bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Variations of Dryland Vegetation Phenology Revealed by Satellite-Observed Fluorescence and Greenness across the North Australian Tropical Transect
Authors: Leng Song , Huete Alfredo , Cleverly Jamie , Yu Qiang , Zhang Rongrong , Wang Qianfeng
Published: June 2022

Accurate characterization of spatial patterns and temporal variations in dryland vegetation is of great importance for improving our understanding of terrestrial ecosystem functioning under changing climates. Here, we explored the spatiotemporal variability of dryland vegetation phenology using satellite-observed Solar-Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) along the North Australian Tropical Transect (NATT). Substantial impacts of extreme drought and intense wetness on the phenology and productivity of dryland vegetation are observed by both SIF and EVI, especially in the arid/semiarid interior of Australia without detectable seasonality in the dry year of 2018–2019. The greenness-based vegetation index (EVI) can more accurately capture the seasonal and interannual variation in vegetation production than SIF (EVI r2: 0.47~0.86, SIF r2: 0.47~0.78). However, during the brown-down periods, the rate of decline in EVI is evidently slower than that in SIF and in situ measurement of gross primary productivity (GPP), due partially to the advanced seasonality of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. Over 70% of the variability of EVI (except for Hummock grasslands) and 40% of the variability of SIF (except for shrublands) can be explained by the water-related drivers (rainfall and soil moisture). By contrast, air temperature contributed to 25~40% of the variability of the effective fluorescence yield (SIFyield) across all biomes. In spite of high retrieval noises and variable accuracy in phenological metrics (MAE: 8~60 days), spaceborne SIF observations, offsetting the drawbacks of greenness-based phenology products with a potentially lagged end of the season, have the promising capability of mapping and characterizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of dryland vegetation phenology.
Investigation of Long-Term Forest Dynamics in Protected Areas of Northeast China Using Landsat Data
Authors: Wang Jianbang , He Zhuoyu , Wang Chunling , Feng Min , Pang Yong , Yu Tao , Li Xin
Published: June 2022

Forest dynamics, including forest loss and gain, are long-term complex ecological processes affected by nature and human activities. It is particularly important to understand the long-term forest dynamics of protected areas to evaluate their conservation efforts. This study adopted the Landsat tree-canopy cover (TCC) method to derive annual TCC data for the period 1984–2020 for the protected areas of northeast China, where protection policies have been carried out since the end of the 20th century, e.g., the Natural Forest Conversion Program (NFCP). A strong correlation was found between the TCC estimates derived from Landsat and LiDAR observations, suggesting the high accuracy of TCC. Forest loss and gain events were also identified from the time series of TCC estimates. High correlations were reported for both forest loss (Producer’s accuracy = 85.21%; User’s accuracy = 84.26%) and gain (Producer’s accuracy = 87.74%; User’s accuracy = 88.31%), suggesting that the approach can be used for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the NFCP and other forest conservation efforts. The results revealed a fluctuating upward trend of the TCC of the protected area from 1986 to 2018. The increased area of TCC was much larger than the decreased area, accounting for 59.68% and 40.34%, respectively, suggesting the effectiveness of protection policies. Since the NFCP was officially implemented in 1998, deforestation was effectively curbed, the area of forest loss was significantly reduced (slope: −14.24%/year), and the area of forest gain significantly increased (slope: 4.13%/year). We found that regional forest changes were mainly manifested in “forest gain after loss (forest recovery)” and “forest gain with no loss (forest newborn)”, accounting for 40.29% and 37.28% of the total area of forest change, respectively. Moreover, the forest gain area far exceeds the forest loss area, reaching 11.24 million hectares, suggesting a successful forest recovery due to forest protection.
Crustal Electrical Structure of the Ganzi Fault on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the Role of Fluids in Earthquakes
Authors: Cheng Yuanzhi , Kong Yanlong , Wang Zhongxing , Huang Yonghui , Hu Xiangyun
Published: June 2022

The initiation and evolution of seismic activity in intraplate regions are controlled by heterogeneous stress and highly fractured rocks within the rock mass triggered by fluid migration. In this study, we imaged the electrical structure of the crust beneath the Ganzi fault using a three-dimensional magnetotelluric inversion technique, which is host to an assemblage of resistive and conductive features extending into the lower crust. It presents a near-vertical low-resistance zone that cuts through the brittle ductile transition zone, extends to the lower crust, and acts as a pathway for fluid migration from the crustal flow to the upper crustal depths. Conductors in the upper and lower crust are associated with saline fluids and 7% to 16% partial melting, respectively. The relationship between the earthquake epicenter and the surrounding electrical structure suggests that the intraplate seismicity is triggered by overpressure fluids, which are dependent on fluid volume changes generated by the decompression dehydration of partially molten material during upwelling and native fluid within the crustal flow.
Linkage of Strong Intraseasonal Events of the East Asian Winter Monsoon to the Tropical Convections over the Western Pacific
Authors: Ma Tianjiao , Chen Wen , Gong Hainan , Hu Peng , Jiao Yang , An Xiadong , Wang Lin
Published: June 2022

