bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight into the Charge-Ratio-Tuned Solar Vapor Generation of Polyion Complex Hydrogel/Coal Powder Composites
Authors: Ji Zhiteng , Zhao Jianhang , Feng Shanhao , Zhu Fengbo , Yu Wenwen , Ye Yanan , Zheng Qiang
Published: May 2023

Solar-driven water purification has been deemed a promising technology to address the issue of clean water scarcity. However, traditional solar distillers often suffer from low evaporation rates under natural sunlight irradiation, while the high costs of the fabrication of photothermal materials further hinders their practical applications. Here, through the harnessing of the complexation process of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte solutions, a polyion complex hydrogel/coal powder composite (HCC)-based highly efficient solar distiller is reported. In particular, the influence of the charge ratio of polyanion-to-polycation on the solar vapor generation performance of HCC has been systematically investigated. Together with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the Raman spectrum method, it is found that a deviation from the charge balance point not only alters the microporous structure of HCC and weakens its water transporting capabilities, but also leads to a decreased content of activated water molecules and enlarges the energy barrier of water evaporation. As a result, HCC prepared at the charge balance point exhibits the highest evaporation rate of 3.12 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun irradiation, with a solar–vapor conversion efficiency as high as 88.83%. HCC also exhibits remarkable solar vapor generation (SVG) performance for the purification of various water bodies. In simulated seawater (3.5 wt% NaCl solutions), the evaporation rate can be as high as 3.22 kg m−2 h−1. In acid and alkaline solutions, HCCs are capable of maintaining high evaporation rates of 2.98 and 2.85 kg m−2 h−1, respectively. It is anticipated that this study may provide insights for the design of low-cost next-generation solar evaporators, and broaden the practical applications of SVG for seawater desalination and industrial wastewater purification.
VO-Notches Subjected to Tension–Torsion Loading: Experimental and Theoretical Fracture Study on Polymeric Samples
Authors: Talebi Hossein , Askari Mohsen , Ayatollahi Majid , Cicero Sergio
Published: May 2023

In this research, the fracture behavior of brittle specimens weakened by V-shaped notches with end holes (VO-notches) is studied. First, an experimental investigation is conducted to evaluate the effect of VO-notches on fracture behavior. To this end, VO-notched samples of PMMA are made and exposed to pure opening mode loading, pure tearing mode loading, and some combinations of these two loading types. As part of this study, samples with end-hole radii of 1, 2, and 4 mm are prepared to determine the effect of the notch end-hole size on the fracture resistance. Second, two well-known stress-based criteria, namely the maximum tangential stress (MTS) criterion and the mean stress (MS) criterion, are developed for VO-shaped notches subjected to mixed-mode I/III loading, also determining the associated fracture limit curves. A comparison between the theoretical and the experimental critical conditions indicates that the resulting VO-MTS and VO-MS criteria predict the fracture resistance of VO-notched samples with about 92% and 90% accuracy, respectively, confirming their capacity to estimate fracture conditions.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Top-Down Digital Light Processing Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Moghadasi Hesam , Mollah Md Tusher , Marla Deepak , Saffari Hamid , Spangenberg Jon
Published: May 2023

Digital light processing (DLP) as a vat photopolymerization technique is one of the most popular three-dimensional (3D) printing methods, where chains are formed between liquid photocurable resin molecules to crosslink them and solidify the liquid resin using ultraviolet light. The DLP technique is inherently complex and the part accuracy depends on the process parameters that have to be chosen based on the fluid (resin) properties. In the present work, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are presented for top-down DLP as photocuring 3D printing. The effects of fluid viscosity, travelling speed of build part, travelling speed ratio (ratio of the up-to-down traveling speeds of build part), printed layer thickness, and travel distance considering 13 various cases are scrutinized by the developed model to obtain a stability time of fluid interface. The stability time describes the time it takes for the fluid interface to show minimum fluctuations. According to the simulations, a higher viscosity leads to prints with higher stability time. However, lower stability times in the printed layers are caused by a higher traveling speed ratio (TSR). The variation in settling times with TSR is extremely small in comparison to that of viscosity and travelling speed variations. As a result, a declining trend can be detected for the stability time by increasing the printed layer thickness, while by enhancing the travel distance values, the stability time demonstrated a descending pattern. In total, it was revealed that it is essential to choose optimal process parameters for achieving practical results. Moreover, the numerical model can assist in the optimizing the process parameters.
Preserving the Internal Quality of Quail Eggs Using a Corn Starch-Based Coating Combined with Basil Essential Oil
Authors: de Araújo Maria Viviane , Oliveira Gabriel da Silva , McManus Concepta , Vale Igor Rafael Ribeiro , Salgado Cristiane Batista , Pires Paula Gabriela da Silva , de Campos Tatiana Amabile , Gonçalves Laura Fernandes , Almeida Ana Paula Cardoso , Martins Gustavo dos Santos , Leal Ivana Correa Ramos , dos Santos Vinícius Machado
Published: May 2023

