bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic Importance of the Small-Scale Mud Crab Fishing (Scylla Serrata, Forskall 1775) in the Bons Sinais Estuary—Mozambique
Authors: Manuessa Bonifácio Carlitos , Cuinhane Calmila J. O. , Borges Teresa Cerveira , Teodósio Maria Alexandra , Leitão Francisco
Published: February 2024

Mud crab fishing (Scylla serrata) is an important activity contributing to the livelihood of coastal communities in Mozambique. The abundance of this crab and the increase in international companies in the region that exclusively buy crabs and export to the Asian market have caused fisheries to gain local importance in recent years. The present study evaluates the socioeconomic importance of mud crab fishing and the contribution of this activity to the quality of life (QoL) of the local communities along the Bons Sinais Estuary (BSE)—Mozambique. The study was conducted in three fishing villages of the BSE (Mucupia, Carungo, and Inhangulue) to collect information on the economic and sociocultural structure conditions of the local crab families. Field data collection focuses on direct observation and a semi-structured questionnaire divided into four categories/dimensions: fishing activity (FA), family structure (FS), typology of household expenditure (HE), and other activities (OTA). The socioeconomic conditions of fishers’ families were analyzed based on the fishery contribution index (FCI), which comprises different indicators related to FA, HE, and OTA. The monthly fishing revenue ranged from MZN 2.500 (EUR ≈ 35) to MZN 30.000 (EUR ≈ 417), with an average of around MZN 10.796 (EUR ≈ 150) per fisher, slightly exceeding the minimum wage set for public service in Mozambique, which is around MZN 8000 (EUR ≈ 112). The contribution of mud crab fishing is low and is not directly related to enhancement of QoL, meaning that the fishing revenue of mud crabs is barely enough to cover the basic needs of fishers’ families, such as basic services and basic goods. Investments are mainly for transport, including bicycles. The FCI was also low, standing at the alert level (FCI = 0.26–0.50) in all three communities. As the crab market is still growing in the country, it is important that the government, through competent authorities, creates public policies to ensure sustainable exploitation, regulates the selling price of mud crabs according to size, as happens in other countries, and promotes basic services that facilitate the self-development of the fishing communities.
Sustainable Digital Shifts in Chinese Transport and Logistics: Exploring Green Innovations and Their ESG Implications
Authors: Yu Linxuan , Xu Jing , Yuan Xiang
Published: February 2024

This study, situated in the context of China’s transportation and logistics industry, explores the impact of digital transformation on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, as well as the role played by green innovation. Analyzing data from 95 A-share listed transportation companies from 2011 to 2021, this paper examines the relationship between digital transformation and corporate ESG performance, drawing on information asymmetry and agency theories. The research finds that digital transformation significantly elevates corporate ESG levels, with more pronounced effects in state-owned and large enterprises. The degree of financing constraints modulates this relationship, indicating a stronger enhancement of ESG performance by digital transformation under lower financing constraints. Moreover, green innovation serves as a mediator between digital transformation and corporate ESG performance, revealing that digital transformation boosts ESG outcomes through fostering green innovation. The contribution of this study lies in providing new insights into the relationship between digital transformation and corporate ESG performance in a specific industry context, expanding the field through a lens of mechanisms and conditions, and underscoring the central mediating influence of green innovation.
The Intersection of Public Policy and Public Access: Digital Inclusion, Digital Literacy Education, and Libraries
Authors: Wang Chen , Si Li
Published: February 2024

This study aims to examine the state of digital inclusion and digital literacy education in Chinese libraries and provide recommendations for improvement. The background section emphasizes the crucial role of libraries in promoting digital inclusion and sustainable development, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the current digital landscape in China, such as the digital divide and regional disparities in internet access. To achieve the study’s objectives, we conducted analyses of relevant policies, public libraries, and library training programs using a mixed-methods approach. The results highlight the policy landscape, initiatives, and implementation strategies for promoting digital inclusion and literacy education, emphasizing the role of libraries in driving digital inclusion and fostering user engagement. Insights from a university library perspective showcase the role of academic libraries in promoting digital literacy education and training. The findings underscore the importance of digital inclusion and literacy in a digitized society and the crucial role of libraries and academic institutions in achieving these goals. The study advocates for libraries’ pivotal role in bridging digital gaps and enhancing literacy to foster an inclusive, equitable digital society and urges policy support.
Impact Factors of Industrial Pollution and Carbon Reduction under the “Dual Carbon” Target: A Case Study of Urban Aggregation in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Wen Xiaoyi , Wang Shangjiu , Li Shaoyong , Cheng Liang , Li Keqiang , Zheng Qing , Zhang Baoreng
Published: February 2024

