bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contactless Deformation Monitoring of Bridges with Spatio-Temporal Resolution: Profile Scanning and Microwave Interferometry
Authors: Schill Florian , Michel Chris , Firus Andrei
Published: December 2022

Against the background of an aging infrastructure, the condition assessment process of existing bridges is becoming an ever more challenging task for structural engineers. Short-term measurements and structural monitoring are valuable tools that can lead to a more accurate assessment of the remaining service life of structures. In this context, contactless sensors have great potential, as a wide range of applications can already be covered with relatively little effort and without having to interrupt traffic. In particular, profile scanning and microwave interferometry, have become increasingly important in the research field of bridge measurement and monitoring in recent years. In contrast to other contactless displacement sensors, both technologies enable a spatially distributed detection of absolute structural displacements. In addition, their high sampling rate enables the detection of the dynamic structural behaviour. This paper analyses the two sensor types in detail and discusses their advantages and disadvantages for the deformation monitoring of bridges. It focuses on a conceptual comparison between the two technologies and then discusses the main challenges related to their application in real-world structures in operation, highlighting the respective limitations of both sensors. The findings are illustrated with measurement results at a railway bridge in operation.
Performance Analysis of Existing ITS Technologies: Evaluation and Coexistence
Authors: Maaloul Sassi , Aniss Hasnaa , Mendiboure Leo , Berbineau Marion
Published: December 2022

The performance of vehicular communication technologies changes dynamically according to the application requirements considering data rate, communication ranges, latency, etc. These applications are evolving rapidly and should enhance intelligent transport systems (ITS) such as road safety and automated driving. However, to reach the required quality, these applications need many radio resources to carry the potential traffic load resulting from the environmental perception and data exchanged between the different entities. Therefore, an assessment of vehicular communication technologies’ reliability and resilience under these conditions is required to address the multiple challenges of the ITS services. The paper’s main contribution is to propose a comprehensive analysis model able to evaluate and compare the performances of ITS technologies according to different constraints related to environment-changing situations. This analysis examines the channel occupancy and provides simulation results which allow the identification of the suitable configurations and the most appropriate technology for a given use case. We also propose a coexistence solution between these technologies based on density-sharing according to the use case requirements and the availability of the technology. Finally, we present the challenge of adaptive configuration in vehicular networks, which helps to provide the optimal structure through road profiles and environment variability (infrastructure, data, etc.). Results show different trade offs and limitations between the considered ITS technologies, which are essential to understand their behaviour in a realistic environment.
Transient Response of Miniature Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Dedicated to Blast Wave Monitoring
Authors: Sanchez Kevin , Achour Bilel , Coustou Anthony , Lecestre Aurélie , Charlot Samuel , Lavayssière Maylis , Lefrançois Alexandre , Aubert Hervé , Pons Patrick
Published: December 2022

Blast waves generated by energetic materials involve very fast time variations in the pressure. One important issue for blast wave metrology is the accurate measurement (typical precision in the range of ±5% or better) of the static overpressure peak. For most near field configurations, this measurement requires ultra-fast sensors with response times lower than a few microseconds. In this paper, we design, model, fabricate and characterize a new ultra-fast sensor using piezo-resistive gauges at the center of a miniaturized and rectangular silicon membrane. When a pressure step of 10 bar is applied to the membrane, the signal delivered to the sensor output presents dampened oscillations, with a resonant frequency of 20.6 MHz and quality factor of 24,700 ns after the arrival of the shock wave. After removing undesirable drifts that appear after 700 ns, we may expect the sensor to have a response time (at ±5%) of 1.2 µs. Consequently, the proposed pressure sensor could be advantageously used for the accurate measurement of static overpressure peaks in blast wave experiments.
Research on Attitude Detection and Flight Experiment of Coaxial Twin-Rotor UAV
Authors: You Deyi , Hao Yongping , Xu Jiulong , Yang Liyuan
Published: December 2022

Aiming at the problem that the single sensor of the coaxial UAV cannot accurately measure attitude information, a pose estimation algorithm based on unscented Kalman filter information fusion is proposed. The kinematics and dynamics characteristics of coaxial folding twin-rotor UAV are studied, and a mathematical model is established. The common attitude estimation methods are analyzed, and the extended Kalman filter algorithm and unscented Kalman filter algorithm are established. In order to complete the test of the prototype of a small coaxial twin-rotor UAV, a test platform for the dynamic performance and attitude angle of the semi-physical flight of the UAV was established. The platform can analyze the mechanical vibration, attitude angle and noise of the aircraft. It can also test and analyze the characteristics of the mechanical vibration and noise produced by the UAV at different rotor speeds. Furthermore, the static and time-varying trends of the pitch angle and yaw angle of the Kalman filter attitude estimation algorithm is further analyzed through static and dynamic experiments. The analysis results show that the attitude estimation of the UKF is better than that of the EKF when the throttle is between 0.2σ and 0.9σ. The error of the algorithm is less than 0.6°. The experiment and analysis provide a reference for the optimization of the control parameters and flight control strategy of the coaxial folding dual-rotor aircraft.
A Resource and Task Scheduling Based Multi-Objective Optimization Model and Algorithms in Elastic Optical Networks
Authors: Wang Yuping , Yang Qingdong , Guo Xiaofang
Published: December 2022

