bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of TIMES for Bioresource Flow Optimization—Case Study of Animal Husbandry in Latvia, Europe
Authors: Bumbiere Ketija , Feofilovs Maksims , Asaris Pauls , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: September 2023

As an integral part of the EU’s Green Deal, the purpose of the bioeconomy is to ensure an effective transition to meet people’s needs based on renewable resources while maintaining economic growth. This study undertakes the modeling of bioresource value scenarios in the agricultural sector and proposes a methodology to evaluate the possibilities of reaching a higher added value of bioresource products. The main objective of the study is the adaptation of the market allocation–energy flow optimization model system (TIMES) for analysis of high-value-added product production capacities in the livestock sector to reach an increase in added value for 2030 with the introduction of new technologies. The developed model is tested in a case study of the animal husbandry sector in Latvia. The results show which pathways are economically feasible to achieve value-added targets set for 2030. Although not all of the available resources are used due to local market limitations, there is significant potential for the use of animal husbandry resource waste, and it is possible to achieve about 62% higher cumulative added value from 2023 to 2030 with the production of new products (protein powder, wool pellets, and gelatin) in comparison with the base scenario.
Asking God for Help: Children’s Views on What to Pray for When
Authors: Shaman Nicholas J. , Saide Anondah R. , Richert Rebekah A. , Conover Alisha
Published: September 2023

By the end of early childhood, children indicate that prayer is more effective than wishes or magic to prevent an unwanted, negative outcome from occurring. However, research has not yet delineated whether children would ask God to resolve a problem by changing the internal state of the person facing the problem (e.g., changing someone’s desires or emotions) or changing the external state of the world (e.g., physical or biological change). The current study examined if children request God to act through psychological or physical mechanisms. The participants were 122 4-to-8-year-old children (M = 6.160, SD = 0.918; 63.0% female) who returned to be interviewed for the third wave of a six-wave longitudinal study. The sample was racially–ethnically and religiously diverse. Children heard stories about characters facing two different problems. The results revealed that the children demonstrated a preference for petitioning for physical solutions, rather than biological, psychological, or emotion regulation solutions. The preferences did not vary by religious affiliation, religious exposure, or age. However, children with a more sophisticated social cognition ranked petitioning for physical changes higher. These findings suggest that children’s understanding of prayer (in this case, the most efficient ways for God to answer prayers) involves their coordination of developing folk theories about the world.
Historical Attributions and Future Projections of Gross Primary Productivity in the Yangtze River Basin under Climate Change Based on a Novel Coupled LUE-RE Model
Authors: Du Hong , Wu Jian , Zeng Sidong , Xia Jun
Published: September 2023

Attributions and predictions of gross primary productivity (GPP) under climate change is of great significance for facilitating a deeper understanding of the global and regional terrestrial carbon cycle and assessing ecosystem health. In this study, we have designed a novel approach to simulate GPP based on the satellite and meteorological data compiling the advantages of the light use efficiency model with regression methods (LUE-RE model), which overcomes the limitation of the satellite-based method in GPP simulation and projection in the future time without satellite data. Based on the proposed method, results show that GPP in the Yangtze River Basin shows a significant increase trend in the historical period. Elevated CO2 dominates the changes of GPP in the Yangtze River Basin. In the future, with the increase in elevated CO2 and climate change, the trend of GPP growth is more obvious. The growth slopes under different scenarios are 2.65 gCm−2year−1a−1, 12.34 gCm−2year−1a−1, 24.91 gCm−2year−1a−1, and 39.62 gCm−2year−1a−1. There are obvious seasonal differences in the future changes of GPP in the Yangtze River Basin, of which the GPP changes mostly in spring. The spatial patterns show that higher GPP is concentrated in the upper stream, while the low values are mainly concentrated in the middle reaches. This study contributes a new method to project GPP and highlights that stakeholders should pay more attention to the significant GPP increases in spring in the future.
Integrating Topographic Skeleton into Deep Learning for Terrain Reconstruction from GDEM and Google Earth Image
Authors: Chen Kai , Wang Chun , Lu Mingyue , Dai Wen , Fan Jiaxin , Li Mengqi , Lei Shaohua
Published: September 2023

