bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earth-Observation-Based Monitoring of Forests in Germany—Recent Progress and Research Frontiers: A Review
Authors: Holzwarth Stefanie , Thonfeld Frank , Kacic Patrick , Abdullahi Sahra , Asam Sarah , Coleman Kjirsten , Eisfelder Christina , Gessner Ursula , Huth Juliane , Kraus Tanja , Shatto Christopher , Wessel Birgit , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: August 2023

One-third of Germany’s land surface area is covered by forest (around 11.4 million hectares), and thus, it characterizes the landscape. The forest is a habitat for a large number of animal and plant species, a source of raw materials, important for climate protection, and a well-being refuge for people, to name just a few of its many functions. During the annual forest condition surveys, the crown condition of German forests is assessed on the basis of field samples at fixed locations, as the crown condition of forest trees is considered an important indicator of their vitality. Since the start of the surveys in 1984, the mean crown defoliation of all tree species has increased, now averaging about 25% for all tree species. Additionally, it shows a strong rise in the rate of dieback. In 2019, the most significant changes were observed. Due to the drastic changes in recent years, efforts are being made to assess the situation of the forest using different remote sensing methods. There are now a number of freely available products provided to the public, and more will follow as a result of numerous projects in the context of earth-observation (EO)-based monitoring and mapping of the forests in Germany. In 2020, the situation regarding the use of remote sensing for the German forest was already investigated in more detail. However, these results no longer reflect the current situation. The changes of the last 3 years are the content of this publication. For this study, 84 citable research publications were thoroughly analyzed and compared with the situation in 2020. As a major result, we found a shift in the research focus towards disturbance monitoring and a tendency to cover larger areas, including national-scale studies. In addition to the review of the scientific literature, we also reviewed current research projects and related products. In congruence to the recent developments in terms of publications in scientific journals, these projects and products reflect the need for comprehensive, timely, large-area, and complementary EO-based information around forests expressed in multiple political programs. With this review, we provide an update of previous work and link it to current research activities. We conclude that there are still gaps between the information needs of forest managers who usually rely on information from field perspectives and the EO-based information products.
Variations in Phenology Identification Strategies across the Mongolian Plateau Using Multiple Data Sources and Methods
Authors: Li Zhiru , Lai Quan , Bao Yuhai , Liu Xinyi , Na Qin , Li Yuan
Published: August 2023

Satellite data and algorithms directly affect the accuracy of phenological estimation; therefore, it is necessary to compare and verify existing phenological models to identify the optimal combination of data and algorithms across the Mongolian Plateau (MP). This study used five phenology fitting algorithms—double logistic (DL) and polynomial fitting (Poly) combined with the dynamic threshold method at thresholds of 35% and 50% (DL-G35, DL-G50, Poly-G35, and Poly-G50) and DL combined with the cumulative curvature extreme value method (DL-CUM)—and two data types—the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF)—to identify the start (SOS), peak (POS), and end (EOS) of the growing season in alpine meadow (ALM), desert steppe (DRS), forest vegetation (FV), meadow grassland (MEG), and typical grassland (TYG) of the MP. The optimal methods for identifying the SOS, POS, and EOS of typical grassland areas were Poly-G50 (NSE = 0.12, Pbias = 0.22%), DL-G35/50 (NSE = −0.01, Pbias = −0.06%), and Poly-G35 (NSE = 0.02, Pbias = 0.08%), respectively, based on SIF data. The best methods for identifying the SOS, POS, and EOS of desert steppe areas were Poly-G35 (NSE = −0.27, Pbias = −1.49%), Poly-G35/50 (NSE = −0.58, Pbias = −1.39%), and Poly-G35 (NSE = 0.29, Pbias = −0.61%), respectively, based on EVI data. The data source explained most of the differences in phenological estimates. The accuracy of polynomial fitting was significantly greater than that of the DL method, while all methods were better at identifying SOS and POS than they were at identifying EOS. Our findings can help to facilitate the establishment of a phenological estimation system suitable for the Mongolian Plateau and improve the observation methods of vegetation phenology.
On Barotropic Response of Arctic Seas to Polar Lows: A Case Study in the Barents Sea
Authors: Kudryavtsev Vladimir , Stokoz Anastasiia , Khvorostovsky Kirill
Published: August 2023

