bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Modeling of the Ash Cloud Movement from the Catastrophic Eruption of the Sheveluch Volcano in November 1964
Authors: Girina Olga , Malkovsky Sergey , Sorokin Aleksei , Loupian Evgeny , Korolev Sergey
Published: July 2022

This paper reconstructs, for the first time, the motion dynamics of an eruptive cloud formed during the catastrophic eruption of the Sheveluch volcano in November 1964 (Volcanic Explosivity Index 4+). This became possible due to the public availability of atmospheric reanalysis data from the ERA-40 archive of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the development of numerical modeling of volcanic ash cloud propagation. The simulation of the eruptive cloud motion process, which was carried out using the FALL3D and PUFF models, made it possible to clarify the sequence of events of this eruption (destruction of extrusive domes in the crater and the formation of an eruptive column and pyroclastic flows), which lasted only 1 h 12 min. During the eruption, the ash cloud consisted of two parts: the main eruptive cloud that rose up to 15,000 m above sea level (a.s.l.), and the co-ignimbrite cloud that formed above the moving pyroclastic flows. The ashfall in Ust-Kamchatsk (Kamchatka) first occurred out of the eruptive cloud moving at a higher speed, then out of the co-ignimbrite cloud. In Nikolskoye (Bering Island, Commander Islands), ash fell only out of the co-ignimbrite cloud. Under the turbulent diffusion, the forefront of the main eruptive cloud rose slowly in the atmosphere and reached 16,500 m a.s.l. by 04:07 UTC on November 12. Three days after the eruption began, the eruptive cloud stretched for 3000 km over the territories of the countries of Russia, Canada, the USA, Mexico, and over both the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is assumed that the well-known long-term decrease in the solar radiation intensity in the northern latitudes from 1963–1966, which was established according to the world remote sensing data, was associated with the spread of aerosol clouds formed not only by the Agung volcano, but those formed during the 1964 Sheveluch volcano catastrophic eruption.
Multi-Task Learning of Relative Height Estimation and Semantic Segmentation from Single Airborne RGB Images
Authors: Lu Min , Liu Jiayin , Wang Feng , Xiang Yuming
Published: July 2022

The generation of topographic classification maps or relative heights from aerial or remote sensing images represents a crucial research tool in remote sensing. On the one hand, from auto-driving, three-dimensional city modeling, road design, and resource statistics to smart cities, each task requires relative height data and classification data of objects. On the other hand, most relative height data acquisition methods currently use multiple images. We find that relative height and geographic classification data can be mutually assisted through data distribution. In recent years, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, it has become possible to estimate the relative height from a single image. It learns implicit mapping relationships in a data-driven manner that may not be explicitly available through mathematical modeling. On this basis, we propose a unified, in-depth learning structure that can generate both estimated relative height maps and semantically segmented maps and perform end-to-end training. Compared with the existing methods, our task is to perform both relative height estimation and semantic segmentation tasks simultaneously. We only need one picture to obtain the corresponding semantically segmented images and relative heights simultaneously. The model’s performance is much better than that of equivalent computational models. We also designed dynamic weights to enable the model to learn relative height estimation and semantic segmentation simultaneously. At the same time, we have conducted good experiments on existing datasets. The experimental results show that the proposed Transformer-based network architecture is suitable for relative height estimation tasks and vastly outperforms other state-of-the-art DL (Deep Learning) methods.
Multisensor UAS mapping of Plant Species and Plant Functional Types in Midwestern Grasslands
Authors: Hall Emma C. , Lara Mark J.
Published: July 2022

Uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) have emerged as powerful ecological observation platforms capable of filling critical spatial and spectral observation gaps in plant physiological and phenological traits that have been difficult to measure from space-borne sensors. Despite recent technological advances, the high cost of drone-borne sensors limits the widespread application of UAS technology across scientific disciplines. Here, we evaluate the tradeoffs between off-the-shelf and sophisticated drone-borne sensors for mapping plant species and plant functional types (PFTs) within a diverse grassland. Specifically, we compared species and PFT mapping accuracies derived from hyperspectral, multispectral, and RGB imagery fused with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) or structure-for-motion (SfM)-derived canopy height models (CHM). Sensor–data fusion were used to consider either a single observation period or near-monthly observation frequencies for integration of phenological information (i.e., phenometrics). Results indicate that overall classification accuracies for plant species and PFTs were highest in hyperspectral and LiDAR-CHM fusions (78 and 89%, respectively), followed by multispectral and phenometric–SfM–CHM fusions (52 and 60%, respectively) and RGB and SfM–CHM fusions (45 and 47%, respectively). Our findings demonstrate clear tradeoffs in mapping accuracies from economical versus exorbitant sensor networks but highlight that off-the-shelf multispectral sensors may achieve accuracies comparable to those of sophisticated UAS sensors by integrating phenometrics into machine learning image classifiers.
Hydrothermal Alteration Mapping Using Landsat 8 and ASTER Data and Geochemical Characteristics of Precambrian Rocks in the Egyptian Shield: A Case Study from Abu Ghalaga, Southeastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: El-Desoky Hatem M. , Tende Andongma W. , Abdel-Rahman Ahmed M. , Ene Antoaneta , Awad Hamdy A. , Fahmy Wael , El-Awny Hamada , Zakaly Hesham M. H.
Published: July 2022

