bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach to the Determination of Time- and Fatigue-Dependent Efficiency during Maximal Cycling Sprints
Authors: Dunst Anna Katharina , Hesse Clemens , Ueberschär Olaf , Holmberg Hans-Christer
Published: January 2023

Background: During maximal cycling sprints, efficiency (η) is determined by the fiber composition of the muscles activated and cadence-dependent power output. To date, due to methodological limitations, it has only been possible to calculate gross efficiency (i.e., the ratio of total mechanical to total metabolic work) in vivo without assessing the impact of cadence and changes during exercise. Eliminating the impact of cadence provides optimal efficiency (ηopt), which can be modeled as a function of time. Here, we explain this concept, demonstrate its calculation, and compare the values obtained to actual data. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the time course of maximal power output (Pmax) reflects time-dependent changes in ηopt. Methods: Twelve elite track cyclists performed four maximal sprints (3, 8, 12, 60 s) and a maximal-pedaling test on a cycle ergometer. Crank force and cadence were monitored continuously to determine fatigue-free force-velocity profiles (F/v) and fatigue-induced changes in Pmax. Respiratory gases were measured during and for 30 min post-exercise. Prior to and following each sprint, lactate in capillary blood was determined to calculate net blood lactate accumulation (ΔBLC). Lactic and alactic energy production were estimated from ΔBLC and the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. Aerobic energy production was determined from oxygen uptake during exercise. Metabolic power (MP) was derived from total metabolic energy (WTOT). ηopt was calculated as Pmax divided by MP. Temporal changes in Pmax, WTOT, and ηopt were analyzed by non-linear regression. Results: All models showed excellent quality (R2 > 0.982) and allowed accurate recalculation of time-specific power output and gross efficiency (R2 > 0.986). The time-constant for Pmax(t) (τP) was closely correlated with that of ηopt (τη; r = 0.998, p < 0.001). Estimating efficiency using τP for τη led to a 0.88 ± 0.35% error. Conclusions: Although efficiency depends on pedal force and cadence, the latter influence can be eliminated by ηopt(t) using a mono-exponential equation whose time constant can be estimated from Pmax(t).
A New Class of Alternative Bivariate Kumaraswamy-Type Models: Properties and Applications
Authors: Ghosh Indranil
Published: January 2023

In this article, we introduce two new bivariate Kumaraswamy (KW)-type distributions with univariate Kumaraswamy marginals (under certain parametric restrictions) that are less restrictive in nature compared with several other existing bivariate beta and beta-type distributions. Mathematical expressions for the joint and marginal density functions are presented, and properties such as the marginal and conditional distributions, product moments and conditional moments are obtained. Additionally, we show that both the proposed bivariate probability models have positive likelihood ratios dependent on a potential model for fitting positively dependent data in the bivariate domain. The method of maximum likelihood and the method of moments are used to derive the associated estimation procedure. An acceptance and rejection sampling plan to draw random samples from one of the proposed models along with a simulation study are also provided. For illustrative purposes, two real data sets are reanalyzed from different domains to exhibit the applicability of the proposed models in comparison with several other bivariate probability distributions, which are defined on [0,1]×[0,1].
Elicitation of Fruit Fungi Infection and Its Protective Response to Improve the Postharvest Quality of Fruits
Authors: Bano Ambreen , Gupta Anmol , Prusty Manas Ranjan , Kumar Manoj
Published: January 2023

Fruit diseases brought on by fungus infestation leads to postharvest losses of fresh fruit. Approximately 30% of harvested fruits do not reach consumers’ plates due to postharvest losses. Fungal pathogens play a substantial part in those losses, as they cause the majority of fruit rots and consumer complaints. Understanding fungal pathogenic processes and control measures is crucial for developing disease prevention and treatment strategies. In this review, we covered the presented pathogen entry, environmental conditions for pathogenesis, fruit’s response to pathogen attack, molecular mechanisms by which fungi infect fruits in the postharvest phase, production of mycotoxin, virulence factors, fungal genes involved in pathogenesis, and recent strategies for protecting fruit from fungal attack. Then, in order to investigate new avenues for ensuring fruit production, existing fungal management strategies were then assessed based on their mechanisms for altering the infection process. The goal of this review is to bridge the knowledge gap between the mechanisms of fungal disease progression and numerous disease control strategies being developed for fruit farming.
Are Food Hubs Sustainable? An Analysis of Social and Environmental Objectives of U.S. Food Hubs
Authors: Shariatmadary Haniyeh , O’Hara Sabine , Graham Rebecca , Stuiver Marian
Published: January 2023