The objective of the study is to evaluate a new proposal for a coating based on corn starch (CS) enriched with basil essential oil (BEO) to overcome the rapid deterioration of quail eggs under nonrefrigerated conditions. One hundred and seventy-one quail eggs were divided into treatments of uncoated eggs (control), eggs coated with CS, and eggs coated with CS/BEO, and analyzed over four weeks at room temperature. The CS/BEO coating reduced the growth of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, molds, and yeasts on the surface of eggshells to <2 log10 CFU/mL compared to the control treatment at week four storage. The average Haugh unit (HU) of the four weeks of storage of the CS/BEO treatment was notably higher compared to the control. There was no significant difference between the sensory parameter scores of coated eggs and control treatment. Based on the findings, the CS/BEO coating can be used to mitigate the contamination of quail eggs and preserve their internal quality when stored in an environment without temperature and humidity control.
Religion and the Expressionless—A Religious Perspective on Art in Benjamin
Authors: Kuran Daniel
Published: May 2023

In this article, I investigate the relationship between religion and art in the work of Walter Benjamin. I demonstrate how this relation is embedded in Benjamin’s understanding of a dialectic of secularization, which has recently been examined by Sigrid Weigel and Daniel Weidner. Within this context, I focus on the “expressionless” and its relation to the holy in Benjamin’s thought. I follow different applications of the expressionless in Benjamin’s texts from different periods and analyze their overall significance. My thesis is that the expressionless is a specifically aesthetic category that can rescue the difference between the holy and the profane, granting both spheres their own rights and thereby resisting any sacralization of art in an aesthetic cult. Therefore, with reference to the holy and to the expressionless, one can claim with Benjamin that a religious perspective on art in a secular context is of irreplaceable value, while the expressionless simultaneously safeguards the autonomy of art.
Introduction: Digital Youth and Religion
Authors: Golan Oren
Published: May 2023

Public and academic discourse on the online activities of youth have been stormy and ambivalent at times (Lynn Schofield Clark 2013) [...]
Quantifying Multi-Source Uncertainties in GRACE-Based Estimates of Groundwater Storage Changes in Mainland China
Authors: Li Quanzhou , Pan Yun , Zhang Chong , Gong Huili
Published: May 2023

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites have been widely used to estimate groundwater storage (GWS) changes, yet their uncertainties related to the multi-source datasets used are rarely investigated. This study focuses on quantifying the uncertainties of GRACE GWS estimates in mainland China during 2003–2015, by generating a total of 3456 solutions from the combinations of multiple GRACE products and auxiliary datasets. The Bayesian model averaging (BMA) approach is used to derive the optimal estimates of GWS changes under an uncertainty framework. Ten river basins are further identified to analyze the estimated annual GWS trends and uncertainty magnitudes. On average, our results show that the BMA-estimated annual GWS trend in mainland China is −1.93 mm/yr, whereas its uncertainty reaches 4.50 mm/yr. Albeit the estimated annual GWS trends and uncertainties vary across river basins, we found that the high uncertainties of annual GWS trends are tied to the large differences between multiple GRACE data and soil moisture products used in the GWS solutions. These findings highlight the importance of paying more attention to the existence of multi-source uncertainties when using GRACE data to estimate GWS changes.
Improving Radar Data Assimilation Forecast Using Advanced Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Hastuti Miranti Indri , Min Ki-Hong , Lee Ji-Won
Published: May 2023

Assimilating the proper amount of water vapor into a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model is essential in accurately forecasting a heavy rainfall. Radar data assimilation can effectively initialize the three-dimensional structure, intensity, and movement of precipitation fields to an NWP at a high resolution (±250 m). However, the in-cloud water vapor amount estimated from radar reflectivity is empirical and assumes that the air is saturated when the reflectivity exceeds a certain threshold. Previous studies show that this assumption tends to overpredict the rainfall intensity in the early hours of the prediction. The purpose of this study is to reduce the initial value error associated with the amount of water vapor in radar reflectivity by introducing advanced remote sensing data. The ongoing research shows that errors can be largely solved by assimilating satellite all-sky radiances and global positioning system radio occultation (GPSRO) refractivity to enhance the moisture analysis during the cycling period. The impacts of assimilating moisture variables from satellite all-sky radiances and GPSRO refractivity in addition to hydrometeor variables from radar reflectivity generate proper amounts of moisture and hydrometeors at all levels of the initial state. Additionally, the assimilation of satellite atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) improves wind information and the atmospheric dynamics driving the moisture field which, in turn, increase the accuracy of the moisture convergence and fluxes at the core of the convection. As a result, the accuracy of the timing and intensity of a heavy rainfall prediction is improved, and the hourly and accumulated forecast errors are reduced.
Stochastic Propagation of Fatigue Cracks in Welded Joints of Steel Bridge Decks under Simulated Traffic Loading
Authors: Lu Naiwei , Liu Jing , Wang Honghao , Yuan Heping , Luo Yuan
Published: May 2023

