State Nature Reserve (Russia)
Authors: Kapustin Dmitry
Published: October 2024

Pasvik State Nature Reserve is situated in the Arctic zone and its chrysophyte flora is poorly studied. The diversity of the golden-brown algae (chrysophytes) from the Paz river, as well as the peat-bog on its bank, has been investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Overall, 34 chrysophyte taxa have been recorded. They represent fifteen genera from five orders. A new species of Synura, S. skaloudiorum, has been described. Morphologically, it resembles S. hibernica, a species restricted in its distribution to Ireland and Newfoundland, but differs mainly in size and structure of the apical scales. Nomenclatural issues on the selected chrysophyte taxa are discussed. The name Kephyrion starmachii was invalidly published, and it was validated. The new nomenclatural combination Chrysothecopsis tubulosus has been proposed. Also, Dinobryon sertularia var. annulatum Shi and Wei has been synonymized with D. annulatum Hilliard and Asmund.
Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Labeo rohita and Mystus seenghala from Jhelum River, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ejaz Aansa , Ullah Sana , Ijaz Sehrish , Bilal Muhammad , Banaee Mahdi , Mosotto Camilla , Faggio Caterina
Published: October 2024

The bioaccumulation of trace elements and heavy metals in aquatic organisms is a critical environmental concern due to its potential impact on ecosystem health and human safety. This study investigated the level of trace elements and heavy metals bioaccumulation in Labeo rohita and Mystus seenghala from the River Jhelum in the district Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, chromium, manganese, cobalt, and lead in the gills, liver, and muscle tissues of these fish was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Then, the extent of contamination and its possible health risks were assayed. Our findings indicate significant variations in the elemental and metal concentrations among different organs and between species, reflecting their diverse feeding habits and habitats. The health risk assessment based on the estimated daily intake, estimated weekly intake, maximum permissible intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index or total target hazard quotient, health risk index, and target cancer risk revealed potential risks to human consumers of these fish. This study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, as new data and insights are crucial for understanding and mitigating these risks. Strict regulatory measures are also necessary to safeguard public health and preserve the ecosystem of Jhelum River.
Optimizing Local Materials in Green Roofs Through Citizen Science Activities at a Primary School in Azores
Authors: Teixeira Rita , Flores-Colen Inês , Oliveira Diogo , Silva Cristina Matos
Published: October 2024

Green roofs are a fundamental technology in the transformation of urban centers into more sustainable environments, with a positive impact on buildings, cities, and their inhabitants. Yet, green roof technology may require the use of materials with a high environmental impact, namely, when associated with large transport distances. The present work arises from the need to find an environmental solution to use in an eco-school on one of the Azores islands. It tests green roofs on a wooden structure using local and sustainable materials. Prototypes were built to monitor their performance and to complement the theoretical information investigated regarding the construction systems of green roofs with alternative materials. The installation of the prototypes was accompanied by the school community, and the performance was monitored. The pumice stone proved to be an efficient solution for the drainage layer of the green roof. The use of local soil (volcanic origin) instead of a commercial substrate proved to work properly, both for drainage and for vegetation growth. Finally, the results also contribute to a better understanding of green roofs on wooden structures and encourage the use of local materials in future projects, with a view towards a circular economy.
Semi-Supervised Soft Computing for Ammonia Nitrogen Using a Self-Constructing Fuzzy Neural Network with an Active Learning Mechanism
Authors: Zhou Hongbiao , Huang Yang , Yang Dan , Chen Lianghai , Wang Le
Published: October 2024

Ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) is a key water quality variable that is difficult to measure in the water treatment process. Data-driven soft computing is one of the effective approaches to address this issue. Since the detection cost of NH3-N is very expensive, a large number of NH3-N values are missing in the collected water quality dataset, that is, a large number of unlabeled data are obtained. To enhance the prediction accuracy of NH3-N, a semi-supervised soft computing method using a self-constructing fuzzy neural network with an active learning mechanism (SS-SCFNN-ALM) is proposed in this study. In the SS-SCFNN-ALM, firstly, to reduce the computational complexity of active learning, the kernel k-means clustering algorithm is utilized to cluster the labeled and unlabeled data, respectively. Then, the clusters with larger information values are selected from the unlabeled data using a distance metric criterion. Furthermore, to improve the quality of the selected samples, a Gaussian regression model is adopted to eliminate the redundant samples with large similarity from the selected clusters. Finally, the selected unlabeled samples are manually labeled, that is, the NH3-N values are added into the dataset. To realize the semi-supervised soft computing of the NH3-N concentration, the labeled dataset and the manually labeled samples are combined and sent to the developed SCFNN. The experimental results demonstrate that the test root mean square error (RMSE) and test accuracy of the proposed SS-SCFNN-ALM are 0.0638 and 86.31%, respectively, which are better than the SCFNN (without the active learning mechanism), MM, DFNN, SOFNN-HPS, and other comparison algorithms.
Driving Control Strategy and Specification Optimization for All-Wheel-Drive Electric Vehicle System with a Two-Speed Transmission
Authors: Kim Jeonghyuk , Ahn Jihyeok , Jeong Seyoung , Park Young-Geun , Kim Hyobin , Cho Dongwook , Hwang Sung-Ho
Published: October 2024