The topographic skeleton is the primary expression and intuitive understanding of topographic relief. This study integrated a topographic skeleton into deep learning for terrain reconstruction. Firstly, a topographic skeleton, such as valley, ridge, and gully lines, was extracted from a global digital elevation model (GDEM) and Google Earth Image (GEI). Then, the Conditional Generative Adversarial Network (CGAN) was used to learn the elevation sequence information between the topographic skeleton and high-precision 5 m DEMs. Thirdly, different combinations of topographic skeletons extracted from 5 m, 12.5 m, and 30 m DEMs and a 1 m GEI were compared for reconstructing 5 m DEMs. The results show the following: (1) from the perspective of the visual effect, the 5 m DEMs generated with the three combinations (5 m DEM + 1 m GEI, 12.5 m DEM + 1 m GEI, and 30 m DEM + 1 m GEI) were all similar to the original 5 m DEM (reference data), which provides a markedly increased level of terrain detail information when compared to the traditional interpolation methods; (2) from the perspective of elevation accuracy, the 5 m DEMs reconstructed by the three combinations have a high correlation (>0.9) with the reference data, while the vertical accuracy of the 12.5 m DEM + 1 m GEI combination is obviously higher than that of the 30 m DEM + 1 m GEI combination; and (3) from the perspective of topographic factors, the distribution trends of the reconstructed 5 m DEMs are all close to the reference data in terms of the extracted slope and aspect. This study enhances the quality of open-source DEMs and introduces innovative ideas for producing high-precision DEMs. Among the three combinations, we recommend the 12.5 m DEM + 1 m GEI combination for DEM reconstruction due to its relative high accuracy and open access. In regions where a field survey of high-precision DEMs is difficult, open-source DEMs combined with GEI can be used in high-precision DEM reconstruction.
Automatic Identification of Earth Rock Embankment Piping Hazards in Small and Medium Rivers Based on UAV Thermal Infrared and Visible Images
Authors: Li Renzhi , Wang Zhonggen , Sun Hongquan , Zhou Shugui , Liu Yong , Liu Jinping
Published: September 2023

Piping is a major factor contributing to river embankment breaches, particularly during flood season in small and medium rivers. To reduce the costs of earth rock embankment inspections, avoid the need for human inspectors and enable the quick and widespread detection of piping hazards, a UAV image-acquisition function was introduced in this study. Through the collection and analysis of thermal infrared and visible (TIR & V) images from several piping field simulation experiments, temperature increases, and diffusion centered on the piping point were discovered, so an automatic algorithm for piping identification was developed to capture this phenomenon. To verify the identification capabilities, the automatic identification algorithm was applied to detect potential piping hazards during the 2022 flooding of the Dingjialiu River, Liaoning, China. The algorithm successfully identified all five piping hazard locations, demonstrating its potential for detecting embankment piping.
Seismic Sequence Analysis of the Arraiolos Zone, South Portugal, and Its Seismotectonic Implications: A Detailed Analysis of the Period 15 January–30 June 2018
Authors: Wachilala Piedade , Borges José , Caldeira Bento , Bezzeghoud Mourad
Published: September 2023

The Arraiolos Zone has been affected by the persistent superficial seismicity (focal depth < 20 km) of a weak magnitude (M < 4) and some events of a higher magnitude (M > 4), and is mainly located around the Aldeia da Serra village. On 15 January 2018, at 11:51 UTC, the largest instrumental earthquake recorded in that area occurred, with a magnitude (ML 4.9) located northeast of Arraiolos, near the Aldeia da Serra village. This event was followed by a sequence of aftershocks with a magnitude (ML) ≤ 3.5. This seismic sequence was monitored by the designated temporary seismic network of Arraiolos, comprising 12 broadband seismic stations (CMG 6TD, 30 s) from the ICT (Institute of Earth Sciences, Évora) and 21 short-period stations (CDJ 2.0 Hz) from the IDL (Instituto Dom Luiz), distributed around the epicenter, within a radius of approximately 25 km. To infer the structure and kinematics of faults at depth and to constrain the crustal stress field in which the earthquakes occur, we use the polarities of the first P-wave arrivals and the S/P amplitude ratios to better constrain the focal mechanisms of 54 events selected, and apply the HASH algorithm. Overall, the good-quality (defined by the HASH parameters) focal solutions are characterized by a mixture of reverse and strike-slip mechanisms in our study area (AZS). Our seismicity and focal mechanism results suggest that the horizontal stress is more dominant than the vertical one and oriented in the NW–SE direction, parallel with the strike of the main faults. This analysis leads us to affirm that the ASZ is an active right-lateral shear zone.
Intercomparison of CH4 Products in China from GOSAT, TROPOMI, IASI, and AIRS Satellites
Authors: Ni Qichen , Zhou Minqiang , Wang Jiaxin , Wang Ting , Wang Gengchen , Wang Pucai
Published: September 2023