China is facing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and control pollution. Promoting the synergy between pollution reduction and carbon reduction has become an inevitable choice to achieve the construction of a beautiful China and meet the dual carbon target. This study examines the main factors influencing industrial pollution and carbon reduction in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomerations based on data on industrial CO2 and local air pollutants (LAP) from 2002 to 2021, using the random forest regression model. The results indicate that (1) industrial CO2 emissions have increased overall, while intensity has decreased. Additionally, both industrial LAP emissions and intensity have decreased. (2) The main factor influencing industrial CO2 and LAP emissions is the proportion of industrial value added above the scale. Additionally, the proportion of R&D internal expenditure in GDP and total trade imports and exports are the main influencing factors of industrial CO2 emissions. The industrial fume and dust removal rate mainly affects industrial LAP emissions. (3) There is a clear non-linear relationship between industrial CO2- and LAP-influencing factors and emissions, which can be attributed to the scale effect factor, the lagging effect of R&D expenditure, and the inappropriate treatment of the “three wastes” by relevant departments that is non-linear. The urban agglomerations of PRD and YRD should prioritize the reduction of carbon emissions, upgrading and transforming their industrial structures, promoting the impact of foreign trade on pollution and carbon reduction, and achieving a balance between sustainable economic development and environmental protection.
Implications of a Climate-Smart Approach to Food and Income Security for Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Khumalo Nolwazi Z. , Sibanda Melusi , Mdoda Lelethu
Published: February 2024

Climate change presents a significant threat to humanity. It affects agriculture, food supply, and economic development. Urban agriculture (UA) is an alternate climate-smart approach to enhancing food and income security. The climate-smart agriculture (CSA) concept promises to lessen the effects of climate change. Nuanced research is critical to warrant food and income security. This review paper synthesises evidence through a systematic literature search to analyse the implications of CSA practices and climate adaptation strategies for food and income prospects. We also employed bibliometric analysis to show emerging trends and identify knowledge gaps in the ongoing topical discourse. The review elucidates insights into how CSA practices boost urban food production, accessibility, and dietary diversity, ultimately enhancing urban farmers’ food security. The economic benefits of CSA and climate adaptation strategies highlight that UA is vital for improving urban farmers’ income. Despite the opportunities created by UA, the review recognises the critical challenges and trade-offs that call for transforming UA to safeguard food and income security in the face of increasing climate change. The review calls for an all-round UA transformation encompassing urban community-based efforts, capacity building, and policy support mechanisms aimed at advancing climate-resilient UA and ensuring food and income security in an ever-changing environment.
An Estimate of the NOX Emissions of Euro 6 Diesel Passenger Cars with Manipulated Emission Control Systems
Authors: Rešetar Marko , Pejić Goran , Ilinčić Petar , Lulić Zoran
Published: February 2024

The motivation for conducting this research stems from the increasingly applied manipulations of emission control systems (ECSs), especially those in diesel passenger cars (PCs). The study aimed to investigate the influence of manipulations of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves and a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)-dosing system on the nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions of a Euro 6 diesel vehicle and, through the quantification of vehicles with manipulated ECSs, estimate the emissions of Euro 6 diesel PCs. Portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) measurements were performed on a Euro 6 diesel vehicle at a constant speed and on real driving emission (RDE) routes. The speed-dependent functions of the NOX hot emission factor (EF) were calculated for seven different scenarios. The results showed that the NOX EFs for the worst-case scenarios were more than two orders of magnitude higher than those where all ECSs were active. Applying the calculated EFs and the survey answers on the percentage of manipulated PCs to the Croatian Euro 6 diesel PC fleet, the results showed that the emission levels were up to 46.3% higher than the emissions calculated by the official computer program COPERT v5.6.5, with a tendency towards significantly higher values. The main conclusion is that vehicle manufacturers, policymakers, and the general public need to be informed about the enormous damage that in-use vehicles with manipulated ECSs cause to the environment and human health, in order to prevent such actions.
Climate Change versus Economic Growth: Case of Greenhouse Apply a Study of European Union Countries and England from 2010 to 2019 Using Linear Regression and Neural Networks
Authors: Arevalo Juan Antonio Torrents
Published: February 2024