This study evaluates the geological attributes of rocks within the Abu Ghalaga area using spatial, geochemical, and petrographic approaches. ASTER and Landsat imagery processed using band ratio and principal component analysis were used to map hydrothermal alterations, while a regional tectonic evaluation was based on automated extraction of lineaments from a digital elevation model. Geochemical and petrographic analyses were then employed for discrete scale evaluation of alteration patterns of rocks across the study location. Based on satellite image processing, alteration patterns across the study area are widespread, while evidence from lineament analysis suggests a dominant NW–SE tectonic trend accompanied by a less dominant ENE–WSW direction. The different rock units exposed in the studied district are arranged chronologically from oldest to youngest as arc metavolcanic group (basalt and rhyolite), arc metagabbro–diorite, gneissose granite (granodiorite and tonalite), and dykes (aplite and felsite). Various types of igneous and metamorphic rocks have propylitic, phyllic, and argillic zones. Geochemical data indicate that the studied rocks are classified into granite, granodiorite, gabbroic diorite, and gabbro. Geochemically, the rocks have a sub-alkaline magma type. The granodiorite–tonalite is derived from the calc–alkaline magma nature, while gabbro and diorite samples exhibit tholeiitic to calc–alkaline affinity. The tectonic setting of the studied rocks trends toward volcanic arc granite (VAG). Based on petrographic, geochemical, and remote analyses, sericitization, chloritization, epidotization, kaolinitization, carbonatization, and silicification are the main alteration types present in the study area. As a result of lineaments analysis, the existing fractures and structural planes form valid flow paths for mineral-bearing hydrothermal solutions.
Revealing the Spatiotemporal Patterns of Anthropogenic Light at Night within Ecological Conservation Redline Using Series Satellite Nighttime Imageries (2000–2020)
Authors: Jiang Fangming , Ye Yang , He Zhen , Cai Jianwu , Shen Aihua , Peng Rui , Chen Binjie , Tong Chen , Deng Jinsong
Published: July 2022

With the rapid urbanization process, the construction of lighting facilities is increasing, whereas artificial light at nighttime (ALAN) negatively affects organisms in protected areas and threatens ecosystems. Therefore, a deep research of ALAN within protected areas is significant for better preserving biodiversity by scientific ALAN management. Taking the ecological conservation redline (ECR) in Zhejiang Province as a case study, we consistently applied remotely sensed ALAN data from 2000 to 2020 for exploring spatiotemporal changing characteristics of ALAN. More importantly, both human living and ecological safety were considered to classify ALAN status in 2019 in order to propose rational suggestions for management. The results showed ALAN intensified and expanded, increasing from 3.05 × 1012 nW·sr−1 to 5.24 × 1013 nW·sr−1 at an average growth rate of 2.35 × 1012 nW·sr−1·year−1. Hotspot analysis and bivariate spatial clustering identified the aggregation situation of ALAN and the population. They showed that statistically significant ALAN hotspots accounted for only 20.40% of the study area while providing 51.82% of the total ALAN. Based on the mismatches between human demand and ALAN supply, two crucial areas were identified where regulation is needed most, and targeted policy recommendations were put forward. The study results can contribute to the effective regulation of ALAN in protected areas.
The West Kunlun Glacier Anomaly and Its Response to Climate Forcing during 2002–2020
Authors: Luo Jianwei , Ke Chang-Qing , Seehaus Thorsten
Published: July 2022

