bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential Oils from Six Aromatic Plants of Langtang National Park: Insights on Their Chemical Constituents via GC-MS Analysis
Authors: Pradhan Samjhana , Paudel Hem Raj , Maharjan Romi , Sharma Kavita
Published: January 2023

The present work aims to provide an insight on the chemical constituents of essential oils obtained from six aromatic plants of the Langtang National Park (LNP), Nepal. LNP harbors an enriched biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The composition of essential oils obtained from Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don, Artemisia dubia Wall. ex Besser, Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hook.) Rchb. ex Meisn., Elsholtzia fruticosa (D. Don) Rehder, Juniperus recurva Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don and Rhododendron setosum D. Don, were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oils were extracted via the hydrodistillation method using the Clevenger apparatus. GC-MS analysis showed that E-caryophyllene, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, β-pinene and δ-cadinene in Rhododendron anthopogon; santolina-triene, β-cubebene and sabinene in Artemisia dubia; β-myrcene, β-cubebene, E-β-ocimene and bicyclogermacrene in Boenninghausenia albiflora; perillene, eucalyptol and β-pinene in Elsholtzia fruticosa; δ-3-carene, cadina-1(6),4-diene and δ-cadinene in Juniperus recurva; trans-sabinyl acetate, sabinene, α-elemol and germacrene D in Rhododendron setosum are the principal components. The major compounds in the essential oil were monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, representing almost 80% to 90% of the total constituents of the essential oil. In comparison to the previous studies, the results showed a significant difference in the qualitative composition of the essential oil. This is also the first report on the study of chemical constituents from the essential oil of R. setosum. Despite hosting a plethora of MAPs, only a limited number of studies have been carried out to identify their chemical and biological properties. Hence, further investigations on the MAPs of the Langtang region are highly essential to identify the major chemical constituents and explore their biological activities.
Gender Role Beliefs and Ontologization of Mothers: A Moderated Mediation Analysis
Authors: Di Battista Silvia
Published: January 2023

This study combines insights from gender studies and studies on dehumanization to show how gender role beliefs influence attitudes and the attribution of ontologization traits to mothers. A convenience sample of 194 Italian participants read one of three vignettes describing a mother (a heterosexual biological mother, a heterosexual stepmother, or a lesbian stepmother) and her five-year-old son during a moment of disagreement. Participants assessed the depicted mother’s competence and attributed ontologization traits (human and animal traits) to the same mother. Focal differences were found in the perception of competence that was attributed more to the heterosexual biological mother than to the other targets. A full ontologization process was not observed. However, differences were found in the attribution of animal traits, which were attributed more to the depicted heterosexual stepmother than to the other ones. Moderated mediation analyses also showed that participants endorsing moderate and high levels of traditional gender role beliefs rated the heterosexual stepmother as being less competent compared with the heterosexual biological mother by animalizing her. Gendered expectations concerning mothers’ role and parenting can create multiple barriers for women who are—or intend to be—mothers. Attitudinal change should be fostered so that all mothers’ identities and experiences are fully accepted.
Funding Open Educational Resources in Higher Education: A South African Public Policy Perspective
Authors: Ndebele Nduduzo C. , Masuku Mfundo Mandla , Mlambo Victor H.
Published: January 2023

The direct crediting of book allowances to student accounts was, among other reasons, underpinned by the belief that students would be able to substitute prescribed study material with online content. The article attempts to understand if the local open educational resources (OER) funding policy environment was prepared for this significant transformation. The paper applied a critical theory paradigm and a documentary research strategy to identify policy-level documents on OER funding in the South African higher education sector. Content analysis was then applied to review what they said about OER funding. These outcomes were then measured against the National Policy Development Framework 2020, which also dominated the study’s conceptual framework. The study’s significant findings were that the OER funding policy did not meet the policymaking principles of the framework, and this exposed Higher Education to a poorly funded OER environment. The study recommended hastening the finalization of OER policy and the flexible application of current policy terms to include OER as a fundable higher education cause.
A Novel Flexible Class of Intervened Poisson Distribution by Lagrangian Approach
Authors: Irshad Muhammed Rasheed , Monisha Mohanan , Chesneau Christophe , Maya Radhakumari , Shibu Damodaran Santhamani
Published: January 2023