The East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) is the most important climate system for transporting Arctic cold air to the tropics in boreal winter. Rapid intensification of the EAWM, such as a cold surge, can lead to increased tropical convection over the western Pacific, but the possible effects from the intraseasonal variation of EAWM is unclear. Using high temporal and spatial resolution satellite data, including Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation, we show that strong intraseasonal EAWM events are associated with increased tropical convection over the western Pacific for about 6–8 days. Our statistical analysis shows that the lifetime of a strong intraseasonal EAWM event is about 2 weeks, with the beginning, peak, and ending phases occurring at days −6, 0, and 6, respectively. During days 0 to 8, increased convection is observed over the western tropical Pacific, due to the anomalous convergence associated with the strengthened northerly winds over the South China Sea. Over land, increased precipitation is observed over Vietnam, northwestern Kalimantan, and the southern Philippines. In addition, the East Asian local Hadley circulation is strengthened during these days, in association with the enhanced tropical convection.
Spatial Characterisation of Vegetation Diversity in Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems Using In-Situ and Sentinel-2 MSI Satellite Data
Authors: Mpakairi Kudzai Shaun , Dube Timothy , Dondofema Farai , Dalu Tatenda
Published: June 2022

Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) are under threat from groundwater over-abstraction, which significantly impacts their conservation and sustainable management. Although the socio-economic significance of GDEs is understood, their ecosystem services and ecological significance (e.g., biodiversity hotspots) in arid environments remains understudied. Therefore, under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, characterizing or identifying biodiversity hotspots in GDEs improves their management and conservation. In this study, we present the first attempt towards the spatial characterization of vegetation diversity in GDEs within the Khakea-Bray Transboundary Aquifer. Following the Spectral Variation Hypothesis (SVH), we used multispectral remotely sensed data (i.e., Sentinel-2 MSI) to characterize the vegetation diversity. This involved the use of the Rao’s Q to measure spectral diversity from several measures of spectral variation and validating the Rao’s Q using field-measured data on vegetation diversity (i.e., effective number of species). We observed that the Rao’s Q has the potential of spatially characterizing vegetation diversity of GDEs in the Khakea-Bray Transboundary Aquifer. Specifically, we discovered that the Rao’s Q was related to field-measured vegetation diversity (R2 = 0.61 and p = 0.00), and the coefficient of variation (CV) was the best measure to derive the Rao’s Q. Vegetation diversity was also used as a proxy for identifying priority conservation areas and biodiversity hotspots. Vegetation diversity was more concentrated around natural pans and along roads, fence lines, and rivers. In addition, vegetation diversity was observed to decrease with an increasing distance (>35 m) from natural pans and simulated an inverse piosphere (i.e., minimal utilization around the natural water pans). We provide baseline information necessary for identifying priority conservation areas within the Khakea-Bray Transboundary Aquifer. Furthermore, this work provides a pathway for resource managers to achieve SDG 15 as well as national and regional Aichi biodiversity targets.
Detection of Pine Wilt Nematode from Drone Images Using UAV
Authors: Sun Zhengzhi , Ibrayim Mayire , Hamdulla Askar
Published: June 2022

Pine wilt nematode disease is a devastating forest disease that spreads rapidly. Using drone remote sensing to monitor pine wilt nematode trees promptly is an effective way to control the spread of pine wilt nematode disease. In this study, the YOLOv4 algorithm was used to automatically identify abnormally discolored wilt from pine wilt nematode disease on UAV remote sensing images. Because the network structure of YOLOv4 is too complex, although the detection accuracy is high, the detection speed is relatively low. To solve this problem, the lightweight deep learning network MobileNetv2 is used to optimize the backbone feature extraction network. Furthermore, the YOLOv4 algorithm was improved by improving the backbone network part, adding CBAM attention, and adding the Inceptionv2 structure to reduce the number of model parameters and improve the accuracy and efficiency of identification. The speed and accuracy of the Faster R-CNN, YOLOv4, SSD, YOLOv5, and the improved MobileNetv2-YOLOv4 algorithm were compared, and the detection effects of the Faster R-CNN, YOLOv4, SSD, YOLOv5 and the improved MobileNetv2-YOLOv4 algorithm on trees with pine wilt nematode were analyzed. The experimental results show that the average precision of the improved MobileNetv2-YOLOv4 algorithm is 86.85%, the training time of each iteration cycle is 156 s, the parameter size is 39.23 MB, and the test time of a single image is 15 ms, which is better than Faster R-CNN, YOLOv4, and SSD, but comparable to YOLOv5. Compared with the advantages and disadvantages, comprehensively comparing these four indicators, the improved algorithm has a more balanced performance in the detection speed, the parameter size, and the average precision. The F1 score of the improved algorithm (95.60%) was higher than that of Faster R-CNN (90.80%), YOLOv4 (94.56%), and SSD (92.14%), which met the monitoring requirements of pine wilt nematode trees. Faster R-CNN and SSD pine-wilt-nematode tree detection models are not ideal in practical applications. Compared with the YOLOv4 pine-wilt-nematode tree detection model, the improved MobileNetv2-YOLOv4 algorithm satisfies the condition of maintaining a lower model parameter quantity to obtain higher detection accuracy; therefore, it is more suitable for practical application scenarios of embedded devices. It can be used for the rapid detection of pine wilt nematode diseased trees.
Exploring Built-Up Indices and Machine Learning Regressions for Multi-Temporal Building Density Monitoring Based on Landsat Series
Authors: Suharyadi R , Umarhadi Deha Agus , Awanda Disyacitta , Widyatmanti Wirastuti
Published: June 2022