The fatigue cracking of orthotropic steel bridge decks (OSDs) is a difficult problem that hinders the development of steel structures. The most important reasons for the occurrence of fatigue cracking are steadily growing traffic loads and unavoidable truck overloading. Stochastic traffic loading leads to the random propagation behavior of fatigue cracks, which increases the difficulty of the fatigue life evaluations of OSDs. This study developed a computational framework for the fatigue crack propagation of OSDs under stochastic traffic loads based on traffic data and finite element methods. Stochastic traffic load models were established based on site-specific, weigh-in-motion measurements to simulate fatigue stress spectra of welded joints. The influence of the transverse loading positions of the wheel tracks on the stress intensity factor of the crack tip was investigated. The random propagation paths of the crack under stochastic traffic loads were evaluated. Both ascending and descending load spectra were considered in the traffic loading pattern. The numerical results indicated that the maximum value of KI was 568.18 (MPa·mm1/2) under the most critical transversal condition of the wheel load. However, the maximum value decreased by 66.4% under the condition of transversal moving by 450 mm. In addition, the propagation angle of the crack tip increased from 0.24° to 0.34°—an increase ratio of 42%. Under the three stochastic load spectra and the simulated wheel loading distributions, the crack propagation range was almost limited to within 10 mm. The migration effect was the most obvious under the descending load spectrum. The research results of this study can provide theoretical and technical support for the fatigue and fatigue reliability evaluation of existing steel bridge decks.
Integrating Sensor Ontologies with Niching Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhuang Yucheng , Huang Yikun , Liu Wenyu
Published: May 2023

Sensor ontology provides a standardized semantic representation for information sharing between sensor devices. However, due to the varied descriptions of sensor devices at the semantic level by designers in different fields, data exchange between sensor devices is hindered. Sensor ontology matching achieves data integration and sharing between sensors by establishing semantic relationships between sensor devices. Therefore, a niching multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm (NMOPSO) is proposed to effectively solve the sensor ontology matching problem. As the sensor ontology meta-matching problem is essentially a multi-modal optimization problem (MMOP), a niching strategy is introduced into MOPSO to enable the algorithm to find more global optimal solutions that meet the needs of different decision makers. In addition, a diversity-enhancing strategy and an opposition-based learning (OBL) strategy are introduced into the evolution process of NMOPSO to improve the quality of sensor ontology matching and ensure the solutions converge to the real Pareto fronts (PFs). The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of NMOPSO in comparison to MOPSO-based matching techniques and participants of the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative (OAEI).
Dual-Polarized Multi-Beam Fixed-Frequency Beam Scanning Leaky-Wave Antenna
Authors: Chu Dapeng , Mao Yong , Li Haoxiang , Bie Hong , Zhou Yongjin
Published: May 2023

A fixed-frequency beam-scanning leaky-wave antenna (LWA) array with three switchable dual-polarized beams is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The proposed LWA array consists of three groups of spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) LWAs with different modulation period lengths and a control circuit. Each group of SPPs LWAs can independently control the beam steering at a fixed frequency by loading varactor diodes. The proposed antenna can be configured in both multi-beam mode and single-beam mode, where the multi-beam mode with optional two or three dual-polarized beams. The beam width can be flexibly adjusted from narrow to wide by switching between multi-beam and single-beam states. The prototype of the proposed LWA array is fabricated and measured, and both simulation and experimental results show that the antenna can accomplish a fixed frequency beam scanning at an operating frequency of 3.3 to 3.8 GHz with a maximum scanning range of about 35° in multi-beam mode and about 55° in single-beam mode. It could be a promising candidate for application in the space–air–ground integrated network scenario in satellite communication and future 6G communication systems.
Optimized Visual Internet of Things for Video Streaming Enhancement in 5G Sensor Network Devices
Authors: Budati Anil Kumar , Islam Shayla , Hasan Mohammad Kamrul , Safie Nurhizam , Bahar Nurhidayah , Ghazal Taher M.
Published: May 2023