The zero-truncated Poisson distribution (ZTPD) generates a statistical model that could be appropriate when observations begin once at least one event occurs. The intervened Poisson distribution (IPD) is a substitute for the ZTPD, in which some intervention processes may change the mean of the rare events. These two zero-truncated distributions exhibit underdispersion (i.e., their variance is less than their mean). In this research, we offer an alternative solution for dealing with intervention problems by proposing a generalization of the IPD by a Lagrangian approach called the Lagrangian intervened Poisson distribution (LIPD), which in fact generalizes both the ZTPD and the IPD. As a notable feature, it has the ability to analyze both overdispersed and underdispersed datasets. In addition, the LIPD has a closed-form expression of all of its statistical characteristics, as well as an increasing, decreasing, bathtub-shaped, and upside-down bathtub-shaped hazard rate function. A consequent part is devoted to its statistical application. The maximum likelihood estimation method is considered, and the effectiveness of the estimates is demonstrated through a simulated study. To evaluate the significance of the new parameter in the LIPD, a generalized likelihood ratio test is performed. Subsequently, we present a new count regression model that is suitable for both overdispersed and underdispersed datasets using the mean-parametrized form of the LIPD. Additionally, the LIPD’s relevance and application are shown using real-world datasets.
Beneficial Microorganisms as a Sustainable Alternative for Mitigating Biotic Stresses in Crops
Authors: García-Montelongo Ana María , Montoya-Martínez Amelia C. , Morales-Sandoval Pamela Helue , Parra-Cota Fannie Isela , de los Santos-Villalobos Sergio
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, population growth, the global temperature increase, and the appearance of emerging diseases in important crops generate uncertainty regarding world food security. The use of agrochemicals has been the “go-to” solution for the control of phytopathogenic microorganisms, such as Magnaporte oryzae, causing blast disease in rice and other cereals; Botrytis cinerea, causing gray mold in over 500 plant species; and Puccinia spp., causing rust in cereals. However, their excessive use has harmed human health, as well as ecosystems (contaminating water, and contributing to soil degradation); besides, phytopathogens can develop resistance to them. The inoculation of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) to crops is a sustainable strategy for increasing the yield and quality of crops and mitigating biotic stresses. Likewise, PGPMs, such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Trichoderma, can trigger a series of signals and reactions in the plant that lead to the induction of systemic resistance, a mechanism by which plants react to microorganism stimulation by activating their defense system, resulting in protection against future pathogen attack. These plant defense mechanisms help to mitigate biotic stresses that threaten global food security. Thus, the study of these mechanisms at molecular, transcriptomic, and metabolomic levels is indispensable to elucidate how stresses affect globally important crops.
Using a Low-Temperature Pyrolysis Device for Polymeric Waste to Implement a Distributed Energy System
Authors: Hung Ying-Che , Ho Chien-Hua , Chen Liang-Yü , Ma Shih-Chieh , Liu Te-I , Shen Yi-Chen
Published: January 2023

Due to global changes, the international community is paying attention to the application of innovative energy technologies to meet the sustainable development of ecology and the environment. As a result, the concept of “waste-to-energy” has been developed. This study proposes a modular device for low-temperature pyrolysis (less than 300 °C) of polymers as a verifiable framework for a decentralized energy supply. Experiments with various plastics as waste feedstocks for conversion into fuel products were carefully analyzed. Mixed plastics (petrochemical polymers) and natural materials (organic polymers) were further subjected to energy conversion efficiency evaluation. The feasibility of continuous implementation was verified, converting 4000 kg of waste plastics with chemical potential into 3188 L of waste polymer oil (WPO), and generating 6031 kWh of electricity. Integrated electromechanical control realizes a low-temperature microwave pyrolysis process with low pollution emissions. The new technology harvests energy from troublesome garbage, reduces waste disposal volume by 55~88%, and produces cleaner, low-toxicity residual, easy-to-store fuel that can be used in general internal combustion engines. Standardized modular equipment provides an effective solution for resilient energy systems, and its easy scalability can reduce the load on the basic grid and improve the stability and dispatchability of energy supply. This research will realize on-site waste treatment, reduce transportation energy consumption, meet regional energy demands, and apply it to coastal, remote villages, offshore platforms, and emergency scenarios.
Analysis of the Effects of Different Factors on Damage Potential Ranking
Authors: Lai Qinghui , Hu Jinjun , Xie Lili , Xu Longjun
Published: January 2023

A quantitative evaluation of the damage potential of ground motions to structures can provide a basis for the selection of input ground motions. To determine the main factors influencing the damage potential ranking of ground motions, the corresponding effect factors were analyzed. First, the structural period range from 0.05 to 10 s was divided into three types of period ranges based on an improved Newmark–Hall spectrum. The intensity measures (IMs) that can characterize the damage potential in every period range were determined. Second, the effect of yield strength coefficient (Cy), vibration period (T), and type of site on the damage potential ranking are explained. A recommended damage potential ranking is given in the same period range. Finally, to demonstrate the rationality of the recommended damage potential ranking in this paper, two representative reinforced concrete (RC) shear structure models are established for analysis. For the same type of structures, the damage potential rankings under different Cy and T conditions have high correlation with the recommended damage potential ranking, and the discreteness is very low. When considering the site factors, the corresponding correlation and dispersion change little. Based on the analysis of two typical structural models, the R2 between the recommended damage potential ranking and structural response ranking were 0.89 and 0.94, respectively. It is proven that the methods of Cy, T, and the type of site are reasonable when establishing the recommended damage potential ranking in this paper. This study provides a theoretical basis for simplifying the evaluation of ground motion damage potential and for selecting input ground motions.
Determination of Uranium Concentrations and 234U/238U Isotopic Ratios in Plants and the Groundwater Used in Their Cultivation in an Area with High Background Radiation
Authors: Fallatah Othman , Khattab Mahmoud R.
Published: January 2023