Research into glacial mass change in West Kunlun (WK) has been sufficient, but most of the existing studies were based on geodetic methods, which are not suitable for specific health state analyses of each glacier. In this paper, we utilize Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery, applying the continuity equation to obtain altitudinal specific mass balance (SMB) for 615 glaciers (>2 km2) during 2002–2011, 2011–2020, and 2002–2020 to research glacial health and its response to climatic forcing. The results show dissimilar glacier SMB patterns between 2002–2011 (0.10 ± 0.14 m w.e. a−1), 2011–2020 (–0.12 ± 0.14 m w.e. a−1) and 2002–2020 (−0.01 ± 0.07 m w.e. a−1). Additionally, the glacier equilibrium line altitude (ELA) in WK was 5788 m, 5744 m, and 5786 m, respectively, and the corresponding accumulation area ratios (AARs) were 0.59, 0.62, and 0.58, during 2002–2011, 2011–2020, and 2002–2020, respectively. Regarding glacier response, compared with the ordinary-least-square (OLS) model, the artificial neural network (ANN) model revealed a respectively less and more sensitive glacier SMB response to extreme negative and positive summer skin temperatures. In addition, the ANN model indicated that the glacier ELA was less sensitive when the integrated water vapor transport (IVT) change exceeded 0.7 kg m−1s−1. Moreover, compared with IVT (−121.57 m/kg m−1s−1), glacier ELA shifts were chiefly dominated by summer skin temperature (+154.66 m/℃) in the last two decades. From 2002–2011 and 2011–2020, glacier SMB was more susceptible to summer skin temperature (−0.38 m w.e./℃ and −0.16 m w.e./℃, respectively), while during 2002–2020, it was more influenced by IVT (0.45 m w.e./kg m−1s−1). In contrast with eastern WK, glaciers in western WK were healthier, although mitigation measures are still needed to safeguard glacier health and prevent possible natural hazards in this region. Finally, we believe that the inconsistent change between glacier SMB and ELAs from 2002–2020 was connected with ice rheology and that the combined effects of skin temperature and IVT can explain the WK glacier anomaly.
Surface-Free Multi-Stroke Trajectory Reconstruction and Word Recognition Using an IMU-Enhanced Digital Pen
Authors: Wehbi Mohamad , Luge Daniel , Hamann Tim , Barth Jens , Kaempf Peter , Zanca Dario , Eskofier Bjoern M.
Published: July 2022

Efficient handwriting trajectory reconstruction (TR) requires specific writing surfaces for detecting movements of digital pens. Although several motion-based solutions have been developed to remove the necessity of writing surfaces, most of them are based on classical sensor fusion methods limited, by sensor error accumulation over time, to tracing only single strokes. In this work, we present an approach to map the movements of an IMU-enhanced digital pen to relative displacement data. Training data is collected by means of a tablet. We propose several pre-processing and data-preparation methods to synchronize data between the pen and the tablet, which are of different sampling rates, and train a convolutional neural network (CNN) to reconstruct multiple strokes without the need of writing segmentation or post-processing correction of the predicted trajectory. The proposed system learns the relative displacement of the pen tip over time from the recorded raw sensor data, achieving a normalized error rate of 0.176 relative to unit-scaled tablet ground truth (GT) trajectory. To test the effectiveness of the approach, we train a neural network for character recognition from the reconstructed trajectories, which achieved a character error rate of 19.51%. Finally, a joint model is implemented that makes use of both the IMU data and the generated trajectories, which outperforms the sensor-only-based recognition approach by 0.75%.
A Novel Efficient Convolutional Neural Algorithm for Multi-Category Aliasing Hardware Recognition
Authors: Zhang Yunzhi , Liang Jiancheng , Lu Qinghua , Luo Lufeng , Zhu Wenbo , Wang Quan , Lin Junmeng
Published: July 2022

When performing robotic automatic sorting and assembly operations of multi-category hardware, there are some problems with the existing convolutional neural network visual recognition algorithms, such as large computing power consumption, low recognition efficiency, and a high rate of missed detection and false detection. A novel efficient convolutional neural algorithm for multi-category aliasing hardware recognition is proposed in this paper. On the basis of SSD, the novel algorithm uses Resnet-50 instead of VGG16 as the backbone feature extraction network, and it integrates ECA-Net and Improved Spatial Attention Block (ISAB): two attention mechanisms to improve the ability of learning and extract target features. Then, we pass the weighted features to extra feature layers to build an improved SSD algorithm. At last, in order to compare the performance difference between the novel algorithm and the existing algorithms, three kinds of hardware with different sizes are chosen to constitute an aliasing scene that can simulate an industrial site, and some comparative experiments have been completed finally. The experimental results show that the novel algorithm has an mAP of 98.20% and FPS of 78, which are better than Faster R-CNN, YOLOv4, YOLOXs, EfficientDet-D1, and original SSD in terms of comprehensive performance. The novel algorithm proposed in this paper can improve the efficiency of robotic sorting and assembly of multi-category hardware.
MEMS Vibrometer for Structural Health Monitoring Using Guided Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Haus Jan Niklas , Lang Walter , Roloff Thomas , Rittmeier Liv , Bornemann Sarah , Sinapius Michael , Dietzel Andreas
Published: July 2022

Structural health monitoring of lightweight constructions made of composite materials can be performed using guided ultrasonic waves. If modern fiber metal laminates are used, this requires integrated sensors that can record the inner displacement oscillations caused by the propagating guided ultrasonic waves. Therefore, we developed a robust MEMS vibrometer that can be integrated while maintaining the structural and functional compliance of the laminate. This vibrometer is directly sensitive to the high-frequency displacements from structure-borne ultrasound when excited in a frequency range between its first and second eigenfrequency. The vibrometer is mostly realized by processes earlier developed for a pressure sensor but with additional femtosecond laser ablation and encapsulation. The piezoresistive transducer, made from silicon, is encapsulated between top and bottom glass lids. The eigenfrequencies are experimentally determined using an optical micro vibrometer setup. The MEMS vibrometer functionality and usability for structural health monitoring are demonstrated on a customized test rig by recording application-relevant guided ultrasonic wave packages with a central frequency of 100 kHz at a distance of 0.2 m from the exciting ultrasound transducer.
Multi-Agent Team Learning in Virtualized Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN)
Authors: Iturria-Rivera Pedro Enrique , Zhang Han , Zhou Hao , Mollahasani Shahram , Erol-Kantarci Melike
Published: July 2022