The global expansion of the Visual Internet of Things (VIoT)’s deployment with multiple devices and sensor interconnections has been widespread. Frame collusion and buffering delays are the primary artifacts in the broad area of VIoT networking applications due to significant packet loss and network congestion. Numerous studies have been carried out on the impact of packet loss on Quality of Experience (QoE) for a wide range of applications. In this paper, a lossy video transmission framework for the VIoT considering the KNN classifier merged with the H.265 protocols. The performance of the proposed framework was assessed while considering the congestion of encrypted static images transmitted to the wireless sensor networks. The performance analysis of the proposed KNN-H.265 protocol is compared with the existing traditional H.265 and H.264 protocols. The analysis suggests that the traditional H.264 and H.265 protocols cause video conversation packet drops. The performance of the proposed protocol is estimated with the parameters of frame number, delay, throughput, packet loss ratio, and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) on MATLAB 2018a simulation software. The proposed model gives 4% and 6% better PSNR values than the existing two methods and better throughput.
On Quality Analysis of Filtration Methods for Bathymetric Data in Harbour Areas through QPS Qimera Software
Authors: Kazimierski Witold , Jaremba Małgorzata
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an assessment of the quality of selected filtration methods for the postprocessing of multibeam echosounder data. In this regard, the methodology used in the quality assessment of these data is an important factor. One of the most important final products derived from bathymetric data is the digital bottom model (DBM). Therefore, quality assessment is often based on factors related to it. In this paper, we propose some quantitative and qualitative factors to perform these assessments, and we analyze a few selected filtration methods as examples. This research makes use of real data gathered in real environments, preprocessed with typical hydrographic flow. The methods presented in this paper may be used in empirical solutions, and the filtration analysis may be useful for hydrographers choosing a filtration method for DBM interpolation. The results showed that both data-oriented and surface-oriented methods can be used in data filtration and that various evaluation methods show different perspectives on data filtration quality assessment.
Evaluating Behavior Recognition Pipeline of Laying Hens Using Wearable Inertial Sensors
Authors: Fujinami Kaori , Takuno Ryo , Sato Itsufumi , Shimmura Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2023

Recently, animal welfare has gained worldwide attention. The concept of animal welfare encompasses the physical and mental well-being of animals. Rearing layers in battery cages (conventional cages) may violate their instinctive behaviors and health, resulting in increased animal welfare concerns. Therefore, welfare-oriented rearing systems have been explored to improve their welfare while maintaining productivity. In this study, we explore a behavior recognition system using a wearable inertial sensor to improve the rearing system based on continuous monitoring and quantifying behaviors. Supervised machine learning recognizes a variety of 12 hen behaviors where various parameters in the processing pipeline are considered, including the classifier, sampling frequency, window length, data imbalance handling, and sensor modality. A reference configuration utilizes a multi-layer perceptron as a classifier; feature vectors are calculated from the accelerometer and angular velocity sensor in a 1.28 s window sampled at 100 Hz; the training data are unbalanced. In addition, the accompanying results would allow for a more intensive design of similar systems, estimation of the impact of specific constraints on parameters, and recognition of specific behaviors.
GPR Clutter Removal Based on Weighted Nuclear Norm Minimization for Nonparallel Cases
Authors: Liu Li , Song Chenyan , Wu Zezhou , Xu Hang , Li Jingxia , Wang Bingjie , Li Jiasu
Published: May 2023

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an effective geophysical electromagnetic method for underground target detection. However, the target response is usually overwhelmed by strong clutter, thus damaging the detection performance. To account for the nonparallel case of the antennas and the ground surface, a novel GPR clutter-removal method based on weighted nuclear norm minimization (WNNM) is proposed, which decomposes the B-scan image into a low-rank clutter matrix and a sparse target matrix by using a non-convex weighted nuclear norm and assigning different weights to different singular values. The WNNM method’s performance is evaluated using both numerical simulations and experiments with real GPR systems. Comparative analysis with the commonly used state-of-the-art clutter removal methods is also conducted in terms of the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and the improvement factor (IF). The visualization and quantitative results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the others in the nonparallel case. Moreover, it is about five times faster than the RPCA, which is beneficial for practical applications.
Wearable and Non-Invasive Sensors for Rock Climbing Applications: Science-Based Training and Performance Optimization
Authors: Breen Miyuki , Reed Taylor , Nishitani Yoshiko , Jones Matthew , Breen Hannah M. , Breen Michael S.
Published: May 2023

Rock climbing has evolved from a method for alpine mountaineering into a popular recreational activity and competitive sport. Advances in safety equipment and the rapid growth of indoor climbing facilities has enabled climbers to focus on the physical and technical movements needed to elevate performance. Through improved training methods, climbers can now achieve ascents of extreme difficulty. A critical aspect to further improve performance is the ability to continuously measure body movement and physiologic responses while ascending the climbing wall. However, traditional measurement devices (e.g., dynamometer) limit data collection during climbing. Advances in wearable and non-invasive sensor technologies have enabled new applications for climbing. This paper presents an overview and critical analysis of the scientific literature on sensors used during climbing. We focus on the several highlighted sensors with the ability to provide continuous measurements during climbing. These selected sensors consist of five main types (body movement, respiration, heart activity, eye gazing, skeletal muscle characterization) that demonstrate their capabilities and potential climbing applications. This review will facilitate the selection of these types of sensors in support of climbing training and strategies.
A Survey on Handover and Mobility Management in 5G HetNets: Current State, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Ullah Yasir , Roslee Mardeni Bin , Mitani Sufian Mousa , Khan Sajjad Ahmad , Jusoh Mohamad Huzaimy
Published: May 2023