In the present paper, we investigate the sea surface height (SSH) anomalies caused by polar lows (PLs) crossing the central part of the Barents Sea and verify if the barotropic response is detectable in the shallow Arctic seas. Analysis of the SSH anomalies in response to the passage of two PLs is performed using satellite altimeter measurements and model simulations. The observed SSH anomalies contained an inverse barometer correction; therefore, they were presumably caused only by the action of surface wind stress in the PLs. The SSH anomalies along the satellite altimeter tracks had the shape of a trough, with the lowest surface height near the center of the PL. The observed anomalies were well distinguished within about one day after the PL passage, with the largest negative value of 0.6 m. The SSH anomalies are analyzed using a simplified model of the ocean barotropic response to the surface wind stress, derived from the hourly wind fields provided in the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. The model quantitatively reproduced the SSH anomalies along most satellite altimeter tracks crossing the PL trajectories. The model simulations revealed that the largest negative SSH anomalies were observed in areas where the PL translation velocity was low and its moving direction changed with the trajectory curvature radius, which was much smaller than the barotropic radius of deformation. The estimated quasi-geostrophic current velocities corresponding to the SSH anomalies in the wakes of the PLs reached 0.15 m/s, which were comparable to the current velocities observed in the Barents Sea.
Differences Evaluation among Three Global Remote Sensing SDL Products
Authors: Yu Laibo , Liu Guoxiang , Zhang Rui
Published: August 2023

At present, a variety of global remote sensing surface downwelling longwave radiation (SDL) products are used for atmospheric science research; however, there are few studies on the quantitative evaluation of differences among different SDL products. In order to evaluate the differences among different SDL products quantitatively, we have selected three commonly used SDL products—Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System-Synoptic Radiative Fluxes and Clouds (CERES-SYN), the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts-Surface Radiation Budget (ECMWF-SRB) and the Global Energy and Water Exchanges Project-Surface Radiation Budget (GEWEX-SRB)—to comprehensively study in this paper. The results show that there are significant differences among the three SDL products in some areas, such as in the Arctic, the Antarctic, the Sahara, the Tibet Plateau, and Greenland. The maximum absolute root mean square error (RMSEab) in these areas is greater than 20 Wm−2, the maximum relative root mean square error (RMSEre) is greater than 20%, the maximum and minimum absolute mean bias error (MBEab) are about 20 Wm−2 and −20 Wm−2, respectively, and the maximum and minimum relative mean bias error (MBEre) are about 10% and −10%, respectively. Among the three SDL products, the difference between the ECMWF-SRB and GEWEX-SRB is the most significant. In addition, this paper also analyzed the differences among different SDL products based on three aspects. Firstly, the differences among the three SDL products show that there is significant seasonality, and the differences among different months may vary greatly. However, the differences are not sensitive to years. Secondly, there are some differences in cloud-forcing radiative fluxes (CFRFs) of different SDL products, which is also an important factor affecting the difference between different SDL products. Finally, in the process of converting high temporal resolution SDL products into monthly SDL products, data processing also affects the difference between different SDL products.
FPattNet: A Multi-Scale Feature Fusion Network with Occlusion Awareness for Depth Estimation of Light Field Images
Authors: Xiao Min , Lv Chen , Liu Xiaomin
Published: August 2023

A light field camera can capture light information from various directions within a scene, allowing for the reconstruction of the scene. The light field image inherently contains the depth information of the scene, and depth estimations of light field images have become a popular research topic. This paper proposes a depth estimation network of light field images with occlusion awareness. Since light field images contain many views from different viewpoints, identifying the combinations that contribute the most to the depth estimation of the center view is critical to improving the depth estimation accuracy. Current methods typically rely on a fixed set of views, such as vertical, horizontal, and diagonal, which may not be optimal for all scenes. To address this limitation, we propose a novel approach that considers all available views during depth estimation while leveraging an attention mechanism to assign weights to each view dynamically. By inputting all views into the network and employing the attention mechanism, we enable the model to adaptively determine the most informative views for each scene, thus achieving more accurate depth estimation. Furthermore, we introduce a multi-scale feature fusion strategy that amalgamates contextual information and expands the receptive field to enhance the network’s performance in handling challenging scenarios, such as textureless and occluded regions.
A Novel Cone Model Filtering Method for Outlier Rejection of Multibeam Bathymetric Point Cloud: Principles and Applications
Authors: Lv Xiaoyang , Wang Lei , Huang Dexiang , Wang Shengli
Published: August 2023