The weathering of rocks and soil causes uranium to collect in groundwater. In this article, we attempted to assess the activity concentrations of uranium and 234U/238U isotopic ratios in various groundwater samples and plants obtained from the Ha’il region, Saudi Arabia. The results showed that the concentrations of 238U ranged between 0.08 ± 0.04 and 1.11 ± 0.06 Bq L−1, with an average of 0.67 ± 0.05 Bq L−1. Activity concentrations of 234U ranged between 0.12 ± 0.01 and 2.2 ± 0.8 Bq L−1, with an average of 1.26 ± 0.11 Bq L−1. The international permissible limit of uranium in groundwater is 0.372 Bq L−1. The 234U/238U activity ratios in the collected groundwater samples ranged between 1.5 ± 0.09 and 2.49 ± 1.27 Bq L−1, with an average of 1.95 ± 0.52 Bq L−1. In fruit-bearing trees, the 234U/238U activity ratios were 1.57 ± 0.84, 2.58 ± 1.01, and 2.69 ± 0.95 Bq L−1 for lemon, fig, and narenj. In fruit-bearing shrubs, the 234U/238U activity ratios were 2.37± 0.69 and 2.68 ± 0.69 Bq L−1 for green pepper and eggplant. Our goal is to increase the understanding of the factors that govern uranium’s activity and isotopic composition to better understand its prospective utilization as a tracer in groundwater chemistry and hydrology, as well as the possibility of exploiting this area for irrigation. In this investigation area, the groundwater and plants were unfit for human consumption.
Impact of E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Adoption on the Financial and Sustainability Performance of MSMEs during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Study
Authors: Gao Jianli , Siddik Abu Bakkar , Khawar Abbas Sayyed , Hamayun Muhammad , Masukujjaman Mohammad , Alam Syed Shah
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has remarkably affected the business processes and performance of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the world. MSMEs have had to adopt and implement numerous strategies to sustain their businesses, and their financial and sustainability performance has been impacted by their choice of e-commerce (EC) platforms and digital marketing (DM) strategies. The objective of this research was to explore the effects of EC and DM platforms and strategies on facilitating MSMEs’ financial and sustainability performance amid the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. This study gathered data from 212 MSMEs from three districts of Bangladesh. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was undertaken, to test the hypothesized model. The findings revealed that e-commerce had a significant association with MSMEs’ financial performance and sustainability amid the pandemic. It was also observed that digital marketing strategies had a substantial impact on MSMEs’ financial performance. However, the linkage between DM strategies and MSMEs’ sustainability was found to be insignificant. Furthermore, it was found that the financial performance of MSMEs mediated the relationship between e-commerce adoption and their sustainability performance. These findings contribute to the extant technology adoption literature, by exploring the role of e-commerce and digital marketing on firms’ financial outcomes amid a global pandemic. Managers and policymakers of small businesses can learn several things from this study, and understand how crucial digital commerce and digital marketing are to their success and long-term survival.
Factors Determining the Farmers’ Decision for Adoption and Non-Adoption of Oil Palm Cultivation in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad , Thapa Neha , Visetnoi Supawan , Ali Shoukat , Saqib Shahab E.
Published: January 2023

Many tropical regions are promoting the cultivation of oil palm. In this regard, different national and international organizations promote oil palm cultivation in Thailand. However, socio-economic and institutional factors are very important to be considered in the adoption of its cultivation. This study aims first to determine the various socio-economic and institutional factors in adopting oil palm cultivation, and second, to explore the role of these stated factors in the extent of the adoption of oil palm. The data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire in Seka of Bueng Kan province of Thailand. The double-hurdle model was used for the estimation of the farmers’ decision to adopt the new technology and the extent of adoption. Results show that the adoption and extent of adoption of oil palm cultivation were positively influenced by gender (male), oil palm training, and access to extension services, while the size of landholding per family member and age negatively influenced its adoption/extent. To increase the adoption rate of oil palm cultivation, young, educated farmers should be encouraged by providing training and credit and extension services should be made accessible.
Parameter Study of Financial Analysis for Implementing Solar Photovoltaics Structural Snow Fences
Authors: Bista Namrata , Yuan Fangzheng , Yu Yao , Miao Rui , Hu Xiaoou , Yang Mijia
Published: January 2023

