bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of High Temperature and Inclination Angle on Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behavior of Granite at Low Strain Rate
Authors: Chen Liang , Mao Xianbiao , Wu Peng
Published: February 2020

Comprehensive understanding of the effects of temperature and inclination angle on mechanical properties and fracture modes of rock is essential for the design of rock engineering under complex loads, such as the construction of nuclear waste repository, geothermal energy development and stability assessment of deep pillar. In this paper, a novel inclined uniaxial compression (inclined UCS) test system was introduced to carry out two series of inclined uniaxial compression tests on granite specimens under various inclination angles (0–20°) and treated temperatures (25–800 °C) at 5° inclination. Experimental results revealed that the peak compression stress and elastic modulus gradually decreased, while peak shear stress increased nonlinearly with the increasing inclination angle; the peak compression and shear stress as well as elastic modulus slightly increased from 25 to 200 °C, then gradually decreased onwards with the increasing temperature. The effect of temperature on peak axial strain was the same as that on peak shear displacement. Acoustic emission (AE) results suggested that the relationship between crack initiation stress, inclination angle and treated temperature followed a similar trend as that of the peak compression stress and elastic modulus. Particularly, the crack initiation (CI) stress threshold and shear stress corresponding to CI threshold under 800 °C were only 7.4% of that under 200 °C and revealed a severe heat damage phenomenon, which was consistent with the results of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with the appearance of a large number of thermal pores observed only under 800 °C. The failure modes tended to shear failure with the increasing inclination angle, indicating that the shear stress component can accelerate sliding instability of rocks. On the other hand, the failure patterns with different temperatures changed from combined splitting-shear failure (25–400 °C) to single shear failure (600 and 800 °C). The study results can provide an extremely important reference for underground thermal engineering construction under complex loading environment.
Blockchain Technology Adoption Behavior and Sustainability of the Business in Tourism and Hospitality SMEs: An Empirical Study
Authors: Nuryyev Guych , Wang Yu-Ping , Achyldurdyyeva Jennet , Jaw Bih-Shiaw , Yeh Yi-Shien , Lin Hsien-Tang , Wu Li-Fan
Published: February 2020

This paper investigates the factors influencing the intention to adopt cryptocurrency payments among small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tourism and hospitality through the lens of the technology acceptance model (TAM). This paper uses an original sample of 101 SMEs employing a total of 15,831 people in Taiwan. Structural equation modeling is used to examine the joint effect of both internal and external factors influencing the intention to use cryptocurrency payments. Results show that (1) strategic orientation, owner/managers personal characteristics (self-efficacy and innovativeness) and social influence have a strong effect on the intention to adopt new technology; (2) perceived usefulness mediates the effects of strategic orientation and social influence; and (3) perceived ease of use mediates the effect of self-efficacy on the intention to adopt cryptocurrency payments. The present study is one of few empirical inquiries about cryptocurrency payment adoption among SMEs. This study extends the theoretical foundations of the TAM into the specific characteristics of SMEs. Limitations of the study are sample size and a single survey design. However, findings of this research on the cryptocurrency payment adoption offer practical implications for tourism stakeholders towards supporting SMEs competitiveness. The originality of this study is based on the fact that cryptocurrency payment is a new technology, and on the potential of cryptocurrency payments to disrupt the traditional way of operating tourism and hospitality SMEs. Hence the importance to consider major factors influencing SMEs’ intentions to adopt this technology.
Do Grazing Systems and Species Composition Affect Root Biomass and Soil Organic Matter Dynamics in Temperate Grassland Swards?
Authors: Hoogsteen Martine J. J. , Bakker Evert-Jan , van Eekeren Nick , Tittonell Pablo A. , Groot Jeroen C. J. , van Ittersum Martin K. , Lantinga Egbert A.
Published: February 2020

Elevating soil organic matter (SOM) levels through changes in grassland management may contribute to lower greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change. SOM dynamics of grassland soils may be affected by grazing systems and plant species composition. We analyzed the effects of simulated grazing systems (continuous (CG), rotational (RG), and lenient strip grazing (LG)) and species composition (monocultures of perennial ryegrass fertilized (LP+) and unfertilized (LP−)), tall fescue (fertilized, FA+), and a mixture of these two species with white clover (fertilized, LFT+)) on root biomass and SOM dynamics in field experiments on loamy and sandy soils in the Netherlands. Dried cattle manure was added to all fertilized treatments. We hypothesized that SOM accumulation would be highest under CG and LG, and FA+ and LFT+ as a consequence of greater belowground biomass production. SOM was monitored after conversion from arable land for a period of two years (loamy and sandy soil) and five years (sandy soil). We found that management practices to increase SOM storage were strongly influenced by sampling depth and length of the grassland period. SOM increased significantly in nearly all fertilized treatments in the 0–60 cm layer. No differences between species compositions were found. However, when only the 30–60 cm soil layer was considered, significantly higher SOM increases were found under FA+, which is consistent with its greater root biomass than the other species. SOM increases tended to be higher under LG than RG. The results of this study suggest that it seems possible to comply with the 4-thousandth initiative during a period of five years with fertilized perennial ryegrass or tall fescue in monoculture after conversion from arable land. It remains to be investigated to which extent this sequestration of carbon can be maintained after converting grassland back to arable land.
Maximizing Total Profit of Thermal Generation Units in Competitive Electric Market by Using a Proposed Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Kien Le Chi , Duong Thanh Long , Phan Van-Duc , Nguyen Thang Trung
Published: February 2020