Fifth-generation (5G) networks offer high-speed data transmission with low latency, increased base station volume, improved quality of service (QoS), and massive multiple-input–multiple-output (M-MIMO) channels compared to 4G long-term evolution (LTE) networks. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the achievement of mobility and handover (HO) in 5G networks due to significant changes in intelligent devices and high-definition (HD) multimedia applications. Consequently, the current cellular network faces challenges in propagating high-capacity data with improved speed, QoS, latency, and efficient HO and mobility management. This comprehensive survey paper specifically focuses on HO and mobility management issues within 5G heterogeneous networks (HetNets). The paper thoroughly examines the existing literature and investigates key performance indicators (KPIs) and solutions for HO and mobility-related challenges while considering applied standards. Additionally, it evaluates the performance of current models in addressing HO and mobility management issues, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, reliability, latency, and scalability. Finally, this paper identifies significant challenges associated with HO and mobility management in existing research models and provides detailed evaluations of their solutions along with recommendations for future research.
Promising Insecticidal Properties of Essential Oils from Artemisia aragonensis Lam. and Artemisia negrei L. (Asteraceae) by Targeting Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Ryanodine Receptor Proteins: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches
Authors: Chebbac Khalid , Benziane Ouaritini Zineb , Allali Aimad , Tüzün Burak , Zouirech Otmane , Chalkha Mohammed , El Moussaoui Abdelfattah , Lafraxo Soufyane , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Bourhia Mohammed , Guemmouh Raja
Published: May 2023

Artemisia negrei (A. negrei) and Artemisia aragonensis (A. aragonensis) are in the family Asteraceae, which has been used in traditional medicine. The use of plant-derived insecticides has become a promising strategy to reduce the harmful effects of synthetic insecticides and overcome the bio-resistance of pest insects to insecticides. In this regard, the purpose of the current study was to determine the chemical composition and evaluate insecticidal effects of essential oils (EOs) extracted from A. negrei (EON) and A. aragonensis (EOA). Notably, all chemical constituents present in the EOs were identified through GC-MS analysis, whilst the insecticidal properties against Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. (C. maculatus) were investigated by use of in vitro an in silico approaches. The obtained results showed that both tested EOs present a significant insecticidal effect against C. maculatus, which increased significantly upon the dose used in both contact and inhalation tests. The lethal concentrations (LC50) for the inhalation test were found to be 2.1 and 2.97 μL/L, while in the contact test they were 2.08 and 2.74 μL/L of air for EON and EOA, respectively. At 5 μL/L of air, the spawn reduction rate was 88.53 % and 77.41%, while the emergence reduction rate was 94.86% and 81.22% by EON and EOA, respectively. With increasing doses of up to 20 μL/L of air, the reduction in individual emergence reached 100% by the two oils tested after 36 h of treatment. In addition, Molecular docking (MD) simulations supported the in vitro findings and indicated that certain identified components in EOA and EON exhibited stronger hydrogen bonding interactions with the target receptors. Interestingly, the prediction of ADMET properties indicates that the molecules investigated have great pharmacokinetic profiles with no side effects. Taken together, our findings suggest that EOA and EON may exert both potential contact and inhalation insecticidal actions and could be used as an alternative tool for the control of this major insect pest of stored products.
Suitability Assessment Method of Red Tourism Development Using Geospatial and Social Humanity Data: A Case Study of Ruijin City, East China
Authors: Qin Yaozu , Cao Li , Li Wenjing , Darvishi Boloorani Ali , Li Yuan , Ke Xinxin , Soleimani Masoud , Yu Qian , Zhou Cuimin
Published: May 2023

It is important to analyze the trend in land use changes and assess the suitability of resource development for protecting natural resources, developing ecological industries, and land use planning issues. Ruijin City is located in South Jiangxi and has abundant resources for red tourism development. By analyzing the landscape changes in land use and the spatial distribution characteristics of local red culture resources, a supervised machine learning-based prediction model was constructed to quantitatively assess the suitability of red tourism development in a geographic information system (GIS) and the R language environment using geographical, economical, and human-related datasets. The results revealed that: (i) the increasing of human activities and economic vitality provide a beneficial social environment for the development of tourism resources; (ii) highly concentrated red resources, or those with special significance, are conducive to developing red tourism resources; (iii) preferentially, central–eastern Ruijin was followed by the extension areas to peripheral towns, which are potentially suitable areas for the development of red scenic spots. Generally, the findings of this study were consistent with the conventional cognitions and lessons on tourism development, and the constructed evaluation system is expected to be promoted to similar research.
Development and Application of a Purification Method for the Determination of Three EDCs Isotopes in Sediments and Water
Authors: Pan Zewen , Wang Rui , Wei Jun , Cao Yingjie
Published: May 2023

Compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) is an efficient method for source apportionment and the identification of the transformation process in organic compounds. However, most studies of CSIA are still limited to laboratory experiments. Few studies used have CSIA in an in situ environment due to the complexity of environmental samples. Therefore, a purification method for analyzing the carbon isotope ratios of three phenolic endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) (nonylphenols (NPs), octylphenol (OP), and bisphenol A(BPA)) in sediment and water samples was developed in this study. The silica gel column was used to isolate EDCs from complex matrices with multiple organic solvents. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to quantify the targeted EDCs and analyze the purity of the extracts in full-scan mode. The interfering peaks disappeared, the baseline was sharply reduced, and all the target compounds appeared as single peaks in the chromatogram after purification. Analyzing the standard samples with known isotope ratios showed that the purification treatment did not cause isotope fractionation. The isotopic difference before and after purification was less than 0.04. The method was successfully used to analyze the isotope composition of BPA, OP, and NPs in river water and sediments in the Guangzhou River, Pearl River Delta, South China. Sewage discharge significantly affected the carbon isotope values of BPA, OP and NPs in Guangzhou rivers, suggesting that sewage discharge is the main source of EDCs in the Guangzhou rivers. There is a significant correlation between the isotopic values and concentrations of OP and NPs in sediments, indicating that they may undergo chemical transformation.
Correlations between Hotel Size and Gas Consumption with a Feasibility Analysis of a Fuel Switch—A Coastal Case Study Croatia Adriatic
Authors: Štimac Maja , Matković Mario , Karasalihović Sedlar Daria
Published: May 2023

This paper analyses gas consumption in hotels on the Adriatic coast, comparing data on natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption by hotel size. The research hypothesis is that by switching from LPG to natural gas, not only can a reduction in emissions be achieved in the hospitality industry, but there are also significant economic benefits. The research objectives included a regression analysis for various factors affecting gas consumption. The analysis showed a medium–strong relationship between the variables, which is a novelty for energy trends in the hospitality sector. By converting from heating oil to natural gas, hotels can achieve significant financial savings. It was also calculated that this would reduce the total energy consumption costs. Measures taken by the hospitality industry will have a positive impact on guest perception and could be used as a promotional tool under the “green hospitality” label.
Jane Jacobs’s Criteria for Urban Vitality: A Geospatial Analysis of Morphological Conditions in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Vidal Domper Nuria , Hoyos-Bucheli Gonzalo , Benages Albert Marta
Published: May 2023

Urban vitality, understood as a key factor in the achievement of cities’ sustainability, shows a strong relationship with urban morphology. The city theorist Jane Jacobs suggested morphological aspects to promote vital cities in the 1960s, which remain valid in the present. However, few studies in the Andean region quantitatively exemplify this. This paper aims to test the measurement of urban vitality in a neighborhood of Quito, Ecuador, called La Mariscal, integrating Jacobs’ approach. In particular, three urban vitality indexes are evaluated with the application of GIS software using cadastral data obtained from the Metropolitan District of Quito and field data collection. Results show that context-based previous knowledge and scale of analysis are essential factors in the configuration of dimensions, indicators, and spatial representation of any urban vitality index. In the study area, land use mixture, contact opportunity, and accessibility dimensions are fundamental. Regarding indicators, the incorporation of informal small-scale commerce, the quality of sidewalks, and well-conditioned street furniture is recommended. Finally, a hybrid representation (raster and vectorial) is suggested to precisely measure urban vitality at a block scale. Altogether, by providing a comparative approach, we intend to provide a useful framework for researchers and planners to study urban vitality in Andean cities.
Strengthening Sustainability in Agile Education: Using Client-Sponsored Projects to Cultivate Agile Talents
Authors: Dong Linying
Published: May 2023

The success of agile in software development (SD) has sparked the application of agile in non-SD domains such as business management to improve operational efficiency and innovation. Despite the rising industry demands for agile talents in the non-SD domains, agile education falls short of client-sponsored projects, calling into question the sustainability of agile education. This study makes up for the gap and illustrates an eight-month endeavor where scrum practices and values were imbued in a client-sponsored project. The analysis of qualitative and quantitative data gathered throughout the eight-month project illustrates a large disparity among students in their scrum application, reveals top challenges faced by students in their scrum application, and suggests the impact of the scrum application on the quality of student work. The findings of the study set a solid foundation based on which future agile education could be enhanced to strengthen the sustainability of agile education to meet industries’ rising demands for agile talents in non-SD domains.
Consumer Behavior in the Post-COVID-19 Era: The Impact of Perceived Interactivity on Behavioral Intention in the Context of Virtual Conferences
Authors: Al-Geitany Souha , Aljuhmani Hasan Yousef , Emeagwali Okechukwu Lawrence , Nasr Elsie
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the impact of perceived interactivity on behavioral intention in the context of virtual conferences in the post-COVID-19 era. With academic conferences moving exclusively online due to the pandemic, there is a gap in the literature regarding attendees’ attitudes and perceived benefits regarding these events. This study developed the technology acceptance model (TAM) by treating perceived conference interactivity as the antecedent construct of the TAM. The moderating role of self-congruity and the mediating effect of perceived quality were also studied to understand the behavioral intention of attending future virtual conferences. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), a sample of 327 academic staff members in Lebanon was analyzed. Our study found that perceived interactivity and quality both positively influenced behavioral intentions. Additionally, perceived interactivity was positively associated with the perceived quality of virtual conferences, and self-congruity further strengthened this relationship. Our study also revealed that perceived quality mediates the relationship between perceived interactivity and behavioral intention to attend future virtual conferences. This study fills a gap in the literature by examining the impact of perceived interactivity and quality on behavioral intention toward virtual conferences in the post-COVID-19 era. Our findings provide insights into consumer behavior at virtual conferences and can contribute to the development of the TAM via an exploration of its applicability in the context of online events.
Effect of Palm Fiber Reinforcement on the Unconfined Compressive Performance of Cement-Treated Sand
Authors: Buathong Phermphorn , Chompoorat Thanakorn , Jongpradist Pornkasem , Chen Xiaobin , Jamsawang Pitthaya
Published: May 2023