Structural snow fences are known as a cost-effective way to enhance road safety on highways, which, however, are only used during winter, making them “useless” during summer. To increase their cost-effectiveness, Photovoltaics Snow Fences (PVSF) were developed by integrating PV panels with conventional structural snow fences. As part of the feasibility study supported by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), a financial analysis was performed involving many parameters, such as the capital and operating costs of the PVSF system, installation orientation of the panels, discount rates, energy selling prices, availability of incentives, ownership of the PV system, etc. The effects of these parameters on the analysis results were evaluated, where critical (most sensitive) parameters were first identified, and then their quantitative effects on the analysis results were evaluated in terms of Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The results indicate that the real discount rate is the most sensitive parameter in determining the cost-effectiveness of a PVSF project in Minnesota by looking at its NPV, when the benefits, such as Federal Tax Credits, Renewable Energy Certificates, and those associated with the use of snow fences, are considered in the financial analysis. The cost of the PVSF system is the most sensitive parameter for IRR, depending on the ownership of the PV system (by MnDOT or via a Power Purchase Agreement).
Remaining Useful Life Prediction for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on the Partial Voltage and Temperature
Authors: Yang Yanru , Wen Jie , Liang Jianyu , Shi Yuanhao , Tian Yukai , Wang Jiang
Published: January 2023

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is vital to provide accurate decision support for a safe power system. In order to solve capacity measurement difficulties and provide a precise and credible RUL prediction for lithium-ion batteries, two health indicators (HIs), the discharging voltage difference of an equal time interval (DVDETI) and the discharging temperature difference of an equal time interval (DTDETI), are extracted from the partial discharging voltage and temperature. Box-Cox transformation, which is data processing, is used to improve the relation grade of HIs. In addition, the Pearson correlation is employed to evaluate the relationship degree between HIs and capacity. On this basis, a local Gaussian function and a global sigmoid function are utilized to improve the multi-kernel relevance vector machine (MKRVM), whose weights are optimized by applying a whale optimization algorithm (WOA). The availability of the extracted HIs as well as the accuracy of the RUL prediction are verified with the battery data from NASA.
Developing Lead-Free Perovskite-Based Solar Cells with Planar Structure in Confined Mode Arrangement Using SCAPS-1D
Authors: Salih Mohammed Alamin , Mustafa Mustafa Abbas , Yousef Bashria A. A.
Published: January 2023

In this work, the SCAPS-1D solar cell simulation software was used to model, simulate and track perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with planar structure, in a confined mode arrangement (FTO/TiO/CH3NH3PbI3/CH3NH3GeI3/CH3NH3SnI3/CuO2). Different compositions, absorber thickness, electron affinity, and absorber doping concentration were investigated. Different hole transport materials (CuO2, CuI, NiO, PEDOT: PSS) were used. The best result for CH3NH3PbI3 with CuO2 hole transport material (HTM) showed an overall efficiency of 18.28%, FF of 62.71%, Jsc of 25 mA/cm2, and Voc of 1.1 V. For tin lead-free halide CH3NH3SnI3, the best results showed an overall efficiency of 24.54%, FF of 71.30%, Jsc of 34 mA/cm2, and Voc of 0.99 V. Lead-free PSC has an advantage over lead PSC due to lead toxicity. However, a tin-based cell is unstable, hence, the p-type carrier doping concentration of tin-based perovskite PCE of the device can be improved due to the better and stronger combined electric field.
Influence of Landscape Pattern Evolution on Soil Conservation in a Red Soil Hilly Watershed of Southern China
Authors: Xie Xiangqun , Wang Xinke , Wang Zhenfeng , Lin Hong , Xie Huili , Shi Zhiyong , Hu Xiaoting , Liu Xingzhao
Published: January 2023

The Tingjiang Watershed is a typical mountainous area with red soil in the south of China. Due to the high rainfall intensity, significant cultivated land expansion, and accelerated urbanization, ecological problems such as soil erosion are prominent in the study area. Based on the land use, precipitation, digital elevation model (DEM), normalized difference vegetation Index (NDVI), and soil types in 2000, 2010, and 2020, the landscape pattern and soil conservation in the Tingjiang Watershed were assessed at the sub-watershed scale. The spatial correlation between soil conservation and landscape pattern was analyzed using GeoDA software. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the total amount of soil conservation decreased by 4.15 × 108 t. In terms of spatial analysis, the amount of soil conservation in the Tingjiang Watershed showed an upward and then downward trend in the north and a downward trend in the south, with the most obvious downward trend in the southeast and the northeast. (2) Fragmentation of the overall landscape pattern in the Tingjiang Watershed has increased. The discrete degree and homogeneity of patches decreased in Changting County, while landscape heterogeneity and homogeneity increased in Shanghang, Liancheng, and Yongding Counties. (3) Soil conservation was significantly correlated with the landscape indices patch density (PD), landscape shape index (LSI), mean patch area (AREA_MN), patch cohesion index (COHESION), splitting index (SPLIT), and Shannon evenness index (SHEI). Sub-watersheds with low soil conservation had landscape splitting index, landscape dispersion, patch type richness, and boundary complexity. These areas were mainly distributed in the southern part of the watershed. Sub-watersheds with higher soil conservation were characterized by low patch fragmentation and strong connectivity of dominant patches, which were mainly located in the northern part of the watershed. (4) The spatial error model (SEM) fit better in 2000, 2010, and 2020 compared with the spatial lag model (SLM) and ordinary least squares regression (OLS). The diagnostic results of the SEM model show that among the six landscape indices, PD, SHEI, and AREA_MN are the main influencing factors affecting soil conservation in the watershed to different degrees. The purpose of this study was to investigate the response state of soil conservation capacity as landscape patterns evolve in the Tingjiang Watershed, with the goal of providing a reference for landscape planning and management as well as soil erosion management in the watershed.
Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen—Inert Drugs or Potential Environmental Hazard?
Authors: Pawłowska Barbara , Telesiński Arkadiusz , Sysa Marcin , Godela Agnieszka , Ščurek Radomír , Biczak Robert
Published: January 2023

