bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blind Turbo Equalization of Short CPM Bursts for UAV-Aided Internet of Things
Authors: Pan Zihao , Xie Chen , Wang Heng , Wei Yimin , Guo Daoxing
Published: August 2022

With the surge of Internet of Things (IoT) applications using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), there is a huge demand for an excellent complexity/power efficiency trade-off and channel fading resistance at the physical layer. In this paper, we consider the blind equalization of short-continuous-phase-modulated (CPM) burst for UAV-aided IoT. To solve the problems of the high complexity and poor convergence of short-burst CPM blind equalization, a novel turbo blind equalization algorithm is proposed based on establishing a new expectation–maximization Viterbi (EMV) algorithm and turbo scheme. Firstly, a low complexity blind equalization algorithm is obtained by applying the soft-output Lazy Viterbi algorithm within the EM algorithm iteration. Furthermore, a set of initializers that achieves a high global convergence probability is designed by the blind channel-acquisition (BCA) method. Meanwhile, a soft information iterative process is used to improve the system performance. Finally, the convergence, bit error rate, and real-time performance of iterative detection can be further improved effectively by using improved exchange methods of extrinsic information and the stopping criterion. The analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a good blind equalization performance and low complexity.
Autoencoder-Based Signal Modulation and Demodulation Methods for Sonobuoy Signal Transmission and Reception
Authors: Park Jinuk , Seok Jongwon , Hong Jungpyo
Published: August 2022

Sonobuoy is a disposable device that collects underwater acoustic information and is designed to transmit signals collected in a particular area to nearby aircraft or ships and sink to the seabed upon completion of its mission. In a conventional sonobuoy signal transmission and reception system, collected signals are modulated and transmitted using techniques such as frequency division modulation or Gaussian frequency shift keying. They are received and demodulated by an aircraft or a ship. However, this method has the disadvantage of a large amount of information being transmitted and low security due to relatively simple modulation and demodulation methods. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a method that uses an autoencoder to encode a transmission signal into a low-dimensional latent vector to transmit the latent vector to an aircraft or vessel. The method also uses an autoencoder to decode the received latent vector to improve signal security and to reduce the amount of transmission information by approximately a factor of a hundred compared to the conventional method. In addition, a denoising autoencoder, which reduces ambient noises in the reconstructed outputs while maintaining the merit of the proposed autoencoder, is also proposed. To evaluate the performance of the proposed autoencoders, we simulated a bistatic active and a passive sonobuoy environments. As a result of analyzing the sample spectrograms of the reconstructed outputs and mean square errors between original and reconstructed signals, we confirmed that the original signal could be restored from a low-dimensional latent vector by using the proposed autoencoder within approximately 4% errors. Furthermore, we verified that the proposed denoising autoencoder reduces ambient noise successfully by comparing spectrograms and by measuring the overall signal-to-noise ratio and the log-spectral distance of noisy input and reconstructed output signals.
Synthesising 2D Video from 3D Motion Data for Machine Learning Applications
Authors: Mundt Marion , Oberlack Henrike , Goldacre Molly , Powles Julia , Funken Johannes , Morris Corey , Potthast Wolfgang , Alderson Jacqueline
Published: August 2022

To increase the utility of legacy, gold-standard, three-dimensional (3D) motion capture datasets for computer vision-based machine learning applications, this study proposed and validated a method to synthesise two-dimensional (2D) video image frames from historic 3D motion data. We applied the video-based human pose estimation model OpenPose to real (in situ) and synthesised 2D videos and compared anatomical landmark keypoint outputs, with trivial observed differences (2.11–3.49 mm). We further demonstrated the utility of the method in a downstream machine learning use-case in which we trained and then tested the validity of an artificial neural network (ANN) to estimate ground reaction forces (GRFs) using synthesised and real 2D videos. Training an ANN to estimate GRFs using eight OpenPose keypoints derived from synthesised 2D videos resulted in accurate waveform GRF estimations (r > 0.9; nRMSE < 14%). When compared with using the smaller number of real videos only, accuracy was improved by adding the synthetic views and enlarging the dataset. The results highlight the utility of the developed approach to enlarge small 2D video datasets, or to create 2D video images to accompany 3D motion capture datasets to make them accessible for machine learning applications.
WiFi Energy-Harvesting Antenna Inspired by the Resonant Magnetic Dipole Metamaterial
Authors: Sun Zhenci , Zhao Xiaoguang , Zhang Lingyun , Mei Ziqi , Zhong Han , You Rui , Lu Wenshuai , You Zheng , Zhao Jiahao
Published: August 2022