Methane (CH4) is an important greenhouse as well as a chemically active gas. Accurate monitoring and understanding of its spatiotemporal distribution are crucial for effective mitigation strategies. Nowadays, satellite measurements are widely used for CH4 studies. Here, we use the CH4 products from four commonly used satellites (GOSAT, TROPOMI, ARIS, and IASI) during the period from 2018 to 2020 to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of CH4 in China. In spite of the same target (CH4) for the four satellites, differences among them exist in terms of the instrument, spectrum, and retrieval algorithm. The GOSAT and TROPOMI CH4 retrievals use shortwave infrared spectra, with a better sensitivity near the surface, while the IASI and AIRS CH4 retrievals use thermal infrared spectra, showing a good sensitivity in the mid–upper troposphere but a weak sensitivity in the lower troposphere. The GOSAT and TROPOMI observe high CH4 concentrations in the east and south and low concentrations in the west and north, which is highly related to the CH4 emissions. The IASI and AIRS show a more uniform CH4 distribution over China, which reflects the variation of CH4 at a high altitude. However, a large discrepancy is observed between the IASI and AIRS despite using a similar retrieval band, e.g., significant differences in the seasonal variations of CH4 are observed between the IASI and AIRS across several regions in China. This study highlights the CH4 differences observed by the four satellites in China, and caution must be taken when using these satellite products.
Mapping the National Seagrass Extent in Seychelles Using PlanetScope NICFI Data
Authors: Lee C. Benjamin , Martin Lucy , Traganos Dimosthenis , Antat Sylvanna , Baez Stacy K. , Cupidon Annabelle , Faure Annike , Harlay Jérôme , Morgan Matthew , Mortimer Jeanne A. , Reinartz Peter , Rowlands Gwilym
Published: September 2023

Seagrasses provide ecosystem services worth USD 2.28 trillion annually. However, their direct threats and our incomplete knowledge hamper our capabilities to protect and manage them. This study aims to evaluate if the NICFI Satellite Data Program basemaps could map Seychelles’ extensive seagrass meadows, directly supporting the country’s ambitions to protect this ecosystem. The Seychelles archipelago was divided into three geographical regions. Half-yearly basemaps from 2015 to 2020 were combined using an interval mean of the 10th percentile and median before land and deep water masking. Additional features were produced using the Depth Invariant Index, Normalised Differences, and segmentation. With 80% of the reference data, an initial Random Forest followed by a variable importance analysis was performed. Only the top ten contributing features were retained for a second classification, which was validated with the remaining 20%. The best overall accuracies across the three regions ranged between 69.7% and 75.7%. The biggest challenges for the NICFI basemaps are its four-band spectral resolution and uncertainties owing to sampling bias. As part of a nationwide seagrass extent and blue carbon mapping project, the estimates herein will be combined with ancillary satellite data and contribute to a full national estimate in a near-future report. However, the numbers reported showcase the broader potential for using NICFI basemaps for seagrass mapping at scale.
National Level Support Programs for Youth in Relation to Effective School-to-Work Transition: Examples of Italy, Moldova, and Latvia
Authors: Diacon Maria , Hačatrjana Liena , Juc Victor , Lisnic Victoria , Rocca Antonella
Published: September 2023

The school-to-work transition is one of the trickiest steps in the life cycle of an individual because when young people complete their education and enter the labor market, they have to compete to attain a job while lacking the job experience or skills required by employers. Across European countries, the school-to-work transition shows very different characteristics and durations, stemming from, among other factors, (1) the different provisions of services at the country level to help young people become oriented in the labor market, (2) different historical backgrounds, and even (3) the different capacities of education systems to provide the skills required by employers, despite the efforts to homogenize the national education systems, which started with the Bologna process. In this paper, we aim to compare various programs implemented within formal education at the macro-level in Italy, Moldova, and Latvia, three rather different countries in Europe, that have the goal of helping young people during various stages of this transition. The conclusion we can draw is that each of these countries needs to adopt a coordinated and integrated strategy of reforms aimed at (a) preventing early school drop-outs; (b) incentivizing the attainment of a university degree; (c) reforming school curricula; (d) closing the gap between education systems and labor market requirements; and (e) improving the services that help young people during the school-to-work transition.
Antigypsyism in Portugal: Expressions of Hate and Racism in Social Networks
Authors: Magano Olga , D’Oliveira Tânia
Published: September 2023

Portuguese Roma/Ciganos face different forms of negative reactions; they are marginalized, live in precarious socio-economic conditions, and are the poorest in Portugal and in the European Union (EU), as shown by the reports of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). Despite national and European strategies, these situations continue, with the proliferation of racist demonstrations and hate crimes, and the growth of extreme right-wing parties. In 2022, the publication of a report by the FRA, regarding the situation of Roma in 10 EU countries (including Portugal), revealed the impact of antigypsyism in the areas of employment, education, health, and housing; these data triggered hate speech on social networks, which happens whenever something about Ciganos is published. A content analysis of the news disseminated by the main Portuguese media (press, TV, Radio) and of the comments on this news was conducted, through qualitative methodology. The results reveal racist hegemonic perspectives towards Ciganos: they depend upon the minimum income, do not contribute economically to the state accounts, and boast luxury goods.
Women’s Tailored Food Delivery Platform: The Case of a Small Company in Italy
Authors: De Vita Luisa
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on the study of “Takeve”, an Italian food delivery platform that employs only women. The research conducted by interviewing both the workers and the founders of this small platform provides an opportunity to re-discuss the business models of food delivery platforms. The aim is to understand how and in what ways it is possible to initiate a participatory and multi-stakeholder model in which opportunities for fair and decent work, business-to-business cooperation, and even dialogue between companies and institutions are created. Although the case presented is circumscribed and very limited in size, it seems to be a good example to reflect on the possibility of rethinking the model of food delivery platforms in a gendered perspective.
From Single- to Multi-Family Public Housing: Analyzing Social Sustainability Aspects of Recent Designs in the UAE
Authors: M.Shareef Omar Sherzad , Galal Ahmed Khaled
Published: September 2023