Uncontrolled built-up area expansion and building densification could bring some detrimental problems in social and economic aspects such as social inequality, urban heat islands, and disturbance in urban environments. This study monitored multi-decadal building density (1991–2019) in the Yogyakarta urban area, Indonesia consisting of two stages, i.e., built-up area classification and building density estimation, therefore, both built-up expansion and the densification were quantified. Multi sensors of the Landsat series including Landsat 5, 7, and 8 were utilized with some prior corrections to harmonize the reflectance values. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used to distinguish between built-up and non built-up areas. Regression algorithms, i.e., linear regression (LR), support vector regression (SVR), and random forest regression (RFR) were explored to obtain the best model to estimate building density using the inputs of built-up indices: Urban Index (UI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Index-based Built-up Index (IBI), and NIR-based built-up index based on the red (VrNIR-BI) and green band (VgNIR-BI). The best models were revealed by SVR with the inputs of UI-NDBI-IBI and LR with a single predictor of UI, for Landsat 8 (2013–2019) and Landsat 5/7 (1991–2009), respectively, using separate training samples. We found that machine learning regressions (SVM and RF) could perform best when the sample size is abundant, whereas LR could predict better for a limited sample size if a linear positive relationship was identified between the predictor(s) and building density. We conclude that expansion in the study area occurred first, followed by rapid building development in the subsequent years leading to an increase in building density.
Fatigue Driving Detection Method Based on Combination of BP Neural Network and Time Cumulative Effect
Authors: Chen Jian , Yan Ming , Zhu Feng , Xu Jing , Li Hai , Sun Xiaoguang
Published: June 2022

Fatigue driving has always received a lot of attention, but few studies have focused on the fact that human fatigue is a cumulative process over time, and there are no models available to reflect this phenomenon. Furthermore, the problem of incorrect detection due to facial expression is still not well addressed. In this article, a model based on BP neural network and time cumulative effect was proposed to solve these problems. Experimental data were used to carry out this work and validate the proposed method. Firstly, the Adaboost algorithm was applied to detect faces, and the Kalman filter algorithm was used to trace the face movement. Then, a cascade regression tree-based method was used to detect the 68 facial landmarks and an improved method combining key points and image processing was adopted to calculate the eye aspect ratio (EAR). After that, a BP neural network model was developed and trained by selecting three characteristics: the longest period of continuous eye closure, number of yawns, and percentage of eye closure time (PERCLOS), and then the detection results without and with facial expressions were discussed and analyzed. Finally, by introducing the Sigmoid function, a fatigue detection model considering the time accumulation effect was established, and the drivers’ fatigue state was identified segment by segment through the recorded video. Compared with the traditional BP neural network model, the detection accuracies of the proposed model without and with facial expressions increased by 3.3% and 8.4%, respectively. The number of incorrect detections in the awake state also decreased obviously. The experimental results show that the proposed model can effectively filter out incorrect detections caused by facial expressions and truly reflect that driver fatigue is a time accumulating process.
Online Detection of Fabric Defects Based on Improved CenterNet with Deformable Convolution
Authors: Xiang Jun , Pan Ruru , Gao Weidong
Published: June 2022