WiFi energy harvesting is a promising solution for powering microsensors and microsystems through collecting electromagnetic (EM) energies that exist everywhere in modern daily lives. In order to harvest EM energy, we proposed a metamaterial-inspired antenna (MIA) based on the resonant magnetic dipole operating in the WiFi bands. The MIA consists of two metallic split-ring resonators (SRRs), separated by an FR4 dielectric layer, in the broadside coupled configuration. The incident EM waves excite surface currents in the coupled SRRs, and the energy is oscillating between them due to near-field coupling. By varying the vertical distance of the two SRRs, we may achieve impedance matching without complicated matching networks. Collected EM energy can be converted to DC voltages via a rectifier circuit at the output of the coupling coil. Measured results demonstrate that the designed MIA may resonate at 2.4 GHz with a deep-subwavelength form factor (14 mm×14 mm×1.6 mm). The WiFi energy-harvesting capability of the proposed MIA with an embedded one-stage Dickson voltage multiplier has also been evaluated. A rectified DC voltage is approximately 500 mV when the MIA is placed at a distance of 2 cm from the WiFi transmit antenna with a 9 dBm transmitting power. The proposed compact MIA in this paper is of great importance for powering future distributed microsystems.
Work-Family Conflict and Mental Distress of Black Women in Employment in South Africa: A Template Analysis
Authors: Sandy Peter Thomas , Molotsi Tebogo K. , Rioga Margaret
Published: August 2022

Work–family conflict causes stress, and exposure to it may lead to mental distress. Yet little is known about work–family conflict and mental distress in Africa. This study reports on the perceptions of black South African women in employment on work–family conflict and the mental distress women may experience when exposed to this conflict. The study utilised interpretative phenomenological analysis as a research design. Data were collected with the help of a semi-structured interview schedule. A total of 20 individual interviews and four focus group interviews comprising five participants each were conducted. All interviews were audio-recorded, and the data obtained were transcribed verbatim and analysed using template analysis. Two level-one theme codes emerged from the data analysis: antecedents of work–family conflict and work–family conflict manifestations. The findings of the study point to the need for managers to work in partnership with employees using family-friendly initiatives such as family supportive supervision for promoting mental well-being.
Cyber–Information Security Compliance and Violation Behaviour in Organisations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sulaiman Noor Suhani , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Wider Walton , Rajadurai Jegatheesan , Hussain Suhaidah , Harun Siti Aminah
Published: August 2022

Cyber and information security (CIS) is an issue of national and international interest. Despite sophisticated security systems and extensive physical countermeasures to combat cyber-attacks, organisations are vulnerable due to the involvement of the human factor. Humans are regarded as the weakest link in cybersecurity systems as development in digital technology advances. The area of cybersecurity is an extension of the previously studied fields of information and internet security. The need to understand the underlying human behavioural factors associated with CIS policy warrants further study, mainly from theoretical perspectives. Based on these underlying theoretical perspectives, this study reviews literature focusing on CIS compliance and violations by personnel within organisations. Sixty studies from the years 2008 to 2020 were reviewed. Findings suggest that several prominent theories were used extensively and integrated with another specific theory. Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and General Deterrence Theory (GDT) were identified as among the most referred-to theories in this area. The use of current theories is discussed based on their emerging importance and their suitability in future CIS studies. This review lays the foundation for future researchers by determining gaps and areas within the CIS context and encompassing employee compliance and violations within an organisation.
Research on Accurate Estimation Method of Eucalyptus Biomass Based on Airborne LiDAR Data and Aerial Images
Authors: Li Yiran , Wang Ruirui , Shi Wei , Yu Qiang , Li Xiuting , Chen Xingwang
Published: August 2022

Forest biomass is a key index to comprehend the changes of ecosystem productivity and forest growth and development. Accurate acquisition of single tree scale biomass information is of great significance to the protection, management and monitoring of forest resources. LiDAR technology can penetrate the forest canopy and obtain information on the vertical structure of the forest. Aerial photography technology has the advantages of low cost and high speed, and can obtain information on the horizontal structure of the forest. Therefore, in this study, multispectral imagery and LiDAR data were integrated, and a part of the Zengcheng Forest Farm in Guangdong Province was selected as the study area. Large-scale and high-precision Eucalyptus biomass estimation research was gradually carried out by screening influencing factors and establishing models. This study compared and analysed the performance of multiple stepwise regression methods, random forest algorithms, support vector machine algorithms and decision tree algorithms for Eucalyptus biomass estimation to determine the best method for Eucalyptus biomass estimation. The results demonstrated that the accuracy of the model established by the machine learning method was higher than that of the linear regression model, and in the machine learning model, the random forest model had the best performance on both the training set (R2 = 0.9346, RMSE = 8.8399) and the test set (R2 = 0.8670, RMSE = 15.0377). RF was more suitable for the biomass estimation of Eucalyptus in this study. The spatial resolution of Eucalyptus biomass distribution was 0.05 m in this study, which had higher accuracy and was more accurate. It can provide data reference for the details about biomass distribution of Eucalyptus in the majority of provinces, and has certain practical reference significance.
Research on the Evaluation and Regional Differences in Carbon Emissions Efficiency of Cultural and Related Manufacturing Industries in China’s Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Zhao Xing , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2022