The UAE’s federal and local governments initiated their public housing programs for Emirati citizens on low incomes to provide them with adequate basic services and to improve their living conditions. Until 2005, most of the public housing units were developed as single-family dwellings on ample plots, but, afterwards, the areas of the housing plots significantly decreased due to the growing demand for public housing associated with the increasing population and limited land availability. Recently, it has become increasingly difficult to provide single-family housing for all Emirati citizens who need public dwellings. To address this problem, the UAE has shifted towards the provision of multi-family housing. To this end, two pioneering vertical public housing projects have been developed: Diba Al Hosn in Sharjah and Al Ghurfa in Al Fujairah. While the designs of the two projects attempted to consider the requirements of the lifestyle of Emirati families, the degree of attaining the wider social sustainability considerations in the design of these projects has not been explored yet. To bridge this gap, this research first examined the essential social sustainability aspects that should be taken into consideration when designing multi-family housing in general. Then, the research compared the two multi-family local designs with some global case studies regarding the degree of achieving social sustainability aspects. The research ended with revealing the social sustainability-related shortcomings of the designs of recent multi-family public housing in the UAE and, hence, suggested an integrated set of social sustainability principles and indicators that, if appropriately applied, could help appropriately attain social sustainability aspects for Emirati’s vertical public housing.
Effects of Complex Training on Jumping and Change of Direction Performance, and Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Response in Basketball Players
Authors: Biel Piotr , Ewertowska Paulina , Stastny Petr , Krzysztofik Michał
Published: September 2023

Exercise order is one of the significant factors modulating training effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an 8-week complex (CPX) training program utilizing intra-CPX active recovery with compound training (CMP) on bilateral and single-leg jumping performance, change of direction test time (shuttle test), and the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) response in a group of basketball players. Thirteen participants were performing CPX bi-weekly combined with regular pre-season basketball practice, while eleven participants were performing CMP for 8 weeks. Before and after the interventions, the following fitness tests were assessed: (i) bilateral countermovement jump, (ii) single-leg countermovement jump, (iii) shuttle run test. All tests were performed pre- and post-conditioning activity (CA—three sets of five drop jumps). The results showed a statistically significant increase in non-dominant (p = 0.019) and dominant single-leg jump relative peak power (p = 0.001), and in non-dominant single-leg jump height (p = 0.022) post-training compared to pre-training. The CA was significantly and similarly effective in eliciting a PAPE response in all tests before and after each intervention (p < 0.039; for all). However, the magnitude of improvement in CMJ and shuttle test time was trivial to small and did not reach statistical significance. Both 8 weeks of CPX and CMP training led to significant improvements in the SLJ power output of both the dominant and non-dominant limbs as well as the height of the non-dominant SLJ. Neither of the training methods had significant impacts on the magnitude of the PAPE response.
Use of Sulfur Waste in the Production of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers
Authors: Alshaaer Mazen , Alanazi Abdulaziz O. S. , Absa Ibrahim M. I.
Published: September 2023

This preliminary study introduces the incorporation and chemical stabilization of sulfur waste into a geopolymer matrix and explores the concept of material production for further environmental and engineering solutions. In this study, a novel synthesis procedure for sulfur-based geopolymers was introduced, and the role of sulfur in geopolymers and its optimal content to obtain a stable structure were explored. Geopolymers were synthesized by dissolving sulfur in an alkaline activator in different proportions. The alkaline solution was then mixed with metakaolin to synthesize the geopolymer matrix. Adding sulfur in amounts from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.%, compared with metakaolin, led to an increase in the compressive strength of the geopolymers from 22.5 MPa to 29.9 MPa. When sulfur was between 5 wt.% and 15 wt.%, a decrease in the compressive strength was observed to 15.7 MPa, which can be explained by defects and voids in the geopolymer’s microstructure due to the solubility of excess sulfur. Because of the incorporation of sulfur into the geopolymers, a compact and dense microstructure was formed, as reported in the SEM analysis. An XRD analysis showed that, besides quartz and analcime, a new phase, Al2·H10·O17·S3, was also formed as a result of sulfur dissolution in the alkaline activator of the geopolymers.
How the Digital Economy Enables Regional Sustainable Development Using Big Data Analytics
Authors: Wang Ruohan , Wang Qingjin , Shi Renbo , Zhang Kaiyun , Wang Xueling
Published: September 2023