In the paper, a proposed particle swarm optimization (PPSO) is implemented for dealing with an economic load dispatch (ELD) problem considering the competitive electric market. The main task of the problem is to determine optimal power generation and optimal reserve generation of available thermal generation units so that total profit of all the units is maximized. In addition, constraints, such as generation limit and reserve limit of each unit, power demand and reserve demand, must be exactly satisfied. PPSO is an improved version of conventional particle swarm optimization (PSO) by combining pseudo gradient method, constriction factor and a newly proposed position update method. On the other hand, in order to support PPSO to reach good results for the considered problem, a new constraint handling method (NCHM) is also proposed for determining maximum reserve generation and correcting reserve generation. Three test systems with 3, 10 and 20 units are employed to evaluate the real performance of PPSO. In addition to the comparisons with previous methods, salp swarm optimization (SSA), modified differential evolution (MDE) and eight other PSO methods are also implemented for comparisons. Through the result comparisons, two main contributions of the study are as follows: (1) NCHM is very effective for PSO methods to reach a high success rate and higher solution quality, (2) PPSO is more effective than other methods. Consequently, NCHM and PPSO are the useful combination for the considered problem.
The Role of Networks in Improving International Performance and Competitiveness: Perspective View of Open Innovation
Authors: Yoon Junghyun , Sung Sanghyun , Ryu Dongwoo
Published: February 2020

With perspective view of open innovation, this study examines how international networks form and evolve and the empirical relationships among antecedents of international network embeddedness, international performance, and sustainable competitiveness. Data from 356 small and medium-sized exporters (SMEs) in manufacturing or technology industries in South Korea are analyzed by structural equation modeling. It assumes that international network embeddedness plays a mediating role in the relationship between internationalization and related variables. This analysis indicates that information management and proximity significantly affect international performance, while cultural differences do not, and that international network embeddedness mediates relationships between information management and international performance, and proximity and international performance. The results imply that greater international network embeddedness increases SMEs’ international performance—information management and proximity play a pivotal role in embedding international networks and improving international performance. SMEs must establish and intensify international networks to improve international performance and seek to overcome limitations by developing international networks with the goal of entering international markets. Nevertheless, there is relatively little research on international network formation and embeddedness, especially for SMEs. This study determines network formation principles, determinants of international networks, and roles of international network embeddedness in relationships between the determinants and international performance. Notably, this study verifies a comprehensive model of international networks.
Why Sustainable Development Requires Societal Innovation and Cannot Be Achieved without This
Authors: Diepenmaat Henk , Kemp René , Velter Myrthe
Published: February 2020

This paper discusses the need for societal innovation as a systemic form of innovation for sustainable development. Sustainable development requires collective action from stakeholders in the form of system building activities, which in its turn requires societal innovation. Through societal innovation, based on multiple value creation, external costs are being prevented or reduced because of innovation-oriented explorations within a wider frame (a societal improvement perspective), ascertained by the actors. This requires design thinking and proper distribution of the costs and benefits, accepted by the participants. With this paper, we hope to advance the research agenda on societal innovation based on multi-actor improvement processes and associated intentional logics, as topics that are weakly theorized in the business literature on sustainable development and the sustainability transition literature. We are critical of triple helix models and models emphasizing shared value creation because these underestimate the importance of disinterest and conflicts of interests to be managed via multiple value creation on the basis of recursive multi-actor intentionality.
Who Is Connected with Whom? A Social Network Analysis of Institutional Interactions in the European CCA and DRR Landscape
Authors: Karali Eleni , Bojovic Dragana , Michalek Gabriela , Giupponi Carlo , Schwarze Reimund
Published: February 2020