The elastic optical network (EON) adopting virtual network function (VNF) is a new type of network, in which the routing, spectrum, and data center allocation are key and challenging problems, and solving these three problems simultaneously can not only improve the network efficiency for network providers, but also let users obtain better service. However, few existing works handle these three problems simultaneously. To tackle the three problems simultaneously, given a set of network function chains (i.e., a set of tasks), we set up a new multi-objective optimization model in which the total length of paths for all tasks is minimized, the totally occupied spectrums are minimized, and the loads on all data centers are most balanced, simultaneously. To solve the model, we design two new evolutionary algorithms. The experiments are conducted on 16 cases of 4 widely used types of networks, and the results indicate that the proposed model and algorithms are effective.
Investigation of the Impact of Damaged Smartphone Sensors’ Readings on the Quality of Behavioral Biometric Models
Authors: Rybka Paweł , Bąk Tomasz , Sobel Paweł , Grzechca Damian
Published: December 2022

Cybersecurity companies from around the world use state-of-the-art technology to provide the best protection against malicious software. Recent times have seen behavioral biometry becoming one of the most popular and widely used components in MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication). The effectiveness and lack of impact on UX (User Experience) is making its popularity rapidly increase among branches in the area of confidential data handling, such as banking, insurance companies, the government, or the military. Although behavioral biometric methods show a high degree of protection against fraudsters, they are susceptible to the quality of input data. The selected behavioral biometrics are strongly dependent on mobile phone IMU sensors. This paper investigates the harmful effects of gaps in data on the behavioral biometry model’s accuracy in order to propose suitable countermeasures for this issue.
Could an Internet-Based Foot–Ankle Therapeutic Exercise Program Modify Clinical Outcomes and Gait Biomechanics in People with Diabetic Neuropathy? A Clinical Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Cruvinel-Júnior Ronaldo H. , Ferreira Jane S. S. P. , Veríssimo Jady L. , Monteiro Renan L. , Suda Eneida Y. , Silva Érica Q. , Sacco Isabel C. N.
Published: December 2022

Previous studies have shown the efficacy of foot–ankle exercises in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), but the quality of evidence is still low. This proof-of-concept study pursues preliminary evidence for potential clinical and gait biomechanical benefits from an internet-based foot–ankle therapeutic exercise program for people with DPN. We randomized 30 individuals with DPN (IWGDF risk category 1 or 2) into either the control group (CG) receiving the usual care or the intervention group (IG) receiving the usual care plus an internet-based foot–ankle exercise program, fully guided by the Sistema de Orientação ao Pé Diabético (SOPeD; translation: Diabetic Foot Guidance System) three times per week for 12 weeks. We assessed face-to-face clinical and biomechanical outcomes at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (follow up). Participants had good adherence to the proposed intervention and it led to only mild adverse events. The IG showed improvements in the ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint motion after 12 and 24 weeks, changed forefoot load absorption during foot rollover during gait after 24 weeks, reduced foot pain after 12 weeks, and improved foot function after 24 weeks. A 12-week internet-based foot–ankle exercise program using the SOPeD software (version 1.0) has the potential to reduce foot pain, improve foot function, and modify some important foot–ankle kinematic outcomes in people with DPN.
Decentralized Policy Coordination in Mobile Sensing with Consensual Communication
Authors: Zhang Bolei , Wu Lifa , You Ilsun
Published: December 2022