Climate change, encompassing the greenhouse effect, is a scientifically acknowledged fact. Factors such as population increase and limited resources for economic growth warrant consideration. This paper aims to develop a new approach to explore the relationship between the greenhouse effect (including climate change) and economic growth and the social/welfare state and find if the government really focus on the reduction of the greenhouse or is marketing. The objective is to develop a study employing linear regression, neural networks, and other statistical tools to elucidate these relationships. The data comprise figures for the human development index (HDI), the greenhouse effect, the GDP, and environmental indicators. The method used will be a parametric workout about the variables that affect the greenhouse gas emissions, the relationship between it and the HDI, and finally, will apply a prediction of greenhouse effects incorporating a neural network. Since 2020, in European Union countries, and especially in new members, focus has been placed on the HDI rather than on the reduction in the greenhouse effect. On the other hand, neural networks allow advances that enable the European Union to focus on climate change, with large investments planned until 2030 because the reduction in greenhouse gases can be effectively lowered when the countries’ expenditures are focused on environmental protection, including enhancing biodiversity.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Anaerobic Digestion for Olive Oil Industry Effluents in Greece
Authors: Manthos Georgios , Zagklis Dimitris , Zafiri Constantina , Kornaros Michael
Published: February 2024

Olive mill wastes are some of the most important waste streams in Mediterranean countries, such as Greece, and their uncontrolled disposal without treatment imposes serious environmental impacts. In the last few decades, the European Union has defined the framework for a sustainable circular economy, aiming for viable waste treatment solutions. Under this scope, anaerobic digestion could be a remarkable solution for efficiently reducing waste organic matter and producing green energy, at the same time. In this study, the economic sustainability of an anaerobic digestion unit for olive mill effluents was assessed. It was found that a centralized treatment plant that can process liquid olive mill effluents during the olive harvesting season and other agro-industrial by-products (such as fruit and vegetable waste) for the rest of the year could be a viable solution, with waste capacities of 780 m3OMW d−1 and 245 kgFVW d−1. The internal rate of return was estimated at 6%, the net present value was estimated to be EUR 2 million, while the payback period was calculated to be 12 years. Furthermore, through the sensitivity analysis, the selling price of the electricity produced and the productivity of the waste processed in the plant alongside the olive mill wastewater were identified as the main factors affecting the viability of the process. The findings of this study can be applied in the development of a biomass-processing facility, taking into consideration the economic feasibility and the processing of challenging-to-treat wastes to generate green energy.
Planning for More Resilient and Safer Cities: A New Methodology for Seismic Risk Assessment at the Urban Scale, Applied to a Case Study in Italy
Authors: Baldassarre Benedetta , Conticelli Elisa , Santangelo Angela
Published: February 2024

Recent seismic events and the damages related to them have highlighted the crucial role of urban planning in coping with the fragility and intrinsic vulnerability of cities. The paper presents a methodology for assessing seismic risk at an urban scale, expanding from a single-building investigation to an urban-scale analysis by adopting an empirical method for assessing the vulnerability of the urban fabric. Data collection and analysis have been conducted through the Geographic Information System (GIS). The methodology has been applied to the Italian city of Castelfranco Emilia, in the Emilia-Romagna region, where the current regional urban planning law is guiding municipalities towards the development of strategies mostly oriented toward the retrofit of the existing building stock and the overall regeneration of the urbanized territory, in accordance with the target of no net land take by 2050. The novelty of the method stands in the transposition of approaches born in the civil engineering and protection domains to the urban planning sphere, stressing the importance of developing urban planning instruments which are well-integrated with vulnerability assessments and, therefore, able to successfully incorporate risk considerations in the decision making.
Geotechnical Disaster Risk Mitigation and Sustainable Development in Complex Geo-Environments: An Editorial Note
Authors: Feng Guang-Liang , Liu Guo-Feng
Published: February 2024

With the advancement of human society, the demand for infrastructure and the exploitation of natural resources have increased significantly [...]
Total Quality Management in Sport Tourism and the Hospitality Industry: The Case of Greek Luxury Resorts with Sport and Recreation Facilities and Services
Authors: Papaioannou Alkistis , Koronios Konstantinos , Ntasis Lazaros , Yfantidou Georgia , Balaska Panagiota , Spyridopoulou Eleni
Published: February 2024

