bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Carpooling under Mobile Internet on Travel Mode Choices and Urban Traffic Volume: The Case of China
Authors: Zhou Wenyuan , Li Xuanrong , Shi Zhenguo , Yang Bingjie , Chen Dongxu
Published: April 2023

This paper firstly analyzes the comparative advantages of carpooling under the mobile Internet and traditional travel modes, including buses, private cars and taxis, as well as the differences between carpooling under the mobile Internet and traditional carpooling, so as to obtain the factors that affect travelers’ mode choices. Secondly, the mixed logit model is used to describe the travelers’ travel mode choice behavior, which effectively avoids the limitations of the IIA characteristics and preference randomness of the logit model. Finally, we conducted an SP survey on 1077 samples online and offline. After eliminating some invalid samples, 984 valid ones were obtained. Based on these survey data, we analyze the impacts of carpooling under the mobile Internet on the mode shares of traditional travel modes. The results show that for different trip lengths, carpooling under the mobile Internet has different degrees of substitution for buses, taxis and private cars. That is to say, travelers who previously chose buses and other modes will shift to carpooling due to the mobile Internet. In addition, in most cases, the emergence of carpooling under the mobile Internet is helpful to reduce the traffic volume in the urban road network, thus alleviating the urban congestion. However, when the trip length is short and the seat utilization ratio of carpooling under the mobile Internet is low, carpooling under the mobile Internet will increase the traffic volume.
Integrated Electricity and Gas Systems Planning: New Opportunities, and a Detailed Assessment of Relevant Issues
Authors: Khatibi Masoud , Rabiee Abbas , Bagheri Amir
Published: April 2023

Integrated electricity and gas systems (IEGS) with power-to-gas (PtG) units, as novel sector coupling components between electricity and gas systems, have been considered a promising solution for the reliable and economic operation of the integrated energy systems which can effectively reduce the challenges associated with the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RES). To confirm the economic viability and technical feasibility of the IEGS, its coordinated planning will play a crucial role. The more comprehensive the modeling and evaluation of IEGS planning studies are, the more precise and practical the results obtained will be. In this paper, an in-depth and up-to-date assessment of the available literature on the IEGS planning is presented by addressing critical concerns and challenges, which need further studies. A vast variety of related topics in the IEGS planning, including the impact of costs, constraints, uncertainties, contingencies, reliability, sector coupling components, etc., are also reviewed and discussed. In addition, the role of PtGs and their impacts on the coordinated IEGS planning are reviewed in detail due to their crucial role in increasing the penetration of RES in future energy systems as well as limiting greenhouse gas emissions. The literature review completed by this paper can support planners and policymakers to better realize the bottlenecks in the IEGS development, so that they can concentrate on the remaining unsolved topics as well as the improvement of existing designs and procedures.
Online or Traditional Learning at the Near End of the Pandemic: Assessment of Students’ Intentions to Pursue Online Learning in the Philippines
Authors: Illescas Maria Kathryne A. , Ong Ardvin Kester S. , German Josephine D.
Published: April 2023

Online learning has been utilized due to the sudden shift taken among educational institutions to continue students’ learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years into the pandemic, universities now offer different modalities of education due to the establishment of online and modular learning modalities. Hence, the intention of students to adapt to online learning despite the availability of traditional learning is underexplored. With the limited availability of face-to-face learning at the near end of the epidemic in the Philippines, this study sought to analyze the factors that influenced behavioral intentions towards continuing online learning modalities. Five hundred students from different universities in the Philippines participated and answered 42 adapted questions in an online survey via Google Forms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in this study, with factors such as an affective latent variable, attitude towards behavior, autonomy, relatedness, competency, expectation, confirmation, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. The study found that attitude towards behavior has the highest positive direct effect on students’ intentions to pursue online learning, followed by expectation and confirmation, satisfaction and behavioral intention, competence and behavioral intention, and the affective variable and satisfaction. The effect of expectations on satisfaction and the affective variable on behavioral intentions was seen to have no significance regarding students’ intentions. This also study integrated expectation–confirmation theory, the theory of planned behavior, and self-determination theory to holistically evaluate students’ intentions to pursue online learning despite the availability of traditional learning. The educational sector can utilize these findings to consider pursuing and offering online learning. Additionally, the study can help future researchers evaluate students’ behavioral intentions concerning online learning.
Research on the Performance Recovery Strategy Model of Hangzhou Metro Network Based on Complex Network and Tenacity Theory
Authors: Yin Xiaohong , Wu Jiakun
Published: April 2023