Starting from the concept of the Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN), continuing with the virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) and most recently with the Open RAN (O-RAN) initiative, Radio Access Network (RAN) architectures have significantly evolved in the past decade. In the last few years, the wireless industry has witnessed a strong trend towards disaggregated, virtualized and open RANs, with numerous tests and deployments worldwide. One unique aspect that motivates this paper is the availability of new opportunities that arise from using machine learning, more specifically multi-agent team learning (MATL), to optimize the RAN in a closed-loop where the complexity of disaggregation and virtualization makes well-known Self-Organized Networking (SON) solutions inadequate. In our view, Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) with MATL can play an essential role in the orchestration of O-RAN controllers, i.e., near-real-time and non-real-time RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC). In this article, we first provide an overview of the landscape in RAN disaggregation, virtualization and O-RAN, then we present the state-of-the-art research in multi-agent systems and team learning as well as their application to O-RAN. We present a case study for team learning where agents are two distinct xApps: power allocation and radio resource allocation. We demonstrate how team learning can enhance network performance when team learning is used instead of individual learning agents. Finally, we identify challenges and open issues to provide a roadmap for researchers in the area of MATL based O-RAN optimization.
A Pollution Prevention Pathway Evaluation Methodology Based on Systematic Collaborative Control
Authors: Li Shujuan , Zhou Enyi , Zhang Peng , Xia Yu
Published: July 2022

To improve the efficiency of air pollution control, in this research, a systematic air pollution collaborative governance pathway system was developed from a systemic perspective. The sequencing of air pollution control pathways in the system can significantly affect its efficiency, so the order of the sequence was optimized. To develop the system, first, two case studies on coordinated air pollution control in the U.S. and China were conducted to demonstrate the importance of systematic collaborative governance. Next, based on the analysis of these two cases and a review of the related literature, a systematic coordinated air pollution control mechanism was proposed. The priorities of collaborative governance pathways were evaluated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. The input to the AHP was data from in-depth interviews with established scholars and practitioners in air pollution prevention and control. Several policy suggestions are put forward based on the expert ranking of the results of the priorities of the collaborative governance pathways. These policy suggestions include identifying the most critical pathways in the cooperative control of air pollution and their order of implementation as well as measures that can effectively reduce pollution. The theoretical contributions of this research include the establishment of a cooperative governance mechanism and the analysis of governance pathways to help develop an efficient air pollution pathway system. The practical contributions of this research include policy suggestions to improve the efficiency of collaborative air pollution treatment and lower its costs.
An Integrated Approach for Developing an Urban Livability Composite Index—A Cities’ Ranking Road Map to Achieve Urban Sustainability
Authors: Saeed Urooj , Ahmad Sajid Rashid , Mohey-ud-din Ghulam , Butt Hira Jannat , Ashraf Uzma
Published: July 2022