The utilization of multibeam sonar systems has significantly facilitated the acquisition of underwater bathymetric data. However, efficiently processing vast amounts of multibeam point cloud data remains a challenge, particularly in terms of rejecting massive outliers. This paper proposes a novel solution by implementing a cone model filtering method for multibeam bathymetric point cloud data filtering. Initially, statistical analysis is employed to remove large-scale outliers from the raw point cloud data in order to enhance its resistance to variance for subsequent processing. Subsequently, virtual grids and voxel down-sampling are introduced to determine the angles and vertices of the model within each grid. Finally, the point cloud data was inverted, and the custom parameters were redefined to facilitate bi-directional data filtering. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to the commonly used filtering method the proposed method in this paper effectively removes outliers while minimizing excessive filtering, with minimal differences in standard deviations from human-computer interactive filtering. Furthermore, it yields a 3.57% improvement in accuracy compared to the Combined Uncertainty and Bathymetry Estimator method. These findings suggest that the newly proposed method is comparatively more effective and stable, exhibiting great potential for mitigating excessive filtering in areas with complex terrain.
Enhanced Dual-Selection Krill Herd Strategy for Optimizing Network Lifetime and Stability in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Balaram Allam , Babu Rajendiran , Mahdal Miroslav , Fathima Dowlath , Panwar Neeraj , Ramesh Janjhyam Venkata Naga , Elangovan Muniyandy
Published: August 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) enable communication among sensor nodes and require efficient energy management for optimal operation under various conditions. Key challenges include maximizing network lifetime, coverage area, and effective data aggregation and planning. A longer network lifetime contributes to improved data transfer durability, sensor conservation, and scalability. In this paper, an enhanced dual-selection krill herd (KH) optimization clustering scheme for resource-efficient WSNs with minimal overhead is introduced. The proposed approach increases overall energy utilization and reduces inter-node communication, addressing energy conservation challenges in node deployment and clustering for WSNs as optimization problems. A dynamic layering mechanism is employed to prevent repetitive selection of the same cluster head nodes, ensuring effective dual selection. Our algorithm is designed to identify the optimal solution through enhanced exploitation and exploration processes, leveraging a modified krill-based clustering method. Comparative analysis with benchmark approaches demonstrates that the proposed model enhances network lifetime by 23.21%, increases stable energy by 19.84%, and reduces network latency by 22.88%, offering a more efficient and reliable solution for WSN energy management.
Whitening-Aided Learning from Radar Micro-Doppler Signatures for Human Activity Recognition
Authors: Sadeghi Adl Zahra , Ahmad Fauzia
Published: August 2023

Deep learning architectures are being increasingly adopted for human activity recognition using radar technology. A majority of these architectures are based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and accept radar micro-Doppler signatures as input. The state-of-the-art CNN-based models employ batch normalization (BN) to optimize network training and improve generalization. In this paper, we present whitening-aided CNN models for classifying human activities with radar sensors. We replace BN layers in a CNN model with whitening layers, which is shown to improve the model’s accuracy by not only centering and scaling activations, similar to BN, but also decorrelating them. We also exploit the rotational freedom afforded by whitening matrices to align the whitened activations in the latent space with the corresponding activity classes. Using real data measurements of six different activities, we show that whitening provides superior performance over BN in terms of classification accuracy for a CNN-based classifier. This demonstrates the potential of whitening-aided CNN models to provide enhanced human activity recognition with radar sensors.
Numerical Investigation on High-Performance Cu-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Biosensing Application
Authors: Muthumanikkam M. , Vibisha Alagu , Lordwin Prabhakar Michael Cecil , Suresh Ponnan , Rajesh Karupiya Balasundaram , Jaroszewicz Zbigniew , Jha Rajan
Published: August 2023

This numerical research presents a simple hybrid structure comprised of TiO2-Cu-BaTiO3 for a modified Kretschmann configuration that exhibits high sensitivity and high resolution for biosensing applications through an angular interrogation method. Recently, copper (Cu) emerged as an exceptional choice as a plasmonic metal for developing surface plasmon sensors (SPR) with high resolution as it yields finer, thinner SPR curves than Ag and Au. As copper is prone to oxidation, especially in ambient conditions, the proposed structure involves the utilization of barium titanate (BaTiO3) film as a protection layer that not only preserves Cu film from oxidizing but enhances the performance of the sensor to a great extent. Numerical results also show that the utilization of a thin adhesive layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) between the prism base and Cu film not only induces strong interaction between them but also enhances the performance of the sensor. Such a configuration, upon suitable optimization of the thickness of each layer, is found to enhance sensitivity as high as 552°/RIU with a figure of merit (FOM) of 136.97 RIU−1. This suggested biosensor design with enhanced sensitivity is expected to enable long-term detection with greater accuracy and sensitivity even when using Cu as a plasmonic metal.
Non-Standard Map Robot Path Planning Approach Based on Ant Colony Algorithms
Authors: Li Feng , Kim Young-Chul , Xu Boyin
Published: August 2023