Communication and collaboration are critical for designing and implementing responses to climate change impacts and related disasters. This acknowledgement has increased interest in understanding social and institutional networks for climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). In this study, we used Social Network Analysis (SNA) to explore institutional interactions within and across the communities of the aforementioned domains in Europe. Firstly, we investigated the type and intensity of interactions. We calculated SNA metrics to assess the roles of different actors and applied cluster analysis to identify actors with similar patterns of connections. SNA showed that communication is often more intensive within the two communities, while collaboration is frequent around topics related to both CCA and DRR. Cluster analysis revealed that actors tied with DRR were more closely connected, while actors tied with CCA and those with mixed connections showed no obvious clustering affinity. The European Climate Adaptation Platform, Climate-ADAPT, had the highest value for various SNA metrics, reflecting its popularity in the network and its potential for enhancing interactions among its actors. Finally, SNA was complemented by qualitative interviews, which emphasised the importance of connecting CCA and DRR in organisational mission and vision statements.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Historic Constructions in the Downtown of Mexico City
Authors: F. Salazar L. Gerardo , Ferreira Tiago Miguel
Published: February 2020

Seismic risk is determined by the sum of multiple components produced by a certain seismic intensity, being represented by the seismic hazard, the structural vulnerability and the exposure of assets at a specified zone. Most of the methods and strategies applied to evaluate the vulnerability of historic constructions are specialized in buildings with higher importance, either public or private, by relegating ordinary dwellings to a second plane. On account of this, this paper aims to present a seismic vulnerability assessment, considering a limited urban area of the Historic Downtown of Mexico City (La Merced Neighborhood), thus showing the analysis of 166 historic buildings. The seismic vulnerability assessment of the area was performed resorting to a simplified seismic vulnerability assessment method, composed of both qualitative and quantitative parameters. To better manage and analyze the human and economic exposure, the results were integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool, which allowed to map vulnerability and damage scenarios for different earthquake intensities.
Estimating the Potential for Conservation and Farming in the Amazon and Cerrado under Four Policy Scenarios
Authors: Brandão Jr. Amintas , Rausch Lisa , Paz Durán América , Costa Jr. Ciniro , Spawn Seth A. , Gibbs Holly K.
Published: February 2020

Since 2013, clearing rates have rapidly increased in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. This acceleration has raised questions about the efficacy of current regional public and private conservation policies that seek to promote agricultural production while conserving remnants of natural vegetation. In this study, we assessed conservation and agricultural outcomes of four potential policy scenarios that represent perfect adherence to private sector, zero-deforestation commitments (i.e., the Amazon soy moratorium—ASM and the Amazon cattle agreements—CA) and to varying levels of implementation of the Brazilian Forest Code (FC). Under a zero-clearing scenario, we find that the extent of croplands as of 2017 within the two biomes (31 MHa) could double without further clearing if agriculture were to expand on all previously cleared land that is suitable for crops. Moreover, at least 47 MHa of land that is already cleared but unsuitable for crops would remain available for pasture. Under scenarios in which only legal clearing under the FC could occur, 51 MHa of additional natural vegetation could be cleared. This includes as many as 1 MHa of nonforest vegetation that could be cleared in the Amazon biome without triggering the ASM and CA monitoring systems. Two-thirds of the total vegetation vulnerable to legal clearing is located within the Cerrado biome, and 19 MHa of this land is suitable for cropland expansion. Legal clearing of all of these areas could reduce biodiversity persistence by 4% within the two biomes, when compared with the zero-clearing scenario, and release up to 9 PgCO2e, with the majority (75%) coming from the Cerrado biome. However, when we considered the potential outcomes of full implementation of the FC, we found that 22% (11 MHa) of the 51 MHa of vegetation subject to legal clearing could be protected through the environmental quotas market, while an additional 1 MHa should be replanted across the two biomes, predominantly in the Amazon biome (73% of the area subject to replanting). Together, quotas and replanting could prevent the release of 2 PgCO2e that would otherwise be emitted if all legal clearing occurred. Based on our results, we conclude that ongoing legal clearing could create additional space for cropland and cattle production beyond the substantial existing stocks of cleared areas but would significantly impair local carbon and biodiversity stocks.
Investigating the Relationship between the Industrial Structure and Atmospheric Environment by an Integrated System: A Case Study of Zhejiang, China
Authors: Ding Lei , Chen Kunlun , Hua Yidi , Dong Hongan , Wu Anping
Published: February 2020