Livability is a concept that assesses the quality of life and relative performance of different regions and communities, based on various qualitative and quantitative factors. The assessment of urban livability is a complex and multidimensional task, which is of utmost importance for informed and transparent policy and decision making. The present study aimed to develop a road map for cities’ ranking on the bases of their livability. We have used a case study of eight major cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Indicators of cities’ sustainability considered for the cities’ ranking were spatial planning and growth, individual wellbeing, urban economy, connectivity and infrastructure, quality of life, and the urban environment. In the first stage, after the consolidation of socio-economic, environmental, and other indicators, they are converted into dimension indices by taking geometric means. In the second stage, the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) has been employed for assigning weights to each dimension into a composite index. The results of the study depict the disparities among cities through a multidimensional analysis. Lahore is ranked as first overall from the bottom. Thus, the study recommends that, despite the high standing of Lahore on the livability ladder, it must address the issue of connectivity and traffic congestion and per capita needs of the public infrastructure for a growing mega metropolitan city of over 10 million people. Similarly, Rawalpindi is ranked as the second-best city with regard to livability in Punjab. The main contributing factors for Rawalpindi city are ‘individual well-being’, ‘urban economy’, and ‘urban environment’. Moreover, the current study also suggests important policy implications for decision makers to highlight the areas that must be reconsidered for improvement in terms of the selected indicators and dimensions.
Interactions of Environmental Variables and Water Use Efficiency in the Matopiba Region via Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Santiago Dimas de Barros , Barbosa Humberto Alves , Correia Filho Washington Luiz Félix , Oliveira-Júnior José Francisco de
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of environmental variables and Water Use Efficiency (WUE) via multivariate analysis to understand the importance of each variable in the carbon–water balance in MATOPIBA. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to reduce spatial dimensionality and to identify patterns by using the following data: (i) LST (MOD11A2) and WUE (ratio between GPP-MOD17A2 and ET-MOD16A2), based on MODIS orbital products; (ii) Rainfall based on CHIRPS precipitation product; (iii) slope, roughness, and elevation from the GMTED and SRTM version 4.1 products; and (iv) geographic data, Latitude, and Longitude. All calculations were performed in R version 3.6.3 and Quantum GIS (QGIS) version 3.4.6. Eight variables were initially used. After applying the PCA, only four were suitable: Elevation, LST, Rainfall, and WUE, with values greater than 0.7. A positive correlation (≥0.78) between the variables (Elevation, LST, and Rainfall) and vegetation was identified. According to the KMO test, a series-considered medium was obtained (0.7 < KMO < 0.8), and it was explained by one PC (PC1). PC1 was explained by four variables (Elevation, LST, Rainfall, and WUE), among which WUE (0.8 < KMO < 0.9) was responsible for detailing 65.77% of the total explained variance. Positive scores were found in the states of Maranhão and Tocantins and negative scores in Piauí and Bahia. The positive scores show areas with greater Rainfall, GPP, and ET availability, while the negative scores show areas with greater water demand and LST. It was concluded that variations in variables such as Rainfall, LST, GPP, and ET can influence the local behavior of the carbon–water cycle of the vegetation, impacting the WUE in MATOPIBA.
Urban Policy Sustainability through a Value-Added Densification Tool: The Case of the South Boston Area
Authors: Canesi Rubina
Published: July 2022

Over the past decade, urban density has been growing faster than ever, forcing high-density expansion. The aim of this study is to verify whether urban density is accepted as a sustainable value-added quality, internalized in the willingness to pay on a buildable per square feet basis. To explore the relationship between land prices and densification processes, this study focused on a low-density area, which recently went through a densification policy process with the approval of a new zoning tool. The study analyzes land price trends on a 144-Acre of area, located in the South Boston Submarket, identified as the Dorchester Ave Area. I analyzed land transactions in this area between 2012 and 2021. I also examined land price variations before and after the approval of a densification plan in correlation with the overall trend of the real estate market in that area. The results suggest that density is a value-added feature that affects land prices. Indeed, a higher density leads to higher values per buildable square feet. Densification policies have a strong positive impact on land transaction prices. Community and developers valued density with a greater willingness to pay, internalizing the economic, social, and environmental sustainability benefits. This phenomenon should be taken into consideration by local public authorities implementing their zoning tools.
Use of Metagenomic Whole Genome Shotgun Sequencing Data in Taxonomic Assignment of Dipterygium glaucum Rhizosphere and Surrounding Bulk Soil Microbiomes, and Their Response to Watering
Authors: Shami Ashwag , Jalal Rewaa S. , Ashy Ruba A. , Abuauf Haneen W. , Baz Lina , Refai Mohammed Y. , Barqawi Aminah A. , Baeissa Hanadi M. , Tashkandi Manal A. , Alshareef Sahar , Abulfaraj Aala A.
Published: July 2022

The metagenomic whole genome shotgun sequencing (mWGS) approach was used to detect signatures of the rhizosphere microbiomes of Dipterygium glaucum and surrounding bulk soil microbiomes, and to detect differential microbial responses due to watering. Preliminary results reflect the reliability of the experiment and the rationality of grouping microbiomes. Based on the abundance of non-redundant genes, bacterial genomes showed the highest level, followed by Archaeal and Eukaryotic genomes, then, the least abundant viruses. Overall results indicate that most members of bacteria have a higher abundance/relative abundance (AB/RA) pattern in the rhizosphere towards plant growth promotion, while members of eukaryota have a higher pattern in bulk soil, most likely acting as pathogens. The results also indicate the contribution of mycorrhiza (genus Rhizophagus) in mediating complex mutualistic associations between soil microbes (either beneficial or harmful) and plant roots. Some of these symbiotic relationships involve microbes of different domains responding differentially to plant root exudates. Among these are included the bacterial genus Burkholderia and eukaryotic genus Trichoderma, which have antagonistic activities against the eukaryotic genus Fusarium. Another example involves Ochrobactrum phage POA1180, its bacterial host and plant roots. One of the major challenges in plant nutrition involves other microbes that manipulate nitrogen levels in the soil. Among these are the microbes that perform contraversal actions of nitrogen fixation (the methanogen Euryarchaeota) and ammonia oxidation (Crenarchaeota). The net nitrogen level in the soil is originally based on the AB/RA of these microbes and partially on the environmental condition. Watering seems to influence the AB/RA of a large number of soil microbes, where drought-sensitive microbes (members of phyla Acidobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes) showed an increased AB/RA pattern after watering, while others (Burkholderia and Trichoderma) seem to be among microbes assisting plants to withstand abiotic stresses. This study sheds light on the efficient use of mWGS in the taxonomic assignment of soil microbes and in their response to watering. It also provides new avenues for improving biotic and abiotic resistance in domestic plant germplasm via the manipulation of soil microbes.
Multi-Criteria Assessment of Transport Sustainability in Chosen European Union Countries: A Dynamic Approach
Authors: Czech Artur , Lewczuk Jerzy , Ustinovichius Leonas , Kontrimovičius Robertas
Published: July 2022