Based on complex networks and resilience theory, the structural characteristics and post-disaster performance recovery process of the urban metro network are studied to determine the best repair strategy for metro network performance under different scenarios. Specifically: (1) The space-L method is used to model the Hangzhou metro network, and MATLAB software is used to calculate the characteristic parameter values of the Hangzhou metro network structure; (2) A model of the post-disaster resilience of the Hangzhou metro network was constructed, and network efficiency was used as the evaluation index of the resilience level and resilience of the metro network; (3) The performance recovery process of the metro network under different scenarios was simulated and the optimal recovery strategy of the post-disaster metro network was obtained. The results show that the degree values of the Hangzhou metro network nodes are all generally low; the average passage path between nodes is long and the nodes are scattered, which makes the convenience of residents’ travel low. In addition, the degree index and the betweenness have some influence on the recovery order of the failed nodes. Finally, the genetic algorithm solves the post-disaster optimal recovery strategy of the metro network with good results.
Does Green Finance Promote the Green Transformation of China’s Manufacturing Industry?
Authors: Chen Ming , Song Lina , Zhu Xiaobo , Zhu Yanshuo , Liu Chuanhao
Published: April 2023

The green transformation of the manufacturing industry is related to the low-carbon and green development of the economy. The study explored the impact mechanism of the implementation of green finance policy on the green transformation of China’s manufacturing industry from 2013 to 2021 from three aspects of capital formation and incentive, credit catalysis, integration and decentralization, and conducted a quasi-natural experiment using difference-in-difference (DID) model. Research finds that: (1) The implementation of green finance significantly promotes the green transformation of China’s manufacturing industry and has good sustainability. The mechanisms of fund formation and orientation, credit catalysis, integration and decentralization are the primary mechanism of green finance to promote the green transformation of the manufacturing industry, and the implementation effect of green finance has apparent heterogeneity; (2) The promoting effect of green finance on the green transformation of the manufacturing industry is solely vast in state-owned industries however now not enormous in non-state-owned industries; (3) The influence of green finance on the green transformation efficiency of manufacturing industry with a better information environment is more significant than manufacturing industry with a worse information environment; (4) Faced with the pressure of investing in green industries, the coping strategies adopted by enterprises in different industries are quite different. The promoting effect of green finance on the green transformation of the manufacturing industry is significant in low-competition industries but insignificant in high-competition industries. This study has enriched the research on the effect of green finance policies, explored solutions based on quasi-nature, and provided policy references for the green transformation of the manufacturing industry.
Physical Activity and Academic Performance in School-Age Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Latino Francesca , Tafuri Francesco
Published: April 2023

This brief review aims to empirically summarize the expansive and ever-growing literature about the impact of physical activity interventions on cognitive function and academic performance. To better understand these relationships, this overview included research from different physical activity settings, such as school-based physical education, classroom-based physical activity and extracurricular physical activity. Given the findings adduced from the literature on this field, it could be argued that physical activity produces important changes in the brain, which mediate enhancements in cognitive performance as well as academic achievement. Therefore, the aim of this work is to analyze how physical activity may provide different pathways to improve cognitive health and academic performance among school-age children.
Examining the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Perceived Behaviour, Intentions, and Competencies as Catalysts for Sustainable Growth: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Malhotra Simpy , Kiran Ravi
Published: April 2023

This research was undertaken with the objective of relating entrepreneurial perceived behaviour (EPB) and entrepreneurial intentions (EI) with students’ perceptions of the United Nations sustainable development goals. The current research advances on from EPB and EI to analyse whether the study of entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) enhance the impact of EI on sustainable growth. Sustainable growth is measured through the perception of students regarding the United Nations SDGs, measured through SDG3, SDG8, SDG9, and SDG10. Earlier studies have linked EPB with EIs as entrepreneurship, in the long run, has to focus on sustainable growth. EPB comprises entrepreneurial attitude, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms. ECs comprise leadership skills (LS); risk-taking skills (RTS); opportunity identification skills (OIS); perseverance skills (PS); and societal skills (SS). The study is based on a survey with data collected through a structured questionnaire from 480 engineering students. SEM-PLs was used to analyse the results. The outcomes suggest a direct relationship between EPB and EI, and EI and sustainable growth. However, as the main objective of the study was to find whether ECs enhance the impact of EIs with respect to ECs on sustainable growth, the results provide empirical support for EM-EI(ECs)-SG as there is a positive and significant indirect effect, suggesting complementary action, thus validating the proposed theoretical sustainable growth (SG). These outcomes suggest that there is a need to focus on ECs to improve the impact of EIs on SG.
Thermodynamic Studies of the Micellar Properties of a Surfactant Used for Membrane Protein Solubilization and Stabilization
Authors: Krawczyk Joanna
Published: April 2023