Total quality management (TQM) refers to a way of management wherein senior management is committed to guiding employees in continuous improvement in all processes, services and products, with the ultimate goal of satisfying customer requirements and expectations. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of leadership, organization culture (OC), customer-oriented strategy (COS) and human resource empowerment (HRE) on innovation, as well as the effect of innovation on TQM for sustainable development in Greek luxury resorts with sport and recreation facilities and services. A quantitative 5-point Likert scale method was utilized for the purpose of this study, and an online questionnaire survey was adopted for the data collection. To evaluate the resilience of our model, we conducted structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS software. Varimax rotation with Kaiser normalization was utilized to enhance the robustness of the analysis. A total of 895 questionnaires were successfully gathered from 454 luxury resorts. This study validated that leadership, OC, COS and HRE positively impact the luxury resorts’ innovation and thus support that innovation had a significant impact on TQM, which in turn leads to their sustainability and effectiveness and is supported by the resource-based view (RBV). Furthermore, this study is the first within the Greek hotel industry that jointly estimates the influence of leadership, OC, COS and HRE on innovation and its concurrent effect on TQM for sustainable development, which has not been methodologically considered before and provides useful policy implications for managers within the hotel industry.
In-Line Co-Processing of Stainless Steel Pickling Sludge Using Argon Oxygen Decarburization Slag Bath: Behavior and Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Zhang Yanling , Yuan Fang , Wu Tuo
Published: February 2024

Stainless steel pickling sludge (SSPS) is classified as hazardous solid waste, while Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) slag is challenging to utilize due to the leaching toxicity of Cr. This study introduces a novel in-line co-processing technique for AOD slag and SSPS, parallel to the steelmaking process, aimed at metal recovery, sulfur fixation, and slag detoxification: pre-treatment-AOD slag bath approach. The transformations and migrations of sulfur and metal elements, such as Fe and Cr, in the co-processed mixture were analyzed using thermogravimetric–mass spectrometry (TG-MS) and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results indicated that sulfur in SSPS could be transformed from CaSO4 to CaS under controlled low pre-reduction temperatures (below 800 °C), facilitating its stabilization in the slag and achieving a sulfur fixation rate of over 99%. Metal elements, including iron and chromium, first formed a small portion of spinel (FeCr2O4) during the pre-reduction phase, then Fe-Cr or Fe-Cr-C-based alloy particles were rapidly formed at high temperatures and in the presence of reducers in the slag bath (1550 °C), aggregating and growing spontaneously, ultimately achieving a metal recovery rate of over 95%. Furthermore, a reaction model for SSPS briquettes in the AOD slag bath was established to further reveal the mechanisms of sulfur, iron, and chromium stabilization and migration, thereby providing a basis for the harmless disposal of both materials. The product alloys are expected to be used as additives in stainless steel production, while the harmless slag could be safely utilized in the preparation of cementitious auxiliary materials.
Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Heavy-Duty Trucking in a Non-Containerized Port through Simulation-Based Methods
Authors: Lagha Afef , Ben Daya Bechir , Audy Jean-François
Published: February 2024

Seaports are perceived as multimodal hubs of the logistics supply chain where various transport modes intersect to exchange goods shipped by vessels. Increasing trade and capacity constraints are making this area a major contributor to GHG emissions. National and regional decision-makers perceive port sustainability as a concern while planning GHG mitigation projects. However, to plan and conduct successful GHG management programs, it is critical to first develop an appropriate assessment approach that fits well with the operating and geographical context of the given port. For heavy-duty trucking activities taking place within such ports, several models and methodologies for assessing GHG emissions are available, but their generalization is challenging for many reasons, notably because of the specific features of traffic within the port. Therefore, this paper presents an assessment model for heavy-duty trucking emissions within a non-containerized port based on an in-depth study of the traffic per port zone and on parameters drawn from several real data sources. The GHG model based on road traffic profiles by zone is implemented in a simulation model for emission evaluation and prediction. The output shows the pattern of GHG emissions by zone and provides an outlook on how decision-makers could achieve a GHG reduction plan.
Competition and Coordination: Regional Dynamics in the Rise of China’s New Energy Vehicle Industry
Authors: Patchell Jerry , Tsai Kellee S. , Wang Hanyu , Cheung Bon
Published: February 2024