Equipping electric vehicles with a two-speed gearbox allows for achieving high torque and maximum speed through appropriate gear ratio adjustments. Additionally, tuning motor operating points to efficient zones, considering energy efficiency, significantly enhances the vehicle’s overall performance. This paper presents an AWD system configuration method, integrating a two-speed transmission to improve energy efficiency and driving performance through front and rear motor torque distribution and powertrain specification optimization. Based on vehicle simulations conducted using MATLAB/Simulink, a strategy for torque distribution between the front/rear axles was established using fuzzy logic, considering energy efficiency and driving stability. Furthermore, a multi-objective optimization was performed using a surrogate model trained through MATLAB parallel simulations. When the optimization results were applied to various vehicle specifications, it was observed that energy efficiency was improved, and acceleration performance was increased compared to a baseline vehicle without optimization.
Investigation of Engine Exhaust Heat Recovery Systems Utilizing Thermal Battery Technology
Authors: Zhu Bo , Zhang Yi , Wang Dengping
Published: October 2024

Over 50% of an engine’s energy dissipates via the exhaust and cooling systems, leading to considerable energy loss. Effectively harnessing the waste heat generated by the engine is a critical avenue for enhancing energy efficiency. Traditional exhaust heat recovery systems are limited to real-time recovery of exhaust heat primarily for engine warm-up and fail to fully optimize exhaust heat utilization. This paper introduces a novel exhaust heat recovery system leveraging thermal battery technology, which utilizes phase change materials for both heat storage and reutilization. This innovation significantly minimizes the engine’s cold start duration and provides necessary heating for the cabin during start-up. Dynamic models and thermal management system models were constructed. Parameter optimization and calculations for essential components were conducted, and the fidelity of the simulation model was confirmed through experiments conducted under idle warm-up conditions. Four distinct operational modes for engine warm-up are proposed, and strategies for transitioning between these heating modes are established. A simulation analysis was performed across four varying operational scenarios: WLTC, NEDC, 40 km/h, and 80 km/h. The results indicated that the thermal battery-based exhaust heat recovery system notably reduces warm-up time and fuel consumption. In comparison to the cold start mode, the constant speed condition at 40 km/h showcased the most significant reduction in warm-up time, achieving an impressive 22.52% saving; the highest cumulative fuel consumption reduction was observed at a constant speed of 80 km/h, totaling 24.7%. This study offers theoretical foundations for further exploration of thermal management systems in new energy vehicles that incorporate heat storage and reutilization strategies utilizing thermal batteries.
Scenario-Based Analysis of Electrification Effects on Value Creation and Employment Structures for the Automotive Industry in the Federal State of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
Authors: Frieske Benjamin , Hasselwander Samuel , Deniz Özcan , Stieler Sylvia , Schumich Simon
Published: October 2024