The effect of temperature on the micellar properties of the alkylglucoside surfactant n-octyl-β-D-thioglucopyranoside (OTG) used for membrane protein solubilization has been investigated. Critical micelle concentration (CMC), apparent (ϕV) and partial (V¯M) molar volume changes of the studied surfactant, as well as thermodynamic functions (the standard Gibbs free energy (ΔGmico), the standard enthalpy (ΔHmico) and entropy (ΔSmico)) of the OTG micellization process were determined. The above-mentioned parameters were calculated on the basis of the results obtained from measurements of surface tension, density and viscosity of the aqueous solutions of n-octyl-β-D-thioglucopyranoside, as well as pyrene (Py) and 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS) fluorescence intensity in aqueous solutions of OTG and dynamic light scattering of aqueous solutions of OTG. Basing on the obtained results it is stated that critical micelle concentration of OTG is much lower compared to that of the earlier studied n-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (OGP). The standard Gibbs free energy changes indicate that the tendency of OTG molecules to form aggregates increases with temperature increase. However, this increase is not so evident as in the case of some other sugar-based surfactants. The small temperature effect on the aggregation properties of OTG in water is probably connected with the presence and strength of the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and sugar units, or the type of linkage between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the studied surfactant. In addition, the presence of S-linkage in the OTG molecule despite its high enzymatic stability also causes the hydrophobicity increase of the studied surfactant (compared to OGP), which directly influences its micellization process.
A Dual-Channel Strategy for Online Recovery Platforms to Increase Recovery Quantity and Profits
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Huang Xueqing , Wang Fuqiang
Published: April 2023

With the rapid development of information technology and communication technology, several online recovery platforms have introduced offline channels to encourage customers to participate in product acquisition and improve profits. Motivated by this reverse supply chain practice, we develop a game theory model under three scenarios (single offline channel, single online channel, and dual-channel structures) to assess the effect of a newly added offline channel for online recovery platforms and explore the factors that have significant impacts on the dual-channel strategy for recovery platforms. We conduct static analyses to solve the model and perform a numerical study to examine the robustness of the results. The results reveal that a recovery platform can always gain more profit and set lower recovery prices under the dual-channel structure. However, the relatively high shipping cost might cause the recovery platform to recover a smaller quantity under the dual-channel structure compared with the single offline channel structure. In addition, the recovery platform is more likely to adopt a dual-channel structure with low shipping cost, high average hassle cost or hassle cost uncertainty, and less uncertainty on the reservation value. Moreover, the recovery platform can use the price difference between online and offline channels as a tool to split product holders and induce them to choose the most appropriate channel. Our findings highlight the profit and recovery quantity benefits brought by the dual-channel structure, and provide management insights for recovery platforms.
Economic Optimal Coordinated Dispatch of Power for Community Users Considering Shared Energy Storage and Demand Response under Blockchain
Authors: Yu Jing , Liu Jicheng , Wen Yajing , Yu Xue
Published: April 2023

In recent years, user-side energy storage has begun to develop. At the same time, independent energy storage stations are gradually being commercialized. The user side puts shared energy storage under coordinated operation, which becomes a new energy utilization scheme. To solve the many challenges that arise from this scenario, this paper proposes a community power coordinated dispatching model based on blockchain technology that considers shared energy storage and demand response. First of all, this paper analyzes the operating architecture of a community coordinated dispatching system under blockchain. Combined with the electricity consumption mode of communities using a shared energy storage station service, the interactive operation mechanism and system framework of block chain for coordinated dispatching are designed. Secondly, with the goal of minimizing the total cost of coordinated operation of the community alliance, an optimal dispatching model is established according to the relevant constraints, such as the community demand response, shared energy storage system operation and so on. Thirdly, the blockchain application scheme of community coordinated dispatching is designed, including the incentive mechanism based on the improved Shapley value allocation coordination cost, and the consensus algorithm based on the change rate of users’ electricity utilization utility function. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed community coordinated dispatching strategy in this paper can effectively reduce the economic cost, reduce the pressure on the power grid, and promote the consumption of clean energy. The combination of the designed cost allocation and other methods with blockchain technology solves the trust problem and promotes the innovation of the power dispatching mode. This study can provide some references for the application of blockchain technology in user-side energy storage and shared energy storage.
Physical and Technological Capital Efficiency for Profit Growth in Small and Medium Enterprises in Gauteng, South Africa: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Mbonyane Boysana Lephoi , Mbohwa Charles , Pretorius Jan Harm Christiaan
Published: April 2023