Studies on China’s success in the electric vehicle industry overlook the role of regional clustering and regional electric vehicle policies in supporting sustainable production and consumption. This paper adopts a mixed-method policy inventory and analysis to examine the rise of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry in China’s Greater Bay Area. It also systematically analyses the policies implemented by the central government, province, and cities in building a sustainable regional industry. A core dilemma is that cities are competing with one another for NEV development, yet regional industrial development requires coordination and cooperation. Examining the four policy areas of production, consumption, infrastructure support, and pollution suppression reveals that the competition among cities can be a driving force for the adoption of sustainable technology when supported by regional policy coordination.
Study on Spatial and Temporal Changes in Landscape Ecological Risks and Indicator Weights: A Case Study of the Bailong River Basin
Authors: Li Quanxi , Ma Biao , Zhao Liwei , Mao Zixuan , Liu Xuelu
Published: February 2024

The land use and ecological environment of the Bailong River Basin (BRB) have undergone significant changes in the context of developing urban–rural integration and ecological conservation in western China. As a key ecologically fragile area in the west region, a landscape ecological risk (LER) assessment can reflect the extent to which human activities and environmental changes threaten the ecosystems in the BRB. This study aims to explore the empowerment of indicator weights in an LER assessment. Landscape index weights and LER were analyzed based on land use data for three periods using objective and combined empowerment methods. It was found that the weighting results had apparent scale dependence, and the entropy weight method had the best results in indicator empowerment. From 2000–2020, the LER presented reduced risk, increased heterogeneity, and reduced aggregation. The shift from a medium-risk area to a lower-risk area was the primary transfer type of LER in the study area, and the LER showed a decreasing development trend. So far, research on weight empowerment in LER evaluations has been urgent. This study improved the landscape ecological risk assessment system by selecting an empowerment method that optimally takes into account scale dependence while providing valuable insights into the sustainability of the landscape in this watershed.
A Flexible Inventory of Survey Items for Environmental Concepts Generated via Special Attention to Content Validity and Item Response Theory
Authors: Vucetich John A. , Bruskotter Jeremy T. , Ghasemi Benjamin , Rapp Claire E. , Nelson Michael Paul , Slagle Kristina M.
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate how many important measures of belief about the environmental suffer from poor content validity and inadequate conceptual breadth (dimensionality). We used scholarship in environmental science and philosophy to propose a list of 13 environmental concepts that can be held as beliefs. After precisely articulating the concepts, we developed 85 trial survey items that emphasized content validity for each concept. The concepts’ breadth and the items’ content validity were aided by scrutiny from 17 knowledgeable critics. We administered the trial items to 449 residents of the United States and used item response theory to reduce the 85 trial items to smaller sets of items for use when survey brevity is required. The reduced sets offered good predictive ability for two environmental attitudes (R2 = 0.42 and 0.46) and indices of pro-environmental behavior (PEB, R2 = 0.23) and behavioral intention (R2 = 0.25). The predictive results were highly interpretable, owing to their robust content validity. For example, PEB was predicted by the degree to which one believes nature to be sacred, but not by the degree of one’s non-anthropocentrism. Concepts with the greatest overall predictive ability were Sacredness and Hope. Belief in non-anthropocentrism had little predictive ability for all four response variables—a claim that previously could not have been made given the widespread poverty of content validity for items representing non-anthropocentrism in existing instruments. The approach described here is especially amenable to incremental improvement, as other researchers propose more informative survey items and potentially important concepts of environmental beliefs we overlooked.
Sustainability Evaluation of Plant-Based Beverages and Semi-Skimmed Milk Incorporating Nutrients, Market Prices, and Environmental Costs
Authors: de Jong Peter , Woudstra Franciska , van Wijk Anne N.
Published: February 2024