The transformation path to electric mobility will have fundamental impacts on the existing value chain and employment structures in the automotive industry. The purpose of this paper is to derive and examine these effects based on two different electric mobility market scenarios for the European (EU27) passenger car as well as truck market 2040 with special focus on the highly export-oriented industrial automotive cluster in Baden-Wuerttemberg. To achieve this, both a moderate and a progressive market scenario were simulated using the scientifically validated DLR VECTOR21 vehicle technology scenario model, based on two different parameter sets derived from actual and possible framework conditions on the European car and truck markets. Based on a detailed analysis of the industrial branch, value creation, and employee structure in Baden-Wuerttemberg and its automotive cluster, the effects resulting from the transformation to electric mobility will be displayed. With detailed Fade-In and Fade-Out analysis, the shifts from internal combustion engine components to electrified components will be derived and illustrated for each employee segment in the automotive cluster in Baden-Wuerttemberg, which leads to completely new and original results at this level of detail. Furthermore, the detailed display of the automotive cluster in this study allows for regionalized statements on employment effects, considering, for the first time, not only the car but also the truck segment. The analysis shows that battery electric vehicles will achieve a share of 34% or 57% for new registrations on the German car market in 2030, depending on the scenario framework conditions. The resulting employment effects for the entire automotive cluster in Baden-Wuerttemberg reach −37,000 (−8%) or −66,000 (−14%) by 2030 with further negative development until 2040 (−155,000, −30%) for the respective scenarios. Employment segments, in particular powertrain-dependent production employees, are at risk, with a potential decline of up to −60%. R&D employees could be also be significantly, affected with a reduction in workforce of about −50%.
Alternatives vieux roumaines et dialectales au type lexical străin ʻétrangerʼ
Authors:   Institutul de Lingvistică „Iorgu Iordan – Alexandru Rosetti”, Zamfir Dana-Mihaela , Vlasin Veronica Ana ,   Institutul de Lingvistică și Istorie Literară „Sextil Pușcariu” al Academiei Române, Adam Gabriela-Violeta ,   Institutul de Lingvistică și Istorie Literară „Sextil Pușcariu” al Academiei Române
Published: October 2024

Notre recherche s’est déroulée autour d’une série de mots qui furent employés en vieux roumain en tant que synonymes approximatifs (hyponymes, en réalité) du mot géographiquement général et historiquement viable străin, pour désigner des personnes vivant dans des aires appartenant à d’autres populations. Nous avons suivi, au cours des siècles, l’emploi spécial du parti¬cipe venit ʻvenu’ et sa continuité dans l’aire ouest du daco-roumain (presque exclusivement sous la forme des dérivés nominaux du type venitură) et l’avancement vers le nord de l’emprunt grec venetic (dont le sens étymologique ‛de Vénice’ évolua de très bonne heure vers ʻétranger’), mot inconnu au-delà de la Valachie avant 1700. Le mot le plus répandu en vieux roumain pour désigner les étrangers vivant dans des conditions marquées des traits [infériorité] et [désavantage], l’emprunt slave nemearnic, ne subsiste nulle part en tant qu’hyponyme de străin (s’étant figé en roumain, bien qu’assez tard, avec un sens dépréciatif moral), tandis que venetic (évolué lui-même vers un sens dépréciatif en roumain standard) se trouve encore ça et là en Moldavie et en Bessarabie.
Considerations on insurance recourse and the status of the consumer in motor third-party liability insurance – comments on the background of the preliminary inquiry submitted to the Court of Justice of the EU by the rajonen sad in Sofia, Bulgaria, on June 26, 2023 – ZD ‘BUL INS’ AD vs PV (Case C-387/23, BUL INS)
Authors: Fuchs Dariusz
Published: October 2024

The article is an attempt to provide a doctrinal answer to the first question posed by the national court in the form of a preliminary question to the CJEU in the case ref. C-387/23. At the same time the text contains considerations on the essence of motor insurance, the construction of atypical recourse of the insurer, as well as, to the extent necessary, refers to the qualification of the consumer in civil and insurance law. Attention was also paid to the stature of the uniform law on the insurance contract using the example of PEICL. Reference is also made to the regulations of national law and final conclusions are made.
Regres ubezpieczeniowy w ubezpieczeniach na cudzy rachunek
Authors: Maśniak Dorota
Published: October 2024

Artykuł jest poświęcony zagadnieniu regresu ubezpieczeniowego w kontekście umowy ubezpieczenia na cudzy rachunek. Istotą problemu jest kwestia dopuszczalności kierowania roszczeń regresowych do ubezpieczającego. Jej ocena wymagała analizy istoty regresu ubezpieczeniowego jako rodzaju subrogacji ustawowej, wskazania ratio legis tej instytucji oraz zakresu zastosowania art. 828 k.c. do stosunków ubezpieczenia na cudzy rachunek. W opracowaniu uwzględniono również aspekty dotyczące dystrybucji ubezpieczeń na cudzy rachunek oraz dokonano porównania takiej umowy do gwarancji ubezpieczeniowej. Rozważania natury ogólnej odniesiono do praktyki korzystania z ochrony ubezpieczeniowej przez podmioty świadczące usługi transportowe.
Standardy analizy wymagań i potrzeb klienta w procesie dystrybucji ubezpieczeń w Niemczech
Authors: Zgonina Oskar
Published: October 2024