The traditional manual defect detection method has low efficiency and is time-consuming and laborious. To address this issue, this paper proposed an automatic detection framework for fabric defect detection, which consists of a hardware system and detection algorithm. For the efficient and high-quality acquisition of fabric images, an image acquisition assembly equipped with three sets of lights sources, eight cameras, and a mirror was developed. The image acquisition speed of the developed device is up to 65 m per minute of fabric. This study treats the problem of fabric defect detection as an object detection task in machine vision. Considering the real-time and precision requirements of detection, we improved some components of CenterNet to achieve efficient fabric defect detection, including the introduction of deformable convolution to adapt to different defect shapes and the introduction of i-FPN to adapt to defects of different sizes. Ablation studies demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed improvements. The comparative experimental results show that our method achieves a satisfactory balance of accuracy and speed, which demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method. The maximum detection speed of the developed system can reach 37.3 m per minute, which can meet the real-time requirements.
Four-Level Micro-Via Technology (4LµV) for ASIC Integration in Active Flexible Sensor Arrays
Authors: Zhou Maolei , von der Heide Chresten , Dietzel Andreas
Published: June 2022

Systems-in-foil with multi-sensor arrays require extensive wiring with large numbers of data lines. This prevents scalability of the arrays and thus limits the applications. To enable multiplexing and thus reducing the external connections down to few digital data links and a power supply, active circuits in the form of ASICs must be integrated into the foils. However, this requires reliable multilayer wiring of the sensors and contacts for chip integration. As an elegant solution to this, a new manufacturing process for multilayer wiring in polyimide-based sensor foils has been developed that also allows ASIC chips to be soldered. The electrical four-level micro-via connections and the contact pads are generated by galvanic copper deposition after all other process steps, including stacking and curing of polyimide layers, are completed. Compared to layer by layer via technology, the processing time is considerably reduced. Because copper plating of vias and solderable copper contact pads happens as the final step, the risk of copper oxidation during polyimide curing is completely eliminated. The entire fabrication process is demonstrated for six strain sensor nodes connected to a surface-mounted ASIC as a detecting unit for sensing spatially resolved bending states. Each sensor node is a full-bridge configuration consisting of four strain gauges distributed across interconnected layers. The sensor foil allows bending of +/−120° without damage. This technology can be used in future for all kinds of complex flexible systems-in-foil, in particular for large arrays of sensors.
Enantioseparation of syn- and anti-3,5-Disubstituted Hydantoins by HPLC and SFC on Immobilized Polysaccharides-Based Chiral Stationary Phases
Authors: Jurin Mladenka , Kontrec Darko , Dražić Tonko , Roje Marin
Published: June 2022

The enantioseparation of syn- and anti-3,5-disubstituted hydantoins 5a–i was investigated on three immobilized polysaccharide-based columns (CHIRAL ART Amylose-SA, CHIRAL ART Cellulose-SB, CHIRAL ART Cellulose-SC) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using n-hexane/2-PrOH (90/10, v/v) or 100% dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as mobile phases, respectively, and by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) using CO2/alcohol (MeOH, EtOH, 2-PrOH; 80/20, v/v) as a mobile phase. The chromatographic parameters, such as separation and resolution factors, have indicated that Amylose-SA is more suitable for enantioseparation of the most analyzed syn- and anti-3,5-disubstituted hydantoins than Celullose-SB and Cellulose-SC in both HPLC and SFC modalities. All three tested columns showed better enantiorecognition ability toward anti-hydantoins compared to syn-hydantoins, both in HPLC and SFC modes. We have demonstrated that environmentally friendly solvent DMC can be efficiently used as the mobile phase in HPLC mode for enantioseparation of hydantoins on the immobilized polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases.
Internet of Spacecraft for Multi-Planetary Defense and Prosperity
Authors: Huo Yiming
Published: June 2022

Recent years have seen unprecedentedly fast-growing prosperity in the commercial space industry. Several privately funded aerospace manufacturers, such as Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) and Blue Origin have transformed what we used to know about this capital-intense industry and gradually reshaped the future of human civilization. As private spaceflight and multi-planetary immigration gradually become realities from science fiction (sci-fi) and theory, both opportunities and challenges will be presented. In this article, we first review the progress in space exploration and the underlying space technologies. Next, we revisit the K-Pg extinction event and the Chelyabinsk event and predict extra-terrestrialization, terraformation, and planetary defense, including the emerging near-Earth object (NEO) observation and NEO impact avoidance technologies and strategies. Furthermore, a framework for the Solar Communication and Defense Networks (SCADN) with advanced algorithms and high efficacy is proposed to enable an Internet of distributed deep-space sensing, communications, and defense to cope with disastrous incidents such as asteroid/comet impacts. Furthermore, perspectives on the legislation, management, and supervision of founding the proposed SCADN are also discussed in depth.
Response of Yam (Dioscorea alata) to the Application of Rhizophagus irregularis and Potassium Silicate under Salinity Stress
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Delta Anil Kumar , Kaushik Prashant
Published: June 2022