Robot path planning is an important component of ensuring the robots complete work tasks effectively. Nowadays, most maps used for robot path planning obtain relevant coordinate information through sensor measurement, establish a map model based on coordinate information, and then carry out path planning for the robot, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To solve this problem, a method of robot path planning based on ant colony algorithms after the standardized design of non-standard map grids such as photos was studied. This method combines the robot grid map modeling with image processing, bringing in calibration objects. By converting non-standard actual environment maps into standard grid maps, this method was made suitable for robot motion path planning on non-standard maps of different types and sizes. After obtaining the planned path and pose, the robot motion path planning map under the non-standard map was obtained by combining the planned path and pose with the non-standard real environment map. The experimental results showed that this method has a high adaptability to robot non-standard map motion planning, can realize robot path planning under non-standard real environment maps, and can make the obtained robot motion path display more intuitive and convenient.
Rapidly Determine the Maximum Power Point in the Parallel Configuration of the Photovoltaic System
Authors: Hien Bui Van , Anh Truong Viet , Linh Nguyen Tung , Khanh Pham Quoc
Published: August 2023

The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solutions improve power generation efficiency, quickly stabilizing the output waveform of photovoltaic (PV) systems under variable operating conditions. Along with new algorithms, improved and adjusted methods to exploit energy from PV systems are increasingly being researched and proposed. However, the proposed solutions based on the traditional algorithms and their improvements have poor performance, while the advanced algorithms or hybrid methods bring high performance but need to be simplified, and the response speed is higher. Moreover, a suitable PV configuration makes choosing a simple but highly efficient algorithm, especially in low-power PV system applications such as rooftop solar power, traffic lights, and moving vehicles…where the number of PV panels is insufficient to implement flexible configurations. This paper proposes a modified version of the Perturb and Observe (MPO) algorithm to improve MPPT performance and increase convergence speed in the parallel structure of PV panels. The Short-Circuit Current (Isc) and Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc) are calculated directly at specific operating conditions to quickly determine the potential maximum power point (MPP) that will reduce power interruptions and increase power generation efficiency compared to periodic updates. Therefore, the proposed solution converges faster, with higher efficiency, and the output signal in static and dynamic MPPT situations is more stable. The results show that the highest efficiency in simulation and experiment is 99.99% and 99.93%, respectively, while the convergence speed is 0.01 s and 0.03 s, respectively. They are better than the traditional Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, the Variable Step Size Perturb and Observe (VSSP&O) method, and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique under the same operating conditions. In addition, its performance and convergence speed are also compared with the latest introduced algorithms. The results show that it is valuable and reliable for parallel PV configuration.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Immunization Programs in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Aigbogun Eric Osamudiamwen , Ibrahim Raihanah , Yusufari Yusuf , Igbokwe Uchenna , Okongwu Chimelu , Abdulkarim Amina , Tijanni Hussaini , Modu Maina , Fagge Rabiu Muhammad , Aina Muyi
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization (RI) programs in six northern Nigerian states: Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Yobe. This was a cross-sectional analytical study that compared programmatic data from 2019 and 2020, as well as survey data collected during the pandemic. RI program variables included service delivery, leadership and governance, monitoring and evaluation/supportive supervision, community engagement, vaccine supply chains, and health finance and management. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23, IBM), Student’s t-test, and structural equation modeling. The results showed that RI programs were affected by the pandemic in terms of reduced meetings and low completion rates for action points in certain states. However, routine immunization support services increased owing to improved monitoring techniques and consistent vaccine deliveries, with fewer reports of stockouts. The most significant impact of the pandemic was observed on activities coordinated at the healthcare facility level, whereas those at the state level were less impacted. The major challenges encountered during the pandemic included insufficient supplies and consumables, movement restrictions, shortages of human resources, and fear of infection. In building a more resilient health system, governments and non-state actors will need to invest in strengthening delivery mechanisms at the core implementation level with a focus on facilities and communities.
Relationship between Parental Psychological Control and Problematic Smartphone Use among College Students in China during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Liu Zongyu , Wang Shuzhen , Zhao Xiuhan
Published: August 2023

Background: Problematic smartphone use has increasingly become the focus of attention in recent years. Although it has been noted that parental psychological control is significantly correlated with teenagers’ social anxiety and problematic smartphone use, little is known about how these factors may interact with college students. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether social anxiety mediates the association between parental psychological control and problematic smartphone use. Methods: a total of 534 Chinese college students aged 17–25 years (male 59.0%, female 41.0%) participated in the study (M = 20.40, SD = 1.72). The Parental Psychological Control questionnaire, the Social Phobia Inventory, and the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale were used to evaluate parental psychological control, social anxiety, and problematic smartphone use, respectively. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation analysis. Results: the results showed that (1) social anxiety was positively correlated with problematic smartphone use among college students, (2) parental psychological control has a significant correlation with college students’ social anxiety, (3) college students’ social anxiety was positively related with problematic smartphone use, and (4) social anxiety plays a mediation role in the association between parental psychological control and problematic smartphone use. Conclusions: in conclusion, social anxiety plays a mediating role in the relationship between parental psychological control and problematic smartphone use, and reducing parental psychological control is an effective intervention means to directly or indirectly reduce college students’ problematic smartphone use. In addition, attention should be paid to parenting styles, and measures should be taken to increase social interaction among college students so as to reduce their problematic smartphone use.
Refined Analysis of the Transient Temperature Effect during the Closing Process of a Cross-Sea Bridge
Authors: Luo Zuolong , Li Yuan , Wang Jiaqing , Dong Fenghui
Published: August 2023