Ibuprofen (IBU) and ketoprofen (KET) are among the world’s most popular and widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Due to their high usage, these drugs have entered the environment, including the soil, and, like any other chemical compound, can have a negative effect on it. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of these two popular drugs on soil bacteria and fungi, the bivalve crustaceans (Heterocipris incongruens) and the growth and development of spring barley. The tested drugs did not show any negative effects on the total bacterial abundance. Effects were observed on the growth and survival of H. incongruens and on the abundance of fungi in the soil at the highest concentrations tested. The presence of IBU and KET in the soil in which spring barley was cultivated caused an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD); an increase in the content of proline and ascorbic acid (AsA) in the seedlings of this grain; and a decrease in the yield of fresh plant weight, especially at the application of concentrations of 100 and 1000 mg·kg−1 of soil’s dry weight (DW). Effects on barley seed germination potential and germination capacity, plant dry matter content, assimilation pigment content and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also observed at the highest concentrations.
Sustainable Textiles: Design of New Weave Patterns Based on Texts
Authors: Angelova Radostina A. , Sofronova Daniela
Published: January 2023

Woven textiles’ design is part of sustainable design, and new ways are being sought to minimise energy, including human power and efforts, in order to efficiently develop new weave patterns and apply them directly in the weaving mill. The design of woven textiles is frequently associated with the used weave pattern and the effects of colours and textures, which are a balanced mixture of materials (yarns), weaves and colour combinations. A weave pattern design method based on text inspiration is presented in our paper. It corresponds to the definition of sustainability as its concept increases the design capabilities that will last in the future. At the same time, the method adds to the existing techniques for the design of new weaves, ensuring the field’s long-term development.
Sustainable Development in the Colombian Post-Conflict—The Impact of Renewable Energies in Coffee-Growing Women
Authors: Presta-Novello Déborah , Salazar-Camacho Natalia Andrea , Delgadillo-Mirquez Liliana , Hernández-Sarabia Héctor Mauricio , Álvarez-Bustos Mónica del Pilar
Published: January 2023

Coffee is one of the most representative agricultural products in Colombia; several factors related to how it is produced, processed and marketed make it particularly important in post-conflict situations. The cultivation of coffee has acquired a very important role in the post-conflict stage that Colombia is experiencing. The rural areas hit hardest by violence are now seeing how improving agricultural conditions can help promote sustainable development and build peace in their regions. In coffee processing, women play an important role, with between 20% and 30% of coffee farms around the world being female-operated and up to 70% of labor in coffee production being provided by women. Women not only contribute to coffee processing, but they are also responsible for family activities such as cooking, and those activities are often made in wood stoves, thereby increasing their health risk. Against this background, this study presents the design and implementation of a biodigester fed by waste produced at Coffee Production Units (CPUs) located in the rural area of Tolima department in Colombia (an important scene of the armed conflict) in order to produce biogas for domestic cooking activities. Results show that implemented biodigester can produce between 1362 and 1597 kg/day (1.1704 and 1.3604 Nm3/day), which is enough energy for domestic activities for a family of four. Furthermore, it demonstrates benefits in the economic, social and environmental context of CPUs. Additionally, due to the importance of women in coffee production, this paper also evaluates the impact of the implementation of biodigesters in farms, which has shown that biodigester implementation positively impacts the production activities and activities performed by women, thereby increasing their life quality.
Ammonia Production from Clean Hydrogen and the Implications for Global Natural Gas Demand
Authors: Saygin Deger , Blanco Herib , Boshell Francisco , Cordonnier Joseph , Rouwenhorst Kevin , Lathwal Priyank , Gielen Dolf
Published: January 2023