In a typical mobile-sensing scenario, multiple autonomous vehicles cooperatively navigate to maximize the spatial–temporal coverage of the environment. However, as each vehicle can only make decentralized navigation decisions based on limited local observations, it is still a critical challenge to coordinate the vehicles for cooperation in an open, dynamic environment. In this paper, we propose a novel framework that incorporates consensual communication in multi-agent reinforcement learning for cooperative mobile sensing. At each step, the vehicles first learn to communicate with each other, and then, based on the received messages from others, navigate. Through communication, the decentralized vehicles can share information to break through the dilemma of local observation. Moreover, we utilize mutual information as a regularizer to promote consensus among the vehicles. The mutual information can enforce positive correlation between the navigation policy and the communication message, and therefore implicitly coordinate the decentralized policies. The convergence of this regularized algorithm can be proved theoretically under certain mild assumptions. In the experiments, we show that our algorithm is scalable and can converge very fast during training phase. It also outperforms other baselines significantly in the execution phase. The results validate that consensual communication plays very important role in coordinating the behaviors of decentralized vehicles.
Diversion Detection in Small-Diameter HDPE Pipes Using Guided Waves and Deep Learning
Authors: Zayat Abdullah , Obeed Mohanad , Chaaban Anas
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we propose a novel technique for the inspection of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes using ultrasonic sensors, signal processing, and deep neural networks (DNNs). Specifically, we propose a technique that detects whether there is a diversion on a pipe or not. The proposed model transmits ultrasound signals through a pipe using a custom-designed array of piezoelectric transmitters and receivers. We propose to use the Zadoff–Chu sequence to modulate the input signals, then utilize its correlation properties to estimate the pipe channel response. The processed signal is then fed to a DNN that extracts the features and decides whether there is a diversion or not. The proposed technique demonstrates an average classification accuracy of 90.3% (when one sensor is used) and 99.6% (when two sensors are used) on 34 inch pipes. The technique can be readily generalized for pipes of different diameters and materials.
Multivariate Curve Resolution Alternating Least Squares Analysis of In Vivo Skin Raman Spectra
Authors: Matveeva Irina , Bratchenko Ivan , Khristoforova Yulia , Bratchenko Lyudmila , Moryatov Alexander , Kozlov Sergey , Kaganov Oleg , Zakharov Valery
Published: December 2022

In recent years, Raman spectroscopy has been used to study biological tissues. However, the analysis of experimental Raman spectra is still challenging, since the Raman spectra of most biological tissue components overlap significantly and it is difficult to separate individual components. New methods of analysis are needed that would allow for the decomposition of Raman spectra into components and the evaluation of their contribution. The aim of our work is to study the possibilities of the multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) method for the analysis of skin tissues in vivo. We investigated the Raman spectra of human skin recorded using a portable conventional Raman spectroscopy setup. The MCR-ALS analysis was performed for the Raman spectra of normal skin, keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and pigmented nevus. We obtained spectral profiles corresponding to the contribution of the optical system and skin components: melanin, proteins, lipids, water, etc. The obtained results show that the multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares analysis can provide new information on the biochemical profiles of skin tissues. Such information may be used in medical diagnostics to analyze Raman spectra with a low signal-to-noise ratio, as well as in various fields of science and industry for preprocessing Raman spectra to remove parasitic components.
TLR4/NFκB-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effect of Hexanic and Ethanolic Extracts of Curcuma longa L. in Buffalo Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Amin Insha , Rashid Shahzada Mudasir , Shubeena Sheikh , Hussain Ishraq , Ahmad Sheikh Bilal , Mir Manzoor Ur Rahman , Alshehri Sultan , Bukhari Sarah I. , Mir Tahir Maqbool , Rehman Muneeb U.
Published: December 2022

Mastitis is the commonest disease of bovines imposing a great economic setback and a drastic public health concern worldwide. Antibiotic resistance is the preliminary con of excessive antibiotics use for disease treatment. Studies validate an alarming increase in the antibiotic resistance of both humans and animals. For ages, medicinal plants have been used to treat a number of ailments in humans and animals, including mastitis. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is the prerequisite in Indian cooking and has been used in traditional medicine for its magical properties. The rhizome of C. longa possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidative properties. In the current study, we evaluated the hexanic and ethanolic extracts of C. longa for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative potential against LPS-induced inflammation in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BuMECs). Pretreatment with the extracts downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokine TNFα via the TLR4/NFκB-mediated signaling pathway. However, IL-6 was downregulated in only the hexanic C. longa-pretreated group. A significant upregulation of NRF2 mRNA expression was seen in both hexanic- and ethanolic-treated groups. A GC-MS/MS study of the extracts revealed the presence of important sesqueterpenoids and phenolics as the main bioactive phytoconstituents in the extracts. Sesqueterpenoids, such as turmerone, ar-turmerone, curlone, and atlantone, and phenols, such as guaiacol (2-Hydroxyanisole phenol, 2-methoxy), and ethyl ferulate/ethyl 4′-hydroxy-3′methoxycinnamate, were found in C. longa extracts. The protective role of C. longa in BuMECs against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidant insult might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as terpenoid and phenolic compounds. However, we further propose the isolation of these phytoconstituents and their analysis using HPLC and NMR studies.
Children and Drug Trafficking in Brazil: Can International Humanitarian Law Provide Protections for Children Involved in Drug Trafficking?
Authors: Diniz Veridiana Bessa Franciozo , McBrien Jody Lynn
Published: December 2022