Under the dual pressure of industrial structure upgrade and atmospheric environment improvement, China, in a transition period, is facing the challenge of coordinating the relationship between the industry and the environment system to promote the construction of a beautiful China. Based on system theory and coupling coordination model, the interaction analysis framework between industrial structure (IS) and atmospheric environment (AE) was constructed. An integrated system with 24 indicators was established by the pressure–state–response (PSR) model of IS and level–quality–innovation (LQI) model of AE. Then, we analyzed trends observed in coupling coordination degree (CCD) and dynamic coupling coordination degree (DCCD) for 11 cities in Zhejiang Province, China, using statistical panel data collected from 2006 to 2017. Conclusions were as follows: (1) the 11 cities’ comprehensive level of the IS system shows a trend of stable increase, yet the comprehensive level of AE demonstrated a trend of fluctuation and transition. There are significant spatial variations among cities; (2) The CCD analysis results found that Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Wenzhou take the lead in realizing the transformation from barely coordinated development to superior coordinated pattern, while other cities were still in the stage of barely coordinated development; (3) the DCCD phase of 11 cities can be roughly divided into three types: upgraded—utmost development type (only Hangzhou), stable—harmonious development type (Wenzhou, Lishui, and Zhoushan) and transitional—harmonious development type (the remaining seven cities). This means, for most cities, the contradiction between the transformation process of IS and the AE has become increasingly prominent and intensified. Finally, three necessary and sustainable strategies were proposed to environmental policy makers.
Potential Distribution of the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in Different Land Covers of Nepal: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Sharma Hari Prasad , Rimal Bhagawat , Zhang Mingxia , Sharma Sandhya , Poudyal Laxman Prasad , Maharjan Sujan , Kunwar Ripu , Kaspal Prativa , Bhandari Namrata , Baral Laxmi , Dhakal Sujita , Tripathi Ashish , Karki Nimisha , Khadki Bibasa , Thapa Prakash , Acharya Bipin Kumar , Acharya Suman , Baral Kedar , Katuwal Hem Bahadur
Published: February 2020

Anthropogenic activities have driven many wildlife species towards extinction. Among these species, the geographic distributions of many are poorly documented, which can limit the effectiveness of conservation. The critically endangered Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is experiencing population decline throughout its range due to land-use changes and illegal trade for food and traditional medicine. Using distribution records and maximum entropy modeling, we predicted the potential distribution of the Chinese pangolin across Nepal. Most suitable potential habitats of the Chinese pangolin occurred in forest areas of the mid-hill region in central and eastern Nepal, followed by cultivated land. Almost all potential suitable habitats of the Chinese pangolin occurred outside of protected areas, and most of them were encroached upon by cultivated land, human settlements, and infrastructure developments. The results from this study provide baseline information on the potential suitable habitats of the Chinese pangolin in Nepal, which helps to develop site- and species-specific management plans and to identify priority areas to minimize the current threats to the pangolin and enhance the stewardship of species conservation.
Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Availability, Seasonality and Extremes in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB)
Authors: Khan Asim , Koch Manfred , Tahir Adnan
Published: February 2020

Projecting future hydrology for the mountainous, highly glaciated upper Indus basin (UIB) is a challenging task because of uncertainties in future climate projections and issues with the coverage and quality of available reference climatic data and hydrological modelling approaches. This study attempts to address these issues by utilizing the semi-distributed hydrological model “Soil and water assessment tool” (SWAT) with new climate datasets and better spatial and altitudinal representation as well as a wider range of future climate forcing models (general circulation model/regional climate model combinations (GCMs_RCMs) from the “Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment-South Asia (CORDEX-SA) project to assess different aspects of future hydrology (mean flows, extremes and seasonal changes). Contour maps for the mean annual flow and actual evapotranspiration as a function of the downscaled projected mean annual precipitation and temperatures are produced and can serve as a “hands-on” forecast tool of future hydrology. The overall results of these future SWAT hydrological projections indicate similar trends of changes in magnitudes, seasonal patterns and extremes of the UIB—stream flows for almost all climate scenarios/models/periods—combinations analyzed. In particular, all but one GCM_RCM model—the one predicting a very high future temperature rise—indicated mean annual flow increases throughout the 21st century, wherefore, interestingly, these are stronger for the middle years (2041–2070) than at its end (2071–2100). The seasonal shifts as well as the extremes follow also similar trends for all climate scenario/model/period combinations, e.g., an earlier future arrival (in May–June instead of July–August) of high flows and increased spring and winter flows, with upper flow extremes (peaks) projected to drastically increase by 50 to >100%, and with significantly decreased annual recurrence intervals, i.e., a tremendously increased future flood hazard for the UIB. The future low flows projections also show more extreme values, with lower-than-nowadays-experienced minimal flows occurring more frequently and with much longer annual total duration.
Innovative Multidisciplinary Methodology for the Analysis of Traditional Marginal Architecture
Authors: Calvagna Simona , Gagliano Antonio , Greco Sebastiano , Rodonò Gianluca , Sapienza Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