Developing a reliable method to compare food sustainability is gaining traction, with efforts like those by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This research aims to contribute to a comprehensive scientific comparison of food categories based on CO2 emissions linked not to weight but to their primary function: nutrient availability and uptake in the consumer’s body. The study utilizes a multi-criteria evaluation for sustainability, incorporating the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) score, protein digestibility, and essential amino acid content. A case study compares one serving of semi-skimmed milk (SSM) with various plant-based beverages (oat, soy, rice, coconut, and almond), considering their carbon footprints in relation to nutrient content and environmental costs. The analysis integrates protein quality through essential amino acid proportion and digestibility. Findings reveal that achieving an NRF11.3 score of 50 requires more servings of unfortified plant-based beverages than semi-skimmed milk, resulting in higher carbon footprints, except for soy drink. However, when considering emerging farm management measures, semi-skimmed and soy drinks show comparable carbon footprints for a given NRF score. Fortified plant-based beverages (soy, oat, and almond) exhibit lower footprints relative to the calculated NRF scores. Yet, when converting carbon footprints to euros using the European Union Emissions Trading System and adding them to retail prices per kilogram, semi-skimmed milk emerges as the option with the lowest “societal costs” (environment and consumer costs). The research underscores that understanding a food product’s nutritional value requires more than knowledge of its composition; uptake into the body maintenance and potential synergistic effects of other components in the food matrix play crucial roles.
Sediment Quality Indices for the Assessment of Heavy Metal Risk in Nador Lagoon Sediments (Morocco) Using Multistatistical Approaches
Authors: El Ouaty Otman , El M’rini Abdelmounim , Nachite Driss , Marrocchino Elena , Rodella Ilaria
Published: February 2024

Heavy metals in coastal ecosystems caused by the increased expansion of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural practices have become a significant environmental risk to human well-being. This study evaluates and compares 17 sediment quality indices to examine the possible ecological and human health risks associated with heavy metal concentrations in the sediments of the Nador lagoon in Morocco. The concentration order of the HMs and sulfurs evaluated was S > Sr > Ba > V > Zr > Zn > Cr > Rb > La > Cu > Pb > Ni > Ce > Nd > Co > Sc > Nb > Ga > Th > Y > Hf. Sulfurs, Pb, Sr, and Nd exhibited concentrations that exceeded geochemical background values. The analysis of the sediment quality indices allowed us to understand that the Nador lagoon was moderately to strongly polluted by heavy metals originating from various anthropogenic activities. Results from the Sediment Quality Guidelines indicated a toxic response in the benthic organisms within the lagoon, while the ecological hazard analysis revealed a very high risk of heavy metal contamination in the ecosystem. The Hazard Index for non-carcinogenic values was below the limit, suggesting a lack of non-cancerous effects. However, Cu and Pb concentrations surpassed the Lifetime Cancer Risk range, indicating a potential cancer risk with prolonged exposure. Integrating our research into coastal management frameworks can contribute to the preservation and enhancement of these coastal ecosystems for future generations.
Enhancing Building Energy Efficiency with IoT-Driven Hybrid Deep Learning Models for Accurate Energy Consumption Prediction
Authors: Natarajan Yuvaraj , K. R. Sri Preethaa , Wadhwa Gitanjali , Choi Young , Chen Zengshun , Lee Dong-Eun , Mi Yirong
Published: February 2024

Buildings remain pivotal in global energy consumption, necessitating a focused approach toward enhancing their energy efficiency to alleviate environmental impacts. Precise energy prediction stands as a linchpin in optimizing efficiency, offering indispensable foresight into future energy demands critical for sustainable environments. However, accurately forecasting energy consumption for individual households and commercial buildings presents multifaceted challenges due to their diverse consumption patterns. Leveraging the emerging landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT) in smart homes, coupled with AI-driven energy solutions, presents promising avenues for overcoming these challenges. This study introduces a pioneering approach that harnesses a hybrid deep learning model for energy consumption prediction, strategically amalgamating convolutional neural networks’ features with long short-term memory (LSTM) units. The model harnesses the granularity of IoT-enabled smart meter data, enabling precise energy consumption forecasts in both residential and commercial spaces. In a comparative analysis against established deep learning models, the proposed hybrid model consistently demonstrates superior performance, notably exceling in accurately predicting weekly average energy usage. The study’s innovation lies in its novel model architecture, showcasing an unprecedented capability to forecast energy consumption patterns. This capability holds significant promise in guiding tailored energy management strategies, thereby fostering optimized energy consumption practices in buildings. The demonstrated superiority of the hybrid model underscores its potential to serve as a cornerstone in driving sustainable energy utilization, offering invaluable guidance for a more energy-efficient future.
Under Sulfate Dry–Wet Cycling: Exploring the Symmetry of the Mechanical Performance Trend and Grey Prediction of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete with Silica Powder Content
Authors: Wang Hailong , Chen Yaolu , Wang Hongshan
Published: February 2024