In order to study the transient temperature effect during the construction of a cross-sea bridge off the coast, based on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge-Pipe Bridge Crossing Cliff 13-1 Gas Field, a refined analysis was conducted and the prediction of transient temperature gradient and structural response was carried out under the conditions of strong solar radiation and atmospheric convection using the method of combining theoretical research and numerical simulation. Firstly, the partial differential equation of uniform heat flux density on the outer surface of the main girder under the action of solar radiation and atmospheric convection was established. The equation was realized by calculating the solar radiation intensity and the comprehensive heat transfer coefficient, as well as fitting the atmospheric temperature on the outer surface of the main girder, and the equivalent comprehensive temperature at any time on the main girder was obtained. Secondly, a numerical analysis model of the heat conduction of the main girder section was established, and the equivalent comprehensive temperature was input into the numerical model as the temperature field boundary to solve the transient temperature gradient of the section, and the result was verified in comparison with the measured data. Finally, the transient temperature gradient was applied to the girder, and the temperature effect of the main girder during the closing process was also calculated. Construction control measures were also discussed. The research results show that the predicted value of the transient temperature gradient is consistent with the measured value (the maximum deviation is less than 2 °C), and the predicted value is slightly larger than the measured value, which makes the structure safer. During the closing process, the temperature gradient of the main girder has obvious non-linear characteristics: the temperature gradient is relatively high within 0.4 m of the top surface of the roof while tending to zero outside 0.4 m. The best closing time for the main girder is from 21:00 in the evening of the closing day to 6:00 a.m. the next day. For the small angles at both ends of the closure segment during the best closing time, temporary adjustment jacks and temporary counterweights can be adopted to eliminate the small angles at both ends of the closure segment in order to facilitate the welding construction and meet the smoothness requirements of bridge alignment.
In-Depth Lifecycle Assessment of Ballasted Railway Track and Slab Track Considering Varying Subsoil Conditions
Authors: Knabl Dieter , Landgraf Matthias
Published: August 2023

This study assesses and compares lifecycle (LC) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the two main railway track construction types: ballasted track and slab track. In this study, preexisting soil conditions are considered, as they significantly influence necessary measures during the construction phase for each type. This study is executed for Austrian boundary conditions with speeds up to 250 km/h. The results show that ballasted track is associated with 11–20% lower LC GHG emissions, whereby the variation in relative emission reduction is associated with additional soil reinforcement treatments due to varying preexisting soil conditions. Poor preexisting soil conditions increase LC GHG emissions by 26%, underlying the necessity to integrate this parameter into the lifecycle assessment of railway track. In contrast to the higher service life of slab track construction, this type amounts to higher masses of concrete and demands more extensive measures for soil enhancement due to the higher stiffness of the track panel. Only in tunnel areas does slab track cause lower GHG emissions since soil reinforcements are not necessary due to an existing concrete base layer after tunnel construction. For both construction types, over 80% of the GHG emissions stem from material production. Hence, circular economy as well as innovations within steel and concrete production processes hold significant potential for reducing GHG emissions.
Energy Utilization and Carbon Reduction Potential of Solar Energy in Residential Blocks: A Case Study on a Tropical High-Density City in China
Authors: Li Jingtao , Li Zhixin , Wang Yao , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2023