In rural and marginal landscapes, the architectural heritage carries an inestimable value. It distinguishes these places from the standardization of contemporary society and it makes them authentic and rooted in the territory. Investigating the real potential of building heritage and understanding what actions should be taken to raise it to the needs of contemporary society is one way to preserve this authenticity. The article presents an innovative multidisciplinary tool, based on GIS methodology, for rapid evaluation of the features of traditional rural architecture. With it, it is possible to carry out a complex analysis, by considering architectural, energy and structural items. It can also guide the design activities in order to optimize the revitalization actions, emphasizing the holistic approach. The potentiality of this procedure will be shown for a test site, namely, the Isle of Filicudi (Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy).
The Life Cycle of Corporate Social Responsibility in Agri-Food: Value Creation Models
Authors: Nazzaro Concetta , Stanco Marcello , Marotta Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

This paper contributes to the theoretical debate in agri-food economics focusing on corporate social responsibility. Specifically, it aims to define an interpretative model of the processes of social responsibility and value creation in the food industry. An empirical investigation was conducted using an analysis of case studies—representative of sustainable innovation and social responsibility models—as well as in-depth interviews and focus groups with managers of food industries and the sector’s experts. The paper focuses on a topic that has yet to be analysed in agri-food economics literature: corporate social responsibility as a value-creating strategy. Further, it proposes a life cycle model of social responsibility in business processes. The study findings reveal that corporate social responsibility actions may affect the agri-food process and/or the product. Specifically, the investigated case studies reveal that the production sector in which a company operates strongly influences its orientation towards one or more corporate social responsibility dimensions. This study’s results contribute to the debate on the topic and provide useful insights for practitioners and policy-makers.
What Sustainability? Higher Education Institutions’ Pathways to Reach the Agenda 2030 Goals
Authors: Ruiz-Mallén Isabel , Heras María
Published: February 2020

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have the mandate of promoting sustainability through addressing the Agenda 2030. However, how this is being understood and framed in both discourse and practice by HEIs remains an underexplored issue. This article interrogates the concept of sustainability embraced by ten key HEIs networks at global and regional levels while identifying and discussing the main pathways for action displayed. We rely on HEIs networks’ data from available online documents related to the Agenda 2030. “Greening” is the dominant sustainability discourse among the global and many regional HEIs networks, that is, the one that refers to the links between people, planet and profit. Two other discourses are minor and regional, “resilience” and “alternative”. The “alternative” discourse is the only one entailing a critical approach to the Agenda 2030 goals. All networks promote changes in HEIs organizational culture to embed sustainability values in strategic planning, academic and managerial work. Yet there is a need for further engagement with society to readdress HEIs societal role. Deep and critical reflection of the worldviews, contradictions and tensions in the discourses and practices proposed by HEIs networks at global and regional scales is also needed to build common pathways toward sustainability.
Insertion of Photovoltaic Solar Systems in Technological Education Institutions in Brazil: Teacher Perceptions Concerning Contributions towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Ferreira Maurisete Fernando , Freitas Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos , da Silva Neilton Fidelis , da Silva Antonia Francimar , Paz Luciana Rocha Leal da
Published: February 2020

Teaching spaces are seen as institutions presenting relevant power to promote sustainability. Thus, in addition to knowledge (re)producers, they must also assume ethical obligations to incorporate daily sustainability-oriented actions. In this context, this study evaluates faculty perceptions regarding contributions to the teaching–learning process and the diffusion of a pedagogical practice adhering to sustainability assumptions, arising from the insertion of photovoltaic solar systems in educational institutions. A study was conducted at the Rio Grande do Norte Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology, with 2.2 photovoltaic MWp distributed throughout its 21 campuses. This study investigated teacher knowledge and attitudes towards renewable energy sources in their school practice, as a way of understanding these issues and presenting propositions that will strengthen their role in daily school life. Teachers are aware of the importance of these sources, but their knowledge does not form links with their practice. Thus, the necessary connections to promote sustainability from the existence of institutional photovoltaic systems were proven insufficient. They did not support the concept, nor the adoption of pedagogical practices linked to this technology. In addition, teacher inability to bring knowledge related to renewable energies to the classroom and link them to daily student lives was also noted. The adoption of renewable energy to promote a sustainability culture demands the formation of teacher knowledge and attitudes, and this training must follow a continuous path.
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and Their Optimum Position in Building Walls
Authors: Al-Absi Zeyad Amin , Mohd Isa Mohd Hafizal , Ismail Mazran
Published: February 2020