The main aim of this article is to dynamically evaluate the sustainable development of transportation as an important economic sector in each member state of the European Union. Furthermore, the authors tried to identify underdeveloped spatial areas and indicate related trends in particular countries. To address this research topic, a multivariate-order statistical measure was implemented. The data sources of the study were Eurostat databases. The rankings of the chosen European Union countries for transport sustainability and its individual components (pillars and orders) were obtained for 2016–2019. This allowed the underdeveloped space regions and their individual pillars in the field of transportation sustainability to be identified in an appropriate manner. Then, the total (general) synthetic measures applicable to the entire period of analysis were constructed. It should be noted that the initial set of diagnostic variables and its classification in certain sequences were implemented. Furthermore, the taxonomic method applied with Weber’s multivariate median was first used to dynamically assess aspects of traffic sustainability. Such synthetic methods allow for analysis of the interaction of different areas of complex transportation systems and allow distortions of the diagnostic variables.
Contract Coordination of Fresh Agri-Product Supply Chain under O2O Model
Authors: Yang Qing , Xiong Lei , Li Yanfeng , Chen Qian , Yu Yijing , Wang Jingyang
Published: July 2022

The development of the fresh-food e-commerce has led scholars to pay more attention to research on the agricultural product supply chain. This paper analyses the operation mode of the new O2O retail fresh supply chain by constructing the Stackelberg game model, takes the freshness and freshness-keeping efforts of fresh agricultural products as the main considerations, and analyses and compares the overall income of the supply chain under different decision-making modes. The results of the study show that: (1) In a centralized decision-making model, collaboration between suppliers and retailers online and offline can increase their respective revenues, and overall supply chain profits increase as the proportion of collaboration increases; (2) compared to decentralized decision-making, revenue-sharing contracts can increase the overall profitability of supply chain members and the supply chain when the revenue sharing factor is relatively high in the case of online and offline channel collaboration; (3) finally, the impact of revenue-sharing contracts on supply chain profitability is discussed through numerical analysis.
Sustaining Teaching with Technology after the Quarantine: Evidence from Chinese EFL Teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge
Authors: Huang Fang , Qi Jiafu , Xie Ailin
Published: July 2022

Given that little is known about English teachers’ technological, pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK), this study examined teachers’ TPACK of using interactive whiteboards (IWBs) by contextualizing the research in the Chinese EFL context. Surveys and multi-case interviews were conducted among secondary school EFL teachers. The results revealed that Chinese EFL teachers generally perceived themselves to be competent in TPACK, with content knowledge achieving the highest value (5.545) and technological knowledge having the lowest value (5.147). In addition, teachers with higher professional titles perceived themselves as having lower TPACK. Barriers to using IWBs in English teaching include a lack of using efficacy regarding IWBs, traditional teaching beliefs, insufficient technical support and training, defects in IWBs for English teaching and time constraints. This study enriched technology adoption literature and informed policymakers and educational institutions of the necessity to provide specialized training to improve teachers’ TPACK and take measures to reduce teachers’ non-teaching-related tasks to ensure sustainable technology adoption in English teaching.
Contemporary Green Solutions for the Logistics and Transportation Industry—With Case Illustration of a Leading Global 3PL Based in Hong Kong
Authors: Mak Shu-Lun , Wong Yiu-Man , Ho Kin-Chung , Lee Chi-Chung
Published: July 2022

The earth’s average temperature has risen by approximately 1.2 °C since the 1900s. The COP26 resolution aimed to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, while China has committed a more aggressive timetable to actually achieve the goal. It requires either that activities must not release any greenhouse gases or the emitted greenhouse gases must be offset. The logistics and transport activities contribute a lot to global greenhouse gas emissions on Earth. There are a no. of challenges of the logistics industry that are discussed, then the paradigmatic solutions such as green procurement, green packaging, green transport, and green warehousing, are respectively discussed. The three contemporary concepts of green solutions (circular economy, carbon neutrality and green cocreation) for logistics and transportation are explored. Subsequently, a detailed case study of CN Logistics’ contemporary green solutions is used to illustrate how to tackle the problems and exemplify the best practices to the other 3PL players. There are expected changes on green directives from the HKSAR Government on logistics green compliances. Finally, this paper concludes with an appeal to the industry to start the green journey immediately.
Novel Approach to Predicting Soil Permeability Coefficient Using Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Ahmad Mahmood , Keawsawasvong Suraparb , Bin Ibrahim Mohd Rasdan , Waseem Muhammad , Kashyzadeh Kazem Reza , Sabri Mohanad Muayad Sabri
Published: July 2022