Analiza wymagań i potrzeb klienta w Niemczech stanowi część obowiązku doradczego dystrybutorów ubezpieczeń. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zbadanie zakresu przedmiotowego i podmiotowego wskazanego obowiązku oraz wyodrębnienie standardów jego wykonywania. Wsposób szczególny analizie poddane zostaną przepisy § 6 VVG i 61 VVG, które regulują obowiązek doradczy. W artykule zweryfikowana zostanie teza, że przyjęty w Niemczech model przeprowadzania analizy wymagań i potrzeb jest efektywny z punktu widzenia założeń i celów dyrektywy IDD.
أثر حوكمة الشركات في الأداء المالي، والتشغيلي، وأداء الأسهم في سوق الكويت للأوراق المالية
Authors: حمدان علام محمد , السرطاوي عبدالمطلب محمد , جبر رائد جميل
Published: October 2024

تشمل هذه الدراسة على قسمين: الأول هو الدراسة الوصفية، وقد هدفت إلى استطلاع مدى تطبيق مبادئ حوكمة الشركات في الشركات الكويتية، ومن ثم دراسة التمايز بينها في مستوى التطبيق. والقسم الثاني هو الدراسة التطبيقية التي هدفت إلى دراسة أثر حوكمة الشركات في تحسين أداء الشركات الكويتية المالي، والتشغيلي وأداء الأسهم، بالإضافة إلى دراسة هذه العلاقة في ظل اختلاف حجم الشركة، ودرجة مديونيتها، ونوع نشاطها. تضمنت عينة الدراسة (96.5) بالمائة من الشركات المساهمة العامة المدرجة في سوق الكويت للأوراق المالية، وبواقع (222) شركة موزعة على تسعة قطاعات اقتصادية. أشارت نتائج الدراسة الوصفية إلى وجود تطبيق بمستوى متوسط وذي دلالة إحصائية لشروط حوكمة الشركات في سوق الكويت المالية، ولم يكن هناك تمايز بين الشركات الكويتية في تطبيق حوكمة الشركات، أما الدراسة التطبيقية فقد أشارت إلى تأثير حوكمة الشركات في مؤشر واحد من مؤشرات الأداء المالي، وهو القيمة السوقية المضافة، وتأثيرها على جميع مؤشرات الأداء التشغيلي، بينما لم يكن لها دور في معدل العائد على الاستثمار كمؤشر على الأداء المالي، والعائد على السهم العادي كمؤشر على أداء الأسهم. ولم تجد الدراسة أثراً لحوكمة الشركات في الأداء في ظل اختلاف حجم الشركة، ومديونيتها، ونوع نشاطها، إلا أثراً للحوكمة في القيمة السوقية المضافة في ظل اختلاف حجم الشركة. وبناء على هذه النتائج أوصت الدراسة بضرورة تطوير دليل ومؤشر لحوكمة الشركات في سوق الكويت المالية، والرقابة على تطبيق مبادئها من جانب الجهات المنظمة والمشرفة على عمل السوق، مع جملة من التوصيات الأخرى بشأن الدراسات المستقبلية.
Internacionalização de empresas como uma ferramenta estratégica ideal para a obtenção de vantagem competitiva rumo ao sucesso empresarial: Caso de estudo da empresa Bolloré Transport e Logistics, Lda - Cidade de Tete
Authors: Madeira Delfina Inocêncio Tomé , Júlio Rocha Lino
Published: October 2024

O presente trabalho teve o propósito de analisar Internacionalização de empresas como uma ferramenta estratégica ideal para a obtenção de vantagem competitiva rumo ao sucesso empresarial. Para análise deste foi traçado o objectivo geral que é analisar as estratégias de internacionalização utilizadas pelas empresas com vista ao aumento de sua competitividade rumo ao sucesso organizacional. Também, no decorrer deste artigo observou-se que as empresas devem praticar um desafio em primar pela internacionalização de empresas com vista a expansão do seu negócio e pela importância da internacionalização das empresas, vista como um meio eficaz para o aumento de sua competitividade, promovendo o desenvolvimento do país e facilitando o acesso a recursos e mercados, uma vez que conquistam espaço na economia mundial, como também auxiliam nos resultados do balanço E há necessidade das empresas desenvolverem comportamentos adequados sobre a internacionalização de empresas, identificando algumas linhas orientadoras que pressupõem novas formas de organização empresarial para a internacionalização estratégica. Quanto a metodologia usada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica, e dizer que pertinente que as empresas invistam em mercados externos utilizando as varias formas de estratégia de internacionalização.