Brazil has seen a rise in children in narco-trafficking due to increased conflicts between factions and local law enforcement. Mainstream media and scholars tend to frame actions of these factions as organized crime, ignoring the generalized violence the communities and children experience. The aim of this study is to conduct a scoping review to consider whether or not Brazilian children involved in drug trafficking can be classified as child soldiers. Drawing from the international definition of Armed Conflict in Article 3 of the Geneva Convention of 1949 and Article 1 of the Additional Protocol II, and comparing situations of realities faced by Brazilian children involved in narco-trafficking, we argue that their reality is analogous to that of child soldiers, as defined by the Paris Principles on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict 2007; thus, going beyond the organized crime definition. In characterizing them as child soldiers, we argue for improving the children’s ability to be reintegrated into society, with the collective help of the international community.
Which of the Physiological vs. Critical Speed Is a Determinant of Modern Pentathlon 200 m Front Crawl Swimming Performance: The Influence of Protocol and Ergometer vs. Swimming Pool Conditions
Authors: Demarie Sabrina , Chirico Emanuele , Billat Veronique
Published: December 2022

Background: Modern pentathlon includes horse riding, fencing, swimming, shooting and cross-country running. Events can last many hours during which the athletes face almost maximal energy and physiological demands, and fatigue. Early recognition and prevention of injuries and overuse syndromes can be achieved by refining the individual training loads. The purpose of the study was to determine which parameter could be the most accurate predictor of swimming working capacity determinants in pentathletes. Methods: Fourteen male pentathletes performed a continuous maximal incremental test in the swimming flume ergometer to measure peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and five swimming tests in a 50 m swimming pool to detect critical velocity (CV); velocity at 2 and 4 mM·L−1 of blood lactate (v2, v4) and energy cost (EC). Results: The 200 m swimming time was 2:18–2:32 m:s (340 FINA points). CV was 1.21 ± 0.04 m·s−1, v2 was 1.14 ± 0.09 and v4 1.23 ± 0.08 m·s−1. VO2peak was 3540.1 ± 306.2 mL·min−1 or 48.8 ± 4.6 mL·kg−1·min−1. EC at 1.24 m·s−1 was 45.7 ± 2.4 mL·kg−1·min−1. Our main finding was the large correlation of CV with 200 m swimming performance; Conclusions: Among all the protocols analysed, CV is the most predictive and discriminative of individual swimming performance in this group of pentathletes. It appears as the most suitable test to constantly refine their swimming training loads for both performance enhancement and health promotion.
Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Water Availability in Cimanuk Watershed, Indonesia
Authors: Heryani Nani , Kartiwa Budi , Sosiawan Hendri , Rejekiningrum Popi , Adi Setyono Hari , Apriyana Yayan , Pramudia Aris , Yufdy Muhammad Prama , Tafakresnanto Chendy , Rivaie Achmad Arivin , Suratman Suratman , Dariah Ai , Malik Afrizal , Yusuf Yusuf , Setiani Cahyati
Published: December 2022

Climate change has been affecting agricultural water resources dynamics spatially and temporally. This article presents analysis results of climate change impact on agricultural water availability in Cimanuk Watershed, Indonesia. STREAM was utilized to model agricultural water availability through FAO MOSAICC web application. Climate spatial data time-series were generated using 3 Global Climate Model (GCM), i.e.,: CanESM2, CNRM-CM5, and MPI-ESM-MR following two climate change scenarios of RCP4.5 and 8.5. Model inputs were split into three periods of 1981–2010 (historical), 2010–2039 (near-future), and 2040–2069 (far-future). Historical data model validation showed the efficiency coefficient of the observed and simulated discharge data ratio was 0.68. The results showed a decreasing volumetric water availability from all generated climate data and scenarios, identified by comparing the discharge normal distribution of the historical and future data periods. Whereas, trend analysis of RCP4.5 scenario showed increasing maximum discharge of Cimanuk river using CanESM2 and MPI-ESM-MR GCM’s data, with a Mann–Kendall coefficient of 3.23 and 3.57. These results indicate a different agricultural water balance status within the watershed area, particularly a “very critical” water balance in Indramayu and Majalengka, “critical” in Garut, and “close to critical” in Sumedang Regency.
Environmental Regulation, Manufacturing Technological Progress and Pollution Emissions: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Cui Xiuli , Elahi Ehsan , Khalid Zainab , Xu Bo
Published: December 2022