The development of the cultural industry cannot be isolated from the efficient integration with the digital economy and digital technology at the current stage of the technological and industrial revolution. This paper constructs an indicator system to measure the sustainable development of the cultural industry and tests the relationship between the digital economy and the sustainable development of the cultural industry using an OLS model based on China’s provincial panel data from 2011 to 2021. The findings of this study suggest that the digital economy can significantly aid in the long-term growth of cultural companies. The process of promoting sustainable development of the cultural industry through the digital economy has also advanced thanks to the government’s strong support. This report also suggests governmental recommendations based on these findings for the sustainable development of China’s cultural industry in the age of the digital economy. This paper theoretically elucidates the mechanism of the role of the digital economy on the sustainable development of the cultural industry, constructs a system of indicators to measure the sustainable development of the cultural industry, and tests the impact of the digital economy on the sustainable development of the cultural industry.
A Novel Biomimetic Lung-Shaped Flow Field for All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Zhong Longchun , Chu Fengming
Published: September 2023

The all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) was regarded as one of the most potential technologies for large-scale energy storage due to its environmentally friendliness, safety and design flexibility. The flow field design and mass transfer performance in the porous electrodes were some of the main factors to influence the battery performance. A novel biomimetic lung-shaped flow field was designed, and the battery performance was compared with the serpentine flow field by numerical simulation analysis. The results showed that the charging voltage of the VRFB was reduced by about 5.34% when SOC = 0.9 compared with the serpentine flow field. On the other hand, the discharging voltage was promoted by about 9.77% when SOC = 0.1 compared with the serpentine flow field. The battery performance of the VRFB is obviously due to the enhancement of the mass transfer performance. The uniformity factor was promoted by 35.6% by the lung-shaped flow field when SOC = 0.1, which can reduce the polarization loss. The average concentration of the active ions was increased by about 18% by the lung-shaped biomimetic flow field, which was of significance to the electrochemical reaction. The design of the lung-shaped flow field can contribute to the application of the VRFB.
Response Prediction of Asphalt Pavement in Cold Region with Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling Simulation
Authors: Si Junling , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Ren Daoju , Maruyama Kimio , Ueno Chigusa
Published: September 2023

Although the theoretical pavement structure design method (TPSDM) is widely used for designing asphalt pavements in Japan, it still exhibits certain limitations, such as not considering the variation in moduli of the base and subgrade layers due to water contents, freeze–thaw action, and stress states. This study aims to enhance Japanese TPSDM’s accuracy by considering variations in the resilient modulus of environmental impacts, pavement materials, pavement structure, and traffic load actions to accurately calculate the mechanical responses and predict pavement fatigue life. Firstly, the study develops a 3D Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) model using the finite element method (FEM) to investigate temperature and moisture distributions of the pavement with time. Then, based on the numerical results of the moisture, temperature, and stress state obtained from the THM analysis, the constant resilient modulus of the base and subgrade layers in the Japanese TPSDM is replaced with a resilient modulus that considers the stress state and the combined effects of water content fluctuations and freeze–thaw action. Finally, the fatigue life of the pavement is calculated based on the obtained mechanical response in THM analysis. The reliability and validity of the proposed fatigue life prediction method are well verified by comparing the calculated with the actual pavement fatigue life. Results indicate that the modifications improve the Japanese TPSDM by considering the environmental impacts, traffic load actions, pavement materials, and pavement structure, thereby improving the accuracy of predicting the fatigue life of asphalt pavements, particularly in cold regions.
Assessing the Performance and Challenges of Low-Impact Development under Climate Change: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Wang Mo , Feng Sijie , Ikram Rana Muhammad Adnan , Chen Tong , Sun Chuanhao , Chen Biyi , Rao Qiuyi , Jin He , Li Jianjun
Published: September 2023

Low-Impact Development (LID) represents a cogent strategy designed to conserve or reestablish antecedent hydrological states through an array of innovative mechanisms and methodologies. Since the dawn of the millennium, LID-centric research has demonstrated a persistent upward trajectory, mainly focusing on its capacity to mitigate climate change repercussions, particularly runoff and peak flows. However, a standardized rubric and toolkit for LID evaluation remain elusive. While numerous studies have documented the hydrological and water quality benefits of LID, the impacts of climate change on its effectiveness remain uncertain due to varying spatial and temporal climate patterns. This comprehensive review examined 1355 peer-reviewed articles in English, comprising both research articles and reviews, indexed in the Web of Science up until 2022. Findings from the bibliometric analysis revealed significant contributions and emergent trends in the field. Notably, there is an increasing emphasis on performance evaluation and efficiency of LID systems, and on understanding their impact on hydrology and water quality. However, this review identified the lack of a standardized LID evaluation framework and the uncertainty in LID effectiveness due to varying climate patterns. Furthermore, this study highlighted the urgent need for optimization of current hydrological models, advancement of LID optimization, modeling, monitoring, and performance, and stakeholder awareness about LID functionality. This review also underscored the potential future research trajectories, including the need to quantify LID’s effectiveness in urban flooding and water quality management and refining LID simulation models. Cumulatively, this review consolidates contemporaneous and prospective research breakthroughs in urban LID, serving as an indispensable compendium for academics and practitioners in the discipline.
Performance Measurement Framework for Prediction and Management of Construction Investments
Authors: Galjanić Kristina , Marović Ivan , Hanak Tomaš
Published: September 2023