Non-energy use of natural gas is gaining importance. Gas used for 183 million tons annual ammonia production represents 4% of total global gas supply. 1.5-degree pathways estimate an ammonia demand growth of 3–4-fold until 2050 as new markets in hydrogen transport, shipping and power generation emerge. Ammonia production from hydrogen produced via water electrolysis with renewable power (green ammonia) and from natural gas with CO2 storage (blue ammonia) is gaining attention due to the potential role of ammonia in decarbonizing energy value chains and aiding nations in achieving their net-zero targets. This study assesses the technical and economic viability of different routes of ammonia production with an emphasis on a systems level perspective and related process integration. Additional cost reductions may be driven by optimum sizing of renewable power capacity, reducing losses in the value chain, technology learning and scale-up, reducing risk and a lower cost of capital. Developing certification and standards will be necessary to ascertain the extent of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain as well as improving the enabling conditions, including innovative finance and de-risking for facilitating international trade, market creation and large-scale project development.
Post-Pandemic Greenness? How Central Banks Use Narratives to Become Green
Authors: Șimandan Radu , Păun Cristian Valeriu , Glăvan Bogdan
Published: January 2023

Suggested only a few years ago, green central banking has received a new impetus with the central bank interventions implemented in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several central banks, with the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE) being prominent examples, have stepped up their public communication on this issue in an effort to explain and justify their planned or ongoing policy actions. Carefully recorded and easy to find, these public communication messages are a rich source of insight into the process of monetary policy formation. In this article, we analyze the messages from two central banks, with the primary objective of identifying the narratives they use (if any) and describing the key features of these narratives, thus shedding new light on an ongoing process of policy change. A secondary objective of the article is to contribute to the growing literature related to the use of narratives in public policy by studying narratives in monetary policy through qualitative means, an approach that, to date, has received relatively little attention from scholars. To this end, we discuss two expectations related to the use of policy narratives derived from the literature. Thus, we hope to show how the two central banks devise and deploy narratives to help implement an unprecedented turnaround in monetary policy.
Elderly Pedestrians and Road Safety: Findings from the Slovenian Accident Database and Measures for Improving Their Safety
Authors: Laković Stanko , Tollazzi Tomaž , Gruden Chiara
Published: January 2023

The number of elderly people is increasing worldwide, especially in Europe. Such an aging of the population has numerous consequences for society, many of which relate to transportation: older people, aware of their reduced abilities, prefer walking to driving. This leads to an increase in the elderly walking population and thus the need to understand and address the safety issues of these road users. Although these issues are well known, this topic has been little researched so far. The objective of this research is to provide a deeper insight into the safety level of elderly pedestrians by recognizing repetitive patterns leading to accidents involving them, to highlight the magnitude of the problem by analyzing a 10-year pedestrian crash database, to develop a model predicting—on the basis of the recognized patterns—the severity level of collisions involving older pedestrians, and, finally, on the basis of the highlighted factors, to propose some countermeasures to improve their safety. In order to achieve this goal, first, a statistical analysis of the database is performed, considering 13 factors that lead to accidents. Second, Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Anderson–Darling tests are performed to check if the data follow a normal distribution. Finally, an ordinal logistic regression model is proposed to determine the relationship between the crash severity level and the factors characterizing collisions. Thanks to this model, the statistical influencing factors are highlighted. Finally, based on the previous analysis, some technical and educational countermeasures are proposed.
Progress and Applications of Seawater-Activated Batteries
Authors: Chen Jinmao , Xu Wanli , Wang Xudong , Yang Shasha , Xiong Chunhua
Published: January 2023

Obtaining energy from renewable natural resources has attracted substantial attention owing to their abundance and sustainability. Seawater is a naturally available, abundant, and renewable resource that covers >70% of the Earth’s surface. Reserve batteries may be activated by using seawater as a source of electrolytes. These batteries are very safe and offer a high power density, stable discharge voltage, high specific energy, and long dry storage life and are widely used in marine exploration instruments, life-saving equipment, and underwater weaponry. This review provides a comprehensive introduction to seawater-activated batteries. Here, we classify seawater-activated batteries into metal semi-fuel, high-power, and rechargeable batteries according to the different functions of seawater within them. The working principles and characteristics of these batteries are then introduced, and we describe their research statuses and practical applications. Finally, we provide an outlook on the development of seawater-activated batteries and highlight practical issues to drive further progress.
Investigation of Thermochemical Properties and Pyrolysis of Barley Waste as a Source for Renewable Energy
Authors: Reza Md Sumon , Taweekun Juntakan , Afroze Shammya , Siddique Shohel Ahmed , Islam Md. Shahinoor , Wang Chongqing , Azad Abul K.
Published: January 2023