Based on the provincial panel data of China from 2004 to 2020, this paper uses the empirical model of mediating effect to theoretically analyze and empirically test the mechanism of environmental regulation affecting pollution emissions, and the mediating effect of manufacturing technology’s progress. The study of this paper found that the improvement of pollution treatment technology is not the only technical means to reduce the level of pollution emissions. The progress of manufacturing production technology has a crucial role in promoting the reduction of pollution emissions. The high-quality development of the manufacturing industry and the improvement of the production technology level means that pollution emissions can be effectively reduced from the source. At the same time, although environmental regulation can have a significant positive impact on reducing pollution emissions, the progress of manufacturing production technology is a crucial intermediary variable for environmental regulation to promote pollution reduction. The above research conclusions have passed the influence mechanism test of this paper. Through the heterogeneity test, this study also found that in the stage of higher manufacturing development scale and technology level, manufacturing technology progress’ intermediary role as an environmental regulation affecting pollution emissions, is more apparent, and the role of environmental regulation in promoting pollution reduction is more prominent. The degree of effect increases with the improvement of the production technology level of the manufacturing industry. After the robustness test, the research conclusion of this paper is still valid. According to the conclusions of the research, this paper puts forward policy suggestions that should be oriented to promote the upgrade of manufacturing technology, introduce environmental regulation policies, support manufacturing enterprises to increase the innovative application of energy-saving and emission-reduction technologies, and vigorously develop and expand high-tech manufacturing.
A Narrative Review of the Link between Sport and Technology
Authors: Bădescu Delia , Zaharie Nicoleta , Stoian Iulian , Bădescu Mircea , Stanciu Cristian
Published: December 2022

Background: Research on the application of technology in sports in Romania is completely lacking, and the existing studies at the international level have mainly been carried out in recent years. We considered it appropriate to highlight the best practice models of technology application in sports that can be multiplied, adapted, improved, and widely used. The paper aims to identify the use of technology and devices in sports, with an emphasis on their role in training and competitions with the aim of improving sports performance, to provide sports specialists, organizations, and authorities with a wide range of information regarding the connection between sport and technology. The results obtained regarding the application of technology in sports refer mainly to the following: techniques and technologies used in training and competition (portable localization technology and global positioning systems (GPS); Virtual Reality (VR) technology; video analysis; digital technologies integrated into sports training); aspects of sports training targeted through the use of technology (use of technology for athlete health, recovery, and injury management; use of technology for monitoring sports performance and various body indicators); training optimization and ecological dynamics and the sustainable development of sports. Conclusions: Unitary research, at a European or even global level, in a uniform theoretical and practical framework, could lead to much more efficient training with large increases in sports performance. The coaches and specialists working with the athlete determine the specificity of some elements of the training, depending on the characteristics of each athlete. Large clubs could become a factor in generating and disseminating knowledge related to training and competition monitoring, sports performance enhancement, and health, recovery, and injury management. Research directions for the use of technology in sport and the formation of connections with other fields can be extended. For example, combined technologies assisted by specialized software can be used. Creativity must be the starting point for the use and combination of existing technologies in sports and for the creation of new ones. Their creation and use involve the teamwork of athletes, coaches, and specialists from different fields, such as sports, physiology, psychology, biomechanics, informatics, etc.
Influence of Digital Finance on Household Leverage Ratio from the Perspective of Consumption Effect and Income Effect
Authors: Tian Geng
Published: December 2022

Household leverage ratio is an important factor affecting family stability. Digital finance has changed the means of payment and consumption frequency, but the relationship between digital finance and household leverage ratio is still unclear. The existence of household debt is defined as the existence of leverage. The higher the household debt, the greater the household leverage. Based on the matching data of the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) 2019 and the China Digital Inclusive Finance Index, this paper studies the impact of digital finance on household leverage ratio and explores its mechanism theoretically and empirically. This research finds that digital finance can significantly promote the household leverage ratio and this conclusion is still valid after instrumental variable method and robustness test. The mechanism analysis shows that digital finance can promote household over-consumption and further expand household leverage ratio. Digital finance can also reduce household leverage ratio by increasing household income. The heterogeneity analysis suggests that the role of digital finance in expanding leverage ratio is stronger for urban areas and households with low educational level. For households with higher assets, digital finance helps to reduce leverage ratio. Therefore, the government should guide residents to consume rationally and give full play to the entrepreneurship-facilitating and income-increasing effect of digital finance. Meanwhile, the residents themselves should speed up the cultivation of digital financial literacy, which is of vital significance for lowering household leverage ratio and systemic financial risks. China’s development level of digital finance ranks among the top in the world. Studying the role of digital finance in China is helpful to provide experience reference for countries around the world.
The Biodiversity Footprint of German Soy-Imports in Brazil
Authors: Mahlich Lukas , Jung Christopher , Schaldach Rüdiger
Published: December 2022