In the design stage of construction projects, determining the soil permeability coefficient is one of the most important steps in assessing groundwater, infiltration, runoff, and drainage. In this study, various kernel-function-based Gaussian process regression models were developed to estimate the soil permeability coefficient, based on six input parameters such as liquid limit, plastic limit, clay content, void ratio, natural water content, and specific density. In this study, a total of 84 soil samples data reported in the literature from the detailed design-stage investigations of the Da Nang–Quang Ngai national road project in Vietnam were used for developing and validating the models. The models’ performance was evaluated and compared using statistical error indicators such as root mean square error and mean absolute error, as well as the determination coefficient and correlation coefficient. The analysis of performance measures demonstrates that the Gaussian process regression model based on Pearson universal kernel achieved comparatively better and reliable results and, thus, should be encouraged in further research.
Whalers in “A Post-Whaling World”: Sustainable Conservation of Marine Mammals and Sustainable Development of Whaling Communities—With a Case Study from the Eastern Caribbean
Authors: Fielding Russell
Published: July 2022

The sustainable conservation of marine mammals depends not only upon considerations made for the marine mammals themselves. In many parts of the world, human societies have developed a deep reliance upon marine mammals as a food source. The sustainability and the equitable, sustainable development of these communities should be considered alongside efforts to conserve the marine mammals upon which people rely. As an example of the complexity inherent to simultaneous efforts on both fronts, this paper reviews and synthesizes two lines of research related to a small-scale whaling operation for odontocetes (dolphins and toothed whales) based in the Eastern Caribbean. The first considers the patterns of consumption and demand by the local public. The second analyzes the presence of mercury and other environmental contaminants in the tissues of the odontocetes. The results of this synthesis suggest that odontocete-based food products in the Eastern Caribbean are both highly popular and heavily contaminated, thus complicating an already-complex system in need of efforts toward both sustainability and sustainable development. The paper concludes with recommendations for both future research and future policy considerations.
A Comprehensive Review on the Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) in Concrete Production
Authors: Ahmad Jawad , Kontoleon Karolos J. , Majdi Ali , Naqash Muhammad Tayyab , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Ben Kahla Nabil , Isleem Haytham F. , Qaidi Shaker M. A.
Published: July 2022

In the last few decades, the concrete industry has been massively expanded with the adoption of various kinds of binding materials. As a substitute to cement and in an effort to relieve ecofriendly difficulties linked with cement creation, the utilization of industrial waste as cementitious material can sharply reduce the amount of trash disposed of in lakes and landfills. With respect to the mechanical properties, durability and thermal behavior, ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) delineates a rational way to develop sustainable cement and concrete. Apart from environmental benefits, the replacement of cement by GGBS illustrates an adequate way to mitigate the economic impact. Although many researchers concentrate on utilizing GGBS in concrete production, knowledge is scattered, and additional research is needed to better understand relationships among a wide spectrum of key questions and to more accurately determine these preliminary findings. This work aims to shed some light on the scientific literature focusing on the use and effectiveness of GGBS as an alternative to cement. First and foremost, basic information on GGBS manufacturing and its physical, chemical and hydraulic activity and heat of hydration are thoroughly discussed. In a following step, fresh concrete properties, such as flowability and mechanical strength, are examined. Furthermore, the durability of concrete, such as density, permeability, acid resistance, carbonation depth and dry shrinkage, are also reviewed and interpreted. It can be deduced that the chemical structure of GGBS is parallel to that of cement, as it shows the creditability of being partially integrated and overall suggests an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). On the basis of such adjustments, the mechanical strength of concrete with GGBS has shown an increase, to a certain degree; however, the flowability of concrete has been reduced. In addition, the durability of concrete containing GGBS cement is shown to be superior. The optimum percentage of GGBS is an essential aspect of better performance. Previous studies have suggested different optimum percentages of GGBS varying from 10 to 20%, depending on the source of GGBS, concrete mix design and particle size of GGBS. Finally, the review also presents some basic process improvement tips for future generations to use GGBS in concrete.
Social and Cultural Experiences with Loyalty towards Hotel Services: The Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Ogunnaike Olaleke Oluseye , Agada Solomon Agada , Ighomereho Ogheneochuko Salome , Borishade Taiye Tairat
Published: July 2022