Despite good ideas, great efforts, and high investments, many projects do not end with success. Projects often fail due to a lack of understanding of the project requirements and constraints necessary for overall success. Five selected projects were analyzed in detail through the multiple case study method followed by semi-structured interviews with 56 experts to develop a pattern for the future prediction of project success. This paper aims to identify key factors for project performance in a multi-stakeholder environment, define a performance measurement framework for construction investments, and establish a link between performance measurement and prediction of project performance. The findings could help researchers in modeling performance measurement tools for project managers to achieve their designated project goals, reach better decisions, and achieve full potential in their future projects.
Assessing the Impact of Different Agricultural Irrigation Charging Methods on Sustainable Agricultural Production
Authors: Mu Lan , Luo Chunxia , Tan Zongjia , Zhang Binglin , Qu Xiaojuan
Published: September 2023

China is currently experiencing severe water scarcity issues in its agricultural production sector. To address this challenge, the Chinese government has taken steps towards implementing a nationwide reform in agricultural water pricing to accelerate the more sustainable management of the agricultural water resources sector. The present study adopted a multiple regression model to test four alternative irrigation water charging methodologies (charges based on ladder pricing, time, land area, and electricity) accompanied by supportive agricultural pricing policies to address the inherent conflicts between water conservation and agricultural development goals. This study focused on the Wei River Basin, which is recognized as a highly water-stressed region in China. This basin was chosen as a pilot area for comprehensive reform initiatives related to agricultural water pricing and served as the geographical scope for our research. Between June and July of 2022, we conducted comprehensive field surveys within the Wei River Basin, accumulating a dataset of 415 data points pertaining to the crop year of 2022. Our results showed that the ladder water price-based method exhibited remarkable potential in achieving substantial savings, with a minimum of 60.5239 m3/mu of irrigation water conserved for food crops and an impressive 67.8090 m3/mu for cash crops. However, regarding water-saving irrigation technologies, the estimation results indicated that electricity-based charging outperformed the other methods, resulting in an impressive 55.22% increase when ladder pricing served as the benchmark. In addition, regarding agricultural green production, the results for food crops and cash crops are different, with food crops being more sensitive to the ladder water price policies. Moreover, the results suggested that different water charging methods have significant heterogeneity effects from the perspective of the farmers’ scale, land fragmentation, and water price awareness capacity. This study forges an innovative path for water-stressed nations to execute agricultural water pricing reform and enhance agricultural production’s sustainable growth.
Health Diplomacy as a Tool to Build Resilient Health Systems in Conflict Settings—A Case of Sudan
Authors: Pattanshetty Sanjay , Bhatt Kiran , Inamdar Aniruddha , Dsouza Viola , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Brand Helmut
Published: September 2023

Attacks on health have become a significant concern for non-belligerents of war, including healthcare personnel and facilities, as witnessed in the ongoing Sudan conflict. About 1.5 billion people in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS) have a heightened need for essential health services. Conflicts often lead to the disruption of the building blocks of health systems, a lack of access to health facilities, the failure of essential medical supply chains, the collapse of political, social and economic systems, the migration of health care workers, and upsurges in illness. While health indicators often decline in conflict, health can also bring peace and harmony among communities. An investment in building resilient health systems and health diplomacy is a neutral starting point for mitigating the repercussions of conflicts. The international commitment towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provides the impetus to emphasise the relationship between health and peace with the amalgamation of SDG 3, SDG 16, and SDG 17. The inspection of how health diplomacy should be used as a ‘tool for peace’ and not as leverage in conflict settings must be reiterated by the international community.
Boosting Life Satisfaction through Psychological Capital in the Presence of Job Security: A Case Study of Turkey
Authors: Baykal Elif , Bayraktar Osman , Divrik Bahar , Aşçı Mehmet Saim , Öz Sabri
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about drastic changes all across the world, causing the loss of thousands of lives and negatively affecting many industries, owing to the health measures taken by authorities in this period. The difficulties engendered by the pandemic have led to excessive anxiety and made people vulnerable to psychological problems. Moreover, many people have lost their jobs or experienced anxiety of losing their jobs. Turkish business is one of the prominent markets that have been severely affected by the pandemic. Thus, we considered it crucial to examine how life satisfaction levels of individuals working in the Turkish business sector can be increased through psychological capital. We also aimed to test whether a sense of job security has a mediator effect in the relationship between life satisfaction and psychological capital. In order to test the assumed relationship, we collected data from Turkish professionals working in the Marmara region. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS AMOS and the results revealed that psychological capital has a positive effect on life satisfaction levels of individuals. Moreover, our study is novel in that it revealed the mediator role of job security in the relationship between psychological capital and life satisfaction.
Controller Design for Optimizing Fuel Consumption of Truck Platoon on Hilly Roads
Authors: Feng Jianbo , Chen Yang , He Liyang , Wang Yanxue
Published: September 2023

