bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Mg-Doped Sargassum Biochar for Phosphate and Ammonium Recovery
Authors: Lee Ye-Eun , Jeong Yoonah , Shin Dong-Chul , Ahn Kwang-Ho , Jung Jin-Hong , Kim I-Tae
Published: November 2021

Biochars prepared from macro-algae have a lower C/N ratio compared to lignocellulosic biochar, which is advantageous for direct nutrition. In particular, Sargassum, a marine macro-algae, has a high Mg content; hence, it can be expected to adsorb P and N simultaneously. In this study, Sargassum horneri biochar (SB), pyrolyzed at 400, 500, and 600 °C, was doped with innate Mg through water leaching, and nutrient recovery from the wastewater-mimicking solution was confirmed. The biochar pyrolyzed at 600 °C showed maximum Mg adsorption during water leaching, and the efficiency of K and Na removal was also high, at 92.7% and 91.9%, respectively. The addition of MgCl2 during pyrolysis and high ion exchange did not show distinct advantages for surface modification and nutrient adsorption. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the participation of biochar in the surface adsorption of Mg and PO4 recovery. The PO4 sorption capacity of biochar reached >120 mg·g−1, while the sorption capacity for NH4 was low, at 22.8–28.2 mg·g−1, suggesting that Mg-surface-doped SB presented excellent phosphorus recovery. Hence, upgrading an adsorbent as a wastewater-treatment material and soil ameliorant that recovers nutrients using innate Mg from Sargassum is possible through appropriate surface modification.
Protecting the Local Landscape or Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions? A Study on Social Acceptance and Preferences towards the Installation of a Wind Farm
Authors: De Salvo Maria , Notaro Sandra , Cucuzza Giuseppe , Giuffrida Laura , Signorello Giovanni
Published: November 2021

We conducted a contingent valuation survey to estimate the social acceptance and preferences of a local community towards the installation of a wind farm in a countryside area presenting significant aesthetic, cultural, and identity place attributes. We focused on two opposite potential externalities caused by wind turbines. The first relates to the contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission through the production of green energy. The second concerns the degradation of rural landscape assets. In the sample, we identified factors for or against the installation of the wind farm. People in favor of the wind farm were asked to state their willingness to pay for reducing the effect of global warming by purchasing electricity produced by wind turbines. People against it were solicited to declare their willingness to pay to avoid landscape loss. Welfare measures were elicited using a payment card elicitation format and quantified through different estimation models. An analysis of data revealed high heterogeneity in attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of citizens towards the two potentially competing environmental goods. The willingness to pay for reducing the effect of global warming was much higher than the willingness to pay for avoiding the loss of the rural landscape.
Sustainable Solutions with Geosynthetics and Alternative Construction Materials—A Review
Authors: Palmeira Ennio M. , Araújo Gregório L. S. , Santos Eder C. G.
Published: November 2021

Geosynthetics have proven to provide sustainable solutions for geotechnical and geoenvironmental problems when used with natural materials. Therefore, the expected benefits to the environment when geosynthetics are associated with unconventional or alternative construction materials will be even greater. This paper addresses the use of geosynthetics with wasted materials in different applications. The potential uses of alternative materials such as wasted tires, construction and demolition wastes, and plastic bottles are presented and discussed considering results from laboratory and field tests. Combinations of geosynthetics and alternative construction materials applied to reinforced soil structures, drainage systems for landfills, barriers, and stabilisation of embankments on soft grounds are discussed. The results show the feasibility of such combinations, and that they are beneficial to the environment and in line with the increasing trend towards a circular economy and sustainable development.
Analyzing a Decade of Wind Turbine Accident News with Topic Modeling
Authors: Ertek Gürdal , Kailas Lakshmi
Published: November 2021

Despite the significance and growth of wind energy as a major source of renewable energy, research on the risks of wind turbines in the form of accidents and failures has attracted limited attention. Research that applies data analytics methodologically in this context is scarce. The research presented here, upon construction of a text corpus of 721 selected wind turbine accident and failure news reports, develops and applies a custom-developed data analytics framework that integrates tabular analysis, visualization, text mining, and machine learning. Topic modeling was applied for the first time to identify and classify recurring themes in wind turbine accident news, and association mining was applied to identify contextual terms associated with death and injury. The tabular and visual analyses relate accidents to location (offshore vs. onshore), wind turbine life cycle phases (transportation, construction, operation, and maintenance), and the incidence of death and injury. As one of the insights, more incidents were found to occur during operation and transportation. Through topic modeling, topics associated most with deaths and injuries were revealed. The results could benefit wind turbine manufacturers, service providers, energy companies, insurance companies, government bodies, non-profit organizations, researchers, and other stakeholders in the wind energy sector.
Are We Missing the Opportunity of Low-Carbon Lifestyles? International Climate Policy Commitments and Demand-Side Gaps
Authors: Salem Janet , Lenzen Manfred , Hotta Yasuhiko
Published: November 2021

Current commitments in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are insufficient to remain within the 2-degree climate change limit agreed to in the Paris Agreement. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that lifestyle changes are now necessary to stay within the limit. We reviewed a range of NDCs and national climate change strategies to identify inclusion of low-carbon lifestyles. We found that most NDCs and national climate change strategies do not yet include the full range of necessary mitigation measures targeting lifestyle change, particularly those that could reduce indirect emissions. Some exceptional NDCs, such as those of Austria, Slovakia, Portugal and the Netherlands, do include lifestyle changes, such as low-carbon diets, reduced material consumption, and low-carbon mobility. Most countries focus on supply-side measures with long lag times and might miss the window of opportunity to shape low-carbon lifestyle patterns, particularly those at early stages of development trajectories. Systemic barriers exist that should be corrected before new NDCs are released, including changing the accounting and reporting methodology, accounting for extraterritorial emissions, providing guidance on NDC scope to include the menu of options identified by the IPCC, and increasing support for national level studies to design demand-side policies.
The Healthcare Organization in COVID-19 Age: An Evaluation Framework for the Performance of a Telemonitoring Model
Authors: Salvatore Fiorella Pia , Fanelli Simone
Published: November 2021

Telemedicine services (TS) are not only supportive for healthcare professionals, but managers also see them as essential for the provision of an efficient, effective, and sustainable healthcare service. Several systems make TS available in different ways and contexts. However, no commonly accepted framework meets the need to draw conclusions about which TS can efficiently be measured. For this purpose, a framework is proposed in order to define a dynamic method of performance evaluation that can be used to improve the sustainable management of a telemonitoring model for COVID-19 patients. A case study analysis based on the experience of three telemedicine networks in different locations providing telemonitoring services (northern, central, and southern Italy) was performed. A total of four phases (1. Identification of the target population; 2. Identification of health needs; 3. Definition of the operational plan; and 4. Monitoring of the service by indicators), and seven indicators have been identified. Despite the differences raised in the Italian contexts, applying a performance evaluation framework could help the managerial sector to understand if the service is working as intended and what effects the service is producing on the healthcare organization. Considering the long-term field experience, this framework is an easy-to-use tool that will allow healthcare organizations to evaluate the performance of their telemonitoring model, and improve it according to new needs. Providing a healthcare service in an efficient context is fundamental for the sustainability of the health system as a whole.
Ensuring Sustainable Freight Carriage through Interoperability between Maritime and Rail Transport
Authors: Jarašūnienė Aldona , Čižiūnienė Kristina
Published: November 2021

With increasing freight flows and their carriage, sustainability in the transport sector is one of today’s key challenges. With expanding geographical coverage of consumers, manufacturers and all participants in the logistics chain, sustainable carriage is becoming a considerable challenge, which can possibly be tackled by interoperability between different modes of transport. However, even in this context, there are endless difficulties, such as the compatibility of modes of transport, completion of documentation, compatibility of information systems and technologies, and the like. This article examines the importance of interoperability between maritime and rail transport in the development of international freight carriage. A theoretical assessment of maritime and rail transport interoperability covering the need for the application of information systems (IS) in the field of maritime and rail transport is presented, as well as distinguishing research problems relating to this interoperability and the presentation of key results. The quantitative and qualitative research methods applied in this article, the results of the research as well as the expert assessment of the activities of companies providing maritime and rail transport services are presented to verify the adaptation of the developed model.
Performance Assessment on the Application of Artificial Intelligence to Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Construction Material Industry
Authors: Liu Kuang-Sheng , Lin Ming-Hung
Published: November 2021

Along with global geopolitical complex, information network security issues and increased natural disasters, risk management should be well considered in the construction material industry to re-integrate and establish stiff and flexible supply chains in order to cope with emergencies in the future market. Taking the construction material industry in Taiwan as the research object, representative enterprises with artificial intelligence applied sustainable supply chain management are studied. With the Delphi method and data envelopment analysis, the public data of annual statistics reports of the enterprises are used for selecting the performance indicators of inputs and outputs. Empirical data analysis is also performed to provide reference for the improvement. The research results are summarized as follows. 1. Substituting various input/output index values into CCR and BCC models, the overall production efficiency and pure technical efficiency of enterprises are calculated; by dividing the two, the returns to scale of enterprises are acquired. 2. Critical factors in artificial intelligence applied sustainable supply chain management could be found out through sensitivity analysis. Using the rate of sensitivity change as the evaluation baseline, sensitive factors contain financial aspect, scale aspect, financial performance, and profit before tax. Finally, discussions are proposed according to the results, expecting to help domestic businesses in the construction material industry establish steady and flexible supply chains and present diversified procurement sources to reinforce the emergency defensive ability of the construction material industry.
Can the “VUCA Meter” Augment the Traditional Project Risk Identification Process? A Case Study
Authors: Fridgeirsson Thordur Vikingur , Ingason Helgi Thor , Björnsdottir Svana Helen , Gunnarsdottir Agnes Yr
Published: November 2021

In this rapidly changing and fast-growing world, sustainability is an important paradigm. However, the constantly growing level of uncertainty leads to increased strain in decision making. This results in a growing need for a more effective and extensive approach for identifying project risk in particular events that are not easily detected but can have a severe impact, sometimes referred to as Black Swans or “fat tail” events. The VUCA meter is a normative approach to identify project risk by assessing in a structured way events that may be volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous and might contribute to the project risk. In this study, the VUCA meter is benchmarked against a traditional risk identification process as recommended by PMI®. Firstly, two workshops, each referring to the respective risk identification method, were conducted. Secondly, a Delphi survey was run to investigate if the VUCA meter would capture Black Swan risk events that are bypassed by the traditional risk identification approach. The results clearly indicate that the VUCA meter can be developed to be a significant addition to the conventional risk identification process for large projects that are at an early stage. The VUCA meter facilitates a discussion that gets people to think beyond the traditional framework for identifying project risk factors. As a consequence, “fat tail” events, that are not apprehended with the conventional technique, are captured by the VUCA meter.
Relationship Analysis among Apparel Brand Image, Self-Congruity, and Consumers’ Purchase Intention
Authors: Chen Lihong , Halepoto Habiba , Liu Chunhong , Kumari Naveeta , Yan Xinfeng , Du Qinying , Memon Hafeezullah
Published: November 2021

Brand image has been a crucial clue to making subjective judgment for consumers to determine the brand, which is critical to making a purchase decision. The influence mechanism from apparel brand images on consumers’ purchase intention was explored for theoretical and positive analysis based on the self-congruity theory. This research first constructed a hypothetical model of apparel brand images influencing consumers’ purchase intention with self-congruity and perceived quality as mediators, in which a questionnaire was designed and conducted to test the theoretical model. The research shows that apparel brand image and perceived quality can significantly influence consumers’ purchase intention. The consumer purchase intention is directly related to clothing brand image provided self-consistency and perceived quality play an intermediary with the regulatory effect of self-motivation and brand familiarity. A positive attitude toward apparel brand image will stimulate consumers to build cognitive clues and associations between the consumers and the brand and strengthen cognitive consistency with the apparel brand’s spirit. The research results are beneficial to textile fashion and clothing enterprises to improve brand building and marketing.
Optimization of PEMFC Model Parameters Using Meta-Heuristics
Authors: Mahdinia Saeideh , Rezaie Mehrdad , Elveny Marischa , Ghadimi Noradin , Razmjooy Navid
Published: November 2021

The present study introduces an economical–functional design for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system. To do so, after introducing the optimization problem and solving the problem based on the presented equations in the fuel cell, a cost model is presented. The final design is employed for minimizing the construction cost of a 50 kW fuel cell stack, along with the costs of accessories regarding the current density, stoichiometric coefficient of the hydrogen and air, and pressure of the system as well as the temperature of the system as optimization parameters. The functional–economic model is developed for the studied system in which all components of the system are modeled economically as well as electrochemically–mechanically. The objective function is solved by a newly improved metaheuristic technique, called converged collective animal behavior (CCAB) optimizer. The final results of the method are compared with the standard CAB optimizer and genetic algorithm as a popular technique. The results show that the best optimal cost with 0.1061 $/kWh is achieved by the CCAB. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is provided for analyzing the consistency of the method.
Applying Data Mining Approaches for Analyzing Hazardous Materials Transportation Accidents on Different Types of Roads
Authors: Wei Shanshan , Shen Xiaoyan , Shao Minhua , Sun Lijun
Published: November 2021

With the increase in the demand for and transportation of hazardous materials (Hazmat), frequent Hazmat road transport accidents, high death tolls and property damage have caused widespread societal concern. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out risk factor analysis of Hazmat transportation; predict the severity of accidents; and develop targeted, extensive and refined preventive measures to guarantee the safety of Hazmat road transportation. Based on the philosophy of graded risk management, this study used a priori algorithms in association rule mining (ARM) technology to analyze Hazmat transport accidents, using road types as classification criteria to find rules that had strong associations with property-damage-only (PDO) accidents and casualty (CAS) accidents under different road types. The results indicated that accidents involving PDO had a strong association with weather (WEA), traffic signals (TS), surface conditions (SC), fatigue (FAT) and vehicle safety status (VSS), and that accidents involving CAS had a strong association with VSS, equipment safety status (ESS), time of day (TOD) and WEA when urban roads were used for Hazmat transportation. Among Hazmat transport incidents on rural roads, the incidence of PDO accidents was associated with intersections (IN), SC, WEA, vehicle type (VT), and segment type (ST), while the occurrence of CAS accidents was associated with qualification (QUA), ESS, TS, VSS, SC, WEA, TOD, and month (MON). Strong associations between the occurrence of PDO accidents and related items, such as IN, SC, WEA and FAT, and the occurrence of CAS accidents and related items, such as ESS, TOD, VSS, WEA and SC, were identified for Hazmat road transport accidents on highways. The accident characteristics exemplified by strongly correlated rules were used as the input to the prediction model. Considering the scarcity of these events, four prediction models were selected to predict the severity of Hazmat accidents on each road type employing four analyses, and the most suitable prediction model was determined based on the evaluation criteria. The results showed that extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) is preferable for predicting the severity of Hazmat accidents occurring on urban roads and highways, while nearest neighbor classification (NNC) is more suitable for predicting the severity of Hazmat accidents occurring on rural roads.
The Study on Compound Drought and Heatwave Events in China Using Complex Networks
Authors: Li Kaiwen , Wang Ming , Liu Kai
Published: November 2021

Compound extreme events can severely impact water security, food security, and social and economic development. Compared with single-hazard events, compound extreme events cause greater losses. Therefore, understanding the spatial and temporal variations in compound extreme events is important to prevent the risks they cause. Only a few studies have analyzed the spatial and temporal relations of compound extreme events from the perspective of a complex network. In this study, we define compound drought and heatwave events (CDHEs) using the monthly scale standard precipitation index (SPI), and the definition of a heatwave is based on daily maximum temperature. We evaluate the spatial and temporal variations in CDHEs in China from 1961 to 2018 and discuss the impact of maximum temperature and precipitation changes on the annual frequency and annual magnitude trends of CDHEs. Furthermore, a synchronization strength network is established using the event synchronization method, and the proposed synchronization strength index (SSI) is used to divide the network into eight communities to identify the propagation extent of CDHEs, where each community represents a region with high synchronization strength. Finally, we explore the impact of summer Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on CDHEs in different communities. The results show that, at a national scale, the mean frequency of CDHEs takes on a non-significant decreasing trend, and the mean magnitude of CDHEs takes on a non-significant increasing trend. The significant trends in the annual frequency and annual magnitude of CDHEs are attributed to maximum temperature and precipitation changes. AMO positively modulates the mean frequency and mean magnitude of CDHEs within community 1 and 2, and negatively modulates the mean magnitude of CDHEs within community 3. PDO negatively modulates the mean frequency and mean magnitude of CDHEs within community 4. AMO and PDO jointly modulate the mean magnitude of CDHEs within community 6 and 8. Overall, this study provides a new understanding of CDHEs to mitigate their severe effects.
Smart Glass Coatings for Innovative BIPV Solutions
Authors: Trattnig Roman , Cattaneo Gianluca , Voronko Yuliya , Eder Gabriele C. , Moor Dieter , Jamschek Florian , Buchsteiner Thomas
Published: November 2021

The glossy appearance of the cover glass of a photovoltaic module is mainly responsible for giving the module a mirroring effect, which is often disturbing in the case of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) façade applications. In this work, an innovative approach is presented to reduce the glare of BIPV modules by applying surface coatings to the front glass of the module. Three different glass coating technologies, applied on the outer surface of the photovoltaic module, were investigated: inkjet printing, screen printing, and sol-gel spray coating. The coatings, applied by these technologies in three different colours (grey, anthracite, and terracotta), were characterized with respect to their adhesion, light transmission, and reflection. Their chemical and physical stability after stress impact (condensed water resistance and chemical resistance against acids and salt-fog) was also investigated. The durability of these coatings was further evaluated after performing environmental simulations with artificial sunlight (xenon weathering) on coated glass. Additionally, accelerated aging tests (damp-heat testing, temperature cycling) were performed on the test modules to assess their performance stability. For those coatings, where no stress-induced changes in colour or the optical appearance of the module surface were detected, the potential for the architectural integration of the modules into building facades is high. A minimum glare of less than 0.1% of the specular reflection could be achieved. On the basis of the results of the optical characterization and the durability tests, grey screen-printed BIPV solar modules were installed in a demonstrator test façade. The high electrical performance, resulting in only a 10–11% performance decrease compared to the noncoated reference modules, perfectly showed the suitability of screen-printing in future applications for coloured and glare-reduced BIPV installations.
Disaster Risk Mapping: A Desk Review of Global Best Practices and Evidence for South Asia
Authors: Amarnath Giriraj , Amarasinghe Upali A. , Alahacoon Niranga
Published: November 2021