This research studies the unconfined compressive characteristics of cement-treated sand reinforced with palm fiber. Type 1 Ordinary Portland cements with 3, 5, and 7% dry sand weight were mixed with sand and different amounts of water to produce cement-treated sand. Palm fiber contents of 0.5, 1, and 2% volume and fiber lengths of 10, 20, and 40 mm were utilized. Three performance parameters were considered to assess the performance of the cemented sand reinforced with palm fiber: peak strength, strain ratio, and toughness. The results showed that incorporating palm fiber elements could improve the peak strength and ductility and reduce brittleness by increasing the fiber content and length. All palm-fiber-reinforced samples showed a softening behavior and changed the behavior of cement-treated sand from brittle to semi-ductile or ductile. The compressive strength of reinforced cemented sand increased when the fiber length was 40 mm, and the compressive strength was reduced as the fiber content exceeded 1.0%. Palm fiber was the most efficient at increasing the toughness of the cemented specimen because of its rigidity and bridging ability. The optimum fiber content and length for the cement–treated sand were 1.0% and 40 mm, respectively.
Research on InsurTech and the Technology Innovation Level of Insurance Enterprises
Authors: Liu Jie , Ye Shujun , Zhang Yujin , Zhang Lulu
Published: May 2023

New technologies are integrating and deeply influencing people’s work and life, and have become a key factor leading the continuous innovation of the insurance industry. The application of InsurTech has attracted widespread attention in the industry, and it is necessary to conduct in-depth deconstruction and analysis of its impact on insurance enterprise innovation to ensure the sustainability of technological innovation in insurance enterprises. Based on the panel data of Chinese insurance enterprises from 2011 to 2020, this paper empirically examines the relationship between InsurTech and enterprise technological innovation level and the mechanism of action by using the fixed effect model and the intermediary effect model. The empirical research results are as follows: (1) The development of InsurTech has significantly improved the technological innovation of insurance companies. (2) From the perspective of mechanism, InsurTech mainly improves the technological innovation level of insurance companies by alleviating financing constraints. (3) Furthermore, we also found significant differences in the promotional effect of InsurTech’s development on enterprises of different sizes and properties. At the same level of development, InsurTech has a greater and more significant “incentive effect” on the technological innovation level of non-state-owned enterprises and small and micro insurance enterprises. The research conclusion of this article not only enriches the literature on InsurTech and the technological innovation level of insurance companies, but also has significance for China’s insurance companies to help them formulate digital transformation policies and promote the “sustainable development” of technology empowerment insurance strategies.
Modelling Parking Choice Behaviour Considering Alternative Availability and Systematic and Random Variations in User Tastes
Authors: Rodríguez Andrés , dell’Olio Luigi , Moura José Luis , Alonso Borja , Cordera Rubén
Published: May 2023

Parking choice models proposed over recent years have been aimed at choosing the relevant variables and pricing policies affecting said choice. In our analyses, we have encountered some gaps to cover; for this reason, we introduce a methodology for addressing user parking choices, including the availability of parking alternatives in each of the studied zones presenting pivoted scenarios. This methodology has been developed based on a stated preferences survey design to define user behaviour when making parking choices through discrete-choice models. Furthermore, the estimated models have considered systematic and random variations in user tastes and the correlation between similar or related parking alternatives. This methodology has made it possible to provide greater realism in generating fictitious parking scenarios. The results show the importance of the fee attribute and the differences in the users’ preferences depending on whether they live inside or outside the study area and their arrival time at the destination. Several scenarios have been simulated, and in these scenarios, it is found that removing free parking areas or restricting free parking in favour of parking fee regulation in congested zones can be an efficient policy measure to promote other parking alternatives and reduce the number of vehicles searching for a parking space.
Tourist Behavior in the Cruise Industry Post-COVID-19: An Examination of Service Quality, Corporate Image, and Intentions to Pay and Revisit
Authors: Alonazi Bodur S. , Hassan Thowayeb H. , Abdelmoaty Mostafa A. , Salem Amany E. , Saleh Mahmoud I. , Helal Mohamed Y. , Mohamed Yasser Ahmed , Abuelnasr Magdy Sayed , Gebreslassie Daniel Alemshet , Aleedan Mona Hamad , Radwan Salaheldeen H.
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak has had detrimental consequences on the cruise industry due to the suspension of commercial cruise trips, and these effects remain apparent in Saudi Arabia. The offered service quality (SQ) in the post-COVID-19 era seems to be a critical element for improving customer experiences and satisfaction, enhancing destination attractiveness, increasing revenue, and maintaining repeat business. The current study aimed to assess the impact of service quality on tourists’ satisfaction and corporate image as well as the intention to pay for cruise trips and revisit the destination among 315 tourists in Saudi Arabia. Service quality was measured using five subscales of the SERVQUAL scale, including reliability, tangibles, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Tourists’ satisfaction was significantly influenced by four domains of SQ, whereas the intention to pay more, intention to revisit the destination, and corporate image were significantly predicted by ≤3 domains of SQ. The study’s findings can help the cruise industry to improve its offerings and create more personalized and engaging experiences that meet the changing needs of customers in the recovery period after the COVID-19 outbreak.
Thermoeconomic Analysis of Subcritical and Supercritical Isobutane Cycles for Geothermal Power Generation
Authors: Arbula Blecich Andrea , Blecich Paolo
Published: May 2023