In order to improve the mechanical properties and durability of lightweight aggregate concrete in extreme environments, this study utilized Inner Mongolia pumice as the coarse aggregate to formulate pumice lightweight aggregate concrete (P-LWAC) with a silica powder content of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%. Under sulfate dry–wet cycling conditions, this study mainly conducted a mass loss rate test, compressive strength test, NMR test, and SEM test to investigate the improvement effect of silica powder content on the corrosion resistance performance of P-LWAC. In addition, using grey prediction theory, the relationship between pore characteristic parameters and compressive strength was elucidated, and a grey prediction model GM (1,3) was established to predict the compressive strength of P-LWAC after cycling. Research indicates that under sulfate corrosion conditions, as the cycle times and silica powder content increased, the corrosion resistance of P-LWAC showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. At 60 cycles, P-LWAC with a content of 6% exhibited the lowest mass loss rate and the highest relative dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength, and corrosion resistance coefficient. From the perspective of data distribution, various durability indicators showed a clear mirror symmetry towards both sides with a silica powder content of 6% as the symmetrical center. The addition of silica fume reduced the porosity and permeability of P-LWAC, enhanced the saturation degree of bound fluid, and facilitated internal structural development from harmful pores towards less harmful and harmless pores, a feature most prominent at the 6% silica fume mixing ratio. In addition, a bound fluid saturation and pore size of 0.02~0.05 μm/% exerted the most significant influence on the compressive strength of P-LWAC subjected to 90 dry–wet cycles. Based on these two factors, grey prediction model GM (1,3) was established. This model can accurately evaluate the durability of P-LWAC, improving the efficiency of curing decision-making and construction of concrete materials.
The Importance of e-Recruitment within a Smart Government Framework
Authors: Koman Gabriel , Toman Dominika , Jankal Radoslav , Boršoš Patrik
Published: February 2024

This literary review examines the current state of research in the field of e-recruitment within the framework of smart government and its implementation in the context of modern public services. We elucidate the concepts of “smart government” as a concept of efficient, technologically supported public administration, and “electronic recruitment” as a process utilizing digital tools in the search and acquisition of suitable candidates for job vacancies. The objective of this review is to provide a brief overview of the current state of smart government, e-HRM (electronic human resource management), and e-recruitment, and analyze their interconnection. The selection of relevant sources followed the PRISMA method. In the context of defining the key functional module of e-HRM, the Grounded Theory Method (GTM) was employed. The final part of the methodological approach involved designing a research problem for future research. Specifically, the review focuses on defining the key functional module of e-HRM and proposes an orientation for future research that should concentrate on the impacts of e-recruitment on the efficiency of human resources within public services. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for future research aimed at optimizing and utilizing e-recruitment in the specific field of smart government.
Towards a New Conceptual Model of AI-Enhanced Learning for College Students: The Roles of Artificial Intelligence Capabilities, General Self-Efficacy, Learning Motivation, and Critical Thinking Awareness
Authors: Jia Xi-Hui , Tu Jui-Che
Published: February 2024

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, college students have faced various challenges that could negatively impact their critical thinking abilities due to disruptions to education, increased stress and anxiety, less social interaction, and the advancement of distance learning relying more heavily on digital tools. With the increasing integration of AI technology across sectors, higher education institutions have deployed various AI capabilities for intelligent campuses and modernized teaching. However, how to fully utilize AI capabilities to promote students’ thinking awareness on learning effectiveness is still not clear, as critical thinking is an essential skill set holding significant implications for college students’ development. This research adopts the resource-based theory (RBT) to conceptualize the university as a unified entity of artificial intelligence (AI) resources. It aims to investigate whether AI capabilities can foster critical thinking awareness among students by enhancing general self-efficacy and learning motivation. In particular, it examines the causal relationships between AI capabilities, general self-efficacy, motivation and critical thinking awareness. Primary data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 637 college students. Structural equation modeling was employed to test hypotheses pertaining to causality. The results showed that AI capabilities could indirectly enhance students’ critical thinking awareness by strengthening general self-efficacy and learning motivation, but the effect on critical thinking awareness was not significant. Meanwhile, general self-efficacy significantly affected the formation of learning motivation and critical thinking awareness. This indicates that AI capabilities are able to reshape the cognitive learning process, but its direct influence on thinking awareness needs to be viewed with caution. This study explored the role of AI capabilities in education from the perspective of organizational capabilities. It not only proves how AI facilitates cognition, but also discovered the important mediating role of general self-efficacy and motivation in this process. This finding explains