The increasing number of businesses closing down and the persistent slow growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the manufacturing sector is a serious concern globally, including in South Africa. The SMEs that are currently existing are operating below the required efficiency level. Physical and technological capital efficiency integrating manufacturing systematic planning, work study, standardisation and inventory management to improve the profit of SMEs in Gauteng South Africa is inadequate, which is a major concern. This study aimed to explore the physical and technological capital constraints affecting SMEs’ profit growth and develop the physical and technological capital efficiency adoption model merging manufacturing systematic planning, work study, standardisation and inventory management for SME profit growth in Gauteng. The study was qualitative, exploratory and descriptive in nature. Face-to-face interviews were conducted targeting 15 owners/managers amongst SMEs in Gauteng. The findings show the most common causes of slow profit growth, which involve poor material handling, unfavourable workplace layout, unscheduled machine maintenance, network challenges, failure to adhere to workplace standards, insufficient product and material recording systems and poor work methods and procedures. The study revealed major concerns for SMEs that required intervention for these enterprises to sustain their profit growth. Thus, the adoption of the model concerning the incorporation of physical and technological capital efficiency tools to advance manufacturing operations be considered as the contributing insight into the profit growth of SMEs in Gauteng. Thus, this study recommends that the government creates an enabling environment for the adoption of this model for SMEs.
The Impact of Place-Based Policies on Firm Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Zuanjiu , Liu Zhong
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the causal effect of the first round of China’s Great Western Development Strategy (GWDS) on the total factor productivity (TFP) of Chinese manufacturing firms employing the geographic regression discontinuity design. It uses the firm-level data from China’s Annual Survey of Industrial Firms (ASIF) database from 1998 to 2007. To follow the principle of the geographic regression discontinuity design and ensure the validity of our identification strategies, only firms within a 10 km radius on either side of the GWDS boundary were retained in the baseline regression. The main results include some of the following: (1) The GWDS increased the TFP of firms on the western side of the boundary in the range of 11.2% to 13.7%. (2) The main mechanisms of this improvement were identified as the reduction of a firm’s actual income tax rate and increased firm investment in high-quality human capital. (3) The GWDS has a greater impact on private firms, small firms, and labor-intensive firms. This study provides reliable evidence that place-based policies can promote the sustainable development of firms within the affected regions, and could serve as policy inspiration to alleviate regional development disparities in other developing countries.
Can Digital Inclusive Finance Help Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Deleverage in China?
Authors: Dai Debao , Fu Mingzhu , Ye Liang , Shao Wei
Published: April 2023

Digital technology has energized the development of inclusive finance in China and is beneficial in lowering the threshold and transaction costs of financial services and expanding financial coverage. However, it is a key issue whether digital inclusive finance can help SMEs overcome financing difficulties, obtain liquidity, reduce corporate leverage, and thus achieve sustainable development. By using the data from China’s small- and medium-sized listed companies and an aggregate development index of digital inclusive finance at the county level in China from 2015–2019, this empirical analysis finds that the development of digital inclusive finance can significantly reduce the leverage ratio of SMEs; specifically, the development of digital inclusive finance can cut down the leverage ratio of enterprises through easing financing constraints and reducing finance costs. Heterogeneity analysis shows that digital inclusive finance is more effective in reducing leverage for those low- and medium-leverage and non-private enterprises. Accordingly, it is suggested that the government continue to promote the development of digital inclusive finance, deepen the financial supply-side structural reform, and improve the efficiency of financial recycling. SMEs should speed up digital transformation to enable digital finance to provide precise financing services and achieve high-quality sustainable development. Digital financial institutions should improve the digital inclusive financial system as soon as possible, realize scientific supervision and risk prevention, and promote the sustainable development of digital finance.
Study on the Pseudo-Slope Length Effect of Buried Pipe Extraction in Fully Mechanized Caving Area on Gas Migration Law in Goaf
Authors: Zhao Pengxiang , An Xingbao , Li Shugang , Kang Xinpeng , Huang Yitong , Yang Junsheng , Jin Shikui
Published: April 2023

To study the law of gas transportation in mining areas, Fluent numerical simulation software was applied to examine the influence of different pseudo-slope lengths (PSL) on gas concentration in a U-ventilated working area under no-extraction conditions. Based on this, numerical simulation experiments were conducted on the buried pipe extraction arrangement parameters. The simulation found that when there was no extraction, the PSL had an impact on the airflow in the extraction area, which caused the airflow in the extraction area to be disordered, causing gas to accumulate locally at the working area. When the buried pipe depths (BPDs) and PSLs of the working area worked together, the gas concentration of the working area was lower when the inlet air influence zone and the extraction influence zone were through; otherwise, gas concentration accumulation occurred at the working area. The research results showed that when the PSL was at 25 m and BPD was at 20 m, the gas concentration at the working area was not abnormal, and the gas concentration in the upper corner was lower. By adjusting the PSL and BPD of the test working area, the maximum gas concentration in the upper corner was reduced to 0.46% and the maximum gas concentration in the return air outlet was reduced to 0.41%. The experimental and practical results provide important reference values for coal and gas co-mining.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure-Based Traffic Signal Optimization for Isolated Intersection
Authors: Qiao Yingjun , Meng Tianchuang , Qin Hongmao , Hu Ziniu , Zhong Zhihua
Published: April 2023