Platoons consisting of automated and connected vehicles show great potential in reducing fuel or energy consumption. However, the fuel consumption optimization problem for truck platoons traveling on hilly roads has not been investigated thoroughly. To address that problem, a hierarchical control framework is proposed in this paper as follows: (1) The supervising layer is responsible for generating the fuel-oriented optimal speed profile based on the terrain information; (2) The distributed layer consists of an LQR feedback controller, a DMPC feedforward controller and a tube integration method to integrate the two controllers; it receives the optimal speed profile from the supervising layer and yields the control input to the individual vehicle. In this paper, a novel optimal speed profile generation method is proposed, a novel integration of tube method is applied, and the stability performance is analyzed rigorously. Simulations based on a real hilly road are conducted, and the performance of the proposed controller is evaluated regarding the platoon stability, fuel consumption and computation efficiency. The results of the simulation show that the controller is capable of maintaining the string stability of the truck platoon and reducing fuel consumed on hilly roads while improving computation efficiency.
Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of Dairy Barn Soils: A Case Study in Costa Rican Farm-Associated Soils Harboring the Foodborne Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Guillén-Watson Rossy , Barboza-Fallas Luis , Masís-Meléndez Federico , Rivas-Solano Olga , Aguilar-Rodríguez Rodrigo , Medaglia-Mata Alejandro , Abanto Michel , Núñez-Montero Kattia
Published: September 2023

Animal farming activities can influence soil properties that contribute to the survival of foodborne pathogens like the ubiquitous Listeria monocytogenes. However, the presence of this pathogen in farm-associated soils in Costa Rica has not been studied, which might provide new insights regarding the environmental conditions associated with the establishment of this pathogen. In this work, we correlated the presence of L. monocytogenes with the soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community structure of soils associated with livestock activities, including a dairy barn floor (DB) and a slaughterhouse holding pen (SH). A cropland (CL) was included as an example of soil not associated with animal farming practices. We characterized the presence pattern of L. monocytogenes via culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques (i.e., metabarcoding based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing) and conducted a determination of physical, elemental and chemical parameters with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to statistically determine the soil properties that correlate with L. monocytogenes’ presence in the soil. L. monocytogenes was isolated from DB samples and SH but not from CL. Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene-based metabarcoding showed that the presence of L. monocytogenes was positively correlated with higher bacterial diversity, while physicochemical analyses revealed that the total hydrogen and nitrogen contents of soil organic matter, pH, and electrical conductivity were the main drivers of L. monocytogenes’ presence. Moreover, a CL sample fertilized with animal-derived products showed DB-like physicochemical properties matching conditions in favor of L. monocytogenes’ presence. Hence, our work emphasizes the significance of soil as a primary source for the widespread dissemination of pathogens, particularly underscoring the necessity for improved agricultural practices to prevent cross-contamination with L. monocytogenes. Additionally, we highlight the importance of further understanding the biotic and abiotic factors in facilitating the establishment of L. monocytogenes.
Effect of Rye for Transition Sows on the Level of Piglet Serum Immunoglobulin Immunocrit
Authors: Chuppava Bussarakam , Homann Christian , Eckey Isabell , Grone Richard , Wilke Volker , Visscher Christian
Published: September 2023

A sustainable increase in livestock productivity cannot be achieved without the use of sustainable animal feed. Due to the growing awareness of the long-term benefits of sustainability, there is an increasing interest in replacing traditional feed resources with the most sustainable feedstuffs in pig production. Rye production is relatively sustainable compared to wheat. This farm study investigated whether the newborn body weight as well as antibody transfer in piglets (serum immunoglobulin immunocrit) are affected by feeding rye instead of wheat grain to transition sows. A total of 237 sows and their piglets (n = 711) from three farms located in northern Germany participated in this study. During the transition period, the sows were fed either a wheat-based diet used as the control diet (CON) or a 30% rye diet (RYE) for 7 days before the calculated farrowing date. On the day of farrowing, piglet body weights within 24 h post-natal (PN) were recorded, and blood samples were taken from the lightest, medium, and heaviest piglets in each litter to determine the quantification of immunoglobulins in the piglets. Feeding rye-based diets to the sows showed no differences in the body weight of the newborns (within 24 h) compared to the CON group in all body weight categories, except on Farm C in light and medium piglets, where high BW were observed in the CON group. The immunocrit ratio did not show any differences between both feeding groups. A relationship between newborn body weight and immunocrit ratios in the CON and the RYE groups was observed only on farm A. Overall, this study showed that including amounts of rye up to 30% in sows’ diets during the transition period had no negative effects on newborn piglet body weight or on antibody transfer and therefore can be considered an adequate replacement for wheat (up to 30%) in diets for transition sows. However, future research is needed to determine whether a higher proportion of rye may be used.
Construction Technology and Pavement Performance of Dry-Mix Polyurethane Modified Asphalt Mixtures: A Case Study
Authors: Sun Jia , Zhang Suyu , Liu Yichen , Zhang Zengping , Liu Xiaosong , Zhang Zhihan , Ban Xiaoyi
Published: September 2023

Polyurethane Modified Asphalt Mixture (PUAM) has been confirmed to possess good engineering properties and is a potential replacement material for pavement construction. This study aimed to provide guidance for the promotion and application of PUAM in pavement engineering by exploring the construction technology and verifying the practicality. Dry-mix PUAM (DPAM), wet-mix PUAM (WPAM), and SBS-modified asphalt mixture (SBSAM) were prepared. After systematically investigating the construction process of the three mixtures, their pavement performance was comparatively evaluated. Subsequently, the DPAM was utilized to construct the trial pavement, and the completed pavement was tested and evaluated. Furthermore, the costs of the DPAM and SBSAM were analyzed. The results reveal that the construction technology had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the mixtures. Compared with SBSAM, the optimum mixing temperature and time of the DPAM and WPAM were reduced. The mixing temperature, mixing time, and hitting number were recommended to be 160 °C, 60 s, and 75 times for the DPAM. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy tests confirmed that the PU reacted sufficiently in the binder. The DPAM exhibited good overall pavement performance, and its low-temperature cracking and fatigue resistance were significantly better than that of SBSAM. Meanwhile, all the pavement indexes constructed with DPAM met specifications, and the performance and service condition of the test road after the operation will be paid attention to continuously. Additionally, the cost of DPAM was close to that of SBSAM, and the more straightforward construction process and better pavement performance of DPAM could reduce the construction energy consumption and maintenance frequency, which was meaningful for promoting the scale application of DPAM and the sustainable development of transportation infrastructure.
Examining Adaptation and Resilience Frameworks: Data Quality’s Role in Supporting Climate Efforts
Authors: Andries Ana , Morse Stephen , Murphy Richard J. , Woolliams Emma R.
Published: September 2023

The current landscape of climate change adaptation and resilience policies, frameworks, and indicators is rapidly changing as nations, organizations, and individuals acknowledge the urgent need to address its impacts. Various methods for adaptation and resilience are developed and monitored through formal indicators. However, there are gaps in indicator development and monitoring, including the need for more indicators to address monitoring gaps, lacks in the availability of fit-for-purpose (quality and quantity) data sets, and interpretation challenges. Especially at the local level, these gaps are pronounced. In this study, we assessed current policies, frameworks, and indicators, and conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. A key concern raised was the difficulty in handling insufficient, quality data, particularly in developing nations, hindering adaptation implementation. Respondents also noted the lack of a standardised approach/tool for planning, monitoring, and evaluation. To address this, stakeholders advocated for local indicators and a unified approach/tool. Comparable and consistent data, collected by qualified personnel, were emphasised. Effective adaptation plans are vital in responding to climate change, yet challenges persist in planning, implementation, and monitoring, reporting, and verification phases. A recommended solution involves a common measurement approach for adaptation and resilience, alongside tailored local strategies to ensure success of these plans.
Study on Carbon Emission Measurement and Influencing Factors for Prefabricated Buildings at the Materialization Stage Based on LCA
Authors: Zhan Zhengjie , Xia Pan , Xia Dongtao
Published: September 2023

To conduct a more in-depth study on carbon emissions and influencing factors during the materialization stage of prefabricated buildings, this paper focused on a residential prefabricated building in Beijing. The LCA method, combined with BIM technology, was utilized to establish a process-based “LCA-BIM” carbon emission statistical platform and to propose a carbon emission calculation method. The carbon emissions during the materialization stage were calculated. The results revealed that the production of building materials contributed the highest proportion of carbon emissions, accounting for 85.73% of the total emissions during the materialization stage. Specifically, reinforcing steel and concrete dominated the overall carbon emissions from building materials, accounting for 97.44% of the total. Through a quantitative analysis in the process of carbon emissions calculation, the main factors influencing the carbon emissions during the production stage of building materials were identified. This study adopts a combined approach of empirical analysis and a literature review, establishing six basic hypotheses for four aspects: material selection, energy consumption, material storage, and carbon emissions in the production stage of building materials. A structural equation model was used to theoretically validate the influencing factors in the production stage of prefabricated building materials. SPSS27.0 and AMOS28 software were employed for data analysis. From the perspective of the overall impact, material selection had the strongest overall impact on the production stage of building materials, followed by energy consumption, while material storage had the smallest overall impact. From the perspective of direct impacts, energy consumption had the strongest direct impact on the carbon emissions in the production stage of the building materials. The findings of this study can provide a theoretical reference for national institutions and businesses for carbon emission evaluation and decision-making.