Energy consumption is rising dramatically at the price of depleting fossil fuel supplies and rising greenhouse gas emissions. To resolve this crisis, barley waste, which is hazardous for the environment and landfill, was studied through thermochemical characterization and pyrolysis to use it as a feedstock as a source of renewable energy. According to proximate analysis, the concentrations of ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and moisture were 5.43%, 73.41%, 18.15%, and 3.01%, consecutively. The ultimate analysis revealed that the composition included an acceptable H/C, O/C, and (N+O)/C atomic ratio, with the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen amounts being 46.04%, 6.84%, 3.895%, and 0.91%, respectively. The higher and lower heating values of 20.06 MJ/kg and 18.44 MJ/kg correspondingly demonstrate the appropriateness and promise for the generation of biofuel effectively. The results of the morphological study of biomass are promising for renewable energy sources. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the main link between carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen was discovered, which is also important for bioenergy production. The maximum degradation rate was found by thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry to be 4.27% per minute for pyrolysis conditions at a temperature of 366 °C and 5.41% per minute for combustion conditions at a temperature of 298 °C. The maximum yields of biochar (38.57%), bio-oil (36.79%), and syngas (40.14%) in the pyrolysis procedure were obtained at 400, 500, and 600 °C, respectively. With the basic characterization and pyrolysis yields of the raw materials, it can be concluded that barley waste can be a valuable source of renewable energy. Further analysis of the pyrolyzed products is recommended to apply in the specific energy fields.
A New Fast Deterministic Economic Dispatch Method and Statistical Performance Evaluation for the Cascaded Short-Term Hydrothermal Scheduling Problem
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Ahmad , Fakhar Muhammad Salman , Ul Ain Noor , Tahir Ahsen , Khan Irfan Ahmad , Abbas Ghulam , Kashif Syed Abdul Rahman
Published: January 2023

The Cascaded Short-Term Hydrothermal Scheduling (CSTHTS) problem is a highly non-linear, multi-modal, non-convex, and NP-hard optimization problem that has been solved by conventional and metaheuristic algorithms in the past. As the CSTHTS problem falls under the category of applied operational research, therefore, the work is still on-going to find new algorithms and variants of the existing algorithms that would better approximate the optimal global solution in a shorter computational time. This article proposes a novel deterministic thermal economic dispatch method embedded with the improved Accelerated Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) algorithm to infinitesimally reduce the Big O time complexity for the standard benchmark test case of the CSTHTS optimization problem. Then, it discusses and presents the importance of performing standard statistical tests to establish the supremacy of one metaheuristic algorithm over the other one in solving the CSTHTS problem. The results obtained are better than the results of the many state-of-the-art algorithms applied to solve the considered test case of the CSTHTS problem in the literature, and the superiority of the improved APSO algorithm has been established statistically using the parametric independent samples t-test and the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test over the other metaheuristic algorithms such as particle swarm optimization in solving the chosen test case of the CSTHTS problem.
Does Internet Use Boost the Sustainable Subjective Well-Being of Rural Residents? Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Zhou Houxi , Zhang Xuebiao , Ge Candi , Wang Jingyi , Sun Xiaolong
Published: January 2023

The rapid development of the internet is affecting rural residents’ well-being profoundly in China. To empirically investigate the impacts of internet use on farmers’ subjective well-being, the latest version of the China Family Panel Studies data is utilized and multiple regression methods are employed. The results of the ordered logit model indicate that internet use positively affects farmers’ subjective well-being. Propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression are used to eliminate possible endogeneity and still reveal robust results. The frequencies of online study, online social interaction, and online entertainment are important channels influencing farmers’ subjective well-being. Furthermore, the impacts of internet use are heterogeneous. Internet users from the central and western regions have higher levels of subjective well-being than their counterparts from the eastern region. Young and middle-aged internet users are happier than the elderly ones. Therefore, the government ought to fully cover rural areas with the internet, eliminate the digital division, especially in Central and Western China, and pay more attention to internet use by the elderly.
Airport Group Operational Capacity Assessment and Analysis of Its Influencing Factors: Taking Typical Chinese Airport Group as an Example
Authors: Li Yafei , Teng Meijun
Published: January 2023

As an important transportation hub for air transportation, airports have played an important role in promoting regional economic and social development and improving the comprehensive national transportation system. The exploration of the key factors affecting the airport’s operational capacity are of great importance to the sustainable development of the civil aviation transportation industry. In order to investigate the effect of airport operation, this paper selects 13 major airports in China’s three major airport groups as the objects, defines the airport operational capacity by using entropy method combined with relevant indicators, calculates and sorts the operational capacity of sample airports, and analyzes the operational capacity of their internal airports by taking airport groups as units. By using the Tobit regression model, this paper analyzes the important factors that affect the operational capacity of sub-airports within the airport group. The results show that the economic level, urban development and the degree of opening to the outside world have a positive impact on the airport operational capacity. Different regional airport groups have different influencing factors on internal sub-airports’ operational capacity.
The Relationship between the Built Environment and Climate Change: The Case of Turkish Provinces
Authors: Bektaş Yasin , Sakarya Adem
Published: January 2023