The United States food system is highly centralized with only three of the fifty states producing more than 75 percent of U.S. fruits and vegetables. The high reliance on long-distance transportation and cold chains undermines the sustainability of the food system and adds to its vulnerability. This was most recently demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic which caused significant disruptions to food supply chains. A promising alternative is a more decentralized and localized food system which reduces the reliance on long-distance transportation and long supply chains. Since such a food system will likely consist of smaller producers, questions have been raised about its economic viability. This precipitated the idea of Food Hubs as market aggregators. The model was first introduced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a way to aggregate the agricultural product of small farms. It has since evolved to imply a more flexible food system that can complement various parts of the food supply chain. This study develops a framework to assess the social and environmental sustainability contributions of Food Hubs and especially of urban Food Hubs, since 80 percent of U.S. food consumers live in urban and metro areas. Using our framework, we conducted a content analysis of publicly available information for 50 Food Hubs in metropolitan areas across the United States. We find that Food Hubs contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing food transportation through sourcing from local farms. They also perform relatively well in contributing to lowering food waste and loss. Their contributions to improving water management and adopting more sustainable food production methods, however, appear to be less strong. Similarly, Food Hubs appear to enhance some of our selected aspects of social sustainability such as improving access to fresh and healthy food to local consumers, and organizations such as schools and hospitals. Only a few of the Food Hubs in our sample, however, address our other aspects of social sustainability such as improving food security. We conclude our study by offering an aggregate ranking of the sustainability contributions of our selected Food Hubs based on our assessment framework.
Study on the Parameters of Strengthening Soft Surrounding Rock by Electric Pulse Grouting in the Mining Face
Authors: Qiao Xiaoguang , Zhang Runxun , Zhang Lulu , Zhang Xinghua , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: January 2023

As an effective measure for the rapid fracturing of coal and rock, electric pulse fracture technology has been successfully applied in oil extraction and natural gas discharge. Using the electric pulse fracture mechanism, this technology can be applied to grouting reinforcement to improve the infiltration efficiency of grouting. In this study, we used a numerical simulation method to establish numerical models with different electric pulse peak pressures, different grouting times and different drilling spacing conditions Through numerical simulation studies, we found that the influence range of grouting reinforcement grows with the increased maximum pressure generated by the electrical pulse. The most economical and reasonable electric pulse parameter setting is 5 MPa for static grouting pressure and 100 MPa for peak electric pulse pressure. The best grouting time to keep pressure in the borehole is determined as 9 h, and the best borehole interval is 10 m. In addition, through the treatment of the soft roof of the Caojiashan coal mine, we also found that the reinforcement sample within the grouting reinforcement range had a compressive strength of more than 1.1 MPa; after each grouting reinforcement was completed, the hydraulic bracket could advance 12 m each time, which shows that the electric pulse grouting reinforcement technology has an obvious effect on the treatment of soft roof slab.
Assessing the Effect of Corporate ESG Management on Corporate Financial & Market Performance and Export
Authors: Yang Oh-Suk , Han Jae-Hoon
Published: January 2023

The objective of this article is to discover whether a company’s ESG management consistently has a positive impact on various corporate performance, such as financial, market and export performance. An empirical analysis employing a fixed effect panel model was conducted using empirical panel data from 2011 to 2021 for 806 non-financial manufacturing and service sector companies in Korea. The main findings are the impact of corporate ESG management on corporate performance varies depending on the type of performance, E and G have a positive effect on corporate profitability, and both positive and negative effects are observed on exports. Regarding market performance, neither ESG was found to have significant effect. The diverse and disproportionate influence of ESG management on financial, market, and export performance presented in this study will provide firms with theoretical and practical implications. However, it is necessary to examine more closely whether these analysis results are the result of actual strategic choices of companies, or a phenomenon in which the level or speed of regulatory and institutional development differs by ESG sector.
Natural Events Threatening the Cultural Heritage: Characterization, Prevention and Risk Management for a Sustainable Fruition
Authors: Mineo Simone
Published: January 2023

The Special Issue entitled “Natural Events Threatening the Cultural Heritage: Characterization, Prevention and Risk Management for a Sustainable Fruition” is primarily focused on the natural threats affecting cultural heritage [...]
Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intention of Youth for Agriculture Start-Up: An Integrated Model
Authors: Lediana Elsy , Perdana Tomy , Deliana Yosini , Sendjaja Tuhpawana P.
Published: January 2023

Entrepreneurship is an important issue in the economy of a developing nation. However, the development of entrepreneurs in Indonesia is still very low when compared to other countries. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to analyze the determinants of the Sustainable Youth Entrepreneurial Intention for Agricultural start-ups. Analysis was performed using the Structural Equation Model. In addition, an analysis of the main factors of interest for Sustainable Youth Entrepreneurship In Agricultural start-ups uses Smart PLS 3.2.9 on questionnaire data from 738 youth respondents in Indonesia. The results show that attitude, subjective norm, and behavioral control variables have a significant influence on the model of Shapero’s entrepreneurial event (perceived desirability and perceived feasibility) and the sustainable intention of entrepreneurship in agriculture start-ups. Based on the research results, this study can be a reference for practitioners in increasing their sustainable entrepreneurial intention by applying the significance activation method to increase academic behavior and interest. In addition, the government can socialize more projects and training programs or entrepreneurship programs to increase the interest of the younger generation in relation to agricultural start-ups as part of the strategy.
Influence of Slag-Based Geopolymer Concrete on the Seismic Behavior of Exterior Beam Column Joints
Authors: Maniarasan Settiannan Karuppannan , Chandrasekaran Palanisamy , Jayaprakash Sridhar , Ravindran Gobinath
Published: January 2023

In reinforced concrete (RC) constructions, the beam-column junctions are very sensitive to lateral and vertical loads. In the event of unforeseen earthquake and wind loads, this insufficient joint performance can lead to the failure of the entire structure. Cement industries emit a large amount of greenhouse gases during production, thus contributing to global warming. The nature of cement concrete is fragile. Cement output must be reduced in order to ensure environmental sustainability. Geopolymer concrete (GC), which is a green and low-carbon material, can be used in beam-column joints. M30 grade BBGC was developed and employed in the current study. Alkaline liquids are produced when sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide are mixed at room temperature. The alkaline liquid to fly ash ratio was fixed at 0.5, and the concentration of NaOH was fixed at 8 M. The mechanical properties of the Binary Blended Geopolymer concrete (BBGC), containing fly ash and GGBS, at proportions ranging from 0% to 100%, were investigated. This study was further expanded to examine the behavior of two groups of binary blended geopolymer concrete (BBGC) exterior beam-column joints, with cross sections of 230 mm × 120 mm and 170 mm × 120 mm. The column heights and lengths were both 600 mm under reverse cyclic loads in order to simulate earthquake conditions. The failure mechanism, ductility, energy absorption capacity, initial crack load, ultimate load carrying capacity, and structural performance was evaluated. The test findings showed that BBGC with 20% fly ash and 80% GGBS had the highest compressive strength and split tensile strength. When compared with other beam column joints, those containing 20% fly ash and 80% GGBS performed better under cyclic loading. The test findings imply that GGBS essentially enhances the joint performance of BBGC. The microstructural SEM and EDS studies revealed the reasons behind the improvement in strength of the GGBS fly ash-based Geopolymer concrete.
Analysis of Five-Extraction Technologies’ Environmental Impact on the Polyphenols Production from Moringa oleifera Leaves Using the Life Cycle Assessment Tool Based on ISO 14040
Authors: Pappas Vasileios M. , Samanidis Iordanis , Stavropoulos Giorgos , Athanasiadis Vassilis , Chatzimitakos Theodoros , Bozinou Eleni , Makris Dimitris P. , Lalas Stavros I.
Published: January 2023

The present study examines, compares, and documents the environmental impact of five extraction techniques through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The material used was Moringa oleifera freeze-dried leaves and the assessment was based on their polyphenol content Three out of the five examined techniques are referred to in the literature as “green” techniques, namely Pulsed Electric Field (PEF), Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE). The other two examined were conventional extraction techniques and, specifically, boiling water and maceration; the latter served as a control in this study. The analysis utilized special software (SimaPro ecoinvent) for the “cradle to gate” LCA, along with a sensitivity analysis of the model examining the variation in the environmental impact based on the origin of the source of electricity (renewable sources such as photovoltaic arcs), aiming to highlight the optimal technology choice. This LCA study’s Functional Unit (FU) was one gram (g) of extracted total polyphenols (dry) produced by a case-specific number of extraction cycles for each technology under assessment (considering their technical efficiency depicted as polyphenols yields), measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and expressed as mg Gallic Acid Equivalents per g of dry Moringa oleifera leaves. The study outcome indicates that PEF and MAE deliver the best environmental scores. The main contributing parameters are the Moringa oleifera leaves and the amount and origin of electricity used to make 1 FU. These parameters are dominant in the categories of freshwater ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity, human carcinogenic toxicity, and human non-carcinogenic. The better performance of these two techniques is due to the more efficient extraction with reduced electricity consumption, which can become even more environmentally friendly if replaced with renewable sources such as photovoltaic arcs.
Implementation of a Long Short-Term Memory Transfer Learning (LSTM-TL)-Based Data-Driven Model for Building Energy Demand Forecasting
Authors: Kim Dongsu , Lee Yongjun , Chin Kyungil , Mago Pedro J. , Cho Heejin , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2023

Building energy consumption accounts for about 40% of global primary energy use and 30% of worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the energy-related factors present in buildings, heating, cooling, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are considered major contributors to whole-building energy use. To improve the energy efficiency of HVAC systems and mitigate whole-building energy consumption, accurately predicting the building energy consumption can play a significant role. Although many prediction approaches are available for building energy use, a machine learning-based modeling approach (i.e., black box models) has recently been considered to be one of the most promising building energy modeling techniques due to its simplicity and flexibility compared to physics-based modeling techniques (i.e., white box models). This study presents a building energy load forecasting method based on long-term short-term memory (LSTM) and transfer learning (TL) strategies. To implement this approach, this study first conducted raw data pre-processing analysis to generate input datasets. A hospital building type was considered for a case study in the first stage. The hospital prototype building model, developed by the U.S. department of energy (DOE), was used to generate an initial input training and testing dataset for source domain tasks before the transfer learning process. For the transfer learning process in a target domain, a simulation-based analysis was also conducted to obtain target datasets by assuming limited data lengths in different weather conditions. The training and testing procedures were performed using separate cooling and heating periods with and without the transfer learning process for source and target domain tasks, respectively. Lastly, a comparative analysis was carried out to investigate how the accuracy of LSTM prediction can be enhanced with the help of transfer learning strategies. The results from this study show that the developed LSTM-TL model can achieve better performance than the prediction model, which only uses LSTM under different weather conditions. In addition, accurate performance can vary according to different transfer learning methods with frozen and fine-tuning layers and locations.
Lessons Learned from the Educational Experience during COVID-19 from the Perspective of Latin American University Students
Authors: Lobos Karla , Cobo-Rendón Rubia , García-Álvarez Diego , Maldonado-Mahauad Jorge , Bruna Carola
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the educational context. University students were exposed to an educational transition from a face-to-face context to emergency remote teaching (ERT). This change affected the educational experience of students and teachers in general, and impacted their educational performance, as well as their emotional and mental health, among other aspects. However, learning from the successes during the ERT and reflecting on good and bad practices will allow us to configure effective learning scenarios that respond to the new normal. The objective of this paper is to describe and present the lessons learned during ERT from the experience of university students in Latin America who have already returned to face-to-face instruction. The study used a qualitative inductive approach and a phenomenographic design. The sample consisted of 640 undergraduate students (63% women) of higher education who experienced online education during the year 2021 and a face-to-face modality during the first semester of 2022, belonging to universities in Chile, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The results suggest that new learning scenarios should consider specific pedagogical practices, including active, collaborative, meaningful, and problem-based strategies, together with a diversity of feedback practices. It is concluded that the ERT brought good practices that should guide university educational policies.
The Use of Camouflage Colours to Reduce the Visual Impact of Industrial Facilities on Open Landscape
Authors: Serwatko Otylia , Pawłowska Kamila , Jawecki Bartosz
Published: January 2023

The use of camouflage colours on industrial sites reduces the visual impact on the open landscape and indirectly identifies the impact of the current condition on visual perception. The research includes the creation of original landscape panoramas and those with camouflage patterns on them in order to analyze and examine their impact on the surrounding landscape. Sector Panorama Analysis was chosen as the leading method of analysis. The knowledge of the objects selected for the study contributed to a better judgment and, thus, a more thorough interpretation of the factors affecting the environment. A survey questionnaire was used to investigate the visual impact of camouflage. Results of the present study were used to compare the average ratings obtained by particular camouflage patterns and also to draw conclusions about the improvement of the visual perception of the object after their application. The highest increase in comparison to initial panoramas was achieved by the Polish pattern WZ.93.
A Sensemaking Perspective of Digitalisation in Construction Organisations
Authors: Zulu Sambo Lyson , Saad Ali M.
Published: January 2023

Different researchers have examined construction innovation from diverse perspectives and with varied conclusions, but what has commonly transpired is that the construction industry is a complex and ever-changing environment that tends to have a selective perspective on innovation. Recently, digitalisation has offered critical enhancements in construction organisations’ internal processes. However, the uptake of these innovations is far from satisfactory. To integrate theory with practice, sensemaking theories provide an opportunity to help us understand and explain the social phenomenon behind achieving a common meaning across social systems. In the quest to support research efforts through understanding and explaining the enablers of digital transformation, this paper aims to qualitatively apply the sensemaking perspective to digitalisation in construction organisations. To this end, an empirical qualitative approach was adopted using a questionnaire survey of 59 construction professionals, from different firms in the United Kingdom, providing a perspective on how sense is being developed by their organisations to foster digitalisation and achieve an effective digital transformation. Results suggest that a variety of aspects contribute to the indecision of construction firms towards digitalisation, informing research of the pressure points deemed critical at both leadership and employee levels. The findings point to the complexity of construction organisations and the non-linear nature of embracing new ideas. Future research is encouraged to assess the empirically captured cues presented in this paper through other means of investigation towards a more robust sensemaking perspective in the construction industry.
Not a Good Place to Live for Most, but Excellent for a Few—Diversity of Zooplankton in a Shallow Coastal Ecosystem
Authors: Karpowicz Maciej , Kornijów Ryszard , Ejsmont-Karabin Jolanta
Published: January 2023

Shallow brackish water habitats are characterized by highly unstable environmental conditions, which result in low species diversity. We performed our research in the Vistula Lagoon in three seasons in the years 2019–2021. This lagoon is characterized by extremely variable environmental conditions, and our research covered the period of hydro-technical works before opening the canal through the Vistula Spit, which could be an additional stress factor. The aim of our study was to present the particularities of zooplankton communities (Rotifera; Crustacea) in the shallow coastal ecosystem. Our results pointed out very low diversity of zooplankton which could be caused by multi-stress conditions related to increased turbidity and low salinity. Nevertheless, under these conditions, some species achieved an advantage and strongly dominated the zooplankton communities. Domination of Eurytemora affinis in the Vistula Lagoon as well as in other brackish habitats is a well-known phenomenon. Moreover, the Vistula Lagoon offered favorable conditions for the intense development of non-indigenous, or alien, species like Diaphanosoma mongolianum, D. orghidani, and Acanthocyclops americanus. Therefore, brackish waters seem to be favorable transitional areas for non-native fauna that may subsequently spread into adjacent freshwater and marine systems.
Maximizing Engagement with Cultural Heritage through Video Games
Authors: Camuñas-García Daniel , Cáceres-Reche María Pilar , Cambil-Hernández María de la Encarnación
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to provide a framework for creating and analyzing cultural heritage games, with the intention of maximizing players’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement with digital heritage. To achieve this, a set of game design characteristics was identified through semi-structured interviews with experts (n = 16) and subsequently validated through a discussion with university students (n = 19). Grounded theory was then applied to the comments of the experts to create a framework of ten fundamental characteristics, divided into three dimensions: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. Additionally, an assessment of the literature was conducted to explain and support the inclusion of each game component.
Practices Pursuing the Sustainability of A Healthcare Organization: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mostepaniuk Alla , Akalin Turgay , Parish Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2023

This study aims to investigate efficient practices pursuing the sustainability of healthcare organizations, as the healthcare sector and its activities affect different spheres of social life, the economy, and the state’s performance, highlighting the importance of this subject. To achieve the aim of this study, a systematic review methodology was applied, and the data were obtained from 67 papers published within the scope of the two most cited databases: Scopus and Web of Science. As a result of the analysis, the following efficient practices were suggested to improve the sustainability of healthcare organizations: improvements in management practices, leadership practices, manager selection, the engagement of clinicians in the management, the promotion of organizational culture and management style, the promotion of virtual health communication, environmental supply chain management, rational resource consumption, and waste management.
Meta-Analysis of Studies on Accident Contributing Factors in the Greek Construction Industry
Authors: Antoniou Fani , Agrafioti Nektaria Filitsa
Published: January 2023

Occupational accidents, especially in the construction sector, are a worldwide phenomenon. There is a large and important collection of repeated studies at an international level, which has identified and categorized construction accident contributing factors in different countries individually. This paper is a quantitative meta-analysis of data from existing research that identifies and ranks a comprehensive list of the main factors contributing to occupational accidents in the construction sector in Greece. The methodology includes: (i) the identification of common factors through a systematic literature review and content analysis (ii) the categorization and development of a comprehensive accident factor breakdown structure and (iii) the evaluation of the importance of the common factors through statistical meta-analysis by calculating the overall ranking index (ORI). The results indicated that six out of the top ten contributing factors to construction site accidents are from the Occupational Risks category, only one from each of the Safety Culture, Worker Training Deficiencies, and Safety Equipment/Measures categories. The amalgamated insights of 25 Greek scientific studies are certain to be used to shape safety management processes by construction companies, clients, and safety policy decision makers.
Public Transport Prioritization and Descriptive Criteria-Based Urban Sections Classification on Arterial Streets
Authors: Royko Yuriy , Fornalchyk Yevhen , Koda Eugeniusz , Kernytskyy Ivan , Hrytsun Oleh , Bura Romana , Osinski Piotr , Markiewicz Anna , Wierzbicki Tomasz , Barabash Ruslan , Humenuyk Ruslan , Polyansky Pavlo
Published: January 2023

The present paper is aimed at improving minimization methods in traffic flows, particularly reducing the costs of civil transportation through sections of the transport network by giving priority to public transport in densely developed areas. In cities with a radial and radial–circular planning scheme of the road network, where arterial traffic flows converge in the central part, the challenge of street congestion with traffic often arises. As a result, delays of all types of vehicles increase, which causes excessive travel time for users of private and public transport. In this regard, it is proposed to divide the sections of the transport network into eight types based on their geometric parameters and traffic conditions. This differentiation of sections improves the existing methods for determining the spatial delay of traffic flows on sections of the transport network with different parameters. It was achieved by considering the duration of vehicles passing signalized intersections and pedestrian crosswalks and the sections of streets between them, while simultaneously recording the duration of public transport movement, as well as the time they spend at stopping points, using GPS receivers. The results of onsite monitoring and further computations revealed that there are particular urban sections with specific, different distances between adjacent stop lines that are critical for public transport operation. Furthermore, based on the delay criterion, there were three different passage modes proposed to improve the efficiency of the traffic.
The Learning Needs of Art and Design Students in Chinese Vocational Colleges for Entrepreneurship Education: From the Perspectives of Theory of Entrepreneurial Thought and Action
Authors: Zeng Lin , Ye Jian-Hong , Wang Ning , Lee Yi-Sang , Yuan Jiayin
Published: January 2023

Entrepreneurship education in Chinese colleges and universities began in the early 21st century. After more than 20 years of development, it has reached an unprecedented scale. At present, there are many studies on entrepreneurship education for undergraduates in Chinese colleges and universities, but only a few general studies on entrepreneurship education in higher vocational education. Particularly, the analysis of the status quo of students’ entrepreneurship education and the research on the improvement of entrepreneurship education has not yet been widely discussed. This research adopted the semi-structured interview method and used purposive sampling to select 8 students with entrepreneurial willingness in lower grades and 8 in upper grades of higher vocational art and design in the Guangzhou area, as well as 8 students who have succeeded in entrepreneurship after graduation, giving a total of 24 students. The interview was designed based on the concept of Entrepreneurial Thought and Action (ET&A) entrepreneurship education. The interview outline was derived from the three aspects of learning, action, and creation. After the interviews were conducted, coding and qualitative analysis were performed to identify the knowledge and skills required by art students in higher vocational colleges to establish a business, and the problems encountered by successful students in entrepreneurship that might be encountered in the future. Based on the conclusions, the method and content of entrepreneurship education in schools could be improved. In addition, the research results showed that to fulfill the aim of entrepreneurship, art and design students in higher vocational colleges need to learn knowledge and skills such as entrepreneurial courses, professional knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills (competition, training, simulation, practice, etc.). Meanwhile, students who had succeeded in entrepreneurship believed that it was necessary to improve the entrepreneurship education curriculum system, pay attention to entrepreneurship practice teaching, and strengthen the linkage between home, school, and enterprise to promote entrepreneurship learning, thereby enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship ability.
Integrated GIS and Fuzzy-AHP Framework for Suitability Analysis of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems: A Case in Southern Philippines
Authors: Tarife Rovick , Nakanishi Yosuke , Zhou Yicheng , Estoperez Noel , Tahud Anacita
Published: January 2023

This study proposes an integrated framework for assessing the suitability of renewable energy systems, including wind, solar, hydro and hybrid wind–solar and hydro–solar, in the southern Philippines. The framework employs a combination of the Fuzzy-Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to evaluate various socio-environmental and techno-economic factors. Several suitability indices were developed and used in the analysis. The criteria used in the analysis are based on a comprehensive literature review and input from experts in renewable energy and micro-grid technology. The results indicate that energy production is the most important factor and the total suitable areas for hybrid wind–solar and hybrid hydro–solar systems are 126.60 and 629.02 square kilometers, respectively. This research provides valuable insights for decision-makers and potential investors in the renewable energy sector in the study area.
Digital Economy, Industrial Structure, and Environmental Quality: Assessing the Roles of Educational Investment, Green Innovation, and Economic Globalization
Authors: Zhao Yao , Kong Xuena , Ahmad Mahmood , Ahmed Zahoor
Published: January 2023

This study constructs a digital economy (DE) index and explores its impact on environmental quality by utilizing data from China’s 287 prefecture-level cities from 2013 to 2019. Unlike past studies, this research examines the indirect effect of DE on environmental pollution through the channels of industrial structure and educational investment. Further, it also analyzes the moderating role of economic globalization and green technology innovation in the nexus between DE and environmental quality. The empirical results indicate that DE significantly and positively enhances environmental quality by mitigating environmental pollution. This outcome remained stable after a series of empirical analyses and stability checks. Secondly, DE positively affects ecological and environmental quality by improving education levels and upgrading industrial structures. Thirdly, green technological innovation and economic globalization positively and significantly moderate the effect of DE development on ecological and environmental quality. Fourthly, associations between the development of DE and environmental quality are heterogeneous in terms of regions and markets, among which the most significant impact exists in the eastern area and the area with higher marketization. Based on the empirical findings, this paper provides comprehensive recommendations for promoting the DE and advancing China’s environmental quality. Based on the results, important policy implications are suggested.
Factors Associated with Perceived Change in Weight, Physical Activity, and Food Consumption during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Latin America
Authors: Mejia Christian R. , Farfán Bertha , Figueroa-Tarrillo Jorge A. , Palomino Kely , Pereira-Victorio César Johan , Failoc-Rojas Virgilio E. , Valladares-Garrido Mario J.
Published: January 2023

Quarantine and the restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic have generated problems in nutrition and physical condition around the world. We aimed to determine factors associated with changes in perceived weight and lifestyle factors during the COVID-19 quarantine in Latin America, conducting a cross-sectional study based on a survey administered in more than a dozen countries during June–August 2020. Perceptions of weight changes and alterations in other habits were investigated and were associated with social factors and self-reported diseases. Of 8800 respondents, the majority perceived that they had gained weight and had been less physically active. Being female, living in Bolivia, obesity, and stress were factors associated with a higher perception of weight gain. A higher perception of physical activity was also associated with living in Chile, being of older age, being female, having diabetes, obesity, and stress. When living in Paraguay and Mexico, being female, obesity, anxiety, and stress were associated with a higher perception of unhealthy food consumption. When living in Bolivia, women, obesity, and stress were associated with a higher perception of consuming larger food portions. In conclusion, the perceived changes in weight and lifestyle during the pandemic were more evident in women, people with comorbidities, and those with emotional distress. Differences in the perception of weight changes were minimal among Latin American countries. This information suggests the possible metabolic implications in at-risk individuals that should be further addressed by researchers for timely intervention.
A Meta-Analysis Study on the Use of Biochar to Simultaneously Mitigate Emissions of Reactive Nitrogen Gases (N2O and NO) from Soils
Authors: Zhang Xiayan , Lv Jiyang , Zhang Yuyang , Li Shouguo , Chen Xian , Sha Zhipeng
Published: January 2023

Nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) are detrimental reactive gaseous oxides of nitrogen. Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers in cropping systems has significantly increased the emissions of these gases, causing adverse environmental consequences. Previous studies have demonstrated that biochar amendment can regulate soil-N dynamics and mitigate N losses, but they lacked simultaneous assessments of soil N2O and NO emissions. Thus, the factors influencing the emissions of nitrogen oxides are still unclear. Therefore, this study examined the impact of biochar application on simultaneous N2O and NO emissions based on 18 peer-reviewed papers (119 paired observations). A machine learning model (boosted regression tree model) was adopted to assess the potential influencing factors, such as soil properties, biochar characteristics, and field management conditions. The addition of biochar reduced N2O and NO emissions by 16.2% and 14.7%, respectively. Biochar with a high total carbon content and pH, from woody or herbaceous feedstock, pyrolyzed at a high temperature, applied at a moderate rate and to soil with a high-silt content, a moderate pH, and coarse texture, could simultaneously reduce soil N2O and NO emissions. Biochar amendment, thus, has the potential to lower the environmental impact of crop production. Furthermore, the influence of soil properties, biochar characteristics, and field management should be considered in the future to enhance the efficacy of biochar.
A Practice for the Design of Interactive Multimedia Experiences Based on Gamification: A Case Study in Elementary Education
Authors: Peláez Carlos Alberto , Solano Andrés
Published: January 2023

This research proposes a practice for the design of interactive multimedia experiences, based on gamification and applied in elementary education. The practice is expressed in the Essence graphic notation language. Through practice, a multimedia experience based on gamification, called Coco-Shapes, was developed to assist learning of the English language in the following topics: geometric figures, colors and counting. The study is aimed at children aged between 4 and 5 years of age, in the transition grade in a private school, and in a vulnerable community with scarce resources in the city of Cali (Colombia). A research process was conducted for this experience, with the participation of two groups of students: one experimental group and one control group. The results are optimistic, since it is evident that, through carrying out the activities that make up the practice, the solution achieved contributes to increased user learning, as well as favors a greater receptivity in the students towards the use of technology in the training process.
Cu(II) and Cr(VI) Removal in Tandem with Electricity Generation via Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Yu , Mi Yue , Wang Dongqi , Wang Zhe , Meng Haiyu , Jiang Chunbo , Dong Wen , Li Jiake , Li Huaien
Published: January 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have shown great advantages in electricity production, heavy metal removal, and energy recovery. However, the impact and mechanism of conflicting effects of numerous electron acceptors on heavy metal removal remain unknown. The effects of different initial heavy metal concentrations, cathodic dissolved oxygen, and electrode materials on the electricity generation and heavy metal removal efficiencies of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) were investigated in this study. When the initial concentration of Cr(VI) increased from 10 mg/L to 150 mg/L, the maximum voltage, coulomb efficiency, and maximum power density declined from 99 to 44 mV, 28.63% to 18.97%, and 14.29 to 0.62 mW/m2, and the removal efficiencies of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) decreased dramatically from 98.34% and 99.92% to 67.09% and 37.06%, respectively. Under anaerobic cathodic conditions, the removal efficiency and removal rate of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) were lower than those under aerobic conditions. When the cathode electrode was titanium sheet and graphite plate, the coulomb efficiency and maximum power density increased to 38.18%, 50.71%, 33.95 mW/m2, and 62.23 mW/m2. The removal efficiency and removal rates of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) were significantly increased to 98.09%, 86.13%, and 0.47, 0.50 mg/(L h) with a graphite plate, respectively. The pH of the cathode varied considerably greater as the MFC current increased. Cu(II) and Cr(VI) were removed and reduced to elemental Cu, Cu2O, and its oxides as well as Cr(OH)3 and Cr2O3 precipitates on the cathode electrode by cathodic bioelectrochemical reduction.
Flood Policy and Governance: A Pathway for Policy Coherence in Nigeria
Authors: Danhassan Samir Shehu , Abubakar Ahmed , Zangina Aminu Sulaiman , Ahmad Mohammad Hadi , Hazaea Saddam A. , Ishak Mohd Yusoff , Zhang Jiahua
Published: January 2023

In recent years, Nigeria is witnessing increasing frequency of flood occurrence with devastating impact translating into significant loss of lives (in Nigeria, over 300 people died in September 2022) and properties. Addressing flood disaster requires holistic approach from policy and governance perspectives, integration of policies and programs and synergies between institutions. Using synergies and eliminating trade-offs, flood governance and policy coherence integrate all relevant policy fields and institutions to achieve common policy outcomes. The objective of this study is to examine and understand how flood governance and policy coherence are approached, as well as institutional design and implementation for coherence in Nigeria. The findings revealed that there is no single flood policy in Nigeria. Due to this, there is no focus and no defined objectives for flood governance, prevention, control, and management, and no imperative for the government to seek both short-term and long-term flood solutions. There is no synergy and coordination among institutions for flood governance in the country. Since the country established the federal ministry of environment in 1999, the environment, floods, and climate-related hazards were given less priority. State and local governments handle most flood disasters and emergencies. Federal assistance is provided, however, when flood disasters exceed the capabilities of local and state governments. This study recommends that across the country, flood policy needs to be designed, formulated, and implemented while assigning governance responsibility and decentralizing policy to state and local governments.
Mining and Utilizing Knowledge Correlation and Learners’ Similarity Can Greatly Improve Learning Efficiency and Effect: A Case Study on Chinese Writing Stroke Correction
Authors: Lang Qing , Zhang Caifeng , Qi Hengnian , Du Yaqin , Zhu Xiaorong , Zhang Chu , Li Mizhen
Published: January 2023

Using AI technology to improve teaching and learning is an important goal of educational sustainability. By mining the correlation between knowledge points, the discrete knowledge points can be integrated to improve the knowledge density and reduce the learning task. In addition, the successful experiences of similar learners can be shared, thus shortening the learning path of new learners. To change the common situation of irregular writing stroke order, to teach and correct stroke order effectively, this study uses association rules to explore the potential correlation between error-prone Chinese characters based on a large number of learners’ writing records, and then summarizes and sorts out a set of error-prone Chinese characters based on this. Every Chinese character contained in an error-prone category has a common error-prone feature. By correcting this error, it can be extended to every Chinese character of this category, and the learning efficiency of Chinese character strokes can be improved tens of times. In the training and testing system with a Chinese character error-prone character set, combined with the improved collaborative filtering algorithm, a learner-based personalized error-prone Chinese character recommendation model was proposed. Experimental results showed that the Apriori algorithm with lift measure can excavate effective strong association rules and provide an important reference for the character set table. The improved collaborative filtering algorithm can make use of the similarity between learners, share successful learning experiences, provide a personalized recommendation service for error-prone Chinese characters, and the recommendation performance is higher than that of the traditional collaborative filtering model. In the test of different types of learning groups, there are obvious differences between the independent pre-test and the post-training test, which effectively corrects the irregular writing habits, and further indicates that the excavation of knowledge correlation and the combination of learners’ similarity can effectively improve the efficiency and effect of teaching and learning.