By importing agricultural commodities, Germany causes ecological impacts in other countries. One of these impacts is the loss of biodiversity in the producing regions. This paper presents a new method that combines agricultural trade data with land cover and biodiversity data to assess these effects within an agricultural supply chain, in a spatially explicit manner. It considers the current state of biodiversity expressed by the biodiversity intactness index (BII) of the producing region as well as changes over time. As an example, the impacts of German soy imports from Brazil were assessed for the time steps 2004, 2011 and 2018. In the first step, the soybean cultivation area used for exports to Germany was assigned to the respective municipalities by using the TRASE database. In the second step, a GIS-based analysis was conducted to determine the resulting impacts on biodiversity. In 2018, 70% of German soy imports from Brazil originated from municipalities with ecosystems that are not intact anymore (50%) or even severely disturbed (20%). Total German soy imports from Brazil in 2018 reduced the BII by 0.03 percent points compared to 1997. The main advantage of the presented method is that the biodiversity impact is quantifiable for both a commodity and the consuming country.
Teacher Competencies and School Improvement Specialist Coaching (SISC+) Programme in Malaysia as a Model for Improvement of Quality Education in China
Authors: Yan Zhou , Na Meng , Alam Syed Shah , Masukujjaman Mohammad , Lu Ye Xiao
Published: December 2022

The focus for Chinese citizens to pursue study in Malaysia is based on quality improvement in the Malaysian education system, especially in the teacher quality and school improvement specialist coaching (SISC+) program implemented in the Malaysian school system. The role of teacher’s competencies, such as teacher enthusiasm, which involves the invoking of passion and excitement in students and the participation of teachers, are the most positive teaching activity associated with the gratification of specific lessons. As a model to attract foreign students, especially from China, it is important to review the Ministry’s SISC+ plan and determine if teaching competencies among teachers can positively impact the system. The purpose of this study is to examine how teacher competencies influence the SISC+ Coaching program (Guidance) in rural high schools in Malaysia. The novelty of this research lies in measuring teachers’ competencies in three dimensions: communication skills, skills in teaching strategies, and methods and teaching-involvements skills within a framework. This study employed a quantitative method consisting of a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The instruments were taken from a questionnaire developed by the Malaysia Ministry of Education (MOE) for the coaching of SISC+ (16 questions), while the measurement of teachers’ competencies (22 questions) was performed using a questionnaire from past literature. A total of 186 teachers from six Malaysia secondary schools were involved in the study and the data were analyzed using SEM PLS. The findings revealed that out of all the three competency dimensions (communication, policy, process, and methodology, and student involvement), only teacher communication skills with learners had a major effect on the SISC+ coaching program. The findings also showed that the contact capabilities with students appeared to favor the SISC+ method. Thus, the study contributes to the creation of new knowledge with empirical tests, along with several practical implications for research on teaching competency development.
Alternative Food Networks, Social Capital, and Public Policy in Mexico City
Authors: Pasquier Merino Ayari Genevieve , Torres Salcido Gerardo , Monachon David Sébastien , Villatoro Hernández Jessica Geraldine
Published: December 2022

Social initiatives that seek to promote socially fairer and environmentally more sustainable food production and distribution schemes have multiplied in the last two decades. Several studies have analysed their impacts and showed high contextual variability, making visible some of their contradictions. This research is interested in Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) as spaces of political mobilisation that aim to modify the predominant food systems. The analysis focuses on the role played by social capital in the capacities and strategies of AFNs to influence the design of public policies. The research was carried out in Mexico City as part of a wither participatory action research project. It is based on participant observation and discussion groups with representatives of citizen collectives involved in agroecological food distribution. The results show that the forms of social and cultural capital are key factors in understanding the interest and capacities of AFNs to strengthen collective action. The study also identifies the importance of the initiatives’ managers as facilitators of interactions between AFNs and other entities, such as universities and civil society organisations, which can ease the influence of social initiatives in the design of public programmes.
Spatial Analysis of the Water Harvesting Potential of Permeable Pavements in Australia
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Rahman Md Mizanur , Beecham Simon
Published: December 2022

