bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Subregion Ensemble Learning Mapping of Land Use/Land Cover at the Watershed Scale
Authors: Li Runxiang , Gao Xiaohong , Shi Feifei
Published: October 2024

Land use/land cover (LULC) data are essential for Earth science research. Due to the high fragmentation and heterogeneity of landscapes, machine learning-based LULC classification frequently emphasizes results such as classification accuracy, efficiency, and variable importance analysis. However, this approach often overlooks the intermediate processes, and LULC mapping that relies on a single classifier typically does not yield satisfactory results. In this paper, to obtain refined LULC classification products at the watershed scale and improve the accuracy and efficiency of watershed-scale mapping, we propose a subregion ensemble learning classification framework. The Huangshui River watershed, located in the transition belts between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Loess Plateau, is chosen as the case study area, and Sentinel-2A/B multi-temporal data are selected for ensemble learning classification. Using the proposed method, the block classification scale is analyzed and illustrated at the watershed, and the classification accuracy and efficiency of the new method are compared and analyzed against three ensemble learning methods using several variables. The proposed watershed-scale ensemble learning framework has better accuracy and efficiency for LULC mapping and has certain advantages over the other methods. The method proposed in this study provides new ideas for watershed-scale LULC mapping technology.
Detection of Vertebrate Skeletons by Ground Penetrating Radars: An Example from the Ica Desert Fossil-Lagerstätte
Authors: Schettino Antonio , Ghezzi Annalisa , Collareta Alberto , Pierantoni Pietro Paolo , Tassi Luca , Di Celma Claudio
Published: October 2024

We present a technique for the detection of vertebrate skeletons buried at shallow depths through the use of a ground-penetrating radar (GPR). The technique is based on the acquisition of high-resolution data by medium-to-high frequency GPR antennas and the analysis of the radar profiles by a new forward modelling method that is applied on a set of representative traces. This approach allows us to obtain synthetic traces that can be used to build detailed reflectivity diagrams that plot spikes with a distinct amplitude and polarity for each reflector in the ground. The method was tested in a controlled experiment performed at the top of Cerro Los Quesos, one of the most fossiliferous localities in the Ica Desert of Peru. We acquired GPR data at the location of a partially buried fossil skeleton of a large whale and analyzed the reflections associated with the bones using the new technique, determining the possible signature of vertebrae, ribs, the cranium (including the rostrum), and mandibles. Our results show that the technique is effective in the mapping of buried structures, particularly in the detection of tiny features, even below the classical (Ricker and Rayleigh) estimates of the vertical resolution of the antenna in civil engineering and forensic applications.
STCA: High-Altitude Tracking via Single-Drone Tracking and Cross-Drone Association
Authors: Qiao Yu , Fan Huijie , Wang Qiang , Zhao Tinghui , Tang Yandong
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we introduce a high-altitude multi-drone multi-target (HAMDMT) tracking method called STCA, which aims to collaboratively track similar targets that are easily confused. We approach this challenge by categorizing the HAMDMT tracking into two principal tasks: Single-Drone Tracking and Cross-Drone Association. Single-Drone Tracking employs positional and appearance data vectors to overcome the challenges arising from similar target appearances within the field of view of a single drone. The Cross-Drone Association employs image-matching technology (LightGlue) to ascertain the topological relationships between images captured by disparate drones, thereby accurately determining the associations between targets across multiple drones. In Cross-Drone Association, we enhanced LightGlue into a more efficacious method, designated T-LightGlue, for cross-drone target tracking. This approach markedly accelerates the tracking process while reducing indicator dropout. To narrow down the range of targets involved in the cross-drone association, we develop a Common View Area Model based on the four vertices of the image. Considering to mitigate the occlusion encountered by high-altitude drones, we design a Local-Matching Model that assigns the same ID to the mutually nearest pair of targets from different drones after mapping the centroids of the targets across drones. The MDMT dataset is the only one captured by a high-altitude drone and contains a substantial number of similar vehicles. In the MDMT dataset, the STCA achieves the highest MOTA in Single-Drone Tracking, with the IDF1 system achieving the second-highest performance and the MDA system achieving the highest performance in Cross-Drone Association.
Implementation of Smart Farm Systems Based on Fog Computing in Artificial Intelligence of Things Environments
Authors: Hong Sukjun , Park Seongchan , Youn Heejun , Lee Jongyong , Kwon Soonchul
Published: October 2024

Cloud computing has recently gained widespread attention owing to its use in applications involving the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the transmission of massive volumes of data to a cloud server often results in overhead. Fog computing has emerged as a viable solution to address this issue. This study implements an Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) system based on fog computing on a smart farm. Three experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the AIoT system. First, network traffic volumes between systems employing and not employing fog computing are compared. Second, the performance of the communication protocols—hypertext transport protocol (HTTP), message queuing telemetry transport protocol (MQTT), and constrained application protocol (CoAP)—commonly used in IoT applications is assessed. Finally, a convolutional neural network-based algorithm is introduced to determine the maturity level of coffee tree images. Experimental data are collected over ten days from a coffee tree farm in the Republic of Korea. Notably, the fog computing system demonstrates a 26% reduction in the cumulative data volume compared with a non-fog system. MQTT exhibits stable results in terms of the data volume and loss rate. Additionally, the maturity level determination algorithm performed on coffee fruits provides reliable results.
A Real-Time Semantic Map Production System for Indoor Robot Navigation
Authors: Alqobali Raghad , Alnasser Reem , Rashidi Asrar , Alshmrani Maha , Alhmiedat Tareq
Published: October 2024

Although grid maps help mobile robots navigate in indoor environments, some lack semantic information that would allow the robot to perform advanced autonomous tasks. In this paper, a semantic map production system is proposed to facilitate indoor mobile robot navigation tasks. The developed system is based on the employment of LiDAR technology and a vision-based system to obtain a semantic map with rich information, and it has been validated using the robot operating system (ROS) and you only look once (YOLO) v3 object detection model in simulation experiments conducted in indoor environments, adopting low-cost, -size, and -memory computers for increased accessibility. The obtained results are efficient in terms of object recognition accuracy, object localization error, and semantic map production precision, with an average map construction accuracy of 78.86%.
Biochar and Deactivated Yeast as Seed Coatings for Restoration: Performance on Alternative Substrates
Authors: Cann Jennifer , Tang Esther , Thomas Sean C.
Published: October 2024

Seedling establishment is often a critical bottleneck in the revegetation of mine tailings and similar substrates. Biochar and deactivated yeast are potential sustainable materials that could be used in this context as seed coatings to aid in seedling establishment. We conducted a greenhouse study on biochar and deactivated yeast use as seed coatings, assessing germination, establishment, and early growth of white clover (Trifolium repens) and purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea). Coated seeds were applied to a mine tailing, a coarse granitic sand, and potting soil mix substrates; seedling establishment and growth were monitored over 75 days. Biochar coatings enhanced the seedling establishment of Trifolium, with biochar and biochar plus yeast coatings giving the best results. In some cases, these effects persisted throughout the experiment: biochar coatings resulted in a ~fivefold increase in Trifolium biomass at harvest for plants in the potting soil mix but had neutral effects on sand or tailings. Biochar seed coatings also enhanced Dalea germination in some cases, but the benefits did not persist. Our results indicate that biochar-based seed coatings can have lasting effects on plant growth well beyond germination but also emphasize highly species-specific responses that highlight the need for further study.
Explaining Gender Neutrality in Capital Punishment Research by Way of a Systematic Review of Studies Citing the ‘Espy File’
Authors: Schulze Corina
Published: October 2024

Peer-reviewed journal articles provide the data for this study, given that their findings undergird the quantitative data referenced by prominent organizations, courts, and policy-makers. The “Espy file”, based on the research of Major Watt Espy, Jr., is used to identify studies due to the dataset’s esteem and prolific usage. It is the largest known dataset of men’s and women’s executions in the United States since 1608 and has been of monumental significance to capital punishment research. The protocol established by the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) is the methodology followed due to its conformity to scientific standards and acceptance in scholarly communities. The initial sampling frame involved 613 studies which were narrowed to 79 peer-reviewed journal articles that cited or utilized the Espy file. The empirical findings justify the contention that past and current studies, while interdisciplinary, require new voices and approaches to contribute to the study of capital punishment. Mainstream death penalty research does not generally incorporate critical theories including, for example, gender, intersectional, Black feminist, Queer, and other theories that focus less on quantitative data and more on how capital punishment is a reflection of institutional, historical, and social processes that are hierarchical and defined by power. The findings suggest that not only are executed women removed from many analyses, but so are inclusionary methodologies and theoretical approaches that could bolster the legitimacy of academic studies (inside academia as well as the judicial system) and our understanding of capital punishment in general.
Urologic Cancer Drug Costs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Galloway Lan Anh S. , Cortese Brian D. , Talwar Ruchika
Published: October 2024

All 189 World Bank member countries are classified by their capita gross national income into one of four income groups. In this review, we aim to explore the economic burden and management of urologic oncology conditions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), emphasizing disparities and challenges in treatment access. The current World Bank classification system highlights economic stratification, showing significant health outcome disparities, particularly in urologic oncology conditions including kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer. First, this review focuses on the management of advanced prostate cancer in Asian LMICs, revealing higher mortality-to-incidence ratios and a greater prevalence of metastatic disease compared to high-income countries (HICs). The prohibitive costs of novel hormonal therapies (NHTs) like abiraterone and enzalutamide limit their use and exacerbate outcome disparities. Second, we review Wilms tumor treatment with chemotherapy in African countries, noting significant price variations for adapted and non-adapted regimens across different economic settings. The cost of chemotherapy agents, particularly dactinomycin, acts as a primary driver of treatment expenses, underscoring the economic challenges in providing high-quality care. Lastly, bladder cancer treatment costs in Brazil and Middle Eastern countries are examined, highlighting how detrimental the economic burden of intravesical therapies, like mitomycin C and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), is on treatment accessibility. Overall, this literature review emphasizes the financial strain on healthcare systems and patients, particularly in regions facing economic instability and drug shortages, and underscores the need for international cooperation and effective resource allocation to address the economic barriers to urologic care in LMICs, aiming to improve health outcomes and ensure equitable access to advanced treatments.
Burden of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Authors: Cassell Ayun , Sine Babacar , Jalloh Mohamed , Gravas Stavros
Published: October 2024

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the leading cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in men, with a histological prevalence that increases significantly with age. While extensive research on BPH has been conducted in high-income countries (HICs), limited information exists regarding its burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Understanding the prevalence, impact on quality of life, and management practices in these regions is crucial for developing effective healthcare policies and improving patient outcomes. Objectives: This scoping review aims to collate the existing literature on the burden of BPH in LMICs, focusing on prevalence rates, quality-of-life impact, and management practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview that informs healthcare strategies in resource-constrained settings. Methods: A scoping review methodology was employed, following the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. The review encompassed five stages: identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, and collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, was conducted using specific search terms related to BPH and LMICs. The inclusion criteria were studies conducted in LMICs (limited to SSA); reporting on the prevalence, impact, or management of BPH; and published in English. Results: The review included studies that reported the wide-ranging prevalence rates of BPH in LMICs, highlighting significant regional variations. The impact of BPH on quality of life was profound, with many men experiencing significant bother and reduced daily functioning due to LUTSs. The management practices in these regions often differed from those in HICs, with limited access to pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions. The economic burden of BPH in LMICs was also notable, with many patients facing financial barriers to accessing effective care. Conclusions: BPH poses a significant health and economic burden in LMICs, particularly in SSA. The prevalence of the condition is high, and its impact on quality of life is substantial. There is an urgent need for improved diagnostic and management strategies tailored to the resources available in these settings. Policymakers should consider integrating BPH management into broader healthcare initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the overall burden of the disease.
The Design of Human-in-the-Loop Cyber-Physical Systems for Monitoring the Ecosystem of Historic Villages
Authors: Nota Giancarlo , Petraglia Gennaro
Published: October 2024

Today, historic villages represent a widespread and relevant reality of the Italian administrative structure. To preserve their value for future generations, smart city applications can contribute to implement effective monitoring and decision-making processes devoted to safeguarding their fragile ecosystem. Starting from a situational awareness model, this study proposes a method for designing human-in-the-loop cyber-physical systems that allow the design of monitoring and decision-making applications for historic villages. Both the model and the design method can be used as a reference for the realization of human-in-the-loop cyber-physical systems that consist of human beings, smart objects, edge devices, and cloud components in edge-cloud architectures. The output of the research, consisting of the graphical models for the definition of monitoring architectures and the method for the design of human-in-the-loop cyber-physical systems, was validated in the context of the village of Sant’Agata dei Goti through the implementation of a human-in-the-loop cyber-physical system for monitoring sites aiming at their management, conservation, protection, and fruition.
Enhancing Smart City Connectivity: A Multi-Metric CNN-LSTM Beamforming Based Approach to Optimize Dynamic Source Routing in 6G Networks for MANETs and VANETs
Authors: Inzillo Vincenzo , Garompolo David , Giglio Carlo
Published: October 2024

The advent of Sixth Generation (6G) wireless technologies introduces challenges and opportunities for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) and Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs), necessitating a reevaluation of traditional routing protocols. This paper introduces the Multi-Metric Scoring Dynamic Source Routing (MMS-DSR), a novel enhancement of the Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol, designed to meet the demands of 6G-enabled MANETs and the dynamic environments of VANETs. MMS-DSR integrates advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance routing performance in dynamic scenarios. Key among these is the use of a CNN-LSTM-based beamforming algorithm, which optimizes beamforming vectors dynamically, exploiting spatial-temporal variations characteristic of 6G channels. This enables MMS-DSR to adapt beam directions in real time based on evolving network conditions, improving link reliability and throughput. Furthermore, MMS-DSR incorporates a multi-metric scoring mechanism that evaluates routes based on multiple QoS parameters, including latency, bandwidth, and reliability, enhanced by the capabilities of Massive MIMO and the IEEE 802.11ax standard. This ensures route selection is context-aware and adaptive to changing dynamics, making it effective in urban settings where vehicular and mobile nodes coexist. Additionally, the protocol uses machine learning techniques to predict future route performance, enabling proactive adjustments in routing decisions. The integration of dynamic beamforming and machine learning allows MMS-DSR to effectively handle the high mobility and variability of 6G networks, offering a robust solution for future wireless communications, particularly in smart cities.
Building Evidence for a Promising Home-Grown Substance Use and Mental Health Child Welfare Prevention Model
Authors: Flavin Moira , Bancalari Pilar , Faucetta Kristen , Wulfsohn Samantha
Published: October 2024

The NYC Administration for Children’s Services and MDRC have partnered since 2021 to develop a rigorous research agenda leading to an impact evaluation of the Family Treatment and Rehabilitation (FT/R) model, a “home-grown” New York City intervention for families experiencing substance misuse and/or mental health challenges that put children at risk of maltreatment. This paper will describe the first phase of that research, which had two goals: (1) to refine a logic model that would result in a shared understanding of core components of the FT/R model, and (2) to create a plan for a subsequent implementation study that would enable MDRC and ACS to understand how 18 FT/R programs are implementing the model across New York City. The paper will describe the team’s orientation to this research, including centering equity in the work by prioritizing the inclusion of staff and family perspectives. Next steps in the research roadmap will be discussed, including convening a council of lived experience advisors, as well as implications for evidence-building for sustainability. This research has the long-term potential to support FT/R’s inclusion in the Family First Prevention Services Clearinghouse and ultimately, the leveraging of Title IV-E funds to support scaling of a locally developed, culturally responsive, and adaptable child welfare prevention model beyond New York City.
Shifting Power in Practice: Implementing Relational Research and Evaluation in Conservation Science
Authors: Layden Tamara J. , Fernández Sofía , Sandoval-Lemus Mynor , Sonius Kelsey J. , David-Chavez Dominique , Bombaci Sara P.
Published: October 2024

Elevating Indigenous leadership in conservation science is critical for social and ecological wellbeing. However, Indigenous knowledges are frequently undermined by persistent colonial research standards. In response, calls to implement ethical guidelines that advance Indigenous research and data governance are mounting. Despite this growing movement, most environmental studies continue to follow largely colonial, extractive models, presenting a widening gap between ethical guidelines and practical applications across diverse research contexts. To address this gap, our study aims to design and evaluate a wildlife conservation research project based on the Relational Science Model, which outlines guidance for improving research relations with Indigenous Peoples. To achieve this aim, we conducted a post-survey to evaluate the project from the perspectives of the intended beneficiaries of La Bendición in southwestern Guatemala, accompanied by researcher reflections and observations. The results revealed strong agreement between community research partner experience and Relational Science Model outcomes, including relevant and innovative knowledge generation, alongside improved trust in research collaborations. Respondents also outlined several areas of improvement, including a desire for more diverse community engagement, particularly regarding youth. Overall, this study outlines pathways and recommendations for researchers, institutions, and agencies to improve relational accountability in conservation science practice, supporting Indigenous conservation governance and environmental justice.
Flow Rate-Driven Morphology Evolution of Chemical Vapor Deposited WS2 at Varying Temperatures
Authors: Pokhrel Himal , Mishra Sanjay , Pollard Shawn
Published: October 2024

Due to its unique electronic and optical properties, tungsten disulfide (WS2) is a promising material for various device applications. However, achieving an efficient and cost-effective method for synthesizing large-area uniform WS2 is still challenging. In this work, we demonstrate the synthesis of few-layer WS2 crystallites by NaCl-assisted low-pressure chemical vapor deposition and study the effect of temperature and the carrier gas flow rate on the morphology, structure, and optical properties of the as-grown WS2 films. We observe transitions between regular triangular to strongly disordered structures with sizes up to 50 µm through temperature and carrier gas flow rate tuning. As-grown samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The result of this work provides a path toward the optimization of growth conditions for obtaining WS2 with desired morphologies for various applications.
A County-Level Analysis of the Economic Performance in Romania and Bulgaria Using Hierarchical Algorithms
Authors: Ciucu (Durnoi) Alexandra-Nicoleta , Delcea Camelia , Stoychev Kosyo
Published: October 2024

The EU Regional Competitiveness Index 2.0 measures a region’s ability to provide an attractive environment for businesses and residents to work and live. According to this indicator, countries in the southern and eastern regions of the European Union are reported to have the lowest values. As it measures the performance of NUTS-2 regions, it was desired to study the problem in more detail, reaching the NUTS-3 level. Thus, within the current research, Romania and Bulgaria are studied by means of a county-level analysis of the economies of the two states established through the prism of the labor market, the field of health, transport, enterprises, tourism, education, and research. Through eight indicators, a series of maps designed to present the situation of the two states was illustrated, and the investigation continued with a cluster analysis carried out by the implementation of hierarchical algorithms. During the course of the current study, a classification and a ranking of the counties of the two countries were performed to determine the areas with the best or, in contrast, the poorest performance.
Mixed Poisson Processes with Dropout for Consumer Studies
Authors: Pepelyshev Andrey , Scherbakova Irina , Staroselskiy Yuri
Published: October 2024

We adapt the classical mixed Poisson process models for investigation of consumer behaviour in a situation where after a random time we can no longer identify a customer despite the customer remaining in the panel and continuing to perform buying actions. We derive explicit expressions for the distribution of the number of purchases by a random customer observed at a random subinterval for a given interval. For the estimation of parameters in the gamma–Poisson scheme, we use the estimator minimizing the Hellinger distance between the sampling and model distributions, and demonstrate that this method is almost as efficient as the maximum likelihood being much simpler. The results can be used for modelling internet user behaviour where cookies and other user identifiers naturally expire after a random time.
Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Corporates in Polluting Sectors
Authors: Vaitiekuniene Raminta , Sutiene Kristina , Krusinskas Rytis
Published: October 2024

Corporate sustainability performance is gaining ever greater importance. The negative impact of climate change is manifested through heavy air, water and soil pollution. Polluting sectors, as the major players, are characterized by large amounts of emissions, waste and consumption of resources, and therefore have a larger negative impact on the environment. Companies operating in polluting sectors are recognized globally as the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions; thus, their performance is widely debated. Despite their character, such companies strive for higher profitability, better financial performance and operational efficiency. However, higher financial resources create the potential for innovation investments in companies. It is widely accepted that research and experimental development (R&D) expenditures enable new business ideas, models, products, services, and processes. However, while pursuing sustainability targets, financial results could be directed towards sustainability performance. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the financial and innovation results of companies in polluting sectors interact with sustainability performance scores. For it, we have identified three essential pillars of sustainability: environmental, governance, and social. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions, models were developed for each pillar of sustainability, including corporate financial performance indicators and R&D expenditures. The obtained results provide the insights that a company operating in polluting sector size and turnover significantly interacts with all pillars of sustainability. However, we also found that the corporate debt ratio, earnings ratio, and current liquidity have a significant relation only with environmental and social sustainability indicators.
The Spatial Effects of Digital Economy on Sustainable Urban Economic Development in China
Authors: Latief Rashid , Javeed Sohail Ahmad
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the nexus between the digital economy and sustainable urban economic development by considering the moderating roles of human capital and government support. This study utilizes panel data from China at the city level from 30 provinces for the period 2011–2019 and employs the Spatial Durbin model along with fixed effects, the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) models. The results show a significant positive connection between the digital economy and sustainable urban economic development. The findings also demonstrate the significant moderating roles of human capital and government support in enhancing the connection between the digital economy and sustainable urban development. Finally, this study recommends policy implications to improve the quality of life and stimulate growth in urban areas of China.
Prejudices May Be Wrong: Exploring Spatial Patterns of Vulnerability to Energy Poverty in Italian Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Zardo Linda , Cortinovis Chiara , Lucertini Giulia
Published: October 2024

Energy poverty has impressive negative effects on people’s health. Alleviating energy poverty is crucial for a just and equitable transition. However, policies and attempts to reduce energy poverty present a challenge to researchers and policymakers due to its complexity. The lack of a clear definition, of a common set of metrics to assess its multiple dimensions, and of spatially explicit assessments represent serious shortcomings that hinder effective policy design. This paper aims to explore the relevance and spatial distribution of the determinants of vulnerability to energy poverty to support the design of effective responses at different scales. To this end, a principal component (PCA) and a geographically weighted principal component analysis (GWPCA) are conducted on more than 1300 municipalities in 15 Italian metropolitan areas, to identify the spatial patterns of vulnerability to energy poverty and its causes. The PCA highlights three main components of vulnerability to energy poverty in the study areas, respectively, related to the job condition and to individual and households’ socioeconomic factors, which provide relevant insights for policies at the national level, The GWPCA provides more detailed information to effectively support policies at the local level. The novelty of this work is the comparison of results from a PCA and a GWPCA of their different contributions to policy design at different scales.
Utilization of Detection of Non-Speech Sound for Sustainable Quality of Life for Deaf and Hearing-Impaired People: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mohammed Hassan B. M. , Cavus Nadire
Published: October 2024

Several assistive technologies (ATs) have been manufactured and tested to alleviate the challenges of deaf or hearing-impaired people (DHI). One such technology is sound detection, which has the potential to enhance the experiences of DHI individuals and provide them with new opportunities. However, there is a lack of sufficient research on using sound detection as an assistive technology, specifically for DHI individuals. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to shed light on the application of non-verbal sound detection technology in skill development for DHI individuals. This SLR encompassed recent, high-quality studies from the prestigious databases of IEEE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2014 to 2023. Twenty-six articles that met the eligibility criteria were carefully analyzed and synthesized. The findings of this study underscore the significance of utilizing sound detection technology to aid DHI individuals in achieving independence, access to information, and safety. It is recommended that additional studies be conducted to explore the use of sound detection tools as assistive technology, to enhance DHI individual’s sustainable quality of life.
Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Tangible Cultural Heritage in Henan Province, China: A Watershed Perspective
Authors: Bai Qingtao , Gao Mingcan , Lyu Hongyi , Zhang Lujia , Zhang Jiamin
Published: October 2024

Henan Province, a significant cultural heritage province in China, has abundant tangible cultural heritage resources distributed across the region. Watersheds are the fundamental geographical units that have consistently supported human production and subsistence activities from ancient times to the present. Analyzing the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of tangible cultural heritage resources of the watersheds in Henan Province is of great importance for its macro-level preservation, value promotion, and sustainable development. This research focuses on the 421 major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level in Henan Province, utilizing GIS spatial analysis techniques such as kernel density estimation, nearest neighbor index, Thiessen polygons, spatial auto-correlation analysis, and geographically weighted regression to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of tangible cultural heritage across different watersheds in the province. The results indicate the following: (1) The cultural heritage sites in Henan Province exhibit an overall clustered distribution. Within specific watersheds, such as the Jindihe River, Huaihe River, and Baihe River, the cultural heritage distribution is relatively sparse, displaying a random distribution pattern. (2) The cultural heritage distribution forms two high-density centers and one high-density distribution belt, exhibiting a tendency to align along lower-grade rivers. (3) The distribution of cultural heritage shows significant spatial auto-correlation, with high-value areas (hotspots) concentrated at the watershed intersections of the Yiluohe River, Weihe River, and Yinghe River. (4) Elevation, precipitation, GDP from the tertiary sector, museum density, and proximity to the nearest historical and cultural cities are the primary factors influencing the spatial differentiation of cultural heritage within each watershed. Moreover, there is significant spatial heterogeneity between different watersheds. Lastly, specific strategies for the sustainable preservation and utilization of cultural heritage in Henan Province are proposed, including differentiated preservation approaches, strengthening the preservation of water-related cultural heritage, promoting sustainable cultural tourism development, and establishing mechanisms for cross-regional cooperation.
Data-Driven Innovations and Sustainability of Food Security: Can Asymmetric Information Be Blamed for Food Insecurity in Africa?
Authors: Agunyai Samuel Chukwudi , Ojakorotu Victor
Published: October 2024

Africa still struggles to end hunger, partly because not all Africans have access to nutritious food. Although studies have established the connection between digital technologies and food security, the reality in Africa is that, despite the laudable feat in the use of digital technologies, the accessibility and utilization of food still face challenges. Digital agriculture, or technology, is a data-driven innovation that predicts agricultural outcomes and guides food producers throughout the different phases of operations on the farm. The literature documents the efficacy of digital agriculture in food production and availability well, but it has hardly examined how it enhances food accessibility and utilization. And even though studies that have examined food accessibility and utilization have merely assessed income as a tool that guarantees food accessibility and utilization, not much attention has been paid to how digital resources can aid in the access to and utilization of food. Drawing on information asymmetry theory and the systematic qualitative method, this article investigates how digital agriculture, through the internet and mobile phones, enhances efforts towards the accessibility and utilization of food as prerequisites for the attainment of SDG 2 in Africa. The findings provide an understanding of the potential of digital technologies in promoting the accessibility and utilization of food. It advocates strategies through which stakeholders in the agricultural sector can utilize technology in ways that aid Africa’s strategic efforts to attain food security and zero hunger.
The Marriage Between Luxury Hospitality, Ecotourism, and Social Initiatives: A New Business Model from Italy
Authors: Fissi Silvia , Gori Elena , Contri Marco , Romolini Alberto
Published: October 2024

Over the last few years, the hospitality industry has increasingly embraced green practices. Indeed, tourists pay more attention to the sustainability actions of accommodations nowadays, demonstrating positive attitudes towards those implementing sustainable initiatives. Against this backdrop, “greening” a hotel has become a key driver of success for hotel operators to attract and retain these emerging eco-friendly travelers. Accordingly, many hotels worldwide have started implementing green management practices and adopting new business models. However, this is particularly difficult for luxury hotels, where combining luxury characteristics and sustainability is a challenging and ongoing issue. This research aims to investigate the unique business model of a luxury eco-hotel sited in a WWF-affiliated reserve and belonging to a social foundation group. Our findings not only demonstrate that it is possible to combine sustainability and luxury but also to depict a new form of business model that integrates social and environmental dimensions.
Pro-Environmental Behavior of Tourists in Ecotourism Scenic Spots: The Promoting Role of Tourist Experience Quality in Place Attachment
Authors: Zhang Jiantao , Jin Li , Pan Xinning , Wang Yang
Published: October 2024

The pro-environmental behavior of tourists is an important guarantee for the sustainable development of ecotourism scenic spots. This article is based on 806 tourist survey data from two ecotourism scenic spots, making use of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the structural equation model (SEM) to explore the impact of tourist experience quality on tourists’ pro-environmental behavior. The research findings indicate that (1) the quality of the tourist experience is an important factor affecting the formation of place attachment; (2) the quality of tourism experience directly and positively affects place dependence, and indirectly affects place identity through the mediating factor of place dependence; and (3) the direct impact of tourist experience quality on tourists’ pro-environmental behavior is significant, with place attachment playing a mediating role. This article provides inspiration for scenic spots to encourage tourists to engage in pro-environmental behavior. In the process of stimulating tourists to engage in pro-environmental behaviors, ecotourism scenic spots should pay more attention to the tourist experiences and emotional experiences. Scenic spots should make more efforts to improve the quality of the tourist experience, so that tourists can develop a sense of dependence on ecotourism scenic spots, gradually form self-identification with the scenic spots, and engage in environmentally friendly behavior, helping to achieve the sustainable development of ecotourism scenic spots.
Enhancing Mango Productivity with Wood Vinegar, Humic Acid, and Seaweed Extract Applications as an Environmentally Friendly Strategy
Authors: Abdel-Sattar Mahmoud , Mostafa Laila Y. , Rihan Hail Z.
Published: October 2024

Although chemical fertilization has gained a lot of attention due to its ability to increase the yield of fruit trees, it has been known to cause numerous environmental problems such as soil deterioration, alleviating beneficial microorganisms, and reducing fruit quality and safety. Hence, today, we aim to reduce these problems by using eco-friendly and sustainable biostimulants to promote nutritional status, yield, and quality. The effect of wood vinegar (WV) on mango production has yet to be investigated. Therefore, a field trial was conducted during the 2023 and 2024 seasons to evaluate the regulatory effect of individual and combined application of wood vinegar (WV), seaweed extract (SW), and humic acid (HA) on the performance of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Ewais. The results revealed that all treatments had a pronounced effect and significantly improved the total chlorophyll content (107.7 and 106.6%), leaf N (2.02 and 2.23%), P (0.38 and 0.4), and K (1.07 and 1.13%), as well as enhancing the quality of mango fruits by increasing fruit length (11.68 and 12.38 cm), fruit width (7.8 and 8.59 cm), total sugars (40 and 37.3%), and TSS (21.9 and 20.8%) while reducing the total acidity (64.3 and 69.0%) in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively, compared with the control. Based on this study, the treatment of 2 L/ha seaweed + 2 L/ha humic acid + 2 L/ha wood vinegar combined had the greatest effect on enhancing Ewais mango fruit yield by up-regulating leaf mineral acquisition, antioxidant response, and sugar accumulation. This study supports the application of HA and SW in combination with WV to improve mango fruit yield and quality.
Blended Learning: What Changes?
Authors: Cannaos Cristian , Onni Giuseppe , Casu Alessandra
Published: October 2024

This article questions the changes brought about in the teaching system of university courses after the COVID-19 pandemic. Online learning, once considered an experimental and emergency tool, is increasingly becoming a standard practice integrated into teaching delivery systems. This article examines the impact that blended learning has on the host city and how it is perceived and experienced by the key stakeholders. Focusing on two degree courses that employ a blended learning model, the article proposes a survey for teachers and students to investigate the problems and advantages of blended courses. In both groups, there is no consensus of opinion or a clear trend on any issue. This fragmentation of responses should be understood as stemming from the individual motivations, unique characteristics, and personal experiences of each participant, intertwined with their university careers. It also reflects the level of adaptation to blended teaching achieved by each individual. It becomes clear that blended teaching encompasses all the challenges of online teaching but also expands access to university education and offers the possibility of exploring the educational potential offered by technology. Blended learning encourages students to be more independent and to develop their capacity for self-directed learning, though not all students are prepared for this shift. For teachers, blended learning also demands a methodological shift, differentiating between online and in-person lessons. However, while challenges remain, the progress made so far appears promising for the future. To ensure continued success, it is essential to focus on improving internet access, strengthening students’ self-learning abilities, and simultaneously enhancing teachers’ competencies in using digital tools and facilitating remote teaching.
Mechanized Recycling of Residual Film from Typical Ridge and Mulching Crops in China: Current Status, Problems, and Recommendations for Sustainable Agricultural Development
Authors: Pan Liang , Yang Hongguang , Xu Hongbo , Shen Haiyang , Gu Man , Luo Weiwen , Wu Feng , Gu Fengwei , Ren Guiying , Hu Zhichao
Published: October 2024

Plastic film mulching technology occupies a prominent position in China’s agricultural production and plays an important role in improving crop yields, which can increase farmers’ income and ensure national food security. As the current residual film recycling mechanism is incomplete, the accumulation of residual film in the soil has gradually increased, and the problem of residual film pollution has posed a serious threat to agricultural production and the natural environment. Ridge mulching cultivation is one of the main planting patterns for grain and oil crops, such as peanuts, potatoes, and maize, in China. In this paper, the planting patterns, mulching conditions, characteristics, and distribution of residual film of the typical ridge mulching crops, such as peanut and potato, were analyzed. The merits and demerits of various kinds of residual film recycling machines and the application status and operation quality of peanut and potato residual film recycling machines are summarized. Problems and suggestions for the mechanized recycling of residual film were raised. This study may provide ideas for the development of residual film mechanization recycling of ridge mulching crops. The aim of this study is to propose practical solutions by analyzing the current status and existing problems of mechanized residual film recovery in order to reduce residual film pollution, protect the environment, and achieve sustainable agricultural development.
Assessing the Scale Effects of Dynamics and Socio-Ecological Drivers of Ecosystem Service Interactions in the Lishui River Basin, China
Authors: Zeng Suping , Jiang Chunqian , Bai Yanfeng , Wang Hui , Guo Lina , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2024

Grasping how scale influences the interactions among ecosystem services (ESs) is vital for the sustainable management of multiple ESs at the regional level. However, it is currently unclear whether the actual ES interactions and their driving mechanisms are consistent across different spatial and temporal scales. Therefore, using the Lishui River Basin of China as a case study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of five key ESs across three scales (grid, sub-watershed, and county) from 2010 to 2020. We also innovatively used Pearson correlation analysis, Self-organizing Mapping (SOM), and random forest analysis to assess the dynamic trends of trade-offs/synergies among ESs, ecosystem service bundles (ESBs), and their main socio-ecological drivers across different spatiotemporal scales. The findings showed that (1) the spatial distribution of ESs varied with land use types, with high-value areas mainly in the western and northern mountainous regions and lower values in the eastern part. Temporally, significant improvements were observed in soil conservation (SC, 3028.23–5023.75 t/hm2) and water yield (WY, 558.79–969.56 mm), while carbon sequestration (CS) and habitat quality (HQ) declined from 2010 to 2020. (2) The trade-offs and synergies among ESs exhibited enhanced at larger scales, with synergies being the predominant relationship. These relationships remained relatively stable over time, with trade-offs mainly observed in ES pairs related to nitrogen export (NE). (3) ESBs and their socio-ecological drivers varied with scales. At the grid scale, frequent ESB flows and transformations were observed, with land use/land cover (LULC) being the main drivers. At other scales, climate (especially temperature) and topography were dominant. Ecosystem management focused on city bundles or downstream city bundles in the east of the basin, aligning with urban expansion trends. These insights will offer valuable guidance for decision-making regarding hierarchical management strategies and resource allocation for regional ESs.