Yam (Dioscorea alata) is a tropical plant that is considered critical for food security. The use of high fertilizer, low soil fertility, and insect pest infestation reduce yam tuber yield and quality. The present study was performed to determine the effect of potassium silicate and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on yam cultivated under salinity stress. This study revealed that the combination of Rhizophagus irregularis (AMF) and Potassium silicate was more effective than their individual application on yam and were beneficial for overall analyzed characters. We observed the days to emergence and the average days to first leaf emergence decreased by 33.46% and 26.78%, respectively, the number of leaves increased by 45.23%, number of sprouts per seed tuber by 50%, vine length by 60.8%, vine length at harvest by 40.53%, the average leaf width by 53.79%, petiole length by 31.74%, tuber length by 43.84%, average diameter of tuber by 56.58%, and average number of tuber per vine by 46.15% in T5 treated plants. We also recorded that starch content increased by 21.89%, ascorbic acid by 61.51%, average moisture by 8.36%, TSS by 50%, and total sugar by 69.53% in T5 treated plants. The total phenol was found to be 1.53% higher in T3 applied plants, while the dry matter was 36.37% higher in T5 treatment. Furthermore, the enzymatic evaluation of MDA in leaves was found to be enhanced by 142% in T2. The enzyme 8-OHdG from the leaves sample was reported to be increased after T5 by 621.15%. Moreover, the amount of CAT was higher by 53.46% in T2 treated plants. Likewise, the amount of enzyme SOD and POX in leaves of D. alata enhanced by 30.91% and 51.15% T2 treatments respectively.
How Supportive Leadership Promotes Employee Innovation under Uncertainty: Evidence from Chinese E-Commerce Industry
Authors: Wang Yan , Chin Tachia , Caputo Francesco , Liu Hanfeng
Published: June 2022

Innovative behavior (IB) is an important issue in academic and other sectors. The increasing uncertainty caused by COVID-19 has resulted in rising job insecurity for employees in the e-commerce industry. This has jeopardized career sustainability (CS). Numerous studies have explored the influence of supportive leadership (SL) on IB, but so far there is still a dearth of research investigating the role of CS. In addition, CS must be considered because the perceived sustainability of a career has an impact on individual innovation. Therefore, based on job demands-resources (JDR) theory, we analyzed the effects of SL on IB as well as the roles of CS in IB. The mediating role of employee’s perceived occupational sustainability was explored. This study investigates the associations between supportive leadership style (job resource) and employee innovative behavior (job demand). In total, 308 valid samples were collected from China. Structural equation modeling examines the construct validity and path relationships. The results show that in China’s e-commerce industry, under the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, only when employees perceive CS can SL promote the transformation of job resources into workplace IB. That is, CS completely mediates SL and IB. This provides new information for the management of employee behavior in the current special period. The result revealed that SL improves IB through CS. Theoretically, this study fills the gap and establishes a theoretical framework for SL and IB. Practically, we offer guidance for enterprises and managers in that they should provide their employees with work resources which are good for employee CS so as to promote employees’ IB.
Contrasting the COVID-19 Effects on Tourism Safety Perceptions and Coping Behavior among Young People during Two Pandemic Waves: Evidence from Egypt
Authors: Caldeira Ana Maria , Seabra Cláudia , AlAshry Miral Sabry
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on tourism safety perceptions, acceptance of restrictions, and the intention to change behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic among young people. Taking Egypt as a case study, a total of 386 respondents were surveyed in two different pandemic periods, with data being collected during the first wave, in April and May 2020, and during the second wave, in December 2020 and January 2021. Data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with multigroup analysis (MGA). Results reveal significant differences between the first and the second coronavirus waves regarding the effects of perceived risk. Findings point to the heightened potential of the youth market segment in the current context and suggest that youngsters’ adaptive coping responses evolved towards self-regulatory behavior. Based on the results, theoretical and practical implications are drawn. Conceptually, the study has contributed to the clarification of the desensitization process experienced by youth over time, in the post-pandemic tourism context. Additionally, the activities’ safety perceptions being examined per se enlightened the relationship between risk susceptibility, safety perceptions, and coping attitudes and behavior. Findings suggest that special attention should be paid to crowded group settings, such as youth events, advising that authorities and tourism services should target their communication to different population segments and use appropriate safety messaging according to the evolution of health crises.
Gender and Other Vulnerabilities to Water–Energy Accessibility in Rural Households of Katsina State, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Sani Yahaya , Scholz Miklas
Published: June 2022