Traffic signal control is critical for traffic efficiency optimization but is usually constrained by traffic detection methods. The emerging V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure) technology is capable of providing rich information for traffic detection, thus becoming promising for traffic signal control. Based on parallel simulation, this paper presents a new traffic signal optimization method in a V2I environment. In the proposed method, a predictive optimization problem is formulated, and a cellular automata model is employed as traffic flow model. By using genetic algorithm, the predictive optimization problem is solved online to implement receding horizon control. Simulation results show that the proposed method can improve traffic efficiency in the sense of reducing average delay and number of stops. Meanwhile, simulation also shows that greater communication range brings better performance for reducing the average number of stops. Simulation results show that the proposed V2I-based signal control method can improve traffic efficiency, especially when the traffic volume is relatively high. The proposed algorithm can be applied to traffic signal control to improve traffic efficiency.
Accounting for ‘ESG’ under Disruptions: A Systematic Literature Network Analysis
Authors: Comoli Maurizio , Tettamanzi Patrizia , Murgolo Michael
Published: April 2023

Corporations and small/medium enterprises (SMEs) are subject to a variety of external and internal pressures that often lead to changes in their corporate governance structures and accounting/reporting systems. The environment in which these organizations are collocated has undergone a deep process of change, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, the blockchain, and the energy industry crisis. Business activities represent a critical and a vital component of human existence across the globe—one that is not restricted to a financial standpoint—and their impact on societal, environmental and animal conditions is now undisputed. However, these activities are frequently coupled with allegations of their being the actual causes of those disruptions and collapses that persist in escaping the scrutiny of international governments. For the effective delivery of sustainable business activities, the concepts of governance and accountability are crucial, and the future of the inhabitants of planet Earth is arguably dependent on the ability of corporations (through their entire value chain) to govern themselves well and to demonstrate accountability to their many stakeholders. This should be achieved through the adoption of good governance standards which are well accepted, and that are globally harmonised with ‘Environmental, Social and Governance’ (ESG) reporting tools that are able to strategically assess and evaluate risk exposure and provide forward-looking information. In this critical context, few studies have actually examined these issues thoroughly, and, because the findings of those studies have been contradictory, there is still no definitive understanding of the causes of weak accounting and reporting tools for ESG dynamics under conditions of disruption. A systematic literature network analysis (SLNA) is used in this study to examine the evolution of the ESG reporting research domain based on existing relationships (e.g., aggregation, cross-citations and isolation) among authors contributing to the field. The findings demonstrate the current state of the art, disclosing interesting and timely future research directions. Furthermore, this study employs a novel approach known as SLNA to conduct the analyses, confirming its efficacy as a tool for dynamic analysis also within the field of sustainability accounting research.
The Impact of Perceived Benefits on Blockchain Adoption in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Cai Chuangneng , Hao Xiancheng , Wang Kui , Dong Xuebing
Published: April 2023

Globalization has prompted enterprises worldwide to increasingly seek the optimal supply chain configuration. However, outsourcing, shortened product life cycles, and a reduced supply base severely weaken supply chain risk tolerance. With the emergence of blockchain, enterprises see an opportunity to mitigate supply chain risks. The purpose of our research is to explore supply chain managers’ intention to adopt blockchain technology from the perspective of supply chain risk management. Using a survey sample of 203 managers in China and the USA, we explored the impact of four perceived benefits of blockchain technology on supply chain risk resistance by extending the technology acceptance model. The results show that the traceability, transparency, information sharing, and decentralization of blockchain can enhance the perceived usefulness of blockchain in supply chain resilience and responsiveness, and the ability to withstand disruption risks and supply and demand coordination risks encountered in the supply chain, thus promoting the adoption of the technology. In addition, the relationships between supply chain resilience and blockchain technology adoption and between supply chain responsiveness and blockchain technology adoption are more salient for managers with high levels of uncertainty avoidance.
New Insight into Phosphorus Release of Rhizosphere Soil in the Water Level Fluctuation Zone
Authors: Tang Zichao , Jiang Yanxue , Wang Chenchen , Zhang Rui , Guo Jinsong , Fang Fang
Published: April 2023

Many phosphorus release experiments have been conducted in the water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ). However, the effects of rhizospheres on the risk of soil phosphorus release remain unclear. In this study, twenty-four soil samples were collected from the WLFZ of the Pengxi River, the largest tributary of the northern Three Gorges Reservoir. Physicochemical properties, phosphorus forms and phosphatase activity in rhizosphere and near-rhizosphere soils were investigated. Both the total phosphorus (TP) and water-extracted organic phosphorus (H2O-Po) contents were significantly higher in rhizosphere soils than in near-rhizosphere soils (p < 0.05). Enrichment rates (ER) of TP and H2O-Po were 42.4% and 180.3%, respectively. Significant increases were also found in activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and phosphodiesterase in the rhizosphere, and corresponding ERs were 95.3%, 76.1%, and 22.0%, respectively. Environmental factors, such as pH, organic matter, and amorphous manganese, made significant contributions to the variations of phosphorus forms and phosphatase activities. The risk of phosphorus release to water in the rhizosphere soils of the study area increased slightly, according to the water-extracted phosphorus index. This risk may further increase due to flooding, as plant uptake of soil phosphorus would be inhibited while inorganic phosphorus is still generated by phosphatase.
Small Modular Reactors Licensing Process Based on BEPU Approach: Status and Perspective
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ali , Akbari Reza , Shirani Amir Saeed , D’Auria Francesco
Published: April 2023

The competitiveness of small modular reactors (SMRs) has been planned based on design simplification, short construction time, passive safety systems, and enabling self-financing by ramp-up construction. Due to the global energy challenges, SMRs have received pervasive attention from a wide range of researchers, designers, developers, stakeholders, and customers. Besides the many advantages related to the design of SMRs, there are challenges ahead of these reactors. SMR licensing is one of the most critical challenges in the front deployment of these reactors. This challenge stems from innovations in SMR designs and systems, such as modularity or deployment for desalination, energy storage, hydrogen production, process heat, and district heating. Due to the lack of experimental data and technical knowledge, the licensing challenges for non-water coolant SMRs are more complicated. Nearly all previous generation reactor licenses were based on conservative analysis while the decision-making methods based on best-estimate and realistic approaches have received more attention in recent years. Thus, the method known as the best estimate plus uncertainty (BEPU) approach is selected for licensing in some cases. At this time, using the BEPU approach in licensing for conventional NPPs is a mature technology and ready for industrial application. Nevertheless, because most previous reactors were licensed based on conservative methods, developers and even regulatory bodies resist re-assessments based on the BEPU approach, while using the choice of conventional conservative methods is a type of roll-back for next-generation SMRs. Thus, this work reviews the BEPU approach and clarifies the possibility of using this approach in the licensing process of SMRs. The lack of experimental data and tight coupling of phenomena along with uncertainty quantification are the main challenges ahead of using BEPU in the licensing process of SMRs.
R&D Expenditures on Innovation: A Panel Cointegration Study of the E.U. Countries
Authors: Dritsaki Melina , Dritsaki Chaido
Published: April 2023

In academic discussions about how to achieve sustainable growth in the world, it is stated that this is not possible without spending on research and development and innovative activities so that countries can maintain their competitiveness in the global environment. The EU has defined strategies that consider innovation as a key element for stimulating growth and creatung employment. In this context, this study examines the relationship between R&D expenditures and the global innovation index in the scope of EU countries. A PVAR model and annual data from 2007 to 2020 were used for the relationship between research expenditures and growth in the innovation of EU countries. We first examined the cross-sectional and cross-country homogeneity of slopes. The second-generation unit root test was then applied using the Pesaran CIPS (2007) test, and the ARDL panel model was applied to test for cointegration. Causal analyses with the panel ARDL model and the error correction model were applied to determine the relationships of the variables and their direction. For the long-term dynamic effects between variables, an impulse response function (IRF) was used, and for the degree of the effect between R&D expenditures and the global innovation index, variance decomposition was used. The results of this paper reveal a long-term positive significant relationship between R&D spending and the global innovation index, whereas in the short-term, this relationship is negative. Furthermore, the causality results of the error correction ARDL model show unidirectional short-run and long-run causality from research and development to the global innovation index in EU countries. Finally, this paper enhances the understanding of the relationship between research and development spending and the global innovation index in EU countries.
Sustainable Energy Strategies for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Authors: Stanitsas Marios , Kirytopoulos Konstantinos
Published: April 2023

During the last years, renewable energy strategies for sustainable development perform as best practices and strategic insights necessary to support large scale organizations’ approach to sustainability. Power purchase agreements (PPAs) enhance the value of such initiatives. A renewable PPA contract delivers green energy efficiently to organizations that seek sustainability benefits. Consequently, various approaches that define PPAs are utilized to motivate both interested parties to participate in such deals. Highlighting sustainability tactics during negotiations and identifying relative impacts during the projects’ implementation are both necessary. Following the methodological approach of this study, open-ended criteria are used to identify vital negotiation pricing patterns that permit practitioners to deliver win–win outcomes. The aim of this research is to introduce a multicriteria decision analysis-based method, namely PROMETHEE, to evaluate the implementation of sustainability-related strategies using PPAs. This paper proposes a method for ranking alternative sustainable energy strategies in order for decision-makers to be able to select the most appropriate PPA structure for an organization.
Eco-Friendly Design and Sustainability Assessments of Fibre-Reinforced High-Strength Concrete Structures Automated by Data-Driven Machine Learning Models
Authors: Qin Xia , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: April 2023

In recent years, adding fibres into brittle concrete to improve ductility has gained momentum in the construction industry. Despite the significant momentum, limitations do exist in design and industrial applications, contributing to the complexity of shear behaviours in fibre-reinforced concrete and the existing empirical models that can hardly provide a reasonable prediction, especially for high-strength concrete applications. A critical review reveals that current research mostly focuses on single eigenvalue analysis and pay less attention to the different synergetic effect of fibres on high-strength concrete and normal-strength concrete. This study aims to fill the research gap by the unprecedented use of reliable models for the prediction and evaluation of structural and sustainable properties of high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete beams. To this end, this study establishes three novel deep learning (ANN, BNN, and Xgboost) models for designing and optimising the shear capacity of ‘high-strength’ fibre-reinforced concrete beams towards the circular economy. In addition to introducing a new type of novel machine learning (BNN) model, which is capable of structural design and takes into account complex design features, our study also enhances sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The novel prediction models unprecedentedly elicit flexural capacity, structural stiffness, carbon emission, and price, together with the shear strength for high-strength fibre-reinforced structures. Firstly, this study focuses on multiple parameters for forecasting high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete beams. In addition, the models provide more comprehensive insights into the design and manufacture of high-strength steel fibre-reinforced concrete structures in a more environmentally friendly manner. With the help of the proposed models, it will be more cost-benefit and time-efficient for the researchers to obtain the optimum design with the consideration of both structural and sustainable performance. The established models exhibit excellent prediction accuracy, and the Bayesian neural network (BNN) is found to have the best performance: R2 is 0.937, MSE is 0.06 and MAE is 0.175 in shear strength prediction; R2 = 0.968, MSE is 0.040, and MAE is 0.110 in flexural capacity prediction; R2 is 0.907, MSE is 0.070, and MAE is 0.204 in shear stiffness prediction; R2 is 0.974, MSE is 0.022, and MAE is 0.063 in carbon emission prediction; and R2 is 0.977, MSE is 0.020, and MAE is 0.082 in price prediction.
Evaluation of the Bioaccumulation Capacity of Buddleja Species in Soils Contaminated with Total Chromium in Tannery Effluents in Arequipa (Peru)
Authors: Almirón Jonathan , Arosquipa-Pachari Karen Rocio , Huillcañahui-Taco Cintia , Huarsaya-Huillca Jamilet Ariana , Mamani-Quispe Jose , Ortiz-Valdivia Yosheff , Velasco Francisco , Tupayachy-Quispe Danny
Published: April 2023

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the Buddleja species bioaccumulation capacity for the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with chromium produced by tannery effluents. The soils evaluated were collected from the Añashuayco stream, located in Arequipa region. The soil samples were collected from four different locations, in order to determine the presence of total chromium through the Environmental Protection Agency analytical technique, method 3050B acid digestion of sediment, sludge and soil. Three soil samples were analyzed for each collected location. Additionally, two non-contaminated soil samples (control group) were also analyzed. A Buddleja species seedling was placed in each sample to be monitored monthly for up to 90 days. Then, the plant tissue analysis was carried out by the analytical method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry in order to determine the amount of bioaccumulated total chromium. As a result, the Buddleja species bioaccumulated 30.45%, 24.19%, 34.55% and 40.72% of total chromium per each soil sample location in a period of 90 days. Therefore, the Buddleja species can be considered as an alternative to remediate soils contaminated with total chromium that comes from tannery effluents.
Research on Agricultural Total Production Factors in the Bohai Bay Area Based on Agricultural Data from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Wang Ping , Tian Weijun , Cao Huimin
Published: April 2023

This paper studied the total factor productivity (TFP) of agriculture in the Bohai Rim region. The agricultural TFP showed the dependence of agricultural development on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, labor, science, technology, etc. By coordinating the inputs of various production factors, production efficiency can be improved, reducing the over-reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and achieving the development and sustainability of agriculture. In this study, the sectional data of three provinces (Shandong, Hebei, and Liaoning) and two cities (Beijing and Tianjin) in the Bohai Rim region of China from 2011 to 2020 were collected, and the envelope analysis was performed on the collected data using the Malmquist index model. The results showed that the TFP of agriculture in the Bohai Rim region was greater than one, and agriculture was generally well-developed. Regionally, the agricultural productivity in Shandong Province was generally lower than in other provinces and cities. In addition, the scale efficiency was the most important factor restricting agricultural TFP in the Bohai Rim region, indicating that there was still room to improve investment in the agricultural production scale. Based on the analysis results, suggestions were made for sustainable and high-quality development of agriculture.
Chelation of the Collagen Peptide of Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Scales with Calcium and Its Product Development
Authors: Yang Xiu-Hui , Chen Yu-Tung , Kuo Jen-Min , Chou Shih-Gao , Lin Chia-Min
Published: April 2023

Seabass (Lates calcarifer) is one of the top farmed and raised fish in Taiwan, and fish scales are the main by-product after processing. Fish scales contain high amounts of collagen, which can chelate with minerals and enhance mineral absorption in the human body. Hence, fish scales from seabass were enzymatically hydrolyzed to obtain seabass scale collagen peptide (SBSCP). Calcium, the most consumed mineral supplement, was chelated with SBSCP to form SBSCP-Ca. The optimal conditions for chelation were a peptide/calcium ratio: 1:1 (w/w), pH 5.0, and 50 °C for 20 min. The conjugated sites were carboxyl and amino groups based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Scanning electronic microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) evidently showed the alternation of SBSCP’s molecular structure after chelation and increased concentrations of metal ions. SBSCP-Ca was stable up to 90 °C and from pH 2.0 to 5.0. The retention rate was 70%, as determined after in vitro digestion. The extracts of blackcurrant or berry-grape seeds were added to neutralize the fishy odor and provide antioxidant ability for commercialization. This is the first complete study of the characteristics of SBSCP-Ca as well as their commercialization.
Changes in Soil Freeze Depth in Response to Climatic Factors in the High-Latitude Regions of Northeast China
Authors: Fan Maosen , Xin Zhuohang , Ye Lei , Song Changchun , Wang Ye , Guo Yuedong
Published: April 2023

The changing climate in recent decades has caused rapid, widespread frozen ground degradation of the cryosphere, and changes in frozen ground may largely affect the ecosystem function. This study presents the long-term shrinkage of frozen ground, driven forces and resultant ecological impacts at three high-latitude sites (namely Nenjiang, Jiagedaqi, and Tahe, from low to high latitude) in Northeast China, an area that has received less attention in previous permafrost studies. As the key indicators of frozen ground, the ground surface and subsurface soil temperature (down to 40 cm) were found to increase in the period from the 1970s to the 2000s. The annual mean air temperatures at observation sites have increased significantly at rates of 0.24~0.40 °C/decade from 1971 to 2019, and were found to be negatively correlated to the change in soil freeze depth at the Jiagedaqi and Tahe sites. The annual snow depth at Jiagedaqi was found to decrease at a rate of 1.8 cm/decade, and positively correlate to the soil freezing index. The vegetation status of the three watersheds improved, as indicated by the increased normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from 2000 to 2017. Our results can make a valuable contribution to knowledge of climate–frozen ground interactions, and can highlight the importance of examining such interaction for permafrost protection in similar high-latitude permafrost-dominated basins.
Hydrogeochemical Responses of MTMS-Coated Capillary Cover under Heavy Rainfalls
Authors: Xia Liangxiong , Chen Jiakai , Yang Yixin , Zhao Hongfen , Zhan Liangtong , Bate Bate
Published: April 2023

To limit the oxidation of waste rocks that originates from mining operations and the subsequent leaching of acidic solutions with high concentration of metal ions, a tailing–rock–clay triple layer capillary cover system was developed to prevent rainwater infiltration in humid climatic regions. The fine grained soil (FGS) layer consists of mine tailing and a hydrodesulfurization (HDS) clay from waste-water treatment with a 95:5 mass ratio. The coarse grained soil (CGS) layer consists of local waste rock granules with a size of 1–10 mm. Methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS), an oxidation-inhibiting agent with strong hydrophobicity, was passivated on the rock grains to further reduce water infiltration and leaching of metal ions. Prototype-scale column tests were performed with matric suction and water content measurements under 680 min rainfall of 60 mm/h, the most severe annual precipitation case scenario for the Dexing Copper Mine (Jiangxi Province, China, 28.95° N, 117.57° E, humid climate). Both the uncoated and the coated covers exhibited zero leakage throughout the experiment. The passivation on rock granules in the coated cover increased the water entry value (WEV) of the CGS layer to −0.56 kPa. This led to a 15 mm water storage increment in the overlain FGS layer as compared to that in the uncoated cover, and induced lateral drainage (5% of the precipitation) in the FGS layer, which was not overserved in the uncoated cover. The concentrations of the leached Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+ cations drained from the CGS layers of the uncoated cover were 0, 0.4, 0.8, 73.5, and 590.5 mg/L, which are all within the regulation limits of industrial discharge water standards. The concentrations of Cu2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+ cations drained from the coated CGS layer were reduced by 1–3 orders of magnitude. The abovementioned laboratory studies validated the water retention and leaching prevention abilities of the proposed three-layer capillary covers and the MTMS coating, which hold promises in engineering applications.