The relationship between the built environment and climate change has been discussed from many perspectives. This study examines the effect of the built environment on climate change indicators in Turkish provinces over the last 18 years, contributing to the literature on built environment analyses regarding both urban and rural areas, unlike other studies that have focused mostly on urban areas. The study discusses the changes in climate indicators using maps and analyzes the effects of the built environment on climate change using linear regression. The results indicate that provinces in Türkiye have experienced climate change effects such as increased annual mean temperature, maximum temperature, maximum precipitation, extreme weather events, and drought. These effects differed both in terms of geography and the subperiods over the examined period. The results also demonstrate the increase in the built environment to have a positive correlation with the increases in annual maximum temperature and the annual number of extreme weather events. The built environment in Türkiye increased 63% between 1990 and 2018, and the average number of extreme weather events per province increased from 0.3 to 8 over this same period. At the same time, the average annual mean temperature increased from 12.9 to 15.1 °C, the average maximum temperature went up from 24.6 to 25.8 °C, the average annual maximum precipitation increased from 125.6 to 157.7 mm, and the average number of dry months per year increased from 3.4 to 3.8.
Characteristics and Resource Recovery Strategies of Solid Waste in Sewerage Systems
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , He Junpei , Lv Wei , Wu Silin , Peng Yongshen , Peng Yuansheng , Fei Jianbo , Wu Zezhou
Published: January 2023

Sewerage systems-related solid waste accumulates in considerable quantities in urban water systems, including rainwater drainage pipes, pumping stations, grease traps, grit chambers, and septic tanks. Traditional management methods, such as sanitary landfilling, incineration, and composting, not only endanger the environment but also consume a significant amount of land. To address this problem, a variety of waste was collected from a terminal and different facilities in sewerage systems, and the characteristics of solid waste were tested and analyzed. The corresponding appropriate approaches to resource recovery strategies were proposed in detail. The solid waste in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) contains low organic matter content and a certain quantity of heavy metals, making recycling difficult. Before the solid waste enters the WWTP, the strategy of pre-sorting, treating, and recycling the solid waste is worth recommending. The waste was divided into three categories based on its nature, and corresponding resource utilization strategies were proposed. A small part of solid waste that is not suitable for pre-recycling can be discharged normally and enter the WWTP for treatment. This paper provides a scientific basis for the green resource utilization of solid waste in the field of sewerage systems in developing countries.
Meta-Learning: A Nine-Layer Model Based on Metacognition and Smart Technologies
Authors: Drigas Athanasios , Mitsea Eleni , Skianis Charalabos
Published: January 2023

The international organizations of education have already pointed out that the way students learn, what they learn, and the skills needed, will be radically transformed in the coming years. Smart technologies are ready to come into play, changing the conditions of learning, providing opportunities for transformative learning experiences, and promising more conscious, self-directed and self-motivated learning. Meta-learning refers to a set of mental meta-processes by which learners consciously create and manage personal models of learning. Meta-learning entails a cluster of meta-skills that are progressively and hierarchically transformed, ensuring the transition to the highest levels of understanding termed meta-comprehension. The current article aims to investigate the concept of meta-learning and describe the meta-levels of learning through the lens of metacognition. In addition, the potential of smart technologies to provide fertile ground for the implementation of meta-learning training strategies is examined. The results of this article provide a new meta-learning theoretical framework supported by smart devices capable of supporting future meta-learners or, more accurately, meta-thinkers, to transcend the usual states of knowing and move to the next meta-levels of human intelligence.
“Four Joints of Power” Innovation of Community Involvement in Medical Waste Management of Bed-Bound Patients in Thailand
Authors: Pattra Sakchai , Thawng Cung Nawl , Chaiwong Sanhawat
Published: January 2023

This study aims to encourage innovative participation in the management of medical waste by bedridden patients in the research region of Khon Sawan, Chaiaphum Province, through research and development. The steps were as follows: Phase 1: Study of bedridden patient waste management situations using the amount of waste generated through innovation with relatives, non-relatives, village health volunteers (VHVs), and community leaders. Phase 2: Developing creative waste management engagement requires two steps: (1) analyzing the problem or its cause and generating management alternatives through collaborative brainstorming with a community member and (2) gathering the thoughts and suggestions of a number of agency specialists. The outcome is a novel model of participation in waste management by bedridden patients termed “Four Joins of Power,” which includes (1) participatory activities and enhancing community knowledge and attitudes, and (2) providing information on the management of each type of waste. (3) cooperation in waste management (analytical thinking, planning, execution, etc.) and regulation by mutually agreed-upon rules. (4) joint expansion of the waste management network: Phase 3 is the innovation trial, and Phase 4 is the innovation assessment. The paired t-test was used to compare pre-and post-development knowledge and attitudes, and to conduct qualitative data analysis. In Phase 3, after implementing collaborative innovations, the average knowledge (X¯ = 13.23) and attitudes (X¯ = 4.14) regarding waste management increased considerably (p < 0.05), and in Phase 4, waste management behavior comprising sorting, storage, and disposal was observed. There were progressively substantial gains (X¯ = 4.25 and X¯ = 4.27). Among the most collaborative participants, 93.50% were satisfied. To reduce the amount of waste that must be sorted and collected, it is necessary to emphasize the participation of people and networks from all sectors in the area through joint thinking, planning, and comprehensive analysis, to ensure the sustainability of waste management in the community.