An increase in impermeable surface areas with urban development contributes to the rapid and large amount of surface runoff during rainfall. This often requires higher capacity stormwater collection systems, which can cause stress on the existing drainage system and this subsequently contributes to urban flooding. However, urban runoff can be reduced and managed for flood control and converted into a useful resource by harvesting and reusing the water. This can be achieved by switching from impermeable to permeable pavements. However, the amount of stormwater that can be harvested in a permeable pavement system depends on many factors, including rainfall, the water reuse demand and the materials used. This research aims to assess the requirements for permeable pavement design across Australia to balance demand, runoff reduction and construction requirements. A design approach employing the hydrological effects of the infiltration system was adopted for the analysis, along with a spatial analysis for a probabilistic prediction. A relationship was also established to predict a probable design thickness of pavement for various parameters. The research showed that in most Australian cities, for a 120 mm permeable pavement thickness, 40–80% of rainfall-runoff could be harvested, meeting about 10–15% of domestic water demand. The approach developed in this study can be useful for screening the potential of permeable pavements for water harvesting and for predicting spatially where a circular economic approach can be more efficient.
Expanding Formal School Curricula to Foster Action Competence in Sustainable Development: A Proposed Free-Choice Project-Based Learning Curriculum
Authors: Kalla Mahima , Jerowsky Micheal , Howes Benjamin , Borda Ann
Published: December 2022

A key determinant and outcome of successful environmental education is ‘pro-environmental behavior’, i.e., behavior that involves conscious action to mitigate adverse environmental impacts at personal or community level, e.g., reducing resource consumption and waste generation, avoiding toxic substances, and organizing community awareness initiatives. However, some theorists have sought to move away from rationalist models of behavioral modification, towards holistic pedagogical initiatives that seek to develop action competence. In light of the global push towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emerging evidence suggests that education initiatives should foster action competence so students may be equipped to contribute to sustainable development as part of their education. The UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Roadmap 2030 has also identified key priority areas to strengthen ESD in formal curricula. This article reports two informal environmental education initiatives for promoting action competence and pro-environmental behaviors in school-aged children. The authors recommend that formal education settings (e.g., schools) should incorporate self-directed, free-choice project-based learning to augment environmental education programs and promote students’ action competence for contribution to attainment of SDGs. To this end, we propose a Free-Choice Project-based Learning for Action Competence in Sustainable Development (ACiSD) Curriculum, comprising six implementation dimensions, namely: (1) project duration and teaming arrangements, (2) topic selection, (3) student support, (4) teacher support, (5) learning environments, and (6) digital access and equity. For each implementation dimension, we recommend action steps to help educators implement this curriculum in their own educational settings, with the aid of an illustrative worked example.
Spatial Performance Measurement and the Resource Organization Mechanism of Rural Tourism Resources in Developing Countries: A Case Study on Jilin Province, China
Authors: Jiang Xue , Li Nan , Man Shuhan
Published: December 2022

Many developing countries are challenged with the revival of rural vitality against increasing urbanization. Rural tourism is effective in enhancing the countryside’s vitality. Previous studies used qualitative methods to explore the spatial organization of resources, but it was difficult to quantify the effective organization of tourism resources. Taking the example of Jilin Province, China, this study quantitatively measured the use of tourism resources in rural areas at the initial stage and created a developmental model to organize tourism resources more effectively. The organization mechanism has specific reference significance for the optimization model of upgrading rural tourism in developing countries. Spatial performance measurement was used to evaluate the spatial performance of rural tourism resources in the case area. The specific research included analyzing the coupling mechanism of rural tourism resources, constructing an evaluation system, analyzing a resource regulation mechanism, and establishing a rural tourism network model through a complex network analysis method and dynamic simulation. According to the spatial performance analysis, the allocation and linkage of various tourism-related elements are not yet mature. The structural restructuring mode in Jilin Province is mainly divided into internal and external dual-drive guidance, secondary integration, and a characteristic linkage mode. An organizational mechanism for optimizing tourism resources was proposed, which could be referred to for evaluating and optimally organizing the tourism resources in the rural areas of developing countries.
Economic Growth, Energy Mix, and Tourism-Induced EKC Hypothesis: Evidence from Top Ten Tourist Destinations
Authors: Rahman Md. Hasanur , Voumik Liton Chandra , Islam Md. Jamsedul , Halim Md. Abdul , Esquivias Miguel Angel
Published: December 2022