The increasing role of the customer experience, based on the feelings the customers acquire from the interaction with a firm’s product and services, has been considered an effective influence on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customer satisfaction also plays a linking role in the performance–loyalty link. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of the social- and cultural-experience dimensions on loyalty towards hotel services, with customer satisfaction playing a mediating role. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 532 customers of three-star hotels in Lagos State, Nigeria, the analysis was carried out with partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results showed that social and cultural experience jointly account for about 38% of the variance in consumer loyalty, customer satisfaction has a moderate impact size on loyalty, and social and cultural experiences have a moderate and low effect size on customer loyalty, respectively. The study further established an indirect and significant effect to show that customer satisfaction partially mediates the association between cultural experience and loyalty and the association between social experience and loyalty. Consequently, since the hotel service environment provides the types of experiences that customers expect, sustainability strategies based on the aspects of the hotel service environment would provide memorable experiences for guests’ satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, this study has both theoretical and practical implications for researchers and practitioners, by suggesting additional dimensions to the traditional customer-experience realms.
Design and Comparison of Different Types of Synergetic Controllers for Islanded DC Microgrids
Authors: Erenturk Koksal , Draou Azeddine , AlKassem Abdulrahman
Published: July 2022

In this paper, different types of synergetic controllers (SCs), such as simple SC, piecewise linear function form of SC, linear synergetic controller, improved synergetic controller with terminal SC, and fast terminal SC have been designed and applied to an islanded DC microgrid. To be able to make the design of the controllers independent from system component values, a generalized mathematical method has been derived for all power electronics-based subsystems of the microgrid system. A small-scale DC microgrid has been designed and implemented to verify experimentally the robustness of the control law from the different synergetic controllers. Moreover, a generalized synergetic controller design approach has been derived in this paper for the islanded DC microgrids. The obtained results from both simulation and experiment tests have been compared and included in this paper. It is concluded that definition of macro variables is affecting robustness and tracking performance of the designed controllers.
Reducing Environmental Impacts at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Authors: Hughes Kate , Foulkes Jenny
Published: July 2022

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has put the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis at the centre of its organisational strategy and is making changes to reduce the environmental impact of its activities and to adapt to the conditions created by changes in climate. This article looks at actions towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the physical boundaries of the four gardens of RBGE in Scotland. The article considers two areas. Firstly, the Horticultural sphere, including the reduction of the impacts on the environment made by horticultural practice to maintain the gardens, and adaptation of the landscapes to improve visitor access and the biodiversity benefits of plantings. Secondly, influencing behaviour and engaging visitors with respect to growing food and the enjoyment of being with plants for health and wellbeing. In both these areas, RBGE activities are contributing to targets within SDGs 11, 12, 13 and 15. These targets, the actions to realise them and subsequent outcomes are described below. Finally, a major project underway at the Garden which will significantly reduce the environmental impacts of the institution, the Edinburgh Biomes, is introduced.
Surveillance and Foresight Process of the Sustainable City Context: Innovation Potential Niches and Trends at the European Level
Authors: Arias Alba , Otamendi-Irizar Irati , Grijalba Olatz , Oregi Xabat , Hernandez-Minguillon Rufino Javier
Published: July 2022

Over the last decades, the environmental situation of the planet has worsened. Much of the pollution and energy consumption is attributed to cities, which are expected to increase in size and population in the coming years. It is therefore necessary to develop systems to make them more sustainable and resilient. In this regard, different agendas, strategies, and regulations have been published, such as the 2030 Agenda. The current research carried out a surveillance and foresight process at the European level in the field of the sustainable city, analyzing actions accomplished, ongoing, or forthcoming from 2014 to the present (2020) and coming years. The objective is to identify the potential niches and opportunities for decision making to develop successful projects in this sector. The study concludes that one of the most promoted themes is related to the environment, highlighting nature and biodiversity in cities to improve environmental quality and achieve the decarbonization necessary to fight climate change. Furthermore, society plays an important role, emphasizing the need to promote the population’s inclusion and empowerment. It also underlines the promotion of urban regeneration, which should include energy transition and digitalization to create smart cities, with local circular economies.
Youth, Gender and Climate Resilience: Voices of Adolescent and Young Women in Southern Africa
Authors: Tanner Thomas , Mazingi Lucy , Muyambwa Darlington Farai
Published: July 2022

In contrast to the dominant ‘vulnerability narrative’ applied to studies of gender, age, and other intersectional characteristics in determining differentiated impacts of climate change, there is growing attention to the agency and voices of young people in the context of their development futures in a changing climate. This paper draws on Feminist Participatory Action Research undertaken by adolescent girls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Centred on access to education, the findings prompt a reframing of youth agency and empowerment beyond instrumental concerns to integrate intrinsic factors that include self-fulfilment, recognition from others, status, and self-resilience. The research demonstrates how young people’s enquiry can help to surface the underlying structures of inequality shaping both their gendered experience of climate change and the response options available. Tackling structural issues may be beyond the conventional scope of climate change projects and policy, but gender and youth concerns require more than incremental changes. Rather, harnessing opportunities from low-carbon and climate-resilient futures requires understanding and tackling structural drivers of gender inequality that influence development opportunities for young people.