Carbon peak and carbon neutrality are important development goals for China so the issue of carbon emissions from cultural and related manufacturing has received increasing attention. The objective of this paper is to clearly present the current status and historical evolution of the carbon emissions and carbon emissions efficiency of cultural and related manufacturing (CEECM) in 17 provinces in the Yangtze River Basin in China from 2012 to 2019. This paper mainly uses two research methods: the super-efficiency DEA analysis method is used to measure the CEECM in the various regions and the Theil index analysis method is used to study the regional differences in the CEECM in these regions. It was found that there were large differences in the carbon emissions of cultural and related manufacturing in the various regions and the energy consumption also varied greatly. In 2019, Guangdong province had the highest amount of carbon emissions from cultural and related manufacturing industries in the Yangtze River Basin, followed by Jiangsu and Fujian. On the whole, the eastern part of the Yangtze River Basin had more emissions than the central and western parts. From 2012 to 2019, the carbon emissions of cultural and related manufacturing industries in the Yangtze River Basin showed an overall downward trend. In 2019, the city with the highest CEECM in the Yangtze River Basin was Shanghai, followed by Fujian and Sichuan. From 2012 to 2019, the average CEECM for the whole Yangtze River basin, the provinces of the main stream of the Yangtze River, and the provinces of the tributaries of the Yangtze River all showed a downward trend. According to the calculation, the average value of the Theil index from 2012 to 2019 was 0.905, which indicated that the regional differences in the CEECM among the provinces in the Yangtze River Basin were large. From 2012 to 2019, the regional differences in the CEECM for the Yangtze River basin as a whole, the provinces of the main stream of the Yangtze River, and the provinces of the tributaries of the Yangtze River all showed an inverted U-shaped development trend. The regional differences in the CEECM in 2013 were the largest and then showed a decreasing trend. After 2015, the fluctuation of the differences was relatively flat.
The Potential of a Novel Concept of an Integrated Bio and Chemical Formulate Based on an Entomopathogenic Bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis, and a Chemical Insecticide to Control Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta ‘(Meyrick)’ (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Mashtoly Tamer A. , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Almujam Abdulrahman N. , Othman Muteb N.
Published: August 2022

Tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), poses severe threats to sustainable tomato production globally with a high capacity to develop resistance to pesticides. Recently, the management programs for this cosmopolitan pest have relied on combinations of chemical insecticides which exacerbate the problems of cross-resistance and adverse environmental effects. A novel concept of integrated formulates through combining a chemical insecticide model of lambda-cyhalothrin with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products as the formulation core was explored and evaluated. The susceptibility of the second instar larvae of tomato leafminer to the original formulation of lambda-cyhalothrin, Dipel, XenTari, and Agree products was assessed and compared to the combined formulations. The positive and negative impacts of lambda-cyhalothrin on the viability and pathogenicity of Bt strains were tracked and documented. The physicochemical properties of the combined formulates were examined and compared to the international standards of pesticide formulations. The proposed integrated combined formulates of Dipel, XenTari, and Agree biopesticides with lambda-cyhalothrin showed an enhancing effect and had a higher potential than the originally manufactured formulations alone for about a 3.67–10.08-fold impact on larval mortality. Lambda-cyhalothrin had no significant adverse effect on either the viability of Bt strains or the physicochemical properties of combined co-formulates. Therefore, such integrated combined formulates would have the potential to be involved as an alternative or a complementary approach in pest management and pest resistance management tools for sustainable pest management.
Sustainable Human–Machine Collaborations in Digital Transformation Technologies Adoption: A Comparative Case Study of Japan and Germany
Authors: Park Young Won , Shintaku Junjiro
Published: August 2022

The Digital Transformation (DX) megatrend is fundamentally disrupting and changing the nature of work, business, and industry at a rapid pace. Although the notion of DX has garnered much research interest from practitioners, scholarship on this topic is somehow lagging behind, possibly because of the lack of theoretical frameworks on DX. Recently, most Japanese firms have begun to use diverse digital technologies to sustain their competitive advantages. However, the return of investment on digital technologies has not been as high as expected for some firms. Furthermore, as the visions of Industry 5.0 describe sustainable, resilient, and human-centered future factories that will require smart and resilient capabilities both from next-generation manufacturing systems and human operators, it is necessary to design resilient human–machine collaborations within factories. To this end, this paper presents a research model between DX technologies and scientific problem-solving in terms of deduction, induction, and abduction inference structures as an approach to resilient human–machine collaborations. The purpose of this research is to analyze the difference in the utilization pattern of the digital technology of American, German, and Japanese firms based on three types of decision-making methods. Next, we apply this framework in a comparative case study of two Japanese firms and one German firm, where we find that there is a difference in DX technologies utilization among the Japanese and German firms. We assert that the utilization of IoT technology in the United States and Germany is pursuing IoT with the aim of autonomous control, whereas Japanese firms prioritize robot–human collaboration. Finally, we discuss how our findings contribute to the burgeoning field of resilient human–machine collaborations by showing the distinct roles of deduction, induction, and abduction inference structures. Furthermore, our research contributes to international comparative studies to identify the difference in national IT utilization. Lessons and implications are discussed.
Assessing the Applicability of Biodegradable Film Mulching in Northwest China Based on Comprehensive Benefits Study
Authors: Bo Liyuan , Mao Xiaomin , Wang Yali
Published: August 2022

Biodegradable film is a promising alternative to polyethylene film in arid regions, but its use is usually inhibited by its high cost and elusive effects on soil and crop yield. A two-year field experiment was carried out to explore the impact of biodegradable film on soil hydrothermal dynamics, yield, water productivity and economic benefits under three irrigation strategies (full, medium and low irrigation amount) compared with non-mulching and polyethylene film. The comprehensive benefits (economic, technical and ecological) of different film mulching patterns were evaluated using analytic hierarchy process and gray relational analysis methods. The results indicated that increasing irrigation amount could accelerate the degradation of the biodegradable film, with the highest film weight loss rate of 38.8% obtained under full irrigation. Film mulching could mitigate the negative impact of water deficit on crop yield, with the yield of biodegradable film and polyethylene film enhanced by 11.6% and 18.6% compared with non-mulching under low irrigation. Although polyethylene film showed the highest economic benefits, non-mulching showed the highest comprehensive benefits. Only when the price of biodegradable film material dropped to less than 1.37 times that of polyethylene film did the economic benefit of biodegradable film outcompete non-mulching and become a more acceptable and promising farming solution to boosting environmental sustainability.
Quantifying Subnational Economic Complexity: Evidence from Romania
Authors: Török Ibolya , Benedek József , Gómez-Zaldívar Manuel
Published: August 2022

Over the last two decades, Romania has undergone strong economic growth, catching up to advanced economies and producing one of the best economic performances in the world. Along with these positive changes, industrial product diversification has increased through expanded foreign economic relations, with all of these supporting the complexity of economic activities. Even though there is a world ranking of countries showing the highest level of economic complexity, there is no information about regional contributions to the overall score in Romania. This paper fills this gap by measuring the economic complexity of Romania’s subnational areas (counties) in the last ten years. To calculate the Economic Complexity Index (ECI) at a regional level, 615 economic activities (four-digit classes according to the NACE classification) were taken into consideration, grouped into 68 cluster categories. The results show that significant changes in economic complexity have mainly occurred in less developed areas, the upper- and middle-ranked counties’ positions being relatively stable. Furthermore, we examined the impact of complexity on growth and convergence, finding that the ECI index is a good predictor both for future economic growth as well as for the evolution of income inequalities.
Characteristics and Dynamics of University Students’ Awareness of Retired Mobile Phones in China
Authors: Li Ang , Li Bo , Liu Xia , Zhang Ying , Zhang Haiyan , Lei Xuyang , Hou Suxia , Lu Bin
Published: August 2022

In order to obtain accurate data about university students’ awareness of retired mobile phones in China, a survey was conducted in both 2012 and 2020. There were 1011 respondents in 2012 and 1830 in 2020 that completed the questionnaire, respectively, aged 18–30 years old. This work proposes the following conclusions: lifetime is reduced from 1.95 years in 2012 to 1.92 years in 2020, with a standard deviation of 1.12 in 2012 and 0.99 in 2020; broken is the most common reason for replacements, but there are also many replacements caused by poor function, poor model, or stolen, while more than half of the retired mobile phones are stockpiled, instead of being donated or sold; voucher or cash incentives are the most efficient, while environmental and charitable incentives are also efficient; when participating in take-back services with mobile phones manufactured in the last five years, or even with broken ones, the expectant amount of cash refund is 20–300 CNY in 2012 and 20–500 CNY in 2020; most results are consistent with previous research, while the distinctions are important and helpful; policy implications are proposed to improve sustainable WEEE management systems.
Body Composition and Physical Activity of Female Police Officers: Do Occupation and Age Matter?
Authors: Kukić Filip , Heinrich Katie M. , Koropanovski Nenad , Greco Gianpiero , Cataldi Stefania , Dopsaj Milivoj
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to investigate the differences in the body composition and volume of leisure time physical activity (V-LTPA) of female police officers from two police occupations and to assess the differences when officers are matched by age. Body composition measures including body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (%BF), and percent of skeletal muscle mass (%SMM) of female communal police (n = 56) and general police (n = 90) were compared. Officers were allocated into three age groups: 29 years and younger, 30–39 years, and 40 years and older. We used an independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple analyses of variance to investigate the differences between occupations, between age groups, and between-occupation-within-age differences in body composition. Communal police officers had significantly (p < 0.05) lower BMI and %BF and higher %SMM compared to general police. Significant differences were found between age groups, with the youngest officers having lower BMI and %BF and higher %SMM and V-LTPA. Finally, differences in body composition were no longer significant when officers from different occupations were compared within age groups. Police agencies should consider supporting and motivating officers through policies to encourage leisure time physical activities for female officers. Other mechanisms for the management of body composition should also be considered.
Childhood Injuries and Their Sustainable Prevention from the Perspective of Parents and Grandparents
Authors: Stralczynská Barbora Loudová , Chroustová Kateřina , Skřehot Petr , Chytrý Vlastimil , Bílek Martin , Marádová Eva
Published: August 2022

Higher injury rates among children is a significant post-COVID-19 phenomenon. This paper focuses on injury frequency in pre-school, as well as in younger school-age children, and maps the approaches used by families to prevent injuries and ensure child safety in the Czech Republic. The aim of the survey was to determine what types of serious injuries prevail among children, how parents or grandparents evaluate the awareness of children toward dangerous situations, and what opinions and preferences they have regarding educating their children about health and safety. The questionnaire survey among parents and grandparents (N = 278) of children from birth to the age of 12 was conducted at educational events for the wider public in 2017–2019. The survey showed that head injuries (27%) are prevalent among pre-school children; however, in children older than 5 years, injuries are due to increased outdoor activity and tend to be more associated with sports and leisure activities (fractures 31%, burns 23%). Most respondents considered their children to be more likely to recognize life-threatening risks, which is worrying in the context of the rising number of injuries in the Czech Republic in recent years.
Do Environmental Strategy and Awareness Improve Firms’ Environmental and Financial Performance? The Role of Competitive Advantage
Authors: Tan Kang , Siddik Abu Bakkar , Sobhani Farid Ahammad , Hamayun Muhammad , Masukujjaman Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Drawing upon the natural-resource-based view (NRBV), this study assesses the role of environmental strategy (ENS) and environmental awareness (ENA) in enhancing firms’ environmental and financial performance. Additionally, we hypothesize a mediating role of firms’ competitive advantage among these associations. We analyze several hypothesized relationships using survey data from 240 Bangladeshi manufacturing SMEs. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) findings suggest that environmental strategy strongly affects organizational competitive advantage and environmental performance. We also observe that environmental awareness substantially affects competitive advantage and environmental and financial performance. Finally, our statistical findings reveal that competitive advantage mediates the linkage between ENS and ENP as well as ENA and ENP. However, ENS was found to have an insignificant effect on firms’ financial performance. These crucial findings extend the NRBV, ENS, and ENA literature. Our research provides managers of manufacturing organizations and policymakers with a valuable model for managing environmental strategy and environmental awareness to enhance environmental and financial performance. It may assist manufacturing SME managers in strengthening their internal resources, such as ENS and ENA, to improve their competitive advantage and organizational outcomes.
Developing and Comparing Indices to Evaluate Community Knowledge Building in an Educational Research Course
Authors: Gutiérrez-Braojos Calixto , Daniela Linda , Montejo-Gámez Jesús , Aliaga Francisco
Published: August 2022

This paper implements a novel approach to analyzing the degree of Collective Cognitive Responsibility (CCR) in a Knowledge Building community, based on socioeconomic and scientometric measures. After engaging in Knowledge Forum (KF) discussions for one semester, 36 students identified impactful ideas in their portfolios, which were then used to develop their impact scores. These scores were then transformed and plotted along the Lorenz Curve and the Gini coefficient to visualize the degree of equidistribution of recognition in the community and, by extension, the degree of collective responsibility shared by members of the community. Additionally, students were classified into member roles based on the impact of their contributions, and we explored the flow of member roles across several discussion topics, based on Price’s model of scientific production. Our results show convergence between peers’ and teachers’ ratings of impactful contributions, which both point to medium levels of collective responsibility in the community. In short, on the one hand, this procedure shows its sensitivity to detect communities that could not comply with the CCR principle. On the other hand, we discuss the necessity of reflective evaluation to address the pedagogical challenge of fostering collective responsibility for knowledge advancement and empowering novel students to take charge of their knowledge work at the highest levels.
COVID-19 Impact: A Case Study at the School of Agricultural Engineering and Environment of the Universitat Politècnica de València
Authors: Clemente Gabriela , Garcia-Prats Alberto , Lisón Purificación , Rubio Constanza , Vidal-Puig Santiago , Ricarte Beatriz , Estruch-Guitart Vicente , Fenollosa Loreto , Manzano Juan , Rovira-Más Francisco , Vargas Maria , San Bautista Alberto
Published: August 2022

To study the first impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the results obtained by students belonging to the School of Agricultural Engineering and Environment at the Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain), the average of the marks corresponding to three academic years (2016–2019) was compared to those obtained in 2019–2020 for a total of four bachelor’s degrees and two semesters. Our results suggest a positive effect on the marks obtained during the activation of emergency remote teaching during the spring semester of 2019–2020 in three out of the four degrees, with these differences being significant for the whole study. Moreover, just at the end of that period, instructors and students were surveyed regarding teaching methodologies, evaluation modalities, and difficulties found throughout the process of adapting to distance teaching. Our results allow us to sensibly think about that exceptional situation in order to propose a set of counterweighting measures which could improve the implementation of distance learning in engineering colleges.
Novel Electrochemical Preparation of N-Doped TiO2/Graphene for Enhanced Stability and Photocatalysis Degradation of Humic Acid
Authors: Wang Anqi , Chen Wei , Geng Nannan , Lan Xiaomeng , Liu Mingxiang , Wu Xing
Published: August 2022

Industrialization and urbanization have resulted in large volumes of municipal wastewater containing abundant refractory humic acid (HA), which is difficult to biodegrade with carcinogenic byproducts and has posed a great threat to human health. Photocatalysis is a promising advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the efficient degradation of HA. In this work, a novel three-step electrochemical method was employed to fabricate electrochemically converted N-doped TiO2 nanotubes/graphene (ENTG) composite film. Compared with traditional hydrothermally synthesized N-doped TiO2/graphene (NTG) nanoparticles, the ENTG photocatalyst exhibited enhanced degradation performance, recyclability and stability. It was found that ETNG can extend the range of light absorption to over 400 nm and narrow the band gap to 2.7 eV. The degradation rate for HA was up to 92.3% under the optimum condition. The preparation mechanism for ENTG is based on an electrochemical reduction–deposition hypothesis, while the degradation mechanism is dependent on adsorption and free radical oxidation. According to a free radical quenching test, both •OH and •O2− radicals were produced, and •OH played the dominant role in HA degradation. In general, ENTG is a promising photocatalyst for further application in municipal wastewater treatment.
Prospects of Precipitation Based on Reconstruction over the Last 2000 Years in the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Qi Lulu , Guo Zhilong , Qi Zhongxiang , Guo Jijun
Published: August 2022

The prospect of precipitation is of great significance to the distribution of industry and agriculture in Northwest China. The cycle characteristics of temperature and precipitation in the Qilian Mountains were identified by complex Morlet wavelet analysis and were simulated with sine functions. The results indicate that the main cycle of 200 years modulates the variations of temperature and precipitation over the past 2000 years and that cycle simulations fluctuate around the long-term trend. The temperature in the Qilian Mountains exhibits an obvious upward trend during the period 1570–1990 AD, while the precipitation trend shows a slight increase. The “wet-island” moisture pattern of the Qilian Mountains may be responsible for this. The moisture of the Qilian Mountains is principally sourced from the evapotranspiration of adjacent arid and semi-arid areas and is controlled by regional climate. The precipitation is close to the relative maximum and is at the positive phase of main cycle. It may not be beyond 400 mm in the next 200-year cycle, and the increment of precipitation might result from regional climate change.
Innovative Solutions and Challenges for the Improvement of Storage Processes
Authors: Perkumienė Dalia , Ratautaitė Kristina , Pranskūnienė Rasa
Published: August 2022

Innovative solutions are very important for the warehouse because, with their help, it is possible to ensure a more efficient connection between suppliers and consumers throughout the supply chain. This paper aims to search out and offer innovative solutions for the improvement of the storage processes in a LMC (logistics manufacturing company). The task of warehousing processes is to efficiently interconnect a complex set of operations. The proper logistics organization of warehouse processes ensures a competitive advantage for the entire company. Considering the problem identified in the company, this article raises a research question: what innovative solutions can be applied for the improvement of the storage processes? Summarizing the results of the research, it can be concluded that solving the problems of LMC warehousing processes and implementing improvements requires staff training, specialist consultations, and also a complex of innovative solutions such as: using racking systems with a racking truck, a warehouse management system with barcodes, a raw material management program, application Pick by Voice system, MRP and ERP systems, and ABC, JIT, and the Lean methods.
Enhanced Agriculture Insurance with Climate Forecast
Authors: Li Lanlan , Liu Zhengqiao , Chen Jing-Yi , Wu Yang-Che , Li Hong
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a model to study how climate forecasts and the agricultural production function affect the effectiveness of government policies (disaster bailouts and agricultural income tax) and agricultural insurance (both compulsory and voluntary). In the base model with a neoclassical production function, we find that these programs could increase farmers’ expected profit and reduce its volatility. Furthermore, credible climate forecasts enable farmers, insurance companies, and governments to make more informed cultivate and insurance decisions, and therefore increase the benefit of these insurance programs to farmers. The results suggest that climate forecasts, combined with agriculture policies and insurance, can play an important role in securing farmers’ profits and providing climate risk management guidance for agriculture production.
Non-Renewable Resources and Sustainable Resource Extraction: An Empirical Test of the Hotelling Rule’s Significance to Gold Extraction in South Africa
Authors: Mlambo Courage
Published: August 2022

The study sought to test the applicability of Hotelling’s rule to gold extraction in South Africa. In environmental economics, Hotelling’s rule has come to be a pillar of the exhaustible resources framework and in addition to this, it has presented essential insights into the consumption and extraction of non-renewable resources. According to Hotelling’s Rule, the extraction path in competitive market economies will, under certain circumstances, be socially optimal. An extraction path that is not socially optimal compromises the welfare of future generations. The welfare of South Africa’s present population, particularly in the future, will be greatly determined by the stock of natural resources available. Currently, the production processes deplete natural resources in a way that is not sustainable. For instance, South Africa’s gold reserves are becoming depleted at a rate that, within 25 to 33 years, will mean the end of the industry on which South Africa’s economy has been built. This raises questions regarding how much of these non-renewable resources (gold) should be extracted today, and how much should be saved for future use or for future generations. Is gold being depleted more rapidly than the optimisation level suggested by Hotelling’s Rule? In order to empirically test Hotelling’s Rule, the study was guided by previous literature that had sought to test it, namely, the previously used graphical analysis and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to assess the applicability of Hotelling’s Rule. The results showed that there seems to be no significant relationship between interest rates and gold processes. This shows that Hotelling’s Rule does not hold in South Africa. The results of the study suggested that the gold extraction in South Africa is not following a social optimal path. The study recommended that the government come up with measures that prolong the lifespan of the gold reserves. These included research and development to promote technological innovations in the mining sector.
The Whole Process CFD Numerical Simulation of Flow Field and Suspended Solids Distribution in a Full-Scale High-Rate Clarifier
Authors: Xu Qi , Luo Xi , Xu Chengjian , Wan Yanlei , Xiong Guangcheng , Chen Hao , Zhou Qiuhong , Yan Dan , Li Xiang , Li Yingxi , Liu Huijuan
Published: August 2022

To further reduce the contents of phosphorus and suspended solids (SS) in the effluent, the high-rate clarifier is adopted by some wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to upgrade their processes. However, due to the complex phosphorus species and unclear hydraulic characteristics after the addition of the high-rate clarifier, the removal efficiencies of total phosphorus and the optimization strategies of SS removal remain unclear. The high-rate clarifiers are mainly composed of the mixing zone and the settling zone. Only the hydraulic characteristics of the mixing zone have been studied. It is necessary to focus on the hydrodynamics of the settling zone to understand the sedimentation process and pollutant removal mechanism in depth. Therefore, this study focused on the whole process of high-rate clarifier of the Wuhan Nantaizi Lake WWTP in China. The distributions of flow velocity and SS in the full-scale high-rate clarifier were simultaneously simulated by the solid-liquid two-phase whole process computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model which was established in this study. The simulated results of the developed CFD model were in good agreement with the experimental data obtained in the high-rate clarifier. The normalized standard error was less than 7.66%. The overall flow velocities in the settling tank were much smaller than that in the reaction tank. After the fluid passed through the diversion effect of the overflow wall and the under-through channel, the overall kinetic energy loss was relatively large. Meanwhile, the residence time of fluid in the settling tank was longer than that in the reaction tank. The sludge sedimentation happened at the edge of the settling tank due to the vertical angle between the plug-flow fluid and the outlet. The successful construction of the CFD model could lay the foundation for the next step of the high-rate clarifier optimization operation and research on pollutant removal.
A Study and Assessment of the Status of Energy Efficiency and Conservation at School Buildings
Authors: Ragab Karim Mohamed , Orhan Mehmet Fatih , Saka Kenan , Zurigat Yousef
Published: August 2022

The building sector consumes a significant portion of global energy use. In this regard, this work was undertaken to study the status of energy efficiency and conservation at a large school building in the northern part of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The annual electrical consumption at the school was analyzed and an awareness survey among the students and teachers was conducted to measure the level of awareness as well as to assess the current energy consumption practices. In order to identify energy saving opportunities, an energy audit was carried out wherein the school energy consuming systems, particularly the lighting and air-conditioning systems, were assessed. Furthermore, thermography scanning of the school building envelope was conducted to examine the building insulation and identify air leakage locations. The building electricity supply and distribution systems were assessed using power analyzer and thermography devices. The energy conservation measures identified include removing the extra lighting, installing motion sensors in classrooms and labs, as well as integrating a Networked Optimization Software with the current HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system. The methodology consists of seven fundamental steps: (1) case study data collection (analysis of buildings and utility data); (2) survey of real operation conditions; (3) understanding of building behavior; (4) analysis of energy conservation measures; (5) estimation of energy-saving potential; (6) economic assessment; and (7) proposing Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs). In this regard, the school energy consuming systems (lighting, building envelope, and air conditioning (AC)) were examined to identify possible ways to reduce the school energy consumption. The results indicate that the cost of installing motion sensors in classrooms, and labs is approximately AED 20,000 (United Arab Emirates Dirham), which yields an annual energy saving of AED 93,691. Furthermore, with all energy saving measures, a total annual saving of AED 364,000 is anticipated, which is approximately 16% of the annual electricity bill.
What Enables Human Capital Investment Sharing in Elite Sport?
Authors: McLeod Christopher M. , Li Hongxin , Nite Calvin
Published: August 2022

Sport organizations increasingly cooperate to invest in elite athlete development, sometimes even across national boundaries and industry sectors. This study attempts to explain why organizations decide to cooperatively invest by extending human capital theory. A multiple case study of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and Kunlun Red Star Hockey Club (KRS) was conducted, including an analysis of 43 interviews and 305 documents. Organizations decided to invest cooperatively because they believed human capital sharing would allow for levels of investment that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive for individual organizations. Four enabling conditions explain when organizations perceive sharing as more effective than human capital “buying” or “making.” The findings extend human capital theory to explain sharing decisions. The cases and theory provide practical insights for managers investing in athlete development and expanding sports leagues.
Encoder–Decoder-Based Velocity Prediction Modelling for Passenger Vehicles Coupled with Driving Pattern Recognition
Authors: Lou Diming , Zhao Yinghua , Fang Liang , Tang Yuanzhi , Zhuang Caihua
Published: August 2022

To improve the performance of predictive energy management strategies for hybrid passenger vehicles, this paper proposes an Encoder–Decoder (ED)-based velocity prediction modelling system coupled with driving pattern recognition. Firstly, the driving pattern recognition (DPR) model is established by a K-means clustering algorithm and validated on test data; the driving patterns can be identified as urban, suburban, and highway. Then, by introducing the encoder–decoder structure, a DPR-ED model is designed, which enables the simultaneous input of multiple temporal features to further improve the prediction accuracy and stability. The results show that the root mean square error (RMSE) of the DPR-ED model on the validation set is 1.028 m/s for the long-time sequence prediction, which is 6.6% better than that of the multilayer perceptron (MLP) model. When the two models are applied to the test dataset, the proportion with a low error of 0.1~0.3 m/s is improved by 4% and the large-error proportion is filtered by the DPR-ED model. The DPR-ED model performs 5.2% better than the MLP model with respect to the average prediction accuracy. Meanwhile, the variance is decreased by 15.6%. This novel framework enables the processing of long-time sequences with multiple input dimensions, which improves the prediction accuracy under complicated driving patterns and enhances the generalization-related performance and robustness of the model.
Correction: Nasiri et al. Impact of Policy Instruments in the Implementation of Renewable Sources of Energy in Selected European Countries. Sustainability 2022, 14, 6314
Authors: Nasiri Elnaz , Rocha-Meneses Lisandra , Inayat Abrar , Kikas Timo
Published: August 2022

The authors would like to make the following corrections about the published paper [...]
How Does the Geography Curriculum Contribute to Education for Sustainable Development? Lessons from China and the USA
Authors: Miao Sheng , Meadows Michael E , Duan Yushan , Guo Fengtao
Published: August 2022

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) must play an important part in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and, while it may be advanced through harnessing the unique advantages of the geography curriculum, connections between the geography curriculum and sustainable development competencies have not yet been systematically investigated in China and America. In order to explore the value of geography education in promoting learner competencies in sustainable development, we conducted a detailed analysis of China’s geography curriculum standards and American geography curriculum standards, and explored the potential contribution of the geography curriculum to ESD. Learning objectives in China’s geography curriculum standards for middle school (98 items) and high school (141 items), and American geography curriculum standards for middle school (80 items) and high school (85 items) were analyzed using content analysis supported by WordStat 8.0. Our findings suggest that geography education plays an important role in cultivating learners’ cognition and ability regarding sustainable development, although there remains much room for improvement in cultivating learner attitudes and values towards ESD.