The frequency, intensity, and variability of natural hazards are increasing with climate change. Detailed sub-national information on disaster risks associated with individual and multi-hazards enables better spatial targeting of adaptation and mitigation measures. This paper reviews the global best practices of disaster risk mapping (DRM) to assess the nature and magnitude of disasters, and the vulnerability and risks at the sub-national level in South Asian countries. While some global DRMs focus on vulnerability, others assess risks. Most DRMs focus on national-level vulnerability and risks. Those which focus on the sub-national risks have a limited scope and different methodologies for evaluating risks, mainly in relation to the population. Climate change exposes not only people but also many infrastructures, assets and their impacts to disaster risk. For DRMs to be useful tools for sub-national planning, they require a coherent methodology and a high-resolution spatial focus. The vulnerability and risk assessments should focus on different aspects, including population, infrastructure, and assets in various economic sectors of agriculture, industry, and services.
Efficiency Enhancement of an Ammonia-Based Solar Thermochemical Energy Storage System Implemented with Hydrogen Permeation Membrane
Authors: Xia Qi , Feng Shuaiming , Kong Mingmin , Chen Chen
Published: November 2021

The ammonia-based solar thermochemical energy storage (TCES) is one of the most promising solar TCESs. However, the solar-to-electric efficiency is still not high enough for further commercialization. The efficiency is limited by the high ammonia decomposition reaction temperature, which does not only increase the exergy loss through the heat recuperation but also causes a large re-radiation loss. Nonetheless, lowering the reaction temperature would impact the conversion and the energy storage capacity. Thanks to the recent development of the membrane technology, the hydrogen permeation membrane has the potential to enhance the conversion of ammonia decomposition under the moderate operating temperature. In this paper, an ammonia-based solar thermochemical energy storage system implemented with hydrogen permeation membrane is proposed for the first time. The system model has been developed using the Aspen Plus software implemented with user-defined Fortran subroutines. The model is validated by comparing model-generated reactor temperatures and conversions profiles with data from references. With the validated model, an exergy analysis is performed to investigate the main exergy losses of the system. Furthermore, the effects of the membrane on system efficiency improvement are studied. The results show that exergy loss in the charging loop is dominant, among which the exergy losses of Heat Exchanger Eh,A, together with that of the re-radiation Er, play important roles. Compared with the conventional system, i.e., the system without the membrane, the Eh,A and Er of the proposed system are more than 30% lower because the hydrogen permeation membrane can improve ammonia conversion at a lower endothermic reaction outlet temperature. Consequently, the proposed system, presumably realized by the parabolic trough collector at ~400 °C, has a theoretical solar-to-electric efficiency of ηste, which is 4.4% higher than the conventional ammonia-based solar thermochemical energy storage system. Last but not least, the efficiency is 3.7% higher than that of a typical parabolic trough solar power plant, which verifies the thermodynamic feasibility of further commercialization.
AR Learning Environment Integrated with EIA Inquiry Model: Enhancing Scientific Literacy and Reducing Cognitive Load of Students
Authors: Yang Yang , Cai Su , Wen Yuxi , Li Jiangxu , Jiao Xinyue
Published: November 2021

This study constructed the EIA (Experience–Inquiry–Application) model to evaluate its extent on promoting scientific inquiry activities under an AR learning environment in an upper primary science course setting. Two hundred and nine fifth-grade Chinese students were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions, as a quasi-experiment was conducted to investigate how the EIA model and the AR learning environment influence students’ science learning. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Quantitative data suggest that students who participated in the EIA model under the AR setting performed the best; it also gives evidence to support that both the EIA model and the AR environment has significant positive effects on students’ performance in science learning. Qualitative data, in the form of a semi-structured interview with teachers and students, reveal that AR is able to be used for experiments that were originally deemed impossible, and it inspires students’ motivation for knowledge acquisition. Moreover, the EIA model empowers students in small-group collaboration, and is a good pedagogical tool to summarize units. EIA and AR form a bond of theory and technology and it strengthens students in manifold ways when it is deeply interwoven.
Biochemical Methane Potential and Kinetic Parameters of Goat Manure at Various Inoculum to Substrate Ratios
Authors: Kaur Harjinder , Kommalapati Raghava R
Published: November 2021

Anaerobic digestion is a proven technology for managing manure while harvesting natural gas and digestate as a biofertilizer. The biochemical methane potential (BMP), biodegradability, and kinetic parameters of goat manure (GM) were investigated at different inoculum to substrate ratios (ISRs). The cumulative biomethane yields at the ISRs of 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.1, 1.3, and 2.6 were 191.7, 214.3, 214.9, 225.9, 222.1, 222.8, and 229.9 mL gvs−1, respectively. The biomethane yield at all ISRs was significantly higher than control (0 ISR). Above the ISR of 0.0, the biomethane yield was similar among all ISRs. The biodegradability of GM at the ISRs of 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.1, 1.3, and 2.6 varied between 73.3% and 78.7% and was statistically similar. In total, 90% of the yield was observed in 31 and 32 days in control and all other ISRs, respectively. The modified Gompertz equation fitted very well (R2 = 0.99) to the BMP of GM but predicted the lag phase (λ) of 3.2–5.2 days against observed 8–10 days among control and other ISRs.
Mobile Robots and RFID Technology-Based Smart Care Environment for Minimizing Risks Related to Employee Turnover during Pandemics
Authors: Poberznik Anja , Leino Mirka , Huhtasalo Jenni , Jyräkoski Taina , Valo Pauli , Lehtinen Tommi , Kortelainen Joonas , Merilampi Sari , Virkki Johanna
Published: November 2021

During a pandemic, it is imperative that all staff members have up-to-date information on changing work practices in the healthcare environment. This article presents a way to implement work environment orientation amongst different groups in care facilities by utilizing mobile robots, radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, and data synthesis. We offer a scenario based on a co-design approach, in which a mobile robot works as an orientation guide for new employees, RFID tags are applied on objects around the premises and people’s clothing. The mobile robot takes advantage of the information provided by its known location and each RFID tag read by the RFID reader integrated with the robot. We introduce the scenario here, along with the details of its practical test implementation. Further, the challenges met in the test implementation are discussed as well as the future potential of its application. In conclusion, our study indicates that repetitive training and orientation-related duties can be successfully transferred to a mobile robot. Through RFID, the mobile robot can deliver the relevant information to the right people and thus contribute to patient and personnel safety and the resource efficiency of the orientation process.
Refugees’ Integration in the Built Environment: The Sweden Case
Authors: Hamza Mo
Published: November 2021

The resettlement and integration of a displaced population into a new society faces a plethora of challenges. These range from lack of national legal frameworks to plan and implement planned relocation, to the absence of a long-term vision, inadequate funds, and poor institutional structures. The 3-year EU Erasmus+ funded REGARD Project (REbuildinG AfteR Displacement) set out to address some of these challenges and develop guidance with a focus on the roles and responsibilities of the host and the resettled community in order to understand the needs of both. This paper focuses on the Swedish experience (one of four case studies in the project) in the aftermath of the mass influx of Syrian refugees in 2015. A needs assessment conceptual framework of both host and displaced communities guided the multi-method approach applied in the Sweden case where data was drawn from a scoped literature review on issues related to integration and social cohesion complimented and validated by in-depth interviews with a number of municipalities and non-governmental organizations all working with asylum seekers resettlement. The results of the research indicate that while the Swedish case was a relative success by comparison to others in Europe, there was still systemic shortcomings that needed attention. First, cooperation and coordination between government and non-governmental actors and at different levels up and down the chain of services provided for resettled refugees is still lacking where the reality on the ground is not fully grasped by centrally driven policy and decision-making. Second, what determines the effectiveness of resettlement and integration efforts is focusing on the individuality of each displacee’s needs and circumstances where one-size does not fit all, and recognizing that integration is a two-way process that has to involve both host and guest community and not simply the absorption of one into the other. Finally, the paper concludes that the pressured and often highly politicized situations both host and guest community are put into usually force rapid responses, while long-term visions and sustainable solutions when adequate time is taken to establish trust and build viable networks between the two communities can lead to far better results.
Crude Glycerol as a Potential Feedstock for Future Energy via Thermochemical Conversion Processes: A Review
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Inayat Abrar , Abu-Jdayil Basim
Published: November 2021

Biodiesel is an emerging substitute for petroleum-based products. It is considered an ecologically safe and sustainable fuel. The high cost of biodiesel production is linearly related to its feedstock. Crude glycerol, which is a by-product of the biodiesel industry, is also a major challenge that must be addressed. A large volume of crude glycerol needs to be disposed of, and this involves processing, dumping, and land requirements. This increases the cost of biodiesel production. One way to decrease the cost of biodiesel production is to utilize its by-product to make valuable products. Crude glycerol can be processed to produce a variety of chemicals and products. The present utilization of crude glycerol is not enough to bring down its surplus availability. Thermochemical conversion processes can utilize crude glycerol as a starting feedstock and convert it into solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. The utilization of crude glycerol through integrated thermochemical conversion processes could lead to an integrated biorefinery. This review paper highlights the research scope for areas where crude glycerol could be utilized as a feedstock or co-feedstock in thermochemical conversion technology. Various thermochemical conversion processes, namely, gasification, pyrolysis, combustion, catalytic steam reforming, liquefaction, and supercritical water reforming, are discussed and shown to be highly suitable for the use of crude glycerol as an economical feedstock. It is found that the integration of crude glycerol with other thermochemical conversion processes for energy production is a promising option to overcome the challenges related to biodiesel production costs. Hence, this paper provides all the necessary information on the present utilization status of crude glycerol in thermochemical conversion processes, as well as identifying possible research gaps that could be filled by future research studies.
Social Obstetrics as Niche-Development in Addressing Health Inequities
Authors: Barsties Lisa S. , Steenbergen Frank S. van , Loorbach Derk
Published: November 2021

We apply a transition research perspective to the Dutch obstetric care system to analyze historic, current, and future shifts and find ways to overcome persistent health inequities. We present social obstetrics as an emerging niche that addresses perinatal health inequities by acknowledging their multifaceted origins and fostering collaborations across the medical, social, and public health sectors. We conducted desk research, in-depth semi-structured expert interviews, and interactive group sessions with change-inclined professionals that are relevant for the implementation of social obstetrics in six Dutch municipalities. The outcomes are synthesized in a historical narrative and perspectives on current obstacles and future systemic shifts. We argue that social obstetrics can be considered a sustainable addition to what is already present, instead of a disruptive transformation of the current system. Social obstetrics is innovative as it connects various societal systems and offers a framework for cross-sectoral collaboration. These collaborations, in turn, can be the starting point for the transformation of the obstetric care system as well as other relevant societal systems.
From the Guest Editors: Happy and Healthy Cities
Authors: Toger Marina , Kourtit Karima , Nijkamp Peter
Published: November 2021

Cities in the 21st century are magnets for people and business [...]
Value Chain Analysis of Eucalyptus Wood Products in the Blue Nile Highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaw Amare , Senbeta Feyera , Alemu Dawit , Teferi Ermias
Published: November 2021

Eucalyptus wood products contribute significantly to the income of smallholder growers in many parts of Ethiopia. This has incentivized smallholders to convert arable lands to Eucalyptus plantation. Given the limited attention and availability of empirical evidence, this study examined the Eucalyptus wood products value chain in terms of the actors engaged, the type and importance of channels, margins analysis and the overall value chain governance in the main Eucalyptus growing areas of the Blue Nile highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia in 2019/2020. Sources of data were randomly selected 388 Eucalyptus grower households and 166 Eucalyptus wood traders, complemented by an interview with key informants, group discussions and direct observations. The results reveal that a total of 2,051,114.75 m3 of Eucalyptus wood was produced in the study area and Eucalyptus plantations are expanding over crop lands at a rate of 102.35 ha a year on average. Many actors involved handle a large volume of wood in eight main channels with a high disparity in the shares of the margins. We found that Eucalyptus is the main source of cash earning, contributing about 45.76% to the total annual income of smallholder growers. Little policy attention, a lack of sectoral integration, missing infrastructure and an absence of modern wood processing factories are among the key challenges impeding the performance of the wood sector value chain. There are however existing opportunities for the development of the wood sector value chain such as favorable growing conditions and the spectacular growing demand for wood products. The study provides valuable insights about the wood sector value chain and actions towards ensuring sustainable value chains and the commercialization of the sector.
A Bibliometric Overview of Tourism Family Business
Authors: Forés Beatriz , Breithaupt Janssen Zélia , Takashi Kato Heitor
Published: November 2021

Family businesses are of particular economic relevance in the international hospitality and tourism industry. However, there are few studies that address their specific characteristics and objectives. The aim of this study is to produce a bibliometric overview that reveals the structure underpinning the analysis of the tourism family business in the business and management research field. The study also reveals the evolution of this research over time, as well as the most relevant related concepts and study gaps. Through a keyword co-occurrence analysis and a systematic review of 129 studies on tourism family businesses published between 1997 and 2020, the main contributions were organized into four thematic clusters, which include specific theoretical approaches. The clusters are Entrepreneurship, Marketing Orientation and Innovation Performance; Capabilities and Competitiveness; Sustainability; and Strategy and Economic Performance. On the basis of these results, this study introduces an integrative framework for tourism family business research, clarifying the rich diversity of research paths that seek to explain tourism business competitiveness, and identifying potential directions for future research aimed at further developing the field.
The Social and Psychological Effects of Inclusive Education of Persons with Hearing Disability in Society: A Field Study at the Disability Resource Centre (Sharjah University)
Authors: Yousif Nagwa Babiker Abdalla , Youssef Enaam Mohammed , Abdelrahman Rasha Mohamed
Published: November 2021

The objective of inclusive education is to increase the quality of social and psychological integration in society of students with disabilities in the learning process. This study aimed to identify the social and psychological effects of inclusive education of students with hearing disabilities at Sharjah University’s Disability Resource Centre. The study adopted a descriptive analytical approach with a purposive sample comprising 24 students with hearing impairment. An electronic questionnaire comprising 25 psychological and social statements and nine open-ended questions was administered to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The results revealed positive correlation coefficients between inclusive education and both psychological adjustment and social interaction and negative relationships between gender and age and both social interaction and psychological adaptation variables (for age ρ = 0.091 and ρ = 0.262 and for gender ρ = 0.47 and ρ = 0.076, respectively). A statistically significant difference of less than 0.05 was found in favour of those who agreed that inclusion affects psychological adaptation. A statistically significant difference of less than 0.05 was found in favour of students who agreed that inclusion affects social interaction. The research results can be used in the practice of inclusive education to determine ways to improve the social and psychological adaptation of students with hearing impairments.
Incorporating Future Climate Scenarios in Oil Industry’s Risk Assessment: A Greek Refinery Case Study
Authors: Katopodis Theodoros , Adamides Emmanuel D. , Sfetsos Athanasios , Mountouris Antonios
Published: November 2021

The impacts of climate change are anticipated to become stronger in the future, leading to higher costs and more severe accidents in the oil industry’s facilities and surrounding communities. Motivated by this, the main objective of this paper is to develop, for the oil industry, a risk assessment methodology that considers future climate projections. In the context of an action research effort, carried out in a refinery in Greece, we adapted the organization’s extant risk management approach based on the Risk Assessment Matrix (RAM) and suggested a risk quantification process that incorporates future climate projections. The Climate Risk Assessment Matrix (CRAM) was developed to be used to assess the exposure of the facility’s assets, including human resources, to future climate risks. To evaluate CRAM, a comparison with RAM for the specific organization for the period 1980–2004 was made. Next, the application of CRAM for the period 2025–2049 indicated that, even though the resilience of the operations of the company to extreme conditions seems adequate at present, increased attention should be paid in the future to the resilience of refinery processes, the cooling system, and human resources. Beyond the specific case, the paper provides lessons for similar organizations and infrastructures located elsewhere.
Simulation of Slag–Matte/Metal Equilibria for Complex and Low-Grade Raw Materials
Authors: Taskinen Pekka , Avarmaa Katri
Published: November 2021

The depleting and increasingly complex mineral resources bring challenges into the area of metal production, bringing new boundary conditions to the smelting and refining processes. Thermodynamics of phases and equilibria are the key to the analysis of pyrometallurgical processes, enabling descriptions of their limiting boundary conditions. The raw material basis of non-ferrous metals needs an effective control of iron oxide fluxing due to the challenging fact that the targeted metal values of, e.g., copper, nickel, lead, and tin will exist as minority components in the smelter feeds compared to iron sulphides, gangue, and many harmful elements. This means more complex slag compositions and the amount of produced slag being several times that of the metal production. This feature severely impacts the heat balance of the smelting vessels where autogenous operation without external fuels becomes more and more difficult to maintain.
Megaprojects, Gentrification, and Tourism. A Systematic Review on Intertwined Phenomena
Authors: Hübscher Marcus
Published: November 2021

Within the neoliberal context of today’s urbanism, a growing number of inner-city megaprojects aim to transform brownfield sites—accompanied by gentrification and tourism. However, there is no systematic review exploring the interplay between these phenomena. This paper aims to systemize the existing scientific contributions by means of a literature review. Using different databases, a total number of 797 scientific documents have been identified. After several screening steps, a final set of 66 studies was included in the review. I present an analysis from a quantitative and a qualitative perspective, exploring bibliometric aspects, concepts, methods, and relevant lines of discussion. The area studied is a relatively young and emerging field. Within the discussion, there is a strong dominance of countries located in the global north, with Spain, the UK, and the U.S. at the forefront. From a methodological point of view, qualitative and mixed methods are mostly applied. The discussion of megaprojects, gentrification, and tourism has an important descriptive focus, with main topics such as planning, justice, and motivations. There are considerable conceptual deficits, as one-quarter of the studies do not clearly explain their methods. Future research needs to find ways to enable knowledge transfer to planning practice.
Quantum Steering in Two- and Three-Mode ??-Symmetric Systems
Authors: Le Duc Vinh , Kalaga Joanna K. , Leoński Wiesław , Nowotarski Mateusz , Gruszka Konrad , Kostrzewa Małgorzata
Published: November 2021

We consider two PT-symmetric models, consisting of two or three single-mode cavities. In both models, the cavities are coupled to each other by linear interactions, forming a linear chain. Additionally, the first and last of such cavities interact with an environment. Since the models are PT-symmetric, they are described by non-Hermitian Hamiltonians that, for a specific range of system parameters, possess real eigenvalues. We show that in the models considered in the article, the steering generation process strongly depends on the coupling strengths and rates of the gains/losses in energy. Moreover, we find the values of parameters describing the system for which the steering appears.