More than half of the energy consumption in buildings is utilized for the heating and/or cooling of the indoor environment. The building envelope plays a key role in controlling the effects of external weather and, therefore, is linked with many passive design strategies. Thermal energy storage (TES) and phase change materials (PCMs) are efficient techniques, which can store a high density of thermal energy. The PCMs attract many researchers to implement them in the components of buildings for thermal management. In building walls, they were implemented in different positions and have achieved different results. This paper aims to review the related literature that examines PCMs’ application in different positions within the building walls to locate their optimum position and the influential parameters. It was found that the optimum positions of PCMs are highly dependent on performing a daily complete melting/freezing cycle to be ready for the following day. Many parameters can influence this, including climate and weather conditions and the application target, PCMs’ melting temperature and heat of fusion, PCMs’ amount, the thermal properties of the wall’s materials, a mechanical heating/cooling or free-running indoor environment, and wall orientation. An optimization process using the simulation tools is suggested so that the optimum position of the PCMs can be located.
How do Clusters Foster Sustainable Development? An Analysis of EU Policies
Authors: Derlukiewicz Niki , Mempel-Śnieżyk Anna , Mankowska Dominika , Dyjakon Arkadiusz , Minta Stanisław , Pilawka Tomasz
Published: February 2020

Sustainable development is one of the fundamental and most important objectives of the worldwide policy. The conducted research shows that sustainable development (SD) is increasingly important in the consciousness of the EU countries, which can be viewed through a prism of the undertaken projects. This paper raises the issue of clusters and their significance in the development of a sustainable economy. The article explores trends in the European Union policy related to sustainable development and clusters. The purpose of this study is to find an answer to the following questions: How can clusters contribute to sustainable development and what are the key factors that ensure this process? To achieve the goal of the article a systematic study of the literature and reports was carried out. Moreover, the analysis of the activity of European clusters in the context of sustainable development was performed. Next, the examples of cluster projects focused on sustainable development were presented. It was shown that the clusters contribute a smarter and sustainable development by succeeding in technological and scientific results, developing new technologies for emerging industries, creating new business activities, enticing major technology companies, and connecting local firms into world-class value systems. Furthermore, the clusters participate actively in sustainable development as they promote knowledge creation, joint learning, technology transfer, as well as collaboration, and sustainable innovations. Finally, clusters facilitate the sustainable upgrading of small and medium enterprises and encourage the participation of stakeholders in the process of sustainable development.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Bike-Sharing Usage around Rail Transit Stations: Evidence from Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Zijia , Cheng Lei , Li Yongxing , Li Zhiqiang
Published: February 2020

As an emerging mode of transport, bike-sharing is being quickly accepted by Chinese residents due to its convenience and environmental friendliness. As hotspots for bike-sharing, railway-station service areas attract thousands of bikes during peak hours, which can block roads and pedestrian walkways. Of the many works devoted to the connection between bikes and rail, few have addressed the spatial‒temporal pattern of bike-sharing accumulating around station service areas. In this work, we investigate the distribution patterns of bike-sharing in station service areas, which are influenced not only by railway-station ridership but also by the built environment around the station, illustrating obvious spatial heterogeneity. To this end, we established a geographic weighted regression (GWR) model to capture this feature considering the variables of passenger flow and the built environment. Using the data from bike-sharing in Beijing, China, we applied the GWR model to carry out a spatiotemporal characteristic analysis of the relationship between bike-sharing usage in railway-station service areas and its determinants, including the passenger flow in stations, land use, bus lines, and road-network characteristics. The influence of these factors on bike-sharing usage is quite different in time and space. For instance, bus lines are a competing mode of transport with bike-sharing in suburban areas but not in city centers, whereas industrial and residential areas could also heavily affect the bike-sharing demand as well as railway-station ridership. The results of this work can help facilitate the dynamic allocation of bike-sharing and increase the efficiency of this emerging mode of transport.
Effect of Intersecting Angle on Pedestrian Crowd Flow under Normal and Evacuation Conditions
Authors: Aghabayk Kayvan , Radmehr Kiarash , Shiwakoti Nirajan
Published: February 2020

Complex pedestrian or passenger crowd movements, such as intersecting movements, can create a bottleneck resulting in delays during emergency escape from public infrastructure such as major public transport hubs. Limited studies have examined the effect of different intersecting angles and walking speeds on pedestrian outflow. This study aims to systematically investigate the effect of different intersecting angles (30°, 90°, and 150°) and walking speeds (normal walking, faster walking) on pedestrian outflow at an intersecting path or junction through controlled laboratory experiments. Further, we consider both blocked vision and un-blocked vision in our experiments. The results from our experiments show that the acute angle of 30° has a higher flow rate and less evacuation time as compared to the other angles. The obtuse intersecting angle of 150° was the most undesirable intersecting angle in terms of outflow, evacuation time, and delays at the junction. Faster walking generally led to reduced evacuation time as compared to normal walking. It is also interesting to note that the results from both blocked vision and un-blocked vision were not statistically significant, suggesting that line of sight was not an important factor in regulating the flow at the junction. The results from our findings are a valuable resource to verify the mathematical model intended to simulate pedestrian or passenger crowd movements and behavior within major public infrastructure under both normal and evacuation conditions.
Motivation and Second Foreign Language Proficiency: The Mediating Role of Foreign Language Enjoyment
Authors: Zhang Huiyu , Dai Ying , Wang Yingchong
Published: February 2020

Inadequate research attention has been paid to the learning of a third language. For this reason, this study explores senior English major students’ learning of additional foreign languages in seven universities in Shaanxi Province, China. The study examines the relationship between the participants’ motivation and language proficiency through a questionnaire, and the collected data are analyzed using hierarchical linear regression analysis. The results identify that the participants’ instrumental and integrative motivations positively influence their second foreign language proficiency. Further analysis reveals that the connection between the participants’ motivation and language proficiency is mediated by foreign language enjoyment. These findings form the basis of our suggestions for the sustainable learning and teaching of foreign languages in universities.
Variations in Soil Physico-Chemical Properties along Slope Position Gradient in Secondary Vegetation of the Hilly Region, Guilin, Southwest China
Authors: Liu Runhong , Pan Yuanfang , Bao Han , Liang Shichu , Jiang Yong , Tu Hongrun , Nong Juanli , Huang Wanqing
Published: February 2020

Understanding the variation of soil physico-chemical properties along slope position gradients is essential for vegetation restoration and reconstruction, but how slope positions impact the soil physico-chemical properties in the secondary vegetation of hilly regions is poorly understood. To address these uncertainties, we examined the changes in soil physico-chemical properties and their relationships along the slope position gradient in secondary vegetation of the hilly region in Guilin, southwest China. The results showed that except for the soil water content, soil total phosphorus and soil total potassium which reached the highest value at the footslope, other soil physico-chemical properties reached the highest content in the middle slope, and most of the soil physico-chemical properties showed the lowest content in the upper slope or footslope. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that there were no significant correlations between most of the soil physico-chemical properties and that the correlations between soil physico-chemical properties were not consistent across different slope positions. Additionally, the principal component analysis showed that the first 4 principal components together explained 84.32% of the total variation and might be interpreted as the change of soil total nitrogen, soil organic matter, soil available nitrogen, soil available potassium, soil water content and soil total potassium. Overall, our results strongly demonstrated that slope positions showed significant effects on most of the soil physico-chemical properties and would provide an important reference for the formulation of restoration strategies in different slope positions to facilitate vegetation restoration and reconstruction and the sustainable development of the ecological environment in the hilly region.
Understanding Contributions of the Creative Class to Sustainable Economic Growth in China
Authors: Zhao Kai , Zhang Yuesheng , Zhao Jinkai , Li Xiaojing
Published: February 2020

By investigating the direct effect of the ‘3T’s (the creative class; tolerance; technology) and their interactive effects on GDP per capita, based on the data collected from 279 cities over the period of 2002–2014, the aim of this study is to explore the practical value of the creative class theory to the sustainable economic development in China. Using econometric estimations; the results suggest that agglomeration of the creative class; improving tolerant milieu and increasing technology investment have positive explanatory powers in understanding the disparities in GDP per capita between different cities in China. However, the complementary effects on GDP per capita are only observed between the creative class and technology or technology and tolerance, while there is an interference effect between the creative class and tolerance. These findings suggest that Florida’s advocacy for generating creative competitiveness across cities and regions by building up selected amenities may be arguable, but that the creative class is substantially contributing to regional economic growth. However, the creative class may have a unique mix with other innovative elements in different contexts. Therefore, instead of extensively focusing on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution that praises ‘cultural consumption’, the present study suggests a ‘three-phrase theory’; which has quite generic and flexible policy focuses on different development stages.
Optimization of Extraction Conditions for the Antioxidant Potential of Different Pumpkin Varieties (Cucurbita maxima)
Authors: Kulczyński Bartosz , Gramza-Michałowska Anna , Królczyk Jolanta B.
Published: February 2020

Antioxidants are a wide group of chemical compounds characterized by high bioactivity. They affect human health by inhibiting the activity of reactive oxygen species. Thus, they limit their harmful effect and reduce the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants are also widely used in the food industry. They prevent the occurrence of unfavourable changes in food products during storage. They inhibit fat oxidation and limit the loss of colour. For this reason, they are often added to meat products. Many diet components exhibit an antioxidative activity. A high antioxidative capacity is attributed to fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs, tea, and red wine. So far, the antioxidative properties of various plant materials have been tested. However, the antioxidative activity of some products has not been thoroughly investigated yet. To date, there have been only a few studies on the antioxidative activity of the pumpkin, including pumpkin seeds, flowers, and leaves, but not the pulp. The main focus of our experiment was to optimize the extraction so as to increase the antioxidative activity of the pumpkin pulp. Variable extraction conditions were used for this purpose, i.e., the type and concentration of the solvent, as well as the time and temperature of the process. In addition, the experiment involved a comparative analysis of the antioxidative potential of 14 pumpkin cultivars of the Cucurbita maxima species. The study showed considerable diversification of the antioxidative activity of different pumpkin cultivars.
Managerial Perceptions of Leadership in Sri Lanka: Good Management and Leadership Excellence as Foundation for Sustainable Leadership Capacity Building in Post-Civil War Sri Lanka
Authors: Selvarajah Christopher , Meyer Denny , Jayakody JASK , Sukunesan Suku
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we examine cultural values that influence the leadership perceptions from a sample of 1140 managers in Sri Lankan organizations. Multivariate analysis such as regression, factor analysis and structural equation modeling was employed to explain leadership excellence. Trust and sustainability were found to be the most important ethical leadership characteristics with three distinct leadership perspectives—nurtured organization, good management and excellent leadership. Implications of this study suggest that trust, sustainability and loyalty should be emulated within a nurtured organization, and good management practice with less emphasis on morality should be emulated for developing HR capacity in Sri Lanka.
The Rape Pomace and Microcrystalline Cellulose Composites Made by Press Processing
Authors: Żelaziński Tomasz , Słoma Jacek , Skudlarski Jacek , Ekielski Adam
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the results of research on biocomposites resulting from the combination of post-extraction rapeseed meal (RP) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The products were fabricated using a press machine with a mould heating system. The biocomposites were then subjected to stress tests, their surface wettability was determined and color analyses were conducted. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), a cross-section observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to examine the structure and thermomechanical properties of the material obtained. The research results showed that an increase in the share of MCC to 8% and increasing the process temperature to 140 °C improved the strength parameters of the products obtained, as well as their thermal resistance. It was also found that the wettability of products was affected both by process temperature and addition of cellulose; similar wettability results were obtained for MCC 8% (120 °C) and MCC 2% (140 °C). Photographs taken using a scanning electron microscope revealed that the biocomposite surface was the smoothest in the case of materials fabricated under the highest process temperature and with the highest MCC proportion.
Identification of Variables that Predict Teachers’ Attitudes toward ICT in Higher Education for Teaching and Research: A Study with Regression
Authors: Guillén-Gámez Francisco D. , Mayorga-Fernández María J.
Published: February 2020

The aim of this research is to analyse the attitudes towards information and communication technologies (ICT) of higher education teachers from an affective, cognitive and behavioural model for teaching and research. It also aimed to explore different factors that can predict such attitudes. A non-experimental study was proposed using a survey technique and descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out using a multiple linear regression model (MLR). In total, the sample was formed by 867 university professors from Spain belonging to different areas of knowledge. The results show that these teachers have a medium total attitudinal level, so the lowest attitudes have been represented by the behavioural ones, followed by the affective ones. Regarding the predictor variables, variables that can predict such attitudes were found to be age, participation in projects, gender and teaching in face-to-face and/or online universities (ordered from highest to lowest priority).
Spatial Pattern of Agricultural Productivity Trends in Malawi
Authors: Mungai Leah M. , Messina Joseph P. , Snapp Sieglinde
Published: February 2020

This study aims to assess spatial patterns of Malawian agricultural productivity trends to elucidate the influence of weather and edaphic properties on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) seasonal time series data over a decade (2006–2017). Spatially-located positive trends in the time series that can’t otherwise be accounted for are considered as evidence of farmer management and agricultural intensification. A second set of data provides further insights, using spatial distribution of farmer reported maize yield, inorganic and organic inputs use, and farmer reported soil quality information from the Malawi Integrated Household Survey (IHS3) and (IHS4), implemented between 2010–2011 and 2016–2017, respectively. Overall, remote-sensing identified areas of intensifying agriculture as not fully explained by biophysical drivers. Further, productivity trends for maize crop across Malawi show a decreasing trend over a decade (2006–2017). This is consistent with survey data, as national farmer reported yields showed low yields across Malawi, where 61% (2010–11) and 69% (2016–17) reported yields as being less than 1000 Kilograms/Hectare. Yields were markedly low in the southern region of Malawi, similar to remote sensing observations. Our generalized models provide contextual information for stakeholders on sustainability of productivity and can assist in targeting resources in needed areas. More in-depth research would improve detection of drivers of agricultural variability.