This article presents a novel and comprehensive approach for the thermoeconomic evaluation of subcritical and supercritical isobutane cycles for geothermal temperatures of Tgeo = 100–200 °C. The isobutane cycles are optimized with respect to the maximum net power or minimum levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Cycle optimization is also included, using a minimum superheat temperature to avoid turbine erosion, which is usually neglected in the literature. The results show that economic optimums are found in the far superheated region, while thermal optimums are obtained with dry saturated or with slightly superheated vapor at the turbine inlet (ΔTsup < 5 °C). Supercritical cycles achieve better thermal performance than subcritical cycles for Tgeo = 179–200 °C. Internal heat recuperation improves the cycle performance: the net power output increases and the LCOE decreases, but specific installation costs (SICs) increase due to the additional heat exchanger. For geothermal temperatures of Tgeo = 120 → 150 °C, the costs are LCOE = 100 → 80 USD2022/MWh and SIC = 7000 → 5250 USD2022/kW, while for geothermal temperatures of Tgeo = 150 → 200 °C, the estimated costs are LCOE = 80 → 70 USD2022/MWh and SIC = 5250 → 4600 USD2022/kW.
Simulation of Single-File Pedestrian Flow under High-Density Condition by a Modified Social Force Model
Authors: Jin Cheng-Jie , Shi Ke-Da , Fang Shu-Yi
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a new modified social force model is proposed to simulate the single-file pedestrian flow at high densities. Since the pedestrians could only follow the preceding person in the single-file flow, the way in which the pedestrian chooses their destination is changed. It is set as the current position of the preceding pedestrian, rather than as one fixed location. In order to simulate the possible movement at high densities, the distance for calculating forces between pedestrians was reset, and the obstacles were divided into many particles. Next, the values of many model parameters were reset, and the ranges of possible parameters were discussed. Furthermore, the data from one large-scale single-file experiment were used for model validations. The simulation results of the fundamental diagrams, spatiotemporal diagrams and the time–headway distributions show that the new model can simulate the single-file movement well. The angular trajectories can help in understanding more about the simulation results. The comparisons between the statistical results of local flow rates and local densities show that, in most cases, the simulated and experimental results are quantitatively similar. This model could be a good choice for the high-density simulations of single-file pedestrian flow.
Evidence for Urbanization Effects on Eco-Environmental Quality: A Case Study of Guyuan City, China
Authors: Zhao Binhua , Han Jianchun , Li Peng , Li Hongtao , Feng Yangfan , Hu Bingze , Zhang Guojun , Li Jie
Published: May 2023

Achieving sustainable development and a good quality of life depends largely on the state of the ecological environment. This research is centered on Guyuan City and examines the changes in the ecological environment quality across space and time, based on Landsat imagery and the remote sensing ecological environment index (RSEI) between 2000 and 2019. Correlation analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to investigate the environmental and human factors that affect the quality of the ecological environment. The results indicate a significant reduction in areas with a very-poor-quality ecological environment and a significant increase in excellent ecological environment management from 2000 to 2019, especially in eastern Guyuan City. The low-value area of the RSEI index gradually shifted from eastern counties to western areas relative to Guyuan City, exhibiting a significant change from a high-cluster distribution to a significantly discrete distribution. Elevation, precipitation, and total organic carbon showed significantly positive correlations with the RSEI, while temperature, land use, and pH showed significantly negative correlations. This study also reveals that topography and climate change have a positive impact on ecological changes, and urbanization is becoming less limiting for ecological improvement. In future ecological construction processes, emphasis should be placed on the terrain and climatic conditions to maximize the restoration of the ecological environment affected by urban construction. This work provides regional guidance for future sustainable development and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin.