bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Training Characteristics of Recreational-Level Triathletes: Influence on Fatigue and Health
Authors: Falk Neto João Henrique , Parent Eric C. , Vleck Veronica , Kennedy Michael D.
Published: June 2021

Little is known about how recreational triathletes prepare for an Olympic distance event. The aim of this study was to identify the training characteristics of recreational-level triathletes within the competition period and assess how their preparation for a triathlon influences their health and their levels of fatigue. During the 6 weeks prior to, and the 2 weeks after, an Olympic distance triathlon, nine recreational athletes (five males, four females) completed a daily training log. Participants answered the Daily Analysis of Life Demands Questionnaire (DALDA), the Training Distress Scale (TDS) and the Alberta Swim Fatigue and Health Questionnaire weekly. The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (REST-Q) was completed at the beginning of the study, on the day before the competition, and at the end of week 8. Training loads were calculated using session-based rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). The data from every week of training was compared to week 1 to determine how athletes’ training and health changed throughout the study. No changes in training loads, duration or training intensity distribution were seen in the weeks leading up to the competition. Training duration was significantly reduced in week 6 (p = 0.041, d = 1.58, 95% CI = 6.9, 421.9), while the number of sessions was reduced in week 6 (Z = 2.32, p = 0.02, ES = 0.88) and week 7 (Z = 2.31, p = 0.02, ES = 0.87). Training was characterized by large weekly variations in training loads and a high training intensity. No significant changes were seen in the DALDA, TDS or REST-Q questionnaire scores throughout the 8 weeks. Despite large spikes in training load and a high overall training intensity, these recreational-level triathletes were able to maintain their health in the 6 weeks of training prior to an Olympic distance triathlon.
The Effects of the COVID-19 Environments on Changes in Body Composition in Japanese Elite Fencing Athlete
Authors: Yasuda Jun , Kondo Emi , Takai Eri , Eda Nobuhiko , Azuma Yasuyuki , Motonaga Keiko , Dohi Michiko , Kamei Akiko
Published: June 2021

The Japanese government declared a state of emergency from 7 April to 25 May to limit people’s movement due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This pandemic negatively affects athletes’ body composition due to inactivity. Therefore, we compared the body composition data (i.e., fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM)), of 43 Japanese elite fencers (22 men, 21 women), in September 2019 for baseline, and of 21 (12 men, 9 women) who completed the following measurements in June 2020 (POST; immediately after rescinding the emergency state) and September 2020 (POST-4M; 4-months after rescinding the emergency state). Results at baseline indicate no significant differences in body compositions among fencing disciplines. We also confirmed no significant changes in body mass during the 1-year investigation period in either sex. There were no time-course changes in men’s FFM and FM; however, time-course changes in women’s FM were observed. Compared to the baseline, FM values were significantly higher at POST and then returned to baseline levels at POST-4M in women. In conclusion, the 2-month stay-at-home period due to COVID-19 negatively affected women’s FM changes, but not their FFM or men’s FM.
Grid Governance in China under the COVID-19 Outbreak: Changing Neighborhood Governance
Authors: Zhu Tianke , Zhu Xigang , Jin Jian
Published: June 2021

Housing commodification seems to suggest that a process of a state is embracing private governance. However, private governance in Chinese neighborhoods is a two-way trajectory. This paper examined two types of housing neighborhoods, namely, a work-unit housing neighborhood and gated commodity housing to understand the changes in neighborhood governance. It is interesting to observe that during the Covid-19 epidemic period, the state government enhanced its presence and public trust in neighborhood governance by changing the former ways of self-governance. As a strategy for the state to return to local governance, the grid governance is the reconfiguration of administrative resources at a neighborhood level and professionalizes neighborhood organizations to ensure the capacities of the state to solve social crises and neighborhood governance. The potential side effects of changing neighborhood governance are that while the implementation of grid governance has improved internal connections among residents, the empowered neighborhood governments acting as the “state agent on the ground” leads to an estrangement between residents and private governance. The underdevelopment of neighborhood autonomy is not only due to the restriction of state government, but more importantly, the reciprocal relationship of state-led neighborhood governance in the context of housing privatization development in China.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in a Hospitality Family Business
Authors: Fonseca Ana Paula , Carnicelli Sandro
Published: June 2021

The triple bottom line of sustainability has been the foundation to assess the overall performance of organizations in the hospitality sector. Family businesses are operating in a very competitive environment, and their practices are heavily scrutinised by stakeholders. This paper considers the value of action research in the field of family businesses in the hospitality sector through the prism of organizational learning. The focus of the research is to understand how a Scottish family business learns and implements corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices and how they embed the practices in their activities in a bed and breakfast. The family business used in this research is based in Paisley, Scotland. The use of action research enabled this research to follow a recurring spiral learning process of diagnosing, planning, acting, and evaluating to achieve organizational learning. The action learning contributed to re-thinking the communication between actors involved in the Scottish hospitality sector and family businesses to open a dialogue and produce norms and to contribute to knowledge about a new small-business social responsibility orbital framework.
Effect of a New Feed Daphnia magna (Straus, 1820), as a Fish Meal Substitute on Growth, Feed Utilization, Histological Status, and Economic Revenue of Grey Mullet, Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Abo-Taleb Hamdy A. , Ashour Mohamed , Elokaby Mohamed A. , Mabrouk Mohamed M. , El-feky Mohamed M. M. , Abdelzaher Othman F. , Gaber Ahmed , Alsanie Walaa F. , Mansour Abdallah Tageldein
Published: June 2021

The formulator of aquatic diets is part of a continuous search for alternative protein sources instead of depreciated fish meal. The utilization of zooplankton as a feed ingredient is an interesting trend due to their high-quality protein content and abundance of essential nutrients. The current study aims to investigate the effects of partial and total replacement of fish meal (FM) by Dahpnia magna meal (DMM) on growth performance, feed utilization, histological, and economic status of mullet, M. cephalus, larvae. In addition to the control diet, 100% FM, D0, four diets containing DMM at different levels were used: 25% (D25), 50% (D50), 75% (D75), and 100% (D100) replacement of fish meal. A total of 300 larvae (0.097 ± 0.001 g) were equally divided into five groups (three replicate per each group) at a density of 200 larvae m−3. The aquariums were renewed at a rate of 30% daily. During the 60-day experimental period, all larvae were fed their respective diets at a level of 20% of live body weight, five times a day (9.00 a.m., 12.00, 15.00, 18.00, and 21.00 p.m.). The results indicated that compared to D0, fish fed D75 recorded the highest significant value of growth, and feed utilization parameters, while fish fed D100 achieved the lowest feed cost and incidence cost, and the highest profit index and economic efficiency ratio. A strong correlation was reported among weight gain, feed conversion ratio and fish meal replacement with DMM; R2 = 0.94 and 0.91, respectively. The fit regression model representing mullet response to FM replacement with DMM is a poly-nominal regression model with maximum response at 75–100%. The histological investigation of the intestine revealed an improvement of histomorphometric indices and goblet cell number with increasing DMM inclusion levels. These findings confirmed that 75% to 100% partial substitution of FM with DMM is the ideal replacement for mullet, M. cephalus, larvae for improving fish growth performance and feed utilization.
Psychosocial Impact and Role of Resilience on Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Coco Marinella , Guerrera Claudia Savia , Santisi Giuseppe , Riggio Febronia , Grasso Roberta , Di Corrado Donatella , Di Nuovo Santo , Ramaci Tiziana
Published: June 2021

Italy was the first European country to be affected by the 2019 coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19). Several studies have shown the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in medical and paramedical staff. Causes included the high contagiousness of the virus, the fear of contracting it, the lack of adequate personal protective equipment, and physical and psychological fatigue. In this context, resilience represents a protective factor against adversity and stress burden. The aim of this research was to investigate if and how the resilience and personality profile is able to influence the response to stress and anxiety on a sample of Italian healthcare workers, during the COVID-19 outbreak. The sample consisted of 152 frontline healthcare workers, physicians, and paramedical professionals. Participants completed the online questionnaire measuring the Resilience Scale for Adults, the Big Five Inventory-10 Item, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Analyses of data aimed to show differences in the stress of healthcare workers due to gender and professional role, and at finding, by means of multidimensional scaling, the relations among anxiety, stress, resilience, and traits of personality. The findings gave some suggestions for implementing strategies useful to increase the resilience in healthcare workers and support them to cope with stressful events, typical of the pandemic emergency.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods: A Systematic Review
Authors: Paul Ananna , Shukla Nagesh , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Trianni Andrea
Published: June 2021

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are smart tools to deal with numerous criteria in decision-making. These methods have been widely applied in the area of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) because of their computational capabilities. This paper conducts a systematic literature review on MCDM methods applied in different areas of SSCM. From the literature search, a total of 106 published journal articles have been selected and analyzed. Both individual and integrated MCDM methods applied in SSCM are reviewed and summarized. In addition, contributions, methodological focuses, and findings of the reviewed articles are discussed. It is observed that MCDM methods are widely used for analyzing barriers, challenges, drivers, enablers, criteria, performances, and practices of SSCM. In recent years, studies have focused on integrating more than one MCDM method to highlight methodological contributions in SSCM; however, in the literature, limited research papers integrate multiple MCDM methods in the area of SSCM. Most of the published articles integrate only two MCDM methods, and integration with other methods, such as optimization and simulation techniques, is missing in the literature. This review paper contributes to the literature by analyzing existing research, identifying research gaps, and proposing new future research opportunities in the area of sustainable supply chain management applying MCDM methods.
A Novel Approached Based on T-Spherical Fuzzy Schweizer-Sklar Power Heronian Mean Operator for Evaluating Water Reuse Applications under Uncertainty
Authors: Khan Qaisar , Gwak Jeonghwan , Shahzad Muhammad , Alam Muhammad Kamran
Published: June 2021

The T-Spherical Fuzzy set (T-SPHFS) is one of the core simplifications of quite a lot of fuzzy concepts such as fuzzy set (FS), intuitionistic fuzzy set (ITFS), picture fuzzy set (PIFS), Q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (Q-RUOFS), etc. T-SPHFS reveals fuzzy judgment by the degree of positive membership, degree of abstinence, degree of negative membership, and degree of refusal with relaxed conditions, and this is a more powerful mathematical tool to pair with inconsistent, indecisive, and indistinguishable information. In this article, several novel operational laws for T-SPFNs based on the Schweizer–Sklar t-norm (SSTN) and the Schweizer–Sklar t-conorm (SSTCN) are initiated, and some desirable characteristics of these operational laws are investigated. Further, maintaining the dominance of the power aggregation (POA) operators that confiscate the ramifications of the inappropriate data and Heronian mean (HEM) operators that consider the interrelationship among the input information being aggregated, we intend to focus on the T-Spherical fuzzy Schweizer–Sklar power Heronian mean (T-SPHFSSPHEM) operator, the T-Spherical fuzzy Schweizer–Sklar power geometric Heronian mean (T-SPHFSSPGHEM) operator, the T-Spherical fuzzy Schweizer–Sklar power weighted Heronian mean (T-SPHFSSPWHEM) operator, the T-Spherical fuzzy Schweizer–Sklar power weighted geometric Heronian mean (T-SPHFSSPWGHEM) operator, and their core properties and exceptional cases in connection with the parameters. Additionally, deployed on these newly initiated aggregation operators (AOs), a novel multiple attribute decision making (MADM) model is proposed. Then, the initiated model is applied to the City of Penticton (British Columbia, Canada) to select the best choice among the accessible seven water reuse choices to manifest the practicality and potency of the preferred model and a comparison with the proffered models is also particularized.
Job Stress and Burnout among Social Workers in the VUCA World of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dima Gabriela , Meseșan Schmitz Luiza , Șimon Marinela-Cristina
Published: June 2021

This paper aimed to explore the changes posed by the new COVID-19 pandemic to the field of social work and its impact on social workers in terms of job stress and burnout in Romania. Two conceptual models were used to frame the discussion: the theoretical framework of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) to discuss the challenges that the unprecedented context of the COVID-19 pandemic has created for social workers; and the Job Demands and Resources model (JD-R) to understand job demands perceived as stressors and burnout. Based on convergent mixed methods, the study sample consisted of 83 social workers employed in statutory and private social services in Romania, from different areas of intervention. Results showed that social workers perceived a high level of job stress related to work during the pandemic, which was associated with higher levels of burnout in the areas of personal burnout (average score 55.9) and work-related burnout (average score 52.5). Client-related burnout was lower (average score 38.4), indicating that stress was generated mainly by organisational factors and work-related factors (workload, aligning to new legislative rules and decisions, inconsistency, instability, ambiguity of managerial decisions, and lack of clarity of working procedures) and less by client-related stressors (lack of direct contact with clients, risk of contamination, managing beneficiaries’ fears, and difficulties related to technology). High job demands and limited job resources (managerial and supervisory support, financial resources, and recognition and reward) led to a high to very high level of work-related burnout for 15.7% and an upper-medium level for 44.2% of respondents. A group of 27.7% reported lower to medium levels of work-related burnout, while 14.5% had very low levels, managing to handle stress factors in a healthy manner. Study results pointed to the importance of organisational support and the development of a self-care plan that help to protect against job stress and burnout. Recommendations were made, putting forward the voice of fieldworkers and managers fostering initiatives and the application of sustainability-based measures and activities designed to deal with the challenges of the VUCA environment.
Linking Personal Experience to Global Concern: How Zoo Visits Affect Sustainability Behavior and Views of Climate Change
Authors: Taylor Josie A. , Duram Leslie A.
Published: June 2021

Globally, many species are threatened by habitat loss and are impacted by climate change due to human activities. According to the IUCN Red List, nearly 9000 animal species are now endangered or critically endangered. Yet, humans are largely ignorant to the impact they have on the environment due to lack of effective sustainability education. Currently, one of the most practical ways to connect with our global natural world is by visiting a local zoo. Zoos engage people with numerous species that they would otherwise never have the opportunity to see. Environmental education at zoos has come to address issues such as sustainability, personal green habits, and global climate change. Given the important role of zoos in sustainability education, there is a surprising lack of research on the topic. Due to its innovative nature, the research shown in this study acts as a pilot study set to gauge the impact of zoos on sustainability and climate change perspectives. This article investigates the extent to which adult survey respondents believe their current sustainability behaviors and their perceptions of global climate change have been influenced by their childhood visits to zoos and the environmental education topics learned during these visits. To investigate the long-term impact that zoos have on common sustainability behavior, a survey of 136 university students from various academic fields was conducted. The analysis found that 76% of respondents believe they act sustainably in their daily lives through actions such as sustainable shopping and recycling, with only 35% of individuals indicating that they learned their sustainable behaviors at zoos. Yet, 65% of respondents indicated that they believe zoos impact their overall level of environmental concern, primarily regarding knowledge of animal welfare and endangered species. Results suggest that individuals who are very concerned about climate change spent time at zoos, more than just one annual visit, and those zoo visits encourage global sustainability learning for the individual. This study suggests that zoos should expand visitor engagement through environmental education that encourages meaningful sustainability behavior and climate change knowledge.
Assessment of Streamflow from EURO-CORDEX Regional Climate Simulations in Semi-Arid Catchments Using the SWAT Model
Authors: Martínez-Salvador Alberto , Millares Agustín , Eekhout Joris P. C. , Conesa-García Carmelo
Published: June 2021

This research studies the effect of climate change on the hydrological behavior of two semi-arid basins. For this purpose, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used with the simulation of two future climate change scenarios, one Representative Concentration Pathway moderate (RCP 4.5) and the other extreme (RCP 8.5). Three future periods were considered: close (2019–2040), medium (2041–2070), and distant (2071–2100). In addition, several climatic projections of the EURO-CORDEX model were selected, to which different bias correction methods were applied before incorporation into the SWAT model. The statistical indices for the monthly flow simulations showed a very good fit in the calibration and validation phases in the Upper Mula stream (NS = 0.79–0.87; PBIAS = −4.00–0.70%; RSR = 0.44–0.46) and the ephemeral Algeciras stream (NS = 0.78–0.82; PBIAS = −8.10–−8.20%; RSR = 0.4–0.42). Subsequently, the impact of climate change in both basins was evaluated by comparing future flows with those of the historical period. In the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, by the end of the 2071–2100 period, the flows of the Upper Mula stream and the ephemeral Algeciras stream will have decreased by between 46.3% and 52.4% and between 46.6% and 55.8%, respectively.
Rangeland Biodiversity and Climate Variability: Supporting the Need for Flexible Grazing Management
Authors: Louhaichi Mounir , Gamoun Mouldi , Ben Salem Farah , Ouled Belgacem Azaiez
Published: June 2021

Resting or grazing exclusion is an effective practice widely adopted to restore degraded, arid rangelands. To understand its effect on plant diversity, we studied Hill’s diversity indices during two growing seasons (2017–2019). The experiment consisted of a three-level factorial design with four plant communities subjected to different resting durations (one, two, and three years) compared to continuously grazed areas (control). The results showed that rainfall plays an important role in arid rangeland restoration. Under favorable conditions, one-year grazing exclusion considerably enhanced species richness and evenness diversity compared to longer resting durations under dry to average rainfall conditions. The decision to how long livestock grazing exclusion would last should not be decided upfront as it depends on the climatic and the site-specific conditions. The findings of this study will have vital management implications for development agencies. Knowing that short grazing exclusion with adequate rainfall amount and distribution could be enough and offers a cost-effective technical option to ensure the sustainable restoration of arid rangeland. This flexible grazing management would also be more acceptable by the pastoral communities. Longer resting periods could have detrimental effects on arid rangeland vegetation, in addition to adding more pressure on the remaining rangeland areas open to grazing.
Environmental Education for Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions: Design of an Instrument for Its Evaluation
Authors: Luna-Krauletz María Delfina , Juárez-Hernández Luis Gibran , Clark-Tapia Ricardo , Súcar-Súccar Shafía Teresa , Alfonso-Corrado Cecilia
Published: June 2021

Higher Education Institutions (HEI) play a fundamental role in the transition towards Environmental Education for Sustainability (EES). As a consequence, one of the most critical challenges is the need to know their level of incorporation into the environmental agenda. Therefore, an instrument was made and validated to determine the level of incorporation of Environmental Education for Sustainability into the environmental agenda of HEIs. For its construction, the dimensions of Institutional Identity, Teaching, Research, Extension/dissemination, and Linkage were considered, relying on a total of 17 items. Its validation was carried out through an expert review and expert judgment, and a pilot test was carried out to adapt it to the target population. The main result was an instrument that integrates the substantive and procedural functions of HEIs. Following the expert review, the instrument was improved according to their suggestions. The expert judgment showed an adequate content validity (Aiken’s V > 0.80; LL > 0.60). The pilot test also suggested that the understanding of instructions and items was adequate with an optimal value of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.862). An instrument that determines the level of incorporation of the EES in the substantive and procedural functions of HEIs is presented, valid in content, and with adequate levels of clarity and understanding of the target population.
The Effects of Temporal Discounting on Perceived Seriousness of Environmental Behavior: Exploring the Moderator Role of Consumer Attitudes Regarding Green Purchasing
Authors: Farias Ana Rita , Coruk Seray , Simão Cláudia
Published: June 2021

Emerging issues related to climate change have been explored in recent years as the need for appropriate behavioral solutions grows. However, one of the main problems raised and yet to be solved is the challenge to encourage people to act against climate change. One of the identified barriers is the mental indirect link between the influence of human activities in the present and their future consequences. This psychological distance could be investigated by examining temporal discounting—the overvaluation of benefits in the present compared to benefits in the future—and its relationship to environmental behavior on consumers’ attitudes toward green purchasing. In this research, we conducted a survey (n = 337) to examine the relationship between temporal discounting and perceived seriousness of environmental behavior and investigated the moderating effect of consumers’ attitudes regarding green purchasing. The results show a moderating effect of these consumers’ attitudes on the relationship between temporal discounting and perceived seriousness of environmental behavior. These findings make important contributions to environmental policies by rethinking and adapting new solutions that promote behavioral change, namely by exploring psychological variables and identifying green consumption profiles.
Editorial: Sustainable Waste Management Innovations: Developing New Ventures for Improved Health and Environmental Wellbeing
Authors: Amankwah-Amoah Joseph , Ahen Frederick
Published: June 2021

In this Editorial, we synthesise the articles in the Special Issue with unique insights into sustainable waste management innovations and sustainable business practices [...]
Institutional Barriers to Near Zero-Energy Housing: A Context Specific Approach
Authors: Souaid Cynthia , van der Heijden Harry , Elsinga Marja
Published: June 2021

After more than ten years since the introduction of Near Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs), the transition towards a zero-energy new built environment can still be considered slow despite European Member States’ various efforts to facilitate, promote and accelerate their implementation and uptake. The barriers to sustainability measures in general and NZEBs in particular have been extensively explored by academic literature and despite different research scopes, perspectives, locations and times, previous studies have reached similar outcomes. Similar barriers were perceived by different housing professionals in different geographic contexts and these same barriers also persisted through time. This study argues that while this could be interpreted as a validation of outcomes, it also underlines a limitation resulting from a general level of analysis. Thus, this study contributes to the discussion by adopting a context-specific approach in its investigation of barriers to near zero-energy housing in small towns in Flanders, Ireland and the Netherlands. The data was collected from a series of focus groups with housing professionals in Leuven, Kilkenny and Almere. Through descriptive coding, this study’s outcomes echoed previous research findings. However, a closer look through inferential coding resulted in the identification of 21 new contextual barriers leading to the formulation of more specific policy suggestions with a different allocation of precedence that depends on every context.
The Mediating Effect of Ownership of Psychological Behavior and Tour Leader Experience on Accountability in Order to Explore the Sustainable Business Model of the Tourism Industry
Authors: Lin Rong-Ho , Huang Yu-Chuan , Chang Nai-Wen , Wu Shih-Wei , Ke Yu-Chang
Published: June 2021

Since 2019, the world has been affected by COVID-19. The tourism industry, in particular, has suffered greatly. For instance, widespread travel restrictions have directly led to unemployment among tourism practitioners, especially tour leaders engaged in leading overseas tour groups. In the current environment, tour companies are limited to training only, and as such have chosen to focus on strengthening three critical areas: the leadership, psychological, and professional skills of their tour operators. This study contributes to the tourism literature by examining the direct and indirect effects of accountability on ownership of organization behavior (OOB) and tour leader personality in the context of the tourism industry, in order to expand the sustainable development of the tourism industry. The definition of OOB is that the psychological influence of the tour leader will affect their behavior, and the psychological consequences of the tour leader will be affected by experience (such as seniority of the team leader or number of tour groups). A structured questionnaire was used to survey tour leaders who hold an international license in Taiwan. The direct mediating influences of competence and having a place (psychological antecedents) on their accountability was confirmed. OOB also partially mediated the direct positive effect of the practice mechanism on their accountability. Our results also confirmed that competence and having a place are important predictors of the practice mechanism, and are better predictors of accountability than OOB. These findings should enhance the organizational design and marketing options available to travel agency businesses, as well as offering guidance to managers attempting to shape and mold their organizational culture and the behaviors of tour leaders associated with the implementation of OOB, in order to improve accountability in the sustainable business model of tourism.
Three Decades of Research on Smart Cities: Mapping Knowledge Structure and Trends
Authors: Sharifi Ayyoob , Allam Zaheer , Feizizadeh Bakhtiar , Ghamari Hessam
Published: June 2021

The concept of smart cities has gained significant momentum in science and policy circles over the past decade. This study aims to provide an overview of the structure and trends in the literature on smart cities. Bibliometric analysis and science mapping techniques using VOSviewer and CiteSpace are used to identify the thematic focus of over 5000 articles indexed in the Web of Science since 1991. In addition to providing insights into the thematic evolution of the field, the three-decade study period is divided into two sub-periods (1991–2015 and 2016–2021). While splitting the dataset into more sub-periods would have been desirable, we decided to only examine two sub-periods as only very few papers have been published until 2010. The annual number of publications has progressively increased since then, with a surge in the annual number of publications observable from 2015 onwards. The thematic analysis showed that the intellectual base of the field has been very limited during the first period, but has expanded significantly since 2015. Over time, some thematic evolutions, such as further attention to linkages to climate change and resilience, and more emphasis on security and privacy issues, have been made. The thematic analysis shows that existing research on smart cities is dominated by either conceptual issues or underlying technical aspects. It is, therefore, essential to do more research on the implementation of smart cities and actual and/or potential contributions of smart cities to solving societal issues. In addition to elaborating on thematic focus, the study also highlights major authors, journals, references, countries, and institutions that have contributed to the development of the smart cities literature.
The Role of Local Communities and Well-Being in UNESCO World Heritage Site Conservation: An Analysis of the Operational Guidelines, 1994–2019
Authors: Jang Hanbyeol , Mennis Jeremy
Published: June 2021

UNESCO’s world heritage program aims to protect sites of cultural and natural heritage worldwide. Issues of local communities and well-being have been given increasing attention by heritage conservation scholars, but a systemic review of UNESCO guidelines has not been performed. Here, we examine the evolution of the ‘Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention,’ documents representing the heritage conservation policies of UNESCO over the period 1994–2019. Using keyword analysis and document analysis, the findings show evidence of an increasing emphasis on local communities, growing primarily since 2005. However, the theme of well-being only first emerged in the operational guidelines in 2019. Political, economic, and environmental challenges idiosyncratic to specific places often complicate the role of local communities and well-being in heritage conservation priorities. Future research should investigate the potential implementation and implications of these changes for the guidelines at specific UNESCO world heritage sites.
Choice Experiment Method for Sustainable Tourism in Theme Parks
Authors: Chang Min-Yen , Hsu Yi-Sheng , Chen Han-Shen
Published: June 2021

Previous relevant studies on theme parks lack an exploration of various tourism attributes, e.g., recreational facilities, themes, wait times, fast pass drawings, and pricing, etc., all of which inspired the research motivation of this study. First, the Choice Experiment (CE) method explores tourists’ preferences for theme park attributes. Second, the Conditional Logit (CL) and Random Parameter Logit (RPL) models explore the differences in tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for various attributes from the perspective of their socioeconomic background. We used purposive sampling to survey questionnaire answers face-to-face in Taiwan, and a total of 680 questionnaires were issued, of which, 549 copies are valid, with an effective recovery rate of 80.7%. The research findings suggest the following: (1) The most valued theme park attributes for consumers are the recreational facilities, followed by theme characteristics, and fast pass drawing. (2) Regarding the respondents’ WTP for various attributes, they are willing to pay the highest price for thrilling recreational facilities, then for unlimited fast pass services, and cartoon character themes. (3) Respondents believe that if thrilling recreational facilities and fast pass drawing are available at the same time, then the overall effectiveness will be improved. (4) Respondents relatively have no purchase intention for fast pass drawing. It is hoped that the research findings can provide theme park operators reference basis for making plans and decisions.
An Examination of Green Credit Promoting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction: A Provincial Panel Analysis of China
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Hong Mingyong , Li Juan , Li Fuhong
Published: June 2021

The implementation of green finance is a powerful measure to promote global carbon emissions reduction that has been highly valued by academic circles in recent years. However, the role of green credit in carbon emissions reduction in China is still lacking testing. Using a set of panel data including 30 provinces and cities, this study focused on the impact of green credit on carbon dioxide emissions in China from 2006 to 2016. The empirical results indicated that green credit has a significantly negative effect on carbon dioxide emissions intensity. Furthermore, after the mechanism examination, we found that the promotion impacts of green credit on industrial structure upgrading and technological innovation are two effective channels to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Heterogeneity analysis found that there are regional differences in the effect of green credit. In the western and northeastern regions, the effect of green credit is invalid. Quantile regression results implied that the greater the carbon emissions intensity, the better the effect of green credit. Finally, a further discussion revealed there exists a nonlinear correlation between green credit and carbon dioxide emissions intensity. These findings suggest that the core measures to promote carbon emission reduction in China are to continue to expand the scale of green credit, increase the technology R&D investment of enterprises, and to vigorously develop the tertiary industry.
Cultural and Creative Cities and Regional Economic Efficiency: Context Conditions as Catalyzers of Cultural Vibrancy and Creative Economy
Authors: Cerisola Silvia , Panzera Elisa
Published: June 2021

Following the hype that has been given to culture and creativity as triggers and enhancers of local economic performance in the last 20 years, this work originally contributes to the literature with the objective of assessing the impact of cultural and creative cities (CCCs) on the economic output of their regions. In this sense, the cultural and creative character of cities is considered a strategic strength and opportunity that can spillover, favoring the economic system of the entire regions in which the cities are located. Through an innovative methodology that exploits a regional production function estimated by a panel fixed effects model, the effect of cities’ cultural vibrancy and creative economy on the output of their regions is econometrically explored. The data source is the Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor (CCCM) provided by the JRC, which also allows the investigation of the possible role played by the enabling environment in catalyzing the action of cultural vibrancy and creative economy. The results are thoroughly examined: especially through cultural vibrancy, CCCs strategically support the output of their region. This is particularly the case when local context conditions—such as human capital and education, openness, tolerance and trust, and quality of governance—catalyze their effect. Overall, CCCs contribute to feeding a long-term self-supporting system, interpreted according to a holistic conception that includes economic, social, cultural, and environmental domains.
Towards the Future of Sustainable Mobility: Results from a European Survey on (Electric) Powered-Two Wheelers
Authors: Will Sebastian , Luger-Bazinger Claudia , Schmitt Marcus , Zankl Cornelia
Published: June 2021

Personal transport is of high importance in our society and the 2020 pandemic situation has reinforced this situation. At the same time, transport contributes to local emissions, which need to be reduced in the face of climate change. Changing from vehicles with internal combustion engines to light electric vehicles could be one promising approach. Therefore, we need to understand mobility patterns and attitudes towards E-mobility to create sustainable transport solutions that will be broadly accepted. An online survey with N = 432 participants across Europe was conducted. The majority of respondents came from Germany, followed by Italy, Austria and Sweden. Generally, cars are the main vehicle for personal transport. PTWs are used for commuting as well as leisure activity. Driving experience, easier parking and lower maintenance compared to cars are major reasons to choose a PTW. No differences between younger and elderly participants were observed. E-PTWs are primarily avoided due to high costs, range anxiety and expected problems with the charging infrastructure. To support sustainable mobility, these obstacles need to be overcome. One aspect is definitely the provision of better charging infrastructure or electric vehicles with increased range. Hence, given typical trip lengths and purposes, it might seem equally important to tackle prejudices and increase the knowledge about E-mobility with all its potential benefits in the population.
Estimation of Fuzzy Parameters in the Linear Muskingum Model with the Aid of Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Spiliotis Mike , Sordo-Ward Alvaro , Garrote Luis
Published: June 2021

The Muskingum method is one of the widely used methods for lumped flood routing in natural rivers. Calibration of its parameters remains an active challenge for the researchers. The task has been mostly addressed by using crisp numbers, but fuzzy seems a reasonable alternative to account for parameter uncertainty. In this work, a fuzzy Muskingum model is proposed where the assessment of the outflow as a fuzzy quantity is based on the crisp linear Muskingum method but with fuzzy parameters as inputs. This calculation can be achieved based on the extension principle of the fuzzy sets and logic. The critical point is the calibration of the proposed fuzzy extension of the Muskingum method. Due to complexity of the model, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is used to enable the use of a simulation process for each possible solution that composes the swarm. A weighted sum of several performance criteria is used as the fitness function of the PSO. The function accounts for the inclusive constraints (the property that the data must be included within the produced fuzzy band) and for the magnitude of the fuzzy band, since large uncertainty may render the model non-functional. Four case studies from the references are used to benchmark the proposed method, including smooth, double, and non-smooth data and a complex, real case study that shows the advantages of the approach. The use of fuzzy parameters is closer to the uncertain nature of the problem. The new methodology increases the reliability of the prediction. Furthermore, the produced fuzzy band can include, to a significant degree, the observed data and the output of the existent crisp methodologies even if they include more complex assumptions.
Blue Gold: Advancing Blue Economy Governance in Africa
Authors: Nagy Henrietta , Nene Siphesihle
Published: June 2021

In Agenda 2063, the African Union focused on making the use of ocean resources a priority in the new frontier of its blue economy. However, most African countries are still lagging in taking the initial steps of identifying and prioritising blue economy sectors and understanding the risk to sea and ocean health. Many have not developed integrated blue economy strategies and road maps, and this delays the progress and vision for an African blue economy envisaged by Agenda 2063 and 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy. For Africa, however, the blue economy offers greater opportunity beyond the economy and the environment. It presents Africa with a unique opportunity to achieve its national objectives, to improve regional integration, and to exert influence in the global setting. In this review, we agree with Schot and Steinmueller (2018) that we need to develop new framings and begin to experiment with new policy practices to address social and environmental challenges. Furthermore, we maintain that existing theories and knowledge based on innovation studies in Africa may be significant for designing and implementing policies towards climate change mitigation, blue economy governance, and sustainability transitions. Finally, we conclude by highlighting how experimentation is the key feature of transformative innovation policy that Africa has to employ in its blue economy while emphasizing how Africa (and the Global South generally) are in a unique position to develop their own transformation models that are different from those of the Global North.
Evaluation of Energy Performance and Comfort: Case-Study of University Buildings with Design Adapted to Local Climate
Authors: Galiano-Garrigós Antonio , Domenech-Mataix María , González-Avilés Ángel Benigno , Rizo-Maestre Carlos
Published: June 2021

One of the main strategies to reduce countries’ energy bills is to invest in efficient buildings. To achieve this objective, the European Union Member States have developed different methodologies to evaluate building energy performance, which are often supported by simulation tools. These tools are based on calculation engines that use databases and simplifications to attempt to bring their results close to real building performance and are mostly designed to be used at the end of the process, neglecting their role in project decision-making processes. To compensate for this situation and to obtain the most accurate results, the methodologies recommend previous work during the building design phase to adopt passive design solutions that learn from experience and aim to adapt the building design to the local climate. However, these design solutions are difficult to adopt while working with medium to large public buildings and are often not properly understood by the simulation tools. In addition, new BIM methodologies are being implemented, starting to enable proper interaction between the designer and the results, and opening up the option of introducing other types of calculations, such as building comfort, in the calculation process. Among the group of countries with limited simulation tools that are starting to be substituted is Spain, which recently launched its first BIM-based energy simulation tool. This tool aims to compensate for the limitations of the former simulation tools and opens up the option of performing comfort calculations by sharing information with other programs. The objective of this research is to evaluate, from different perspectives, the performance of this new simulation tool on three buildings at the University of Alicante. These were chosen as university campuses are responsible for large groups of buildings and belong to the group of stakeholders interested in obtaining efficient and comfortable buildings. These case studies are defined by their extreme adaptation to design recommendations for mild-warm weather. At the end of the process, the difference is measured between simulation and real building performance. The results obtained show that simulation still differs greatly from real building performance from the energy performance point of view, while the comfort evaluation shows results that are closer to the reality of the buildings.
Aspergillus foetidus Regulated the Biochemical Characteristics of Soybean and Sunflower under Heat Stress Condition: Role in Sustainability
Authors: Ismail  , Hamayun Muhammad , Hussain Anwar , Iqbal Amjad , Khan Sumera Afzal , Ahmad Ayaz , Gul Sarah , Kim Ho-Youn , Lee In-Jung
Published: June 2021

Plants are susceptible to various environmental constrains, including heat stress due to their sessile nature. Endophytic fungi can be used as a novel technique to protect crop plants against the injurious effects of thermal stress. Endophytic fungi were isolated from Adiantum capillus-veneris L. and tested against heat stress in Glycine max L. and Helianthus annuus L. The results exhibited increased levels of the plant’s chlorophyll, height and biomass in Aspergillus foetidus (AdR-13) inoculated host crop species. Conversely, a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was noted in A. foetidus-associated host crop species. Likewise, the amounts of ROS-degrading antioxidants (glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidase (POD), ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)) as well as phenolics were increased, while the amounts of proline and abscisic acid (ABA) were decreased in fungal-associated test crops. Total lipids, proteins and sugars were noted to be high in A. foetidus-associated test crops. From the results, we concluded that A. foetidus have a role in heat stress mitigation that might help to sustain the production of important crops in the future.