The tourism sector makes a sizable contribution to a country’s gross domestic product, increasing employment opportunities, foreign currency earnings, and economic diversification strategies. This paper uses the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model to analyze the effects of tourism on the environment in the world’s top 10 tourist countries from 1972 to 2021. Panel cointegration and second-generation unit root tests are suggested due to the presence of cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity. A cross-sectional-autoregressive-distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model is applied to evaluate the marginal influence of environmental variables other than tourism on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. These variables include fossil fuels, renewable energy, and nuclear energy. For the purpose of testing robustness, both the augmented mean group (AMG) and the common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) estimators are employed. The CS-ARDL supports the EKC hypothesis in the short run and long run, but it is not significant in the short run. The existence of EKC demonstrates that rising income leads to fewer CO2 emissions. All forms of environmental degradation can be accelerated by using fossil fuels. The results of this study indicate that CO2 emissions can be reduced by using renewable energy and nuclear energy. A rise in tourism activity has a positive impact on environmental quality. The best-attended tourist spots around the globe are those that, in the long run, implement clean energy-related technology and promote ecotourism.
The Impact of Technologies of Traceability and Transparency in Supply Chains
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Parvaiz Gohar Saleem , Dedahanov Alisher Tohirovich , Abdurazzakov Odiljon Sobirovich , Rakhmonov Dilshodjon Alidjonovich
Published: December 2022

The key purpose of the article is to analyze the effect of digital transformations, such as blockchain technology (BCT), the social internet of things (SIoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, on the supply chain (SC) for traceability and for creating transparency. The partial least squares (PSL) structural equation modeling (SEM) method was applied in combination with SmartPLS v3.3.6. The package was employed to obtain information through a survey of SC Pakistani professionals using the snowball sampling technique. Traceability plays a crucial role in enhancing transparency and ultimately the performance of SC through BCT, SIoT, and AI. Therefore, the study recommends starting the digital transformation of the SC because this is a complex process that involves a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The study findings show the importance of technologies of traceability and transparency as an analytical multidisciplinary approach to enhance the SC sector, although with certain limitations this can be taken into account by stakeholders. This study will be useful for decision makers investing in technologies of traceability and transparency in the SC. The study raises the awareness of traceability and transparency in the SC process, and also reveals research gaps and provides opportunities for further research. Despite the prevalence of studies in supply-chain traceability (SCT) and transparency, there is a dearth of empirical proof on how the digital transformation of the SC could lead to transparency and ultimately performance.
Design of a Disinfection and Epidemic Prevention Robot Based on Fuzzy QFD and the ARIZ Algorithm
Authors: Wang Nanyi , Shi Chang , Kang Xinhui
Published: December 2022

In the present era, against the background of normalized measures of epidemic prevention and control, a multi-function intelligent robot that can completely replace human beings in disinfection and epidemic prevention work needs to be designed in order to contain the spread of viruses at the source, to efficiently and conveniently serve the controlled regions, and to meet the needs of the current context. Existing disinfection robot designs only address the problem of disinfection; there is no disinfection robot that can achieve full-domain and full-space disinfection (including stairs), as well as having multiple epidemic prevention functions. The fuzzy QFD tool and the ARIZ algorithm were used here to solve the problems related to disinfection robots. By using fuzzy QFD as the research framework and combining it with fuzzy AHP to calculate the weight of demand for the disinfection and epidemic prevention robot, the authors further translated the demand into the technical and part characterization of the robot. The conflicts in the fuzzy QFD model were solved using the ARIZ algorithm. Finally, based on the solving principle of the ARIZ algorithm and the qualitative and quantitative conclusions of fuzzy QFD, a robot for disinfection and epidemic prevention was designed in a comprehensive manner. A robot that can completely replace human beings in the tasks of disinfection and epidemic prevention was designed in this work, solving the problems associated with the robot’s ability to climb stairs and realizing the innovation of the robot’s comprehensive disinfection, distribution of materials, real-time monitoring, temperature measurement, and other functions. This study provides a theoretical reference for the design of related products.
Can Urban Green Transformation Reduce the Urban–Rural Income Gap? Empirical Evidence Based on Spatial Durbin Model and Mediation Effect Model
Authors: Meng Yuxin , Liu Lu , Ran Qiying
Published: December 2022

The urban green transformation is the basis for the green development of China’s economy, and the reduction of income inequality between urban and rural areas is necessary to ensure stable economic growth. Therefore, ensuring green and sustainable economic development, while taking into account social equity, is of practical importance for China to achieve comprehensive high-quality development. This paper constructs a spatial Durbin model and a mediating-effects model to examine the spatial effect of urban green transformation on the urban-rural income gap (URG) and its mechanism of action based on panel data of 265 cities in China from 2006 to 2018. It also divides cities by geographical location and urban population size to further investigate the heterogeneity of the impact of the urban green transition on URG. The study found that (1) there is a significant positive spatial correlation for the URG in China, and the urban green transition can reduce the URG, and the results of the study remain reliable after a series of robustness tests. (2) Urban green transformation can reduce the URG through technological innovation effects and digital effects. (3) Urban green transformation significantly reduced the URG in eastern regions and cities of considerable size and above and had no significant impact on the URG in other cities. The study results demonstrate the possibility of reconciling urban and rural economic development and environmental friendliness at the same time.