Energy efficiency in high-density urban areas is increasingly gaining more attention as the energy crisis and environmental issues worsen. Urban morphology is an essential factor affecting the energy consumption and solar energy development potential of buildings. In response to the research gap of previous studies that only analyzed building energy consumption or solar energy potential from a single objective, this paper aims to combine the two objectives of block-scale building energy consumption and solar development potential to explore the joint influence of urban residential morphological elements on correlations between the two. By investigating and summarizing 100 sample cases of Wuhan city blocks, 30 urban residential block prototypes were constructed. The correlations between the leading morphological indicators of the blocks with the building energy consumption and solar energy potential of the residential prototypes were quantified, respectively. The study results show that at certain floor area ratios, the highest solar power generation can be achieved with a mixture of high-rise slabs and high-rise towers, but the building energy intensity level is relatively high; combining building energy consumption and solar power generation, the residential block form of high-rise towers and low-rise villas has incredible energy-saving potential. In addition, the regression analysis results show that three block form indicators, namely the roof-to-envelope area ratio, compacity, and site coverage, have the most prominent influence on building energy intensity and solar power generation, and they all show positive correlations. This study can provide suggestions for urban residential planners and managers to promote urban energy conservation at the design stage.
Utilising PLS-SEM and Km2 Methodology in Urban Logistics Analysis: A Case Study on Popayan, Colombia
Authors: Garcia-Pajoy Juan , Paz Ruiz Nelson , Chong Mario , Luna Ana
Published: August 2023

The development of Latin American cities has been characterised by disorderly expansion. This urbanisation looks set to continue, and, by 2050, there will be a considerable demand for resources, spaces, and food to survive in emerging societies. All this requires an increase in urban freight logistics operations. Although several stakeholders are involved, citizens tend to be overlooked when planners and decision makers look to solve the problems generated by freight operations. This research focuses on logistics activities and stakeholder perceptions in areas of high vehicular flow and commercial establishment density in the mid-sized Colombian city of Popayán. Drawing on the methods proposed in previous studies conducted in Latin American cities, this paper’s scientific value lies in its comprehensive approach, integration of quantitative and qualitative data, and application of PLS-SEM analysis. Its contribution to sustainable urban planning is evident through insights into optimising urban logistics, enhancing stakeholder engagement, promoting sustainable transport, and informing policy formulation. These aspects make the paper a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and urban planners seeking to create more sustainable and efficient urban logistics systems. The results show a correlation between commercial establishments’ locations and urban logistics operations. Overall, the research creates an ample scope for studying stakeholder perceptions and urban logistics in other mid-sized Latin American cities.
Energy-Saving and Ecological Renovation of Existing Urban Buildings in Severe Cold Areas: A Case Study
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Depeng , Wang Jinxian , Dai Mingfeng
Published: August 2023

High-rise buildings in cold regions have a requirement of ecological improvement due to the continuous response to climate change throughout the year. This study evaluates wind environment, light environment, thermal environment, and energy consumption environment using Phoenics, Ecotect, and DesignBuilder tools, utilizing a high-rise residential building in an intensely cold place as an example. With the goal of repairing the buildings, green energy-saving measures are applied from the perspectives of form, structure, system, and equipment strategy. The energy-saving rates and carbon dioxide emission reduction rates of the renovated buildings were predicted. The results reveal that, in the building performance diagnostic, the wind speed clearly rise at the building’s corner, particularly on the outdoor level and the top floor; meanwhile, the inside lighting is insufficient, and there is a glare hazard adjacent to the window. The performance of the target building has unquestionably increased following the repair of 12 measures, including the bay windows, exterior walls, and solar energy. The influence of strong winds in winter and tranquil winds in summer greatly decreased in terms of the wind environment. In the light environment, indoor lighting is more uniform; the range of (Universal Design index) UDI100–2000 increased from 9.2% to 32.7%; and UDI2000, which may cause glare, decreased by 28.4%. Energy savings and pollution reduction rates were as high as 19.8% and 38.8%, respectively, due to the installation of solar photovoltaic panels. Based on all the measures, the overall energy saving rate of the target building was 63.8%, and the CO2 emission reduction rate was 90.3%.
Microwave Heating Healing of Asphalt Mixture with Coal Gangue Powder and Basalt Aggregate
Authors: Zhang Bin , Gao Xu , Xu Shi , Yang Xinkui , Tian Qin , Liu Jiayi
Published: August 2023

Microwave heating is an effective method to achieve autonomic crack healing in asphalt mixtures, and the use of microwave-absorbing materials can largely improve this healing efficiency. As a solid waste, coal gangue contains metal oxides, which shows the possibility of microwave heating. In order to further promote the application of coal gangue in the microwave healing of asphalt mixtures, this study looks into the synergistic effect of basalt and coal gangue powder (CGP) on the microwave heating self-healing of an asphalt mixture. The mechanical performance, water stability, low-temperature crack resistance and microwave healing efficiency of the asphalt mixture were investigated using the immersion Marshall test, standard Marshall test, Cantabro test and semi-circular bending (SCB), and healing tests, respectively. The results indicated that the addition of CGP in asphalt mixture can improve the microwave heating speed, which also showed a significant advantage in water stability and fracture energy recovery. The research results will further promote the utilization rate of coal gangue.
Design, Simulation and Performance Evaluation of a Risk-Based Border Management System
Authors: Jain Aishvarya Kumar , Ruiter Jaap de , Häring Ivo , Fehling-Kaschek Mirjam , Stolz Alexander
Published: August 2023

Border control systems at Europe’s Schengen (and worldwide) borders are necessary to mitigate cross-border threats, but are perceived as free-traveling bottlenecks. Today’s applicable European regulations demand rule-based control schemes and do not allow risk-based elements. A policy shift towards risk-based border control has been considered in several studies and research (including HEU projects). However, there is a lack of scientific evidence on how they compare with existing rule-based schemes. This paper aims to fill that gap. The simulation allows design of a realistic border control system. The passenger flow is modeled via travelers with good and bad intents. The border control system includes decision-making elements to classify travelers into risk groups. System elements including operators and their interaction were modeled in terms of statistical distributions based on the subject matter experts’ input. The performance is estimated across security effectiveness, resource usage, passenger flow, and traveler experience. Assessment of a set of simulations reveals better scalability of risk-based systems in terms of resource usage and passenger flow. The potential factors to improve the detection rate of the border control process are also studied. Despite having several benefits, the model demonstrates that social acceptance of the risk-based system is the limiting factor for increased scalability.
The Effect of Applying Sustainability (Maqasid Shariah) and Competition on Islamic Bank Financing
Authors: Satyakti Yayan
Published: August 2023

In the last decade, the Islamic Bank (IB) has been contributing to global financial development. There are inconclusive results about the function of IB to meet Islamic Finance ethics, particularly sustainability from the IB perspective (called Maqasid Shariah-MS). This paper aims to contribute to the basic research question: does sustainability matter in improving competition in IB financing? This study developed an advanced empirical model from previous theoretical studies that separated IB behavior using MS or less MS. To distinguish this effect, this study employed causal inference with Instrumental Variable (IV) analysis. The IV-Probit was applied to conduct a simulated treatment effect analysis accordingly. The dataset was obtained and combined from two global IB sustainability indicators and comprehensive financial statements of IB across 35 banks in 12 countries. The results confirm that applying IB in different MS with similar increasing level of competition produce different growth of financing. The IB with MS has larger financing than less MS. These results confirm that sustainability matters for improving competition and financing growth.
Microplastic in the Snow on Sledding Hills in Green Areas of Krakow
Authors: Lasota Jarosław , Piaszczyk Wojciech , Tabor Sylwester , Błońska Ewa
Published: August 2023

Every year we are more and more exposed to the negative impact of microplastic. Our research aimed to determine the amount of microplastic in the snow on sledding hills in green areas of Krakow. The sledding hills in winter are very intensively used by children and it is very important to monitor the condition of these places in terms of microplastic contamination. In our research, we assessed whether children playing on sledding hills may be exposed to microplastic. Our research covered 10 sledding hills of various sizes located in the green areas of Krakow. Our research has confirmed the presence of significant amounts of microplastics in snow collected on sledding hills. Three times as much microplastic was found in the snow on the higher hills (2.78 mg/L) compared to the lower sledding hills (0.96 mg/L). In the snow collected on sledding hills from the green areas of Krakow, a large diversity of microplastic in terms of type, size, color, and shape was noted. The dominant type of microplastic found during the research was polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), hydrocarbon resin (HCR), and polyester (PES). The share of two microplastic fractions of 1.1–2.0 mm and 2.1–3.0 mm accounted for over 50% of the whole amount. After melting the snow, microplastic goes to the soil surface, which can lead to changes in the properties of the soil, and due to its strong hydrophobicity, it will play an important role in the transport of toxic compounds, e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Our research suggests limiting the use of plastic sleds and replacing them with wooden sleds, which will not be a source of pollution for urban green spaces used by residents regardless of the season.
Post-Crisis Sustainable Performance of Manufacturing SMEs: The Roles of Positive Orientation, Financial Slack, and External Networks
Authors: Chan Andrew , Cheng Francis , Cheng Shuk-Ling
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the roles of positive orientation, financial slack, and external networks in the sustainability of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) following the global financial crisis in 2008–2009. The financial crisis is a good example of sudden, unexpected external disruption, in which a firm’s resilience as well as sustainability is seriously tested. Using a sample of 207 manufacturing SMEs in Hong Kong, we tested the simultaneous effects of positive orientation, financial slack, and external networks on post-crisis firm performance through strategic change. Our findings show that positive orientation and external networks play an enabling role in strategic change, which in turn leads to high performance. The enabling role of financial slack is, however, not supported. The study also shows that positive orientation, financial slack, and external networks play a buffering role, which has direct and positive effects on performance. The results provide academics and practitioners with a new perspective of the underlying mechanism that sustains the firm performance of SMEs under a financial crisis.
Learning through Challenges and Enigmas: Educational Escape Room as a Predictive Experience of Motivation in University Students
Authors: González-Yubero Sara , Mauri Marta , Cardoso María Jesús , Palomera Raquel
Published: August 2023

(1) Background. One of the most innovative gamification techniques emerging in the current educational context is the escape room, whose implementation aims to promote student motivation and learning. A review of the literature shows that many of the previous works lack a solid theoretical basis when it comes to explaining the motivational effects associated with student participation in this experience. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between gamification and motivation and identify which dimensions of gamification experience—through an educational escape room—better predict students’ motivation, based on the framework of self-determination theory. (2) Methods. This research develops a quantitative and correlational methodology. A total of 135 first-year university students participated. (3) Results. The results of the regression models showed that creative thinking, activation, and dominance predicted intrinsic motivation toward knowledge, achievement, and stimulating experiences. Likewise, a higher level of negative affect was predictive of amotivation and external regulation motivation in students. (4) Conclusions. These findings provide new empirical evidence that could guide the design of educational experiences through escape rooms in the context of higher education.
Scenarios for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Food Procurement for Public School Kitchens in Copenhagen
Authors: Prag Adam Addis , Abrahams Julie Bangsgaard , Daniele Filippo , Dodhia Maya S. , Feng Chujie , Hahn Kevin , Kristiansen Steffen , Leitner Anna Maria , Mendez Jordi Pedra , Mohr Marcel , Møller Sofie Fønsskov , Svensson Simon Yde , Talbot Kea-Lena Permin , Tomulescu Ilie , Valachova Barbora , Zahra Fatimah , Lysák Marin , Henriksen Christian Bugge
Published: August 2023

The food system is responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with the majority originating from livestock. Reducing our meat consumption is thus an important part of achieving necessary reductions in emissions, and reaching children is especially important to facilitate long-lasting changes in dietary habits now and into the future. This study developed dietary scenarios for three public schools in Copenhagen, which were used as cases to demonstrate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from public kitchens. The scenarios included (i) replacement of all beef with poultry, (ii) replacement of all meat and fish with legumes, and (iii) alignment of food procurement to the Danish Food Based Dietary Guidelines based on the Planetary Health Diet. The effects on emissions were calculated using three different LCA databases. The results showed reductions ranging from 32 to 64% depending on the scenario, the current meal plan at the case school, and the emission factors used. Not surprisingly, the vegetarian scenario resulted in the highest reductions and replacing beef resulted in the lowest. Adhering to the national guidelines will result in reductions in emissions of 39–48%. Significant variability in the results existed between the three databases, highlighting the importance of basic understanding of LCA for kitchens interested in estimating and reducing their carbon footprint while at the same time providing justification for applying multiple LCA databases for increasing robustness.
Response and Adaptation of Farmers’ Livelihood Transformation under the Background of Rural Transformation: Evidence from the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Yin Sha , Yang Xinjun , Chen Jia
Published: August 2023

Adaptation provides a new perspective for the study of farmers’ livelihood transformation and sustainability. This research aimed to explore the influencing factors of different types and adaptation of farmers’ livelihood transformation during rural transformation. Based on summarizing the response of farmers’ livelihood transformation during the rural transformation process in the Qinling Mountains of China from 1990 to 2018, this research constructed an evaluation index system for the adaptation of farmers’ livelihood transformation. Through questionnaires and interview surveys and based on the classification of farmers’ adaptive behavior, the research measured the adaptation index of different types of farmers’ livelihood transformation during different rural transformation periods and analyzed the factors affecting the types and the adaptation of farmers’ livelihood transformation. The results showed that: ① From 1990 to 2018, the livelihood transformation of farmers in Shangzhou District of Qinling Mountains mainly experienced changes from the farming + the working oriented to the synthetic type + the working oriented. ② From 1990 to 2018, the adaptation index of farmers’ livelihood transformation increased significantly in growth. From 1990 to 2009, the adaptation index of farmers’ livelihood transformation of working oriented and synthetic type was relatively high and concentrated. The distribution of the adaptation index of farmers’ livelihood transformation in 2010–2018 was relatively scattered. ③ Farmers with richer social networks tended to choose comprehensive and diversified livelihoods. Farmers with richer financial and natural capital were more likely to choose non-agricultural livelihoods. Leadership potential and social network, livestock, income status, and actual cultivated area were the key variables that have been influencing the adaptation of farmers’ livelihood transformation in Shangzhou District since 1990. The research results contribute to the optimization of sustainable livelihood strategies for farmers in the Qinling Mountains of China and provide case references for the study of livelihood transformation of farmers in underdeveloped mountainous areas worldwide.