bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressive Symptoms among Slovenian Female Tertiary Students before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Two Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys in 2020 and 2021
Authors: Kirbiš Andrej
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the mental health of the general population. This holds true especially for vulnerable groups, including young people, students, and females. Our study examined cross-sectional changes in depressive symptoms from immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic (January/February 2020) to the second wave of the epidemic in Slovenia (January/February 2021) among female tertiary students. A multivariate analysis of two repeated cross-sectional surveys was performed using relatively homogeneous samples. The pooled sample included 418 young adult female students (Mage = 21.21 years). Depressed affect items were used to measure depressive symptomatology. All three feelings indicating depressed affect increased substantially and significantly from 2020 to 2021: feeling depressed (23% vs. 38%), lonely (16% vs. 43%), and sad (21% vs. 49%). In 2021, female students had almost a three-fold increase in the odds of reporting at least two out of three depressed affect symptoms compared to 2020 (19% vs. 43%; aOR 2.97; 95% CI 1.59–5.54; p < 0.001), adjusted for sociodemographic and socioeconomic confounders. Our findings suggest that Slovenian female students’ mental health deteriorated during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health professionals’ efforts to combat the pandemic’s mental health-related negative short-term and potential long-term impacts should thus focus on young people, especially on younger female students.
Combining Cultural Heritage and Gaming Experiences: Enhancing Location-Based Games for Generation Z
Authors: Yun Hyeyoung
Published: September 2023

Location-based games (LBGs) are an effective tool to enhance engagement in cultural heritage experiences. Especially for digital natives (i.e., Generation Z), LBGs are a new way to experience cultural heritage. However, combining the heterogeneous experiences of cultural heritage and gaming without losing control of the game is a challenge for LBG development. This qualitative study proposes a model for combining cultural heritage experiences and gaming in LBGs based on the experiences of Generation Z. Fifteen research participants were asked to play-test the LBG Jungdong Milseo, and the findings were derived through the methodology of the constructivist grounded theory. The study focused on two research questions: “How can the heterogeneous experiences of cultural heritage and gaming be combined in LBG?” and “How does Generation Z perceive cultural heritage experiences through LBG?” The findings revealed that Generation Z wanted LBGs to include historical and cultural information that can only be experienced through games. This study, which combines cultural heritage experiences and games in LBG based on the experiences of Generation Z, proposes a model centered on the elements of site-based play, loose story, and mutually pervasive environment, and is expected to serve as a practical guide for LBG development.
Impact Pressure Influence of Flood on Bridge Deck under Sediment Deposition Conditions: An Experimental Study
Authors: Niu Zhipan , Long Yi , Meng Chuke , Yang Hang , Luo Yihan , Zhao Weiyang
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the impact of sediment deposition and inflow conditions on horizontal impact pressure and frequency analysis of bridge deck vibrations during flooding. Flooding-induced pressure and vibrations contribute to bridge collapse, and sediment deposition influences water flow and impact pressure. The study explores the relationship between sediment deposition height and impact pressure, revealing a significant increase as sediment approaches 50% of bridge deck clearance. Sediment amplifies impact pressure response to flow velocity changes. The dimensionless sediment deposition height has a greater influence on impact pressure compared to the inflow Froude number. Two distinct frequencies, dominant and secondary, are identified for impact pressure and water level fluctuations. Dominant frequencies positively correlate with sediment deposition height and Froude number, indicating an increasing trend. Secondary frequencies remain stable (0.31–0.58 Hz). These findings enhance understanding of flow dynamics and bridge–flow interaction in sediment-deposited channels, providing theoretical support for evaluating and managing disasters related to bridges in such environments. Overall, this research contributes to the field of bridge engineering and supports improved design and maintenance practices for bridges exposed to sediment-deposited channels.
Synergy of Patent and Open-Source-Driven Sustainable Climate Governance under Green AI: A Case Study of TinyML
Authors: Li Tao , Luo Jianqiang , Liang Kaitong , Yi Chaonan , Ma Lei
Published: September 2023

Green AI (Artificial Intelligence) and digitalization facilitate the “Dual-Carbon” goal of low-carbon, high-quality economic development. Green AI is moving from “cloud” to “edge” devices like TinyML, which supports devices from cameras to wearables, offering low-power IoT computing. This study attempts to provide a conceptual update of climate and environmental policy in open synergy with proprietary and open-source TinyML technology, and to provide an industry collaborative and policy perspective on the issue, through using differential game models. The results show that patent and open source, as two types of TinyML innovation, can benefit a wide range of low-carbon industries and climate policy coordination. From the case of TinyML, we find that collaboration and sharing can lead to the implementation of green AI, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, and helping to fight climate change and protect the environment.
Six-Year-Old Ecological Concrete in a Marine Environment: A Case Study
Authors: Kenny Amit , Ofer Rozovsky Ela
Published: September 2023

The durability of ecological concrete in a marine environment is of concern for the coastal and offshore construction industry. The properties of such concrete taken from a marine structure were studied. Specimens of six-year-old submerged ecological concrete were taken from a breakwater located in the East Mediterranean Sea. The specimens were analyzed for their biological carbonate deposition cover, chloride effective diffusion, carbonation, compressive strength, and mineralogy. About 57% of the surface was found to be covered by biogenic-deposited carbonates. The effective chloride diffusion coefficient and the carbonation rate were found to be reduced proportionally to the biogenic-carbonate cover, relative to the prediction by a standard model. No significant change in compressive strength was detected. Most of the aluminates were found in non-crystalline minerals. No evidence of a sulfate attack was found. In conclusion, the effect of the biological growth on the concrete surface is mainly a reduction of effective diffusion, and no negative effects were detected.
An Analysis of the Goat Value Chain from Lao PDR to Vietnam and a Socio-Economic Sustainable Development Perspective
Authors: Bui Thi Nga , Nguyen Huu Van , Nguyen Xuan Ba , Le Van Nam , Nguyen Thi Mui , Ngo Cuc Thi Kim , Ngo Quyen Thi Le , Hoang Nam , Morales Luis Emilio , Nguyen Viet Don , Olmo Luisa , Walken-Brown Stephen , Le Thi Thu Huong
Published: September 2023

Goats are produced in Laos on a small scale and most of them are exported to Vietnam, where they receive a price approximately 30% higher than Vietnamese crossbred goats. In 2021, Laos exported 2.2 million dollars in sheep and goats, mostly to Vietnam (2.19 million dollars). Vietnam was also the fastest-growing export market for sheep and goats of Laos between 2020 and 2021, comprising 66.7% of the total exports. This study aims to analyze the goat value chain from Laos to Vietnam and, based on its characteristics, to suggest policy interventions for the socio-economic sustainable development of the chain. This research analyzes a sample of 400 survey interviews of goat chain actors collected during the second and third quarters of 2022, with the support of CommCare software version 2.53.1. The results show that the Lao goat chain has four main functions implemented by four prominent actors: goat-rearing farmers, traders, abattoir owners, and restaurant owners. However, the role of input suppliers is unclear in this chain. Support to the stakeholders has been provided by local authorities and the government, projects and NGOs, technical supporters, and license supporters. There was not any clear evidence of the goat processing industry. Vertical and horizontal linkages between stakeholders exist, but agreements are primarily oral. There is no declaration of leading actors, and a traceability system has yet to be implemented. The increase in Lao goat exports to the Vietnamese market is driven by the high demand from Vietnamese consumers. The commercialization of goats’ yields provides a positive net income in Lao, where all actors benefit, especially traders and restaurant owners. The chain also creates job opportunities and income that improve living standards, especially for disadvantaged groups, such as women, middle-aged people, people with low literacy, and those living in rural areas. For the sustainable development of the chain, this research recommends that the Lao and Vietnamese governments work together to develop more favorable conditions for goat trading, to improve the traceability across the goat chain, to promote goat husbandry and feeding practices, and to foster goat farmer collaboration by sharing goat-rearing experiences.
Integration of the Machine Learning Algorithms and I-MR Statistical Process Control for Solar Energy
Authors: Atalan Yasemin Ayaz , Atalan Abdulkadir
Published: September 2023

The importance of solar power generation facilities, as one of the renewable energy types, is increasing daily. This study proposes a two-way validation approach to verify the validity of the forecast data by integrating solar energy production quantity with machine learning (ML) and I-MR statistical process control (SPC) charts. The estimation data for the amount of solar energy production were obtained by using random forest (RF), linear regression (LR), gradient boosting (GB), and adaptive boost or AdaBoost (AB) algorithms from ML models. Data belonging to eight independent variables consisting of environmental and geographical factors were used. This study consists of approximately two years of data on the amount of solar energy production for 636 days. The study consisted of three stages: First, descriptive statistics and analysis of variance tests of the dependent and independent variables were performed. In the second stage of the method, estimation data for the amount of solar energy production, representing the dependent variable, were obtained from AB, RF, GB, and LR algorithms and ML models. The AB algorithm performed best among the ML models, with the lowest RMSE, MSE, and MAE values and the highest R2 value for the forecast data. For the estimation phase of the AB algorithm, the RMSE, MSE, MAE, and R2 values were calculated as 0.328, 0.107, 0.134, and 0.909, respectively. The RF algorithm performed worst with performance scores for the prediction data. The RMSE, MSE, MAE, and R2 values of the RF algorithm were calculated as 0.685, 0.469, 0.503, and 0.623, respectively. In the last stage, the estimation data were tested with I-MR control charts, one of the statistical control tools. At the end of all phases, this study aimed to validate the results obtained by integrating the two techniques. Therefore, this study offers a critical perspective to demonstrate a two-way verification approach to whether a system’s forecast data are under control for the future.
In Situ Structural Health Monitoring of Full-Scale Wind Turbine Blades in Operation Based on Stereo Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Feng Weiwu , Yang Da , Du Wenxue , Li Qiang
Published: September 2023

Structural health monitoring (SHM) and the operational condition assessment of blades are greatly important for the operation of wind turbines that are at a high risk of disease in service for more than 5 years. Since certain types of blade faults only occur during wind turbine operation, it is more significant to perform in situ SHM of rotating full-scale blades than existing SHM of small-scale blades or static testing of full-scale blades. Considering that these blades are usually not prefabricated with relevant sensors, this study performed SHM and condition assessment of full-scale blades in operation with stereo digital image correlation. A self-calibration method adapted to the outdoors with a large field of view was introduced based on the speckled patterns. To accurately obtain the in- and off-plane deformation, a new reference frame is constructed at the center of the rotation of the blades. The 3D displacements of the points of interest (POIs) on the blade of a 2 MW wind turbine were characterized. Furthermore, the frequency spectrum of the measured 3D displacements of the blades was compared with the blades with the faults. The results showed that the introduced technique is a convenient and nondestructive technique that enables SHM of full-scale wind turbine blades in operation.
Sometimes Littering Is Acceptable—Understanding and Addressing Littering Perceptions in Natural Settings
Authors: Lev Naama , Negev Maya , Ayalon Ofira
Published: September 2023

The detrimental impact of visitor-induced litter pollution on ecosystems, wildlife, and overall quality of life emphasizes the urgency of mitigating it. This study uniquely focuses on diverse visitors’ perceptions of littering behavior in open spaces, facilitating comprehensive assessment and targeted mitigation strategies. This study aimed to analyze attitudes, willingness to act, and responsibility perceptions, considering diverse demographics in Israel’s multicultural context. It sought insights into littering rationales, potential remedies, and the identification of relatively acceptable littering behaviors for focused attention. This profound comprehension is crucial for conserving ecologically sensitive open areas, necessitating optimized management for interface preservation. Leveraging insights from an online survey involving 401 recent open-space visitors, this research reveals a disparity between self-professed and actual littering practices. Intriguingly, 32% of participants who claimed never to litter described instances of doing so. Furthermore, disparities emerged between anti-litter attitudes, willingness to act, and individual accountability, which were influenced by demographic variables. While individuals from various demographic cohorts attested to littering behavior, young ultra-Orthodox Jews possessing solely a high school level of education exhibited a proclivity for increased littering. Perceptions predominantly attribute purposeful and recreational motives to littering, rather than substantial reasons. Participants conceive a diverse range of effective strategies to address the issue, highlighting its intricate and multifaceted nature. Consequently, this study advocates for a multifaceted approach combining enhanced enforcement, educational campaigns, informative initiatives, and infrastructural enhancements. By acknowledging the complexities of littering behavior and embracing multifarious interventions, policymakers can enhance the likelihood of successfully curbing this pervasive challenge.
A Discrete Cooperative Control Method for Production Scheduling Problem of Assembly Manufacturing System
Authors: Wang Xiao , Liu Mei , Zhong Peisi , Zhang Chao , Zhang Dawei
Published: September 2023

With a sharp decrease in resource utilization of the complex production process, integrated scheduling methods are urgently needed in assembly manufacturing industries. To this end, this paper presents an integrated scheduling with jobs processing and assembly sequence (ISJPAS) problem where jobs and assemblies can be processed simultaneously. As the first contribution to this work, we develop a mixed integer nonlinear programming model (MINLP) that aims at minimizing maximum completion time and determining the earliness and tardiness of jobs and resulting inventory time. The structured property of the optimal scheduling solution is analyzed with regard to job sequencing and assembly sequencing. The NP-hard nature of the problem is proved, which provides upper and lower bounds on the optimal solution. Second, an efficient discrete assembly time and arrival time control (DAATC) method is presented based on continuous time variable control models. From a modified set of benchmark problems, the proposed method is tested by comparing four assembly association levels in real applications. The comparisons indicate the potentiality of our method to satisfy the due date. Lastly, relevance of practical applications are discussed, and several future research avenues are emphasized.
Using PRISMA Hyperspectral Data for Land Cover Classification with Artificial Intelligence Support
Authors: Delogu Gabriele , Caputi Eros , Perretta Miriam , Ripa Maria Nicolina , Boccia Lorenzo
Published: September 2023

Hyperspectral satellite missions, such as PRISMA of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), have opened up new research opportunities. Using PRISMA data in land cover classification has yet to be fully explored, and it is the main focus of this paper. Historically, the main purposes of remote sensing have been to identify land cover types, to detect changes, and to determine the vegetation status of forest canopies or agricultural crops. The ability to achieve these goals can be improved by increasing spectral resolution. At the same time, improved AI algorithms open up new classification possibilities. This paper compares three supervised classification techniques for agricultural crop recognition using PRISMA data: random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and convolutional neural network (CNN). The study was carried out over an area of 900 km2 in the province of Caserta, Italy. The PRISMA HDF5 file, pre-processed by the ASI at the reflectance level (L2d), was converted to GeoTiff using a custom Python script to facilitate its management in Qgis. The Qgis plugin AVHYAS was used for classification tests. The results show that CNN gives better results in terms of overall accuracy (0.973), K coefficient (0.968), and F1 score (0.842).
The Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Characterization of Domestic Wastewater in Adétikopé (Togo, West Africa)
Authors: Gbekley Efui Holaly , Komi Kossi , Houedakor Koko Zébéto , Poli Sossawè , Kpoezou Kossi , Adjalo Djiwonou Koffi , Zinsou-Klassou Kossiwa , Tchacondo Tchadjobo , Ameyapoh Yaovi , Adjoussi Pèssiezoum
Published: September 2023

Wastewater represents a health risk for the population. For sanitary safety, it is important to know its physico-chemical and microbiological qualities in order to better understand the risks incurred by the population. The aim of this study was to analyze Adétikopé’s domestic wastewater from a microbiological and physico-chemical standpoint. Twelve wastewater samples were taken in Adétikopé from December 2022 to February 2023. Physico-chemical parameters were determined in accordance with AFNOR and the French NF standard. In microbiology, AFNOR was used as a reference for the detection of germs contaminating wastewater. Results were assessed in relation to European Union Criteria 98/83/EC. The wastewater analyzed has a pH close to neutral, with an average pH of 7.05. The pollutant load generated ranged from 32 mG/L to 201 mg/L for BOD5, from 660 mG/L to 900 mG/L for COD and from 408 mG/L to 2080 mG/L for suspended solids. The highest levels of germs were detected in the samples taken, with values of 68,000 CFU/100 mL and 47,000 CFU/100 mL for thermotolerant coliforms and fecal streptococci, respectively. The results show that fecal contamination originates from both animal and human sources. Concentrations of fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci are very high, far exceeding WHO guidelines. While a short-term solution would be to disinfect household sanitation systems on a daily basis, in the long term, the construction of collective sanitation systems, backed up by environmental education, remains a sustainable solution for the health and safety of populations.
Pope Francis vs. Patriarch Bartholomew to Achieve Global Environmental Sustainability: Theoretical Insights Supported by Empirical Results
Authors: Zagonari Fabio
Published: September 2023

This paper theoretically examines and empirically assesses the ethical statements by Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew in terms of their ability to achieve global environmental sustainability. The theological discussion of environmental precepts in documents/speeches based on the recent academic literature suggests that (absolute feasibility) Pope Francis pursues unfeasible environmental and social goals (personal fulfillment, poverty reduction, population growth), whereas Patriarch Bartholomew pursues feasible environmental goals (meeting God’s will, following God’s law); (relative feasibility) Pope Francis suggests unclear and inconsistent values, whereas Patriarch Bartholomew suggests clear and consistent values; (absolute reliability) Pope Francis relies on many instruments close to alternative attitudes to the environment (happy sobriety, contemplative style, human rights), whereas Patriarch Bartholomew rests on few instruments close to unambiguous concerns for the environment (happiness from sanctity, ascetism, duties to community); (relative reliability) Pope Francis suggests broad behavioral rules, whereas Patriarch Bartholomew suggests targeted behavioral rules. The statistical analysis of documents/speeches as if they are environmental regulations (using “sin”) based on dynamic panel data shows that Patriarch Bartholomew > Pope Francis in absolute feasibility; Patriarch Bartholomew > Pope Francis in relative feasibility; Pope Francis > Patriarch Bartholomew in absolute reliability; and Patriarch Bartholomew > Pope Francis in relative reliability. Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew together reduced the global average per capita use of the Earth’s resources by 5% per year.
A Blockchain-Based Multi-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Task Processing System for Situation Awareness and Real-Time Decision
Authors: Chen Ziqiang , Xiong Xuanrui , Wang Wei , Xiao Yulong , Alfarraj Osama
Published: September 2023

With the rapid advancement of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology, UAV swarms are being extensively applied in various fields, such as intelligent transportation, search and rescue, logistics delivery, and aerial mapping. However, the utilization of UAV swarms in sustainable transportation also presents some challenges, such as inefficient task allocation and data transmission security issues, highlighting the importance of privacy protection in this context. To address these issues, this study applies blockchain technology to multi-UAV tasks and proposes a blockchain-based multi-UAV task processing system for situation awareness and real-time decisions. The primary objective of this system is to enhance the efficiency of UAV swarm task scheduling, bolster data transmission security, and address privacy protection concerns. Utilizing the highly secure features of blockchain technology, the system constructs a distributed task processing network. System tasks are stored in the blockchain through smart contracts, ensuring the immutability and verifiability of task information. Smart contracts have an automatic execution capability, whereby the system can efficiently coordinate tasks and maintain the consistency of task execution information through consensus mechanisms. Additionally, adopting the Pointer Network structure for intelligent path planning based on task allocation results leads to the attainment of the shortest service routes, consequently expanding the service coverage of sustainable transportation systems while reducing energy consumption. This further advances the realization of urban sustainable transportation. Through experimental results, we verify that the proposed system enables real-time task scheduling and collaborative processing for multiple UAVs, significantly enhancing the efficiency, security, and privacy protection level of UAV swarm task execution in the context of sustainable transportation. It makes a positive contribution to building more sustainable urban transportation systems.
A Study on the Professionalization of Young Part-Time Farmers Based on Two-Way Push–Pull Model
Authors: Yang Lulu , Gai Yankai , Zhang An
Published: September 2023

A growing number of young Chinese farmers are abandoning agriculture. This research aimed to identify ways to stimulate enthusiasm among young people for choosing careers in agriculture and to promote the professionalization of young part-time farmers. This study surveyed 310 young part-time farmers in Chongqing City and Tianjin City. We constructed the Two-Way Push–Pull (TWPP) model to assess the willingness of young part-time farmers to work professionally in agriculture. The results show that agricultural policy support, hometown attachment, agricultural income, and agricultural industrialization significantly influence young part-time farmers’ willingness to pursue professional farming careers. However, risks of farming, children’s education, urban housing, and non-farm income negatively impact their willingness. The government must strengthen policy support’s influence on their willingness to motivate young part-time farmers to become professional farmers. This could include reducing farming risks, advancing agricultural industrialization, improving farmers’ professional status and reputation, and increasing the quality of rural public services.
Formulation of a Jet Fuel Surrogate and Its Kinetic Chemical Mechanism by Emulating Physical and Chemical Properties of Real Jet Fuel
Authors: Li Guangze , Cui Boxuan , Zhang Chenglin , Chang Liuyong , Chen Longfei
Published: September 2023

The application of jet fuel in gas turbines and diesel engines adheres to the Army’s single-fuel forward policy, streamlining supply chains. To ensure precise engine combustion numerical studies, surrogate fuels and mechanisms should faithfully replicate real fuel properties and combustion traits. In this work, a new four-component jet fuel surrogate containing 39.05% n-dodecane/21.79% isocetane/11.49% decalin/27.67% toluene by mole fraction is formulated based on a property optimizer. The new-formulated fuel surrogate can satisfactorily emulate the chemical and physical properties of real jet fuel, including cetane number (CN), threshold sooting index (TSI), molecular weight (MW), lower heating value (LHV), the ratio of hydrogen and carbon (H/C), liquid density, viscosity, and surface tension. Furthermore, a reduced and robust kinetic chemical mechanism (containing 124 species and 590 reactions) that could be directly employed in practical engine combustion simulations has also been developed for the proposed surrogate jet fuel. The mechanism is validated through comprehensive experimental data, including ignition delay time (IDT) determined in shock tubes and rapid compression machines (RCMs), species mole fractions measured in premixed flames and jet stirred reactors (JSRs), and laminar flame speeds. Generally, the property deviations of the jet fuel surrogate are less than 2% except for MW (10.73%), viscosity (5.88%), and surface tension (8.71%). The comparison results between the predictions and measurements are in good agreement, indicating that the current kinetic mechanism is capable of reflecting the oxidation process of real jet fuel. The current mechanism can accurately capture variations in the ignition delay time in the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) region as well. In the future, the proposed surrogate jet fuel could be applied in practical engine computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations.
Basic Psychological Needs, Good Societal Development and Satisfaction with Life: The Mediating Role of the Environment
Authors: Mosca Oriana , Milani Alessandro , Fornara Ferdinando , Manunza Andrea , Krys Kuba , Maricchiolo Fridanna
Published: September 2023

Seminal work on laypeople’s perspectives on societal development is the foundation of our renovated interest in good development and its relationship with well-being. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between individual basic psychological needs satisfaction, people’s visions of good societal development in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, and well-being in terms of Satisfaction with Life. To reach this aim, we administered an online survey to a general sample (N = 206, F = 69.4% M = 28.6%, mean age of 33.39 years, and sd = 12.33) with different measures: (a) 3 Basic Psychological Needs (i.e., Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence) Satisfaction Scale; (b) an ad hoc built Attitude towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Scale; (c) Satisfaction with Life Scale. We conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) on the scale about attitudes toward the SDGs, correlation analyses between the investigated variables, and a series of mediation analyses with the three basic psychological needs satisfaction as IVs, the factors emerging from the EFA as mediators (i.e., Environment, Equity, Health) and Satisfaction with Life as the DV. The results showed that only the Environment component of the SDGs Scale mediated the relation between Basic Psychological Needs and Satisfaction with Life. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of different theoretical frameworks, like the Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT), the Person-Culture fit theory, and the Affordances Theory.
Random Maintenance Strategy Modeling of Warranted Products with Reliability Heterogeneity
Authors: Ma Chengye , Du Yongjun , Shang Lijun , Yang Li , Gao Kaiye
Published: September 2023

Using monitored job cycles to design and model random maintenance strategies for ensuring life-cycle reliability has been extensively researched. The reliability heterogeneity over the life cycle has been ignored universally in this type of strategy. In this paper, using two different areas of regions that can screen reliability, two random maintenance strategies were customized for the life-cycle reliabilities of warrantied products with monitored job cycles to be ensured based on reliability heterogeneity. In the case of using minimal repair, the first one was flexibly customized depending on whether the first failure occurs in the region consisting of limited job cycles or a period of warranty service, whichever occurs first. Such a strategy is called flexible repair warranty first (FRWF) and can be used to ensure warranty-stage reliability during a product’s life cycle. The FRWF strategy is modeled from the perspectives of cost and time measures. Based on whether the first failure of the product through its FRWF occurs in another region, random periodic replacement (RPR) and classic periodic replacement (CPR) are triggered to customize the second one, which is named bivariate customized random maintenance (BCRM) because two decision variables are considered. The BCRM and its variants are modeled from the perspectives of the average cost rates. Finally, numerical analysis of some of the customized strategies was performed from the numerical perspective. Numerical analysis showed that the presented FRWF is superior to the classic free repair warranty (FRW) strategy because the servicing time of the presented FRWF strategy is longer than the servicing time of the classic FRW strategy at the same cost.
Moral and Institutional Foundations of Sustainable Technological Entrepreneurship
Authors: Gambarotto Francesca , Rangone Marco , Solari Stefano
Published: September 2023

In this essay, we reflect on the conditions that allow firms to play a leading role in the ecological transition process. The essay starts with an analysis of the technological and economic features of eco-efficient technologies. We argue that they are weak levers for the ecological transition. As eco-efficiency is based on profit-maximising goals, the pace of the transition is unlikely to peak quickly. In fact, this profit motive restrains firms from fully embedding ecological principles in their choices. Some behavioural concerns arise, as rationally bounded firms are likely to pursue uncomplicated and effortless pathways so as to safeguard profits. For instance, firms may pretend to be sustainable, while chasing opportunistic practices such as greenwashing, wokening, and cost shifting. Hence, they cannot lead the ecological transition process. A few consequences derive. First, new moral values must become pivotal criteria in firms’ decision-making processes. Second, such a big challenge must become shared and widely accepted in social discourse, so as to involve all economic actors and trigger a general process of institutional change. These are necessary conditions for the ensuing economic and social provisioning to take care of the limits of the Earth. Finally, we suggest that the teaching of economics must also be concerned with making such a change in mindset successful.
Impact of Open-Loop Systems on Groundwater Temperature in NE Slovenia
Authors: Adrinek Simona , Janža Mitja , Brenčič Mihael
Published: September 2023

To achieve sustainable and efficient use of shallow geothermal resources, it is important to understand the heat transfer in the subsurface of the planned geothermal system. In the City Municipality of Murska Sobota, NE Slovenia, the use of geothermal open-loop systems has increased in recent years. Their high spatial density raises the question of possible mutual interference between the systems. By compiling geological, hydrogeological, and thermal data, obtained from the monitoring network, fieldwork, and knowledge of regional hydrogeological conditions, we have developed a transient groundwater flow and heat transfer model to evaluate the impact of the open-loop systems on the subsurface and surrounding systems. The transient simulation showed that the thermal state in the observed area is restored over the summer, when the systems are not in operation. Also, the systems do not have significant mutual interference that would affect their efficiency. However, as interest in installing new systems in the area increases, simulations of the thermal plumes of new geothermal systems are needed to ensure sustainable and efficient use of shallow geothermal energy in the future.
Scaling Up Banking Performance for the Realisation of Specific Sustainable Development Goals: The Interplay of Digitalisation and Training in the Transformation Journey
Authors: Bahl Kayenaat , Kiran Ravi , Sharma Anupam
Published: September 2023

The main purpose of this study was to examine how digitalisation with a mediating role of training influences banking performance and further how banking performance helps in realisation of specific sustainable development goals (SDGs). Data were gathered from 402 employees from public, private, and foreign sector banks. Digital culture, digital technologies, and digital skillsets are the sub-scales of digitalisation. For training, three types of training (on the job training, off the job training, and special training) were considered. Banking performance was measured through balanced score card covering customer, financial, internal business process, and innovation and learning perspective. This study considered SDG1: eradication of poverty; SDG5: gender equality; and SDG8: economic growth and decent work. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling was used to examine relationship among digitalisation, training, banking performance, and the realisation of specific sustainable development goals (SDG1, SDG5, and SDG8). The results highlighted that digitalisation has a positive association with training and with banking performance (with β values of 0.692 and 0.531). The direct effect of digitalisation on banking performance (with β value is 0.316) was significant; however, the effect was enhanced when training was used as a mediating variable between digitalisation and banking performance (β: 0.367). Furthermore, the results suggest that banking performance has a positive association with realisation of specific SDGs (β: 0.867). In the designed model, it can be seen that the predictors (digitalisation and training) explained 61.1 percent of banking performance. This paper, by combining digitalisation and training with banking performance, provided an integrated approach to contribute towards the realisation of sustainable development goals (SDG1, SDG5, and SDG8). The final integrated model with digitalisation, training, and banking performance as predictors explained 75.6% of variation in exogenous variable, i.e., the realisation of specific SDGs. The results indicate an important role of digitalisation and training in scaling up banking performance for the realisation of specific SDGs.
Fast and Robust State Estimation for Active Distribution Networks Considering Measurement Data Fusion and Network Topology Changes
Authors: Wan Dai , Zhao Miao , He Guidong , Che Liang , Guo Qi , Zhou Qianfan
Published: September 2023

With the integration of distributed generations (DGs), distribution networks are being transformed into active distribution networks (ADNs). Due to ADNs‘ complex operational scenarios, massive data, and fast-changing network topologies, traditional state-estimation (SE) methods are inadequate to meet the requirements of computational accuracy, computational speed, and robustness. Aiming at the SE of ADNs, this paper proposes a data-driven and classic-model-integrated SE method, which uses an SE neural network (NN) to perform an initial estimation, and then uses linear SE to refine the estimation. It applies PMU and SCADA data fusion and is robust to noise and ADN topology changes. The simulations on the IEEE standard system verify that the proposed method is superior to traditional SE methods in terms of estimation accuracy, calculation speed, and robustness. This study provides ADNS with a new effective estimation scheme, which is of great significance in the context of promoting the development of renewable energy.
Impact of Revenue Generated via Composting and Recycling of Wastes Produced in the Greenhouse Tomato Supply Chain on Reducing Income Inequality: A Case Study of Türkiye
Authors: Türkten Hatice
Published: September 2023

Investigating the potential impacts of composting and recycling wastes on income distribution is crucial to promote a fairer and more sustainable fresh tomato supply chain (FTSC). Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential of generating extra income from recycling of tomatoes waste generated along the FTSC, and to analyze the impact of that extra income on reducing income inequality among the FTSC actors. Data were collected from 136 greenhouse tomato producers, 60 wholesalers, 18 exporters, 120 domestic retailers, 22 overseas retailers, and 3 recycling facilities in Türkiye. Marketing cost, absolute marketing margin, relative marketing margin and net profit margin were used to economically analyze the FTSCs. Research results showed that the net profit share of the producers decreased with the increasing number of intermediaries. Additionally, revenue generated from composting and recycling of product loss and wastes increased the welfare of greenhouse producers more than the other supply chain actors. When taking into account the revenue generated from composting and recycling of wastes, the net profit of the producers increased by 9.85% at first FTSC, while it increased by 8.29% and 9.21% in the second and third FTSCs, respectively, compared to the prevailing conditions. The retailers were benefitted more from the extra revenue generated via composting and recycling of wastes compared to the wholesalers and exporters. However, the income gain of the domestic retailers and wholesalers from recycling was more when compared to the overseas ones. Close cooperation between producers, wholesalers, exporters, retailers, and recycling facilities is essential for the effective implementation of waste recycling initiatives. Organizing training and education programs focused on waste management can increase the extra income that producers and active intermediaries in FTSCs can generate from composting and recycling of tomato wastes. Offering financial incentives, grants, or subsidies can encourage producers and other actors within the supply chain to adopt waste recycling practices. Continuous research and innovation are crucial in identifying and developing new technologies, processes, and strategies to minimize food loss and waste. Introducing fair-trade practices may help to balance the income distribution among FTSC actors.
Analysis of Factors Affecting the Extra Journey Time of Public Bicycles
Authors: Jung Jongwoo , Jung Doyoung
Published: September 2023

Many countries worldwide are introducing public bicycle systems to reduce urban traffic and environmental problems. However, studies on the usage behavior of public bicycles have not considered the trip purpose of riders extensively due to data limitations. Therefore, this study defined the “extra journey time” from usage time and origin–destination (OD) expected time and clustered public bicycle usage behaviors. Subsequently, the effects of the location characteristics of the departure and arrival stations, road environmental factors, and weather conditions for each cluster were analyzed. Three clusters were obtained from the results. Riders in Cluster 1 were inferred to have used the bicycles to commute and for work purposes, and riders in Clusters 2 and 3 used the bicycles for leisure purposes. Moreover, the bike station location characteristics, road environmental factors, and weather conditions influenced the probability of classification into one cluster. In particular, bike lanes near the departure and arrival stations increased the probability of classification under Clusters 2 and 3. The trip patterns according to the extra journey time of public bicycles were classified under these clusters. Furthermore, the differences in the characteristics of the bicycle usage types were identified according to the location and meteorological factors affecting them.
Effects of Cornices on Wind Loads of Solar Panels Mounted on Gable Roof Building
Authors: Tu Zhibin , Yao Jianfeng , Zhou Xing , Wang Dong , Shen Guohui , Yu Shice
Published: September 2023

The effects of various parameters of the solar panel and surrounding structure on wind loads acting on solar panels have been extensively investigated in prior studies. However, the parameter of cornice length has not been considered. With varying lengths of cornices, solar panels can be positioned either near or far away from the roof corner and edge, which are the locations where the largest wind-induced suction forces are likely to occur. To examine the effects of cornices, a wind tunnel test was conducted to measure the wind pressures on a solar module installed on a residential gable roof building. The cornice lengths varied from 0 m to 1.6 m, with an interval of 0.4 m. The results show that when wind blows perpendicular to the roof ridge, cornice can reduce the mean, STD, and peak pressure coefficients on the upper and lower surfaces and resulting net values. However, it should be noted that the most unfavorable area-averaged minimum peaks in the middle and trailing zones exhibit a gradual increase with the growing cornice length. Considering the potential risk of solar module failure resulting from high wind-induced suction forces, more caution is needed when installing solar modules on roofs with larger cornices.
Analysis of the Spatial and Temporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Landscape Ecological Risk in the Four Lakes Basin on the Jianghan Plain, China
Authors: Xia Ying , Li Jia , Li Enhua , Liu Jiajia
Published: September 2023

Due to the complex ecological effects of the interactions between natural environmental evolution and anthropogenic interference, a series of longstanding environmental problems have severely exacerbated the vulnerability of watershed ecosystems. Landscape ecological risk (LER) assessment is suitable for exploring the extent of threats and the likelihood of adverse impacts to watershed ecosystems from multiple sources of risk. However, the specific LER and the role of diverse factors on LER in the Four Lakes Basin remain unclear. Hence, it is necessary to identify the spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics of LER and the drivers of their interactions. In this study, the variations and driving factors of LER in the Four Lakes Basin from 2000 to 2020 were evaluated. Landscape disturbance index was selected to establish the LER measurement method. Spatial autocorrelation and the standard deviation ellipse method were employed to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in LER. To overcome the uncertainties in accurately assessing the interactions, we attempted to use the geographic detector model to quantitatively analyze the driving factors. The following results are indicated: (1) In the period from 2000 to 2020, the LER had spatially uneven distribution characteristics of low in the north-central and high in the east and south. The level of LER has been increasing. (2) The LER has characteristics showing significant spatial clustering distribution. However, the spatial convergence has diminished with time. (3) The development inclination of LER was different in the two stages. The first stage (2000–2010) showed diffusion, while the second stage (2010–2020) was concentrated to the northwest. (4) The two-factor enhancement of interactions between land use index and human disturbance (q2000 = 0.885, q2010 = 0.888, q2020 = 0.713) was the dominant factor influencing LER. This study can provide a theoretical reference for ecological restoration and promotion of ecosystem service functions in the Four Lakes Basin.
Study on the Application of Activity-Based Costing in Cold Chain Logistics Enterprises under Low Carbon Environment
Authors: Yang Yujie , Jiang Jinde , Wang Rong , Xu Guoyin , Gu Jing
Published: September 2023

Currently, a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions has caused a series of problems such as serious environmental degradation, and China is facing enormous pressure to reduce emissions. In terms of meeting the needs of people’s lives, cold chain logistics has undergone faster development, and its carbon emissions are relatively high. In response to the government’s advocacy for green and low-carbon concepts, some technical measures taken will increase the cost of carbon emissions. Identifying measures to reduce carbon emissions using management methods is an ongoing problem that this paper intends to solve. To address the shortcomings of the traditional cost method that cannot accurately account for the cost of each calculation object and ignores the carbon emission cost, this paper constructs an activity-based cost model for cold chain logistics enterprises to more comprehensively account for the operation cost and carbon emission cost. Then, a typical enterprise YS cold chain logistics company is used as a case study for an empirical calculation and analysis. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) the results identify the main activity centers that affect the operating costs and carbon emission costs of different customers; (2) a comparison among the total cost of each project helps to identify high-quality customers; (3) clarifying the carbon emission cost of wasting resources is beneficial for further optimizing the match between production capacity and business volume. This paper provides a path reference for enterprises to efficiently implement logistics cost management and carbon emission control, which can help enterprises cope with cost reduction and efficiency enhancement in a low-carbon environment and promote the long-term development of the logistics industry and environmental protection.