bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multimodal Approach for Real Time Recognition of Engagement towards Adaptive Serious Games for Health
Authors: Mitsis Konstantinos , Zarkogianni Konstantia , Kalafatis Eleftherios , Dalakleidi Kalliopi , Jaafar Amyn , Mourkousis Georgios , Nikita Konstantina S.
Published: March 2022

In this article, an unobtrusive and affordable sensor-based multimodal approach for real time recognition of engagement in serious games (SGs) for health is presented. This approach aims to achieve individualization in SGs that promote self-health management. The feasibility of the proposed approach was investigated by designing and implementing an experimental process focusing on real time recognition of engagement. Twenty-six participants were recruited and engaged in sessions with a SG that promotes food and nutrition literacy. Data were collected during play from a heart rate sensor, a smart chair, and in-game metrics. Perceived engagement, as an approximation to the ground truth, was annotated continuously by participants. An additional group of six participants were recruited for smart chair calibration purposes. The analysis was conducted in two directions, firstly investigating associations between identified sitting postures and perceived engagement, and secondly evaluating the predictive capacity of features extracted from the multitude of sources towards the ground truth. The results demonstrate significant associations and predictive capacity from all investigated sources, with a multimodal feature combination displaying superiority over unimodal features. These results advocate for the feasibility of real time recognition of engagement in adaptive serious games for health by using the presented approach.
Digital Innovation and Migrants’ Integration: Notes on EU Institutional and Legal Perspectives and Criticalities
Authors: Regina Paola , De Capitani Emilio
Published: March 2022

These notes describe the evolution of the EU strategy for the integration of Third Country Nationals since the Tampere Program in 1999 until the second Action Program (2021–2027). It highlights the EU’s endeavor to close the gap between migrants and EU citizens in compliance with the EU general anti-discrimination policy and, since the entry of the Lisbon Treaty into force, of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Accordingly, the current integration strategy has a much wider legal and financial basis than the one described by art. 79.2 of the TFEU. This new individual-centered and wide-ranging public approach can now be strengthened through the new European Digital Agenda, whose aim is also to reframe and make the relations between the individual and public administration more user friendly. However, in the human mobility domain, the large EU acquis, which is currently focused on internal security, should be re-balanced from a legislative and operational point of view to avoid the risk of infringing on data protection principles and establishing a mass surveillance framework, which could be incompatible with the EU as a democratic society and a rule of law-abiding organization. Within this very complex framework, a promising development is the establishment of a new European Asylum Agency, which may pave the way for more consistent EU asylum and migration policies.
PV Array Reconfiguration Based on Genetic Algorithm for Maximum Power Extraction and Energy Impact Analysis
Authors: Durango-Flórez Mariana , González-Montoya Daniel , Trejos-Grisales Luz Adriana , Ramos-Paja Carlos Andres
Published: March 2022

Reconfiguration of PV arrays is one of the most suitable options to face issues affecting the power produced by panels, such as partial shading. This paper presents a reconfiguration procedure based on a genetic algorithm. The execution times obtained with the proposed approach validate its good performance compared with a traditional brute force algorithm. Finally, different shading patterns are considered in the simulations.
Fundamental Accessibility and Technical Accessibility in Travels—The Encounter of Two Worlds Which Leads to a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Farkas Jácint , Raffay Zoltán , Dávid Lóránt
Published: March 2022

It is a positive phenomenon that more and more studies are being published on the diverse relationship between accessibility and tourism nowadays. This indicates that now at least tourism researchers are showing an interest in the examination of the different aspects of accessibility. Nevertheless, it is a well-known fact that service providers still do have much room for development in this respect. It is sad the examinations mentioned practically totally neglect the definition of accessibility from a philosophical perspective—or its need to be defined, so evidently its applicability in practice and its empirically justifiable positive impacts are not discussed, either, though in the authors’ view it is a prerequisite for the realisation of a traveller’s good and independent experiences. Unfortunately, very little is said in the previously mentioned scrutinies about the philosophy of accessibility which, in the authors’ opinion, is a prerequisite for the accomplishment of adequate accessibility. Coming from all these and also on the ground of their previous researches, and also from the international empirical research conducted in five countries on the travel habits of people with disabilities by the authors, they are convinced that accessibility in itself shows, and leads to crisis phenomena, because the spirit of accessibility is simply missing from both the professional and everyday practical thinking. One explicit manifestation of this is the fact that travel becomes free from experience as a result of partial accessibility—or it generates “specific experiences” that can be interpreted as the negative pole of Michalkó’s paradigm of beatific travel. The conclusion of the paper is that the creation of the paradigm of fundamental accessibility is a justified must.
Phase Analysis of Alkali-Activated Slag Hybridized with Low-Calcium and High-Calcium Fly Ash
Authors: Jiang Tao , Jin Ying
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the hydrated phase assemblage, microstructure, and gel composition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-activated fly ash–slag blends with either low-calcium or high-calcium fly ash. The results show that the nature of precipitated calcium–aluminosilicate–hydrate (C-A-S-H) and alkali aluminosilicate-hydrate (N-A-S-H) depends on the fly ash composition and slag-to-fly ash ratio. However, regardless of fly ash composition and slag-to-fly ash ratio, a universal linear compositional relationship exists between Al/Ca ratio and Si/Ca ratio in precipitated gels. This indicates that there exists a structural limitation on the incorporation of Al3+ for Si4+ in the tetrahedral silicate of C-A-S-H, N-A-S-H, or metastable N-C-A-S-H gels. In a hybrid slag–fly ash system, the framework structure of precipitated gels is an assemblage of aluminosilicate units with heterogeneous Ca2+ and Na+ distribution. The amount and reactivity of calcium and alkalis seem to play a critical role in determining the structure and properties of precipitated gels in hybrid systems. The low cementitious capability in alkali-activated high-calcium fly ash may be attributed to the unstable N-C-A-S-H gel structure with concurrent high Na and Ca contents.
Bolstering Measures for Combating the Challenges of Safe Working Cycle Implementation in Hong Kong’s Construction Industry
Authors: Chan Daniel W. M. , Aghimien Douglas O.
Published: March 2022

To heighten the safety performance of construction projects, multitudinous safety initiatives or measures have been promulgated in Hong Kong over the past three decades. These initiatives have led to the drastic reduction in construction site accidents. However, implementing these safety initiatives, such as the Safe Working Cycle (SWC), does not go without facing challenges. This paper illustrates the survey findings from an evaluation of the challenges encountered with the execution of SWC in construction projects in Hong Kong and proffers possible bolstering improvement measures for its successful implementation. The study was quantitative in nature and data were gathered from construction participants involved in projects adopting SWC. The data gathered were analysed using diverse descriptive, inferential and first-generation multivariate analyses. The study findings revealed that the effective implementation of SWC is still deterred by several major challenges that can be grouped into: (1) tight project schedule and limited site space; and (2) lack of promotions and support for SWC implementation. To address these profound challenges, the study recommended some essential improvement measures including: (1) adequate budget allocation and reasonable project schedule; (2) establishment of a reward system towards construction workers; and (3) development of a tailor-made SWC system for each specific construction site. The study has provided useful guidelines and insightful recommendations for both the client organisations and construction firms and their site management staff in developing their site safety policies and adopting SWC for improving the existing site safety performance of various construction projects.
CSR Strategy in Tourism during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Johann Maria
Published: March 2022

Travel and tourism is one of the most affected sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting economies, enterprises, and livelihoods worldwide. The pandemic has heavily damaged businesses across the tourism industry, including airlines, transportation, hotels, cruises, and others. Numerous tourism companies went bankrupt or had been struggling to survive, yet other ones have adapted their strategy and seized the crisis to transform their business for the post-pandemic future. This study aims at investigating the TUI Group’s CSR strategic adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case study is based on a documentary analysis including such documents as annual reports, sustainability strategy, sustainability reports, and financial statements. The findings show that the pandemic crisis moved forward the company’s transformation into a digital platform and its sustainability transformation. Moreover, the CSR strategy has been constantly adapted to the evolving COVID-19 environment. The company’s efforts aimed at maintaining sustainable value have been primarily focused on supporting and engaging employees, ensuring safe holiday packages for customers, and supporting local communities and partners. Several implications are provided based on the study results.
Effects of Green Plants on the Indoor Environment and Wellbeing in Classrooms—A Case Study in a Swedish School
Authors: Danielski Itai , Svensson Åsa , Weimer Kerstin , Lorentzen Lena , Warne Maria
Published: March 2022

Many schools in Sweden lack a proper indoor environment due to, e.g., poor thermal-envelope properties, overcrowded classes, poor visual appearance and insufficient ventilation. This study aims to explore the integration of a large number of indoor green plants into classrooms’ environments. This case study consists of three parts: measurements of the indoor environment including a final energy model, a questionnaire to the pupils with questions about their well-being and qualitative interviews with teachers. The case was two classrooms in a secondary education facility in central Sweden with an average annual temperature of 3 °C and a long and dark winter period with snow. The results showed 10% lower CO2 and slightly higher and more stable temperatures due to the green plants. Worries about climate change and war among the pupils decreased after several months with the plants and worry about infectious disease increased. The teachers experienced fresher air from the plants and used the plant stands for a flexible classroom design. The conclusion is that indoor plants have the potential to contribute to a better indoor environment, but due to the high number of uncontrolled variables (including the effect of COVID-19) in measurements of real-life conditions, more studies are needed.
The Role of Social Media in Public Forest Management Policies during COVID-19: Implications for Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Bratu Iulian A. , Dinca Lucian C. , Enescu Cristian M. , Stanciu Mirela
Published: March 2022

Social networks have become increasingly popular lately, being a complementary method of expression and communication. With the adoption of quarantine and social distancing imposed by the authorities as measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, society has used the opportunity offered by digital technology to continue its concern related to the protection and conservation of the environment, especially the forest. The purpose of this study was to highlight the public interest regarding the forests in the context of COVID-19, especially the extent to which public opinion expressed on social networks has determined public forest management policies. The results revealed a major interest in preserving biodiversity and forestry, in reducing legal logging and stopping illegal logging, and monitoring of timber shipments as measures to combat illegal logging. During the analyzed period (i.e., 1 February 2020 to 31 July 2020), several legislative acts were adopted that overlap with the requests and needs identified by environmental organizations, acts that address the issue of illegal logging, conservation, and protection of the forest, monitoring the traceability of wood. The legislation adopted in the analyzed timeframe and shortly after responded to several major topics related to the licensing and withdrawal of the logging license for illegal logging, amending the legislation for the conservation of biodiversity and the classification of areas with virgin forests as strictly protected forests. An IT system has also been implemented by the government environmental authority that allows the supervision of timber transport, offering the possibility of active involvement of civil society.
Seed Exchange Networks of Native Maize, Beans, and Squash in San Juan Ixtenco and San Luis Huamantla, Tlaxcala, Mexico
Authors: Llamas-Guzmán Luz P. , Lazos Chavero Elena , Perales Rivera Hugo R. , Casas Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Seed exchange networks among farmers favor circulation of crop varieties and have been discussed as an effective means of crop diversity conservation. This study aims to document the processes and structure of seed exchange networks of native maize, beans, and squash among farmers and other participating sectors (local market or seed banks), analyzing their influence on agrobiodiversity conservation in the municipalities of Ixtenco and Huamantla, in the Mexican state of Tlaxcala. Through interviews, questionnaires, and social network analysis, nodal farmers were identified. In the maize network, five nodal farmers were detected, the blanco maize being the most commonly exchanged seed. In the bean network, three nodal farmers were identified, with amarillo beans as the most exchanged seed. In the squash network, no nodal farmer was identified. For maize and beans, the greater the number of exchanges, the greater the varieties exchanged. The local market of Huamantla and the Vicente Guerrero seed bank are relevant seed sources. The nodal farmers propitiate circulation of a large number of seed varieties in the exchange networks and contribute to maintenance and conservation of agrobiodiversity.
Drivers of Sustainability Accounting and Reporting in Emerging Economies: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Ikpor Isaac Monday , Bracci Enrico , Kanu Clementina Iruka , Ievoli Riccardo , Okezie Benedette , Mlanga Sunday , Ogbaekirigwe Charles
Published: March 2022

Stakeholders’ demand for companies to provide social, economic and environmental reports is increasingly becoming a fundamental requirement for companies. This paper investigates the factors that drive the choice of sustainability reporting in an emerging market economy context, with reference to Nigeria. Using data sourced from 3 different reports (annual accounts, sustainability reports and websites) of the top 50 large companies listed in the Nigeria Stock Exchange for the period 2015–2020 and a fixed effect panel regression model, our study makes three important findings. First, the study provides evidence that sustainability reporting is mostly influenced by the following company internal factors: size, profitability, ownership structure, listing age, leverage and auditor type. Second, the findings indicate that that size of firms, profitability and companies audited by Big-4 audit firms has a significant positive relationship with sustainability reporting in Nigeria. In contrast, ownership structure and the leverage position of firms affect sustainability reporting negatively. Finally, our study shows that the banking and oil and gas sectors take sustainability reporting more seriously than any other sectors in Nigeria. Contextualizing the findings within accountability and transparency, we provide evidence on the drivers and the relationship between the various drivers and sustainability reporting in Nigeria. This has implications for policymakers, future researchers and contributes to the literature of sustainability reporting in Nigeria. Even though this study used Nigerian data, it will increase pressure on firms in other developing countries to assess the context-specific determinants of sustainability reporting.
Unabsorbed Slack Resources and Enterprise Innovation: The Moderating Effect of Environmental Uncertainty and Managerial Ability
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Ziyuan , Sun Mengxin
Published: March 2022

Unabsorbed slack resources are critical for organizational innovation, but research concerning the relationship between unabsorbed slack and corporate innovation has resulted in controversial findings. Using the data of all A-shared listed companies in China from 2011 to 2018, this paper examines the influence of unabsorbed slack resources on enterprise innovation. First, the paper verifies that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between unabsorbed slack resources and R&D investment and innovation output. Following that, empirical findings show that environmental uncertainty and managerial ability have a negative incentive effect on the relationship between unabsorbed slack resources and enterprise innovation. Finally, the results of mechanism testing reveal that unabsorbed slack resources affect the enterprise innovation through two channels: resource effect and agency cost.
The Mediating Role of Eco-Friendly Artwork for Urban Hotels to Attract Environmental Educated Consumers
Authors: Park Jeong-Eun , Kang Eungoo
Published: March 2022

The adoption and implementation of environmental marketing strategies is the hotel industry’s new approach to maintaining a competitive advantage and attracting more green consumers. Indeed, hotels with more sustainable practices and eco-friendly artwork generate more trust and make green consumers more loyal and satisfied. However, there is little prior research which has suggested the mediating role of green artwork between customers’ levels of green perception and their hotel satisfaction. For this reason, the current authors obtained a total of 659 responses from South Korean consumers and conducted the structural equation analysis (SEM) to identify the indirect effect explaining how green arts boosts green hotel consumers’ satisfaction. Our statistical findings offer vital insights regarding the relationship between customers’ green perceptions and their hotel satisfaction, with eco-friendly artwork in the hotel interior design as the mediating variable. Finally, the current study provides a detailed understanding of art infusion to urban hotels by highlighting the impact of art and its spillover effects on consumer satisfaction.
A Detailed Ecological Exploration of the Distribution Patterns of Wild Poaceae from the Jhelum District (Punjab), Pakistan
Authors: Majeed Muhammad , Tariq Aqil , Haq Sheikh Marifatul , Waheed Muhammad , Anwar Muhammad Mushahid , Li Qingting , Aslam Muhammad , Abbasi Sanaullah , Mousa B. G. , Jamil Ahsan
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the taxonomic diversity, richness, and distribution patterns of Poaceae in relation to abiotic factors in the Jhelum district of the Pakistan Himalayas. We used a random sampling technique from 80 grids within 240 sites with a rich diversity of wild grasses and 720 quadrates in triplets from each site across the Jhelum district between 2019 and 2021 to collect data on grass species and the associated environmental factors and conditions. After evaluating the important value index for each plant taxa and for the environmental data, we analyzed the data using ordination and cluster analysis techniques. Fifty-two Poaceae taxa from twenty-nine genera were recorded within the study area. From a total of 52 recorded Poaceae species, 45 were native and 7 were invasive species. The life form (biological) showed the dominancy of 27 therophyte species, followed by 24 hemicryptophyte species, and 1 geophyte species. Microphyll had the leading leaf size spectra (27 species), followed by nanophyll (12 species), macrophyll (10 species), and leptophyll (3 species). The trend of the life cycle was the maximum (27 spp.) during the monsoon season, followed by spring (11 spp.), winter (8 spp.), and summer (6 spp.). The leading genera were Setaria with 9.61% of the species, followed by Panicum, Cenchrus, and Brachiaria with 7.69% of the species. Aristida and Echinochloa made up 5.76% of the species while Chrysopogon, Digitaria, Eragrostis, Pennisetum, and Poa made up 3.84% of the species. Other genera recorded single species. The leaf size spectra of grasses were dominated by microphylls (50%) followed by nanophylls (23.07%), macrophylls (19.23%), and leptophylls (7.69%). On the basis of the importance value index, the most dominant species was Cynodon dactylon (68), followed by Dichanthium annulatum (58), Brachiaria ramose (38), Dactyloctenium aegyptium (37), Eleusine indica (35), Saccharum bengalense (33), and Cenchrus biflorus (28). Two-way cluster analyses classified the grasses into three plant community associations based on the indicator plant species. Soil parameters as subsamples were tested for moisture, pH, EC, OM, macronutrients (CaCO3, N, P, and K), and saturation while the ordination analysis revealed that they had a significant (p ≤ 0.002) effect on vegetation associations. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the influence of environmental factors on the composition and associations of grass species and the development of scientifically informed management solutions for the ecological restoration of degraded habitats in this Himalayan region.
Co-De|GT: The Gamification and Tokenisation of More-Than-Human Qualities and Values
Authors: Davidová Marie , Sharma Shanu , McMeel Dermott , Loizides Fernando
Published: March 2022

The article explores how the quality of life within a deprived urban environment might be improved through the ‘gamification’ of and interaction with, more-than-human elements within the environment. It argues that such quality may be achieved through the community’s multicentered value from the bottom up. This is shown through the case study of the Co-De|GT urban mobile application that was developed in the Synergetic Landscapes unit through real-life research by design experimental studio teaching. Complimentary experimentation took place during the Relating Systems Thinking and Design 10 symposium in the Co-De|BP workshop, where experts were able to be collocated for interactive real-time data gathering. This application addresses the need for collective action towards more-than-human synergy across an urban ecosystem through gamification, community collaboration and DIY culture. It intends to generate a sustainable, scalable token economy where humans and non-humans play equal roles, earning, trading and being paid for goods and services to test such potentials for future economies underpinned by blockchain. This work diverges from dominant economic models that do not recognise the performance of and the limits to, material extraction from the ecosystem. The current economic model has led to the global financial crisis (GFC). Furthermore, it is based on the unsustainable perpetual consumption of services and goods, which may lead to the untangling and critical failure of the market system globally. Therefore, this work investigates how gamification and tokenization may support a complementary and parallel economic market that sustains and grows urban ecosystems. While the research does not speculate on policy implications, it posits how such markets may ameliorate some of the brittleness apparent in the global economic model. It demonstrates a systemic approach to urban ecosystem performance for the future post-Anthropocene communities and economies.
Competitiveness of the Regions of the European Union in a Sustainable Knowledge-Based Economy
Authors: Bąk Iwona , Wawrzyniak Katarzyna , Oesterreich Maciej
Published: March 2022

The aim of the article is to analyze the level of the knowledge-based economy (KBE) in the European Union countries in terms of sustainable development. The added value of the work is the presentation of research results at different levels of data aggregation (EU countries, EU macro-regions, EU regions). This type of approach was used for the first time in this study. The research assumes that knowledge and skills are one of the basic factors in implementing the concept of sustainable development. Currently, there are very large disproportions at the level of KBE in the countries, macro-regions, and regions of the EU. It also translates into their socio-economic situation and thus into competitiveness and innovation. The highest level of KBE is in north-western and central Europe countries, while the lowest is in the countries of eastern and south-eastern Europe. This regularity also applies to macro-regions and regions located in these countries.
How Do China’s Development Zones Affect Environmental Pollution under Government Domination
Authors: Jiang Weijie , Cao Kairui , Jin Laiqun , Cheng Yongyi , Xu Qunfang
Published: March 2022

Environmental pollution has recently become a serious economic issue, and finding ways to reduce pollution in economic development is an urgent task for developing countries, especially China. In this paper, we aim to document the policy role of development zones (DZs) in promoting China’s economic development on environmental pollution and consider the establishment of DZs as a quasi-natural experiment. Specifically, we identify the establishment of DZs on pollution emissions based on the staggered difference-in-difference (DID) approach by setting a dummy variable for DZ policies. Furthermore, we examine the heterogeneity of provincial and national (high-tech and economic development zones) DZs on pollution to detect the government domination effect. Finally, in order to deal with the potential spatial spillover effects of DZs, this paper applies the spatial difference-in-difference (SDID) method to explore the spatial reallocation effects of DZs. The results indicate that the provincial DZs can aggravate China’s pollution intensity, but they will no longer play the same role for national-level policies. Moreover, we find that national high-tech industrial DZs (HTZs) can reduce pollution intensity. In particular, the national DZs can bring about the reallocation of pollution among cities working as a selective place-based policy. That means that the national HTZs will not only reduce the local pollution intensity, but also reduce that of surrounding areas. Our empirical results highlight that cities should be encouraged to set up national HTZs in order to achieve an environmentally friendly high-quality development goal.
The Environmental Sustainability of Digital Technologies: Stakeholder Practices and Perspectives
Authors: Samuel Gabrielle , Lucivero Federica , Somavilla Lucas
Published: March 2022

Artificial Intelligence and associated digital technologies (DTs) have environmental impacts. These include heavy carbon dioxide emissions linked to the energy consumption required to generate and process large amounts of data; extracting minerals for, and manufacturing of, technological components; and e-waste. These environmental impacts are receiving increasing policy and media attention through discourses of environmental sustainability. At the same time, ‘sustainability’ is a complex and nebulous term with a multiplicity of meanings and practices. This paper explores how experts working with DTs understand and utilise the concept of environmental sustainability in their practices. Our research question was how do stakeholders researching, governing or working on the environmental impacts of DTs, utilise environmental sustainability concepts? We applied a combination of bibliometric analysis and 24 interviews with key stakeholders from the digital technology sector. Findings show that, although stakeholders have broad conceptual understandings of the term sustainability and its relation to the environmental impacts of DTs, in practice, environmental sustainability tends to be associated with technology based and carboncentric approaches. While narrowing conceptual understandings of environmental sustainability was viewed to have a practical purpose, it hid broader sustainability concerns. We urge those in the field not to lose sight of the wider ‘ethos of sustainability’.
Corporate Social Responsibility Preferences in South Africa
Authors: Cheruiyot-Koech Roselyne , Reddy Colin David
Published: March 2022

What leads firms in South Africa (SA) to prefer specific CSR initiatives over others? The researchers analyzed secondary data from publicly available information of 231 listed firms on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. To determine national/institutional level preferences, ten CSR activities were identified among all firms and ranked in terms of their mean score of whether each firm participated in an activity or not. To determine industry/stakeholder influence, CSR activities were regressed against the firms’ industry. The preference for two CSR activities, education and training and enterprise development, are common across industries. This demonstrates the institutional effect of SA’s national Black economic empowerment (BEE) policy, which promotes such activities. Charitable donations, infrastructure provision, employee voluntarism and efforts in arts, culture and sports prevail in certain industries. The preferences of firms in the mining and construction industries stand out relative to other industries. Managers have to carefully select CSR activities that respond to various societal pressures. We show an example of management responses to pressures arising from both the national and industry level context. The study is the first to rank CSR activities of South African firms. We also reveal the promise of institutional theory to examine the phenomenon of CSR in the South African context.
Gaps, Trends and Challenges in Assessing Quality of Service at Airport Terminals: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: da Rocha Phelipe Medeiros , Costa Helder Gomes , da Silva Glauco Barbosa
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the main aspects of the quality of service (QoS) assessment process at airport passenger terminals to find gaps, highlight trends, and discuss current day challenges. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted in Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases. Excluding redundancies, the searches resulted in an initial set of 565 articles. After preliminary steps, 61 of these studies were selected for in depth analysis. The research findings and discussions are organized into subsections focused on: (1) places of application (countries/regions); (2) airport areas; (3) evaluators profile; (4) methods; and (5) evaluation criteria. The main gaps revealed are the lack of: (a) applied studies in underdeveloped or developing countries; (b) specific studies for important airport areas, such as those related to access; (c) studies using assessments from arriving and transfer passengers, as well as from travel professionals and experts; and (d) full noncompensatory multicriteria sorting methods. In terms of trends, there is a clear advance in the use of data mining and sentiment analysis, evidencing the challenge for airport managers in dealing with the sources of online information as a management tool. Finally, the challenge of including in assessment process new criteria related to sustainability and COVID-19 era aspects is also noteworthy.
An Evapotranspiration Evolution Model as a Function of Meteorological Variables: A CFD Model Approach
Authors: Fernández-Pacheco Víctor Manuel , Antuña-Yudego Elena , Carús-Candás Juan Luis , Suárez-López María José , Álvarez-Álvarez Eduardo
Published: March 2022

The study of meteorological variables and evapotranspiration in open spaces using the three spatial dimensions represents a technical challenge since the high computational resources required only enable the problem to be addressed on a very small scale. This research sets forth a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics numerical model, characterized by its simplicity, which allows problems to be addressed over large areas (scale of kilometres). Similarly, the corresponding design and software developments carried out allow for a more dynamic introduction of meteorological and evapotranspiration boundary conditions. In the numerical domain created, the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved, supplemented by a multispecies model (to distinguish the movements of dry air, evapotranspiration and air humidity) and one of solar radiation. The numerical model was applied to a semi-arid area in southern Spain, obtaining the three-dimensional special evolution of evapotranspiration, temperature, air humidity and wind velocity, specifically concerning its variation in horizontal and vertical planes of the three-dimensional domain, as well as vertical profiles at discrete points.
Industrial CO2 Capture by Algae: A Review and Recent Advances
Authors: Iglina Tatyana , Iglin Pavel , Pashchenko Dmitry
Published: March 2022

The problem of global warming and the emission of greenhouse gases is already directly affecting the world’s energy. In the future, the impact of CO2 emissions on the world economy will constantly grow. In this paper, we review the available literature sources on the benefits of using algae cultivation for CO2 capture to decrease CO2 emission. CO2 emission accounts for about 77% of all greenhouse gases, and the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions is 56% of all CO2 imports. As a result of the study of various types of algae, it was concluded that Chlorella sp. is the best at capturing CO2. Various methods of cultivating microalgae were also considered and it was found that vertical tubular bioreactors are emerging. Moreover, for energy purposes, thermochemical methods for processing algae that absorb CO2 from flue gases were considered. Of all five types of thermochemical processes for producing synthesis gas, the most preferred method is the method of supercritical gasification of algae. In addition, attention is paid to the drying and flocculation of biofuels. Several different experiments were also reviewed on the use of flue gases through the cultivation of algae biomass. Based on this literature review, it can be concluded that microalgae are a third generation biofuel. With the absorption of greenhouse gases, the growth of microalgae cultures is accelerated. When a large mass of microalgae appears, it can be used for energy purposes. In the results, we present a plan for further studies of microalgae cultivation, a thermodynamic analysis of gasification and pyrolysis, and a comparison of the results with other biofuels and other algae cultures.
Toward Accelerating Sustainability Transitions through Collaborative Sustainable Business Modeling: A Conceptual Approach
Authors: Derks Milou , Berkers Frank , Tukker Arnold
Published: March 2022

Sustainability transitions are purposeful and require deliberate collective action from multiple organizations, leading to the necessity to adopt new business models and redesign value networks. In both business model and sustainability transition research, the explicit activities needed to re-shape value creation and capture systems of organizations are largely unaddressed. We aim to fill this gap by proposing collaborative sustainable business modeling (CSBMing) as a participative multi-actor approach aimed at value network innovation to accelerate sustainability transitions. To do this, we first conceptualize a sustainability transition as a business ecosystem change. We then introduce the value network as the interceding level connecting the individual business to the wider ecosystem, which upon scaling, can change the ecosystem, leading to transition. CSBMing aims to redesign value networks and may thus be used as an actionable approach to accelerate transitions. Second, through the multi-level perspective, we explain how CSBMing can scale, influence other value networks, and change the ecosystem. Third, we recognize that scaling value networks might need more than just implementation of a CSBM and show how elements of CSBMing can complement executing transition management activities. We illustrate the potential role of CSBMing in accelerating transitions through two examples from the Dutch energy transition. In all, we show that CSBMing can be a fruitful approach to innovate and scale value networks, create collective action needed for sustainability transitions, and contribute to transition management activities.
Building a Diagnostic Model for the Development Phase of Gentrification in the Original City Centers of the Provinces in Korea
Authors: Jang Rebecca , Yoon Cheol-Jae
Published: March 2022

Recently, gentrification has occurred not only in Seoul, the capital, but also nationwide in Korea. In other countries such as the United States and Europe, it occurs in various areas such as housing, commerce, and culture, but in Korea, it occurs in most commercial areas. In addition, the resulting social problems are also very serious, and the pace of occurrence and progress is also very fast. The present study was conducted on Korean cities, especially local cities where gentrification occurred due to the government’s urban regeneration project. A system was established to analyze the occurrence phenomenon from a supply perspective and a demand perspective, and to synthesize them to predict the stages that proceed when gentrification occurs by period. Through this, it will be possible to observe and predict gentrification phenomena and respond in advance.
Mitigating Contagion Risk by ESG Investing
Authors: Cerqueti Roy , Ciciretti Rocco , Dalò Ambrogio , Nicolosi Marco
Published: March 2022

We study whether ESG investing may mitigate the risk of contagion among equity mutual funds. More precisely, we measure the impact of fire-sale spillover, propagating throughout the financial system, on funds ranked on ESG aspects. We compare the relative loss of capitalization experienced by high- and low-ranked funds. Contagion, which is indirect since funds are not exposed to counterparty risk, is modeled using a network structure. In cases of deleveraging from funds, fire-sale spillover propagates throughout the network because of common asset holdings among funds. We find that funds’ vulnerability to contagion decreases when the level of ESG compliance increases. Moreover, the average relative loss is lower for the high-ranked funds than for the low-ranked ones. The small-size funds mainly drive the result. Our findings indicate that contagion is less effective for high-ranked funds. From a macroeconomic perspective, ESG investing represents a new opportunity for diversification that makes the system more resilient to contagion.
Probabilistic Stability Evaluation Based on Confidence Interval in Distribution Systems with Inverter-Based Distributed Generations
Authors: Lee Moonjeong , Yoon Myungseok , Cho Jintae , Choi Sungyun
Published: March 2022

This study proposed a probabilistic methodology based on a confidence interval with the aim of overcoming the limitations of deterministic methods. A stability evaluation technique was required because the output variability of renewable energy can lead to instability of the distribution system. The proposed method can predict the possibility of violating stability in the future. It can also provide a theoretical basis for securing distribution system stability and improving operational efficiency by assessing the in-stability risk and worst-case scenarios. Because of steady-state analysis in the distribution system to which solar power is connected, the probability of violating the standard voltage during the daytime when PV fluctuations are severe was the highest. Moreover, as a result of a simulation of a three-phase short-circuit in the distribution system that is connected to the PV and WT, it was observed that it could violate the allowable capacity of the CB owing to the effects of the power demand pattern and output variability.
Assessment of Information Literacy Abilities: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Bibi Abida , Li Si , Alsanad Ahmed
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to assess undergraduate students’ Information Literacy (IL) abilities in Pakistan. A survey method was employed to collect the necessary data from the population. The participants consisted of students from the Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), COMSATS University Islamabad, Bahria University (BU) Islamabad, and the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST). The sample consisted of 200 students, randomly selected. A questionnaire was formulated and completed individually. The results produced an alarming result for the selected institutions, as about 52% of students reported that they never went to the library. A similar situation was found across the selected universities, though with BU surpassing other universities with respect to daily use of the library. The responses to the survey indicated students were in a poor position in terms of their ability to identify information sources. Furthermore, most item scores were less than two, indicating that students’ recognition and understanding of information sources was in a dangerously precarious condition. The findings also indicated that students’ ability to access and use information for assignments, tests, examinations, and the writing of research articles was extremely limited. This could have severe implications for their learning outcomes. According to our findings, students’ ability to implement technical best practice in academic work and research was extremely limited, as was their knowledge of and practice in providing appropriate credit to original authors. On the other hand, the students’ ability to use social media applications, such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, was relatively strong. We recommend that university libraries should be more involved in the educational process. This study should contribute considerably to the organization of different IL programs in universities to promote, develop, and improve students’ IL abilities.
Environmental Regulation, Roundabout Production, and Industrial Structure Transformation and Upgrading: Evidence from China
Authors: Wei Hanxiao , Yao Huiqin
Published: March 2022

By dividing the production process into technical processes and procedural processes, this paper supplements the theoretical connotation of production roundaboutness, and analyzes and discusses the micro impact mechanisms of environmental regulation on industrial structure through production roundaboutness. Subsequently, based on the panel data of 31 provinces and cities in China from 2003 to 2017, a panel threshold model was adopted to empirically analyze the impact of environmental regulation, the synergy of environmental regulation, and roundabout production on the transformation and upgrading of industrial structures. The result shows there is a single threshold effect of environmental regulation on the upgrading and transformation of industrial structures based on the threshold variable of production roundaboutness. As well as the continuous increase in production roundaboutness, significant positive correlations between environmental regulation and the transformation and upgrading of industrial structures gradually vanish. However, the synergistic growth of environmental regulation and production roundaboutness is significantly and negatively correlated with industrial structure transformation and upgrade. Investment in social fixed assets has a positive incentive effect on industrial structure transformation and upgrade, while government expenditure, foreign trade, and opening-up have different degrees of inhibition on it. In order to speed up the transformation and upgrading of industrial structures under environmental and resource constraints, it is necessary to straighten out the relationship between environmental regulation and roundabout production, and to promote the scientific development of both.
What Characterises an Effective Mindset Intervention in Enhancing Students’ Learning? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Junfeng
Published: March 2022

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to interventions designed to enhance individuals’ sustainable development in learning by priming a growth mindset. The current study systematically explored the characteristics of message transformation in growth mindset interventions from the perspective of teaching and learning. According to a three-phase literature search (database, prominent researchers, and backtracking references), thirty-eight empirical studies investigating the efficacy of mindset interventions for adolescents of school age constitute the sample for the current literature review. The results indicate that a supportive but not-completely-saturated learning environment paves the way to implementing a mindset intervention. The three pedagogical characteristics that ensure successful interventions are: (1) Mutual interaction among the person, the context, and the theory to generate the message; (2) Iterative processes to ensure the message is delivered; and (3) a persuasive yet stealthy approach to facilitating its internalization. The findings inspire educators to design effective mindset interventions to enhance students’ learning. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Analytical Model of Heating an Isotropic Half-Space by a Moving Laser Source with a Gaussian Distribution
Authors: Orekhov Alexander , Rabinskiy Lev , Fedotenkov Gregory
Published: March 2022

This study presents the solution of the transient spatial problem of the impact of a moving source of heat flux induced by laser radiation on the surface of a half-space using the superposition principle and the method of transient functions. The solution is based on the Green’s function method, according to which the influence function of a surface-concentrated heat source is found at the first stage. The influence function has axial symmetry and the problem of finding the influence function is axisymmetric. To find the Green’s function, Laplace and Fourier integral transforms are used. The novelty of the obtained analytical solution is that the heat transfer at the free surface of the half-space is taken into account. The Green’s function that was obtained is used to construct an analytical solution to the moving heat-source problem in the integral form. The kernel of the advising integral operator is the constructed Green’s function. The Gaussian distribution is used to calculate integrals on spatial variables analytically. Gaussian law models the distribution of heat flux in the laser beam. As a result, the corresponding integrals on the spatial variables can be calculated analytically. A convenient formula that allows one to study the non-stationary temperature distribution when the heat source moves along arbitrary trajectories is obtained. A numerical, analytical algorithm has been developed and implemented that allows one to determine temperature distribution both on the surface and on the depth of a half-space. For verification purposes, the results were compared with the solution obtained using FEM.