Water and energy are essential resources for all people. However, despite the availability of sufficient water and energy resources, men and women continue to be subject to unequal rights to both water and energy in terms of access, allocation, gathering, and quality of resources. Socio-economic parameters, which include gender, income, and location, are determinant factors of water and cooking energy accessibility in this study. The research aims to assess the accessibility of water and cooking fuels across female-headed households, and evaluate particular vulnerabilities and challenges faced by women and children in rural areas of Katsina State in circumstances of water and energy insecurities. A study involving a questionnaire covering 550 rural households across 11 areas in Katsina State, north-western Nigeria, was conducted. A Pearson product correlation analysis was performed to measure the strength of association between the respondents educational level and income. A chi-square test of independence was carried out to measure the degree of dependence of the households’ resources accessibility. The authors assessed the disproportionate threats and health risks linked to fetching water and gathering of fuel resources. The research findings indicate that water and energy uncertainty among women in rural households is due to unequal responsibilities associated with water- and energy-related household duties that are potentially linked to disadvantages for females, including violence, security threats, diseases, and disempowerment. To address these challenges, water and energy interventions, and important pathways for beneficial change, are proposed for rural regions in sub-Saharan Africa. This should lead to more gender equity associated with water and energy.
The Determinants of Impulsive Buying Behavior in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Wang Ying , Pan Jialing , Xu Yizhi , Luo Jianli , Wu Yongjiao
Published: June 2022

Consumers’ online impulsive buying behavior has become more and more frequent in the digital era. There is increasing concern regarding the adverse consequences that impulsive buying has generated for consumer wellbeing and the sustainability of our society and environment. In search of a way to decreasing impulsive consumption, this article proposes a comprehensive framework to explore the potential determinants of online impulsive buying behavior from the perspective of consumer characteristics grounded on the literature on sustainability, psychology and consumer behavior. Through an online survey, a total of 425 valid responses were obtained. Extroversion and neuroticism in personality, negative emotions, collectivism in culture and the cognitive and affective factors of impulsive buying tendency are found to be positively correlated with impulsive buying behavior, whereas self-control shows a negative impact on impulsive buying behavior. Furthermore, this study identifies the mediating roles that negative emotions and collectivism play. Specifically, in addition to the direct routes, neuroticism, self-control and the affective factor of impulsive buying tendency can indirectly influence impulsive buying behavior through the mediation of negative emotions, whereas extroversion can indirectly affect impulsive buying behavior with collectivism as the mediator. To conclude, theoretical and practical implications of this research are elaborated to promote sustainable consumption from both the micro and macro perspectives.
Psychometric Properties of Intercultural Competences in a Central European Context
Authors: Alhendi Osama , Lengyel Péter , Balogh Péter , Tóth József
Published: June 2022

This study aims to validate Fantini’s intercultural competence scale in a sample of foreign students in a Central European context, and to figure out the pathways which are critical in improving the intercultural competence of foreign students. To achieve that, the study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to construct the structural equation model (SEM). The results indicate that the scale is reliable and valid for assessing foreign students’ intercultural competence. In addition, using the first-order CFA as a baseline model, the SEM indicates that each intercultural knowledge, attitude, and skills are essential in predicting the intercultural awareness of the students. On the other hand, enhanced awareness plays an important role in promoting the development of these factors. Based on that, the study provides university decision-makers with valuable information which can be helpful in formulating related policies and rules aiming to enhance the integration and intercultural contact between foreign and Hungarian students at the university environment.
Effects of the COVID-19 Outbreak on the Use and Perceptions of Metropolitan Agricultural Parks—Evidence from Milan and Naples of Urban and Environmental Resilience
Authors: Rusciano Vincenzo , Gatto Andrea
Published: June 2022

This article describes the multi-function of the metropolitan agricultural parks (MAPs) in Milan (Parco Agricolo Sud Milano) and Naples (Parco De Filippo) and their resilience within the last COVID-19 lockdown period. These parks play an important role in the urban regeneration and social inclusion processes in their relative metropolitan areas. Nevertheless, the restrictions imposed to limit COVID-19 contagions have imposed their closure or severely limited their activities, with evident consequences for the local population’s well-being. This study’s novelty is twofold: it is the first study examining the resilience and sustainability impact of MAPs during COVID-19; additionally, it is the first survey making use of Milan and Naples practices. The work uses primary and secondary data and mixed methods. Exploiting a document analysis and the elaboration of a semi-structured interview with the directors, the article lists the multiple functions of the parks and underlines their multidimensional governance vocations for fostering sustainable development—environmental, economic and social functions. The study also reveals that, during the lockdown, the parks’ activities were strongly reduced or restructured. Recreational and educational activities were lifted in Parco Agricolo Sud in Milan whilst local farms restructured their food supply and fostered their network and linkages with the urban distribution channels. MAP in Naples had to stop its activities and reorganize into a smart-working system. Lastly, our study found that economic and farm network activities were resumed with greater urgency in Milan, whereas in Naples the recovery of the social practices has taken on greater importance.
Organizational Environmental Culture, Environmental Sustainability and Performance: The Mediating Role of Green HRM and Green Innovation
Authors: Al Doghan Mohammed A. , Abdelwahed Nadia Abdelhamid Abdelmegeed , Soomro Bahadur Ali , Ali Alayis Mahmoud Mohamed Hussein
Published: June 2022

This study investigated Environmental Sustainability (ES) and Environmental Performance (EP) through the direct and indirect use of Organizational Environmental Culture (OEC). This study focused on top managers, namely, the CEOs and directors of SMEs, along with their middle managers. In this study, the researchers employed green HRM and Green Innovation (GI) as mediators. We applied a quantitative approach that utilized cross-sectional data collected from Saudi Arabian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). We used a survey questionnaire with a convenience sampling technique and succeeded in obtaining replies from 236 respondents. By using the Structural Equation Model (SEM), this study’s findings demonstrate that OEC has a positive and significant effect on green HRM and GI. This study’s findings support the development of policies that promote ES and EP through green environmental practices. Further, green HRM and GI are significant predictors of ES and EP. This study’s findings also show that green HRM and GI have a mediating effect in developing the associations between OEC and ES and EP. Ultimately, this study’s findings make a significant contribution to the depth of the empirical evidence about SMEs in the context of Saudi Arabia.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) as a Sustainability Concept for Tourist Destinations
Authors: Martinčević Ivana , Brlek Predrag , Domjan Kačarević Nives
Published: June 2022

In order to meet the needs and requirements of visitors in tourist destinations related to modes of transport, the offer in tourist destinations must satisfy travel habits. The introduction of the MaaS (Mobility as a Service) concept is reflected in the reduction of dependence on private cars. The main objectives of this paper are (1) to explore the MaaS concept, awareness about the concept, its importance and benefits in general and related to tourism in the Republic of Croatia; and (2) to explore the connection between a multimodal mindset about mobility concepts on the very concept of MaaS under the influence of satisfaction using mobility-related applications in tourism. The results of the research confirm a statistically significant relationship between a multimodal mindset (way of thinking) and the MaaS service in the function of tourism, and that relationship is mediated by the satisfaction with the use of mobility-related applications, but also the lack of awareness about the concept itself.
Using Flowchart to Help Students Learn Basic Circuit Theories Quickly
Authors: Li Jack
Published: June 2022

College education, especially engineering education, is facing big challenges nowadays. Somehow, the gap between quickly developed modern technology used in every field and fundamental theories may discourage some students from continuing their studies in an engineering field. Most fundamental theories are taught in introductory courses in every field and are based on math, which is hard and tedious work to some students. Helping students to build a solid foundation of basic theories in engineering education not only aids students in the study of technical material but also keeps students interested in engineering education, which meets the requirement of sustainability and inclusivity in education. This article proposes a tool to help students quickly grasp basic theories in electronic engineering technology programs. It summarizes basic theories into a flowchart. Students can solve problems in DC and AC circuits following the flowchart with higher accuracy. The flowchart was used by different groups as a reference, and it helps students access to the material quickly according to student performance.
Micro- and Small-Sized Enterprises’ Sustainability-Oriented Innovation for COVID-19
Authors: Huang Weilun , Yin Hengbin , Choi Seongjin , Muhammad Mohsin
Published: June 2022

The economic impact of a public emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is often reduced by micro and small businesses (MSEs) undertaking sustainability-oriented innovation for public emergencies (SOIPE), which includes production and service innovation, information innovation, marketing innovation, and labor innovation. The originality of this study lies in its prediction and evaluation of COVID-19′s challenges and SOIPE’s requirements to have a keen observation and discovery ability. In this paper, we combined nominal group technique, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process, least squares, and a case study to investigate governance, economic, financial, sociocultural, and environmental sustainability and demonstrate the MSEs’ sustainability evaluation model. In a qualitative study and literature review, MSEs were found to use SOIPE in a variety of ways. Some studies focused on marketing innovation, while others were hampered by their limited understanding. From both a theoretical and empirical perspective, this study suggests that MSEs should identify their optimal SOIPE based on the impact and volatility of a public emergency. In addition, this study presents an assessment of the impact and environmental volatility of a public emergency, as well as MSEs’ SOIPE, which is more helpful for enterprises. Finally, this study creatively introduces the SOIPE of MSEs, which has important policy ramifications.
Enhancing Final-Year Medical Students’ Clinical Examinations Performance via a Transdiagnostic ACT-Based Intervention
Authors: Pang Nicholas Tze Ping , Koh Eugene , Mohd Kassim Mohd Amiruddin , Shoesmith Wendy Diana , Kamu Assis , Ho Chong Mun , Ng Jun Rong , Wider Walton
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Performance anxiety is a transdiagnostic construct similar in both sports and clinical medical examinations. Given that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other similar therapies have transdiagnostic evidence in improving the performance of athletes, the same approach can be adopted for medical students in improving their performance during clinical examinations. This pilot study aimed to assess the efficacy of a brief ACT-based intervention in improving transdiagnostic performance anxiety in clinical medical students through assessing changes in psychopathology scores (depression, anxiety, and stress) and psychological process variables (psychological flexibility, cognitive fusion, and mindfulness). Methods: Final-year medical students were randomized into intervention and control groups. A one-day ACT-based intervention was delivered to an intervention group, with the control group crossing over one month post intervention. Both groups filled in sociodemographic questionnaires and questionnaires measuring psychological flexibility, cognitive fusion, mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and stress at three time points: T1 (before intervention), T2 (immediately after intervention), and T3 (one month post intervention). Repeated measures ANOVA was employed to assess the change between the intervention and control groups over time. Results and Conclusions: There was a significant change in anxiety scores from T1 to T3. In addition, there were significant improvements in mindfulness, cognitive fusion, and psychological flexibility scores over time in the intervention group compared with the control group. This pilot study builds on small single-sample evidence bases for the efficacy of an ACT-based intervention in non-sports performance enhancement, suggesting that larger-scale randomized trials of similar interventions in clinical medical students may prove equally efficacious.
Systematic Literature Review on Variables Impacting Organization’s Zero Accident Vision in Occupational Safety and Health Perspectives
Authors: Ahamad Mohamad Azrin , Arifin Kadir , Abas Azlan , Mahfudz Mahfudz , Cyio Muhammad Basir , Khairil Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Nur , Lampe Ilyas , Samad Muhammad Ahsan
Published: June 2022

The zero-accident vision has sparked debate in the fields of occupational safety and health. While many organizations and policymakers have successfully implemented the zero-accident vision, numerous notable occupational safety and health scholars from various backgrounds argue against its use and success in theory and practice. This article aimed to analyze the existing literature on the variables impacting an organization’s zero-accident vision. A systematic review of the Scopus and Web of Science databases revealed 25 related studies using the PRISMA statement (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) review method. Following a thorough review of these articles, seven main themes emerged: the occupational safety and health management system, organizational leadership, safety culture, training, communication, risk, and legislation. These seven themes resulted in a total of 28 sub-themes. Several recommendations are emphasized, including the use of a specific and standard systematic review method to guide research synthesis in the frame of reference of variables impacting the organization’s zero-accident vision and to practice complementary searching techniques, such as citation tracking, reference searching, snowballing, and contacting experts.
Research on Influencing Mechanism of Fashion Brand Image Value Creation Based on Consumer Value Co-Creation and Experiential Value Perception Theory
Authors: Chen Lihong , Halepoto Habiba , Liu Chunhong , Yan Xinfeng , Qiu Lijun
Published: June 2022

In view of the current lack of fashion brand competitiveness and innovation in China, this paper puts forward the concept of fashion brand image value creation and analyzes it from five dimensions: fashion brand image design, image publicity, brand aesthetics, brand charm, and brand function. This paper explores the relationship between fashion brand image value creation, customer participation behavior, experience value perception, intention, trust, and loyalty based on consumer value co-creation and experience value perception theories. On this basis, the structural equation model is used to test the research hypothesis empirically. An online survey questionnaire was subsequently developed and conducted to verify validity and reliability by statistical analysis. The results show that the value creation of fashion brand image will positively impact brand loyalty. Customer participation behavior and experience value perception play an intermediary and chain intermediary role, and customer participation willingness and fashion brand trust play a regulatory role. This study provides new ideas and references for the value creation of fashion brand image and provides quantitative scientific data for fashion enterprises to grasp the direction of brand image value creation and implement brand construction and marketing strategies.
Eco-Innovation Capabilities and Sustainable Business Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zulkiffli Siti Nur ‘Atikah , Zaidi Nur Farah Zafira , Padlee Siti Falindah , Sukri Najahul Kamilah Aminy
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a direct impact on the manufacturing industry in Malaysia because all economic activities had to be suspended for some time. This study explores the role that eco-innovation capabilities might play in improving sustainable business performance during the ongoing pandemic. This study employs a quantitative method by distributing online questionnaires to 80 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Klang Valley, Malaysia. In the study, the relationship between sustainable business performance and the three variables of eco-innovation capabilities, i.e., eco-product innovation, eco-management innovation and eco-logistic innovation, were determined using multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that two hypotheses are accepted and the other one is rejected. The findings indicate that most manufacturing SMEs in Klang Valley have adopted eco-management innovation and eco-logistic innovation as crucial capabilities for their businesses during the pandemic. However, due to the challenges faced by these SMEs during the pandemic, eco-product innovation was found to have an insignificant relationship with sustainable business performance. It is insignificant because of the low productivity rate observed during the pandemic. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused manufacturing SMEs in the Klang Valley to not be able to maintain their operations and stay on track. Therefore, this research may contribute to the efforts of policymakers, government agencies and managers of manufacturing SMEs in developing a strong innovation platform on which manufacturing SMEs may rely for support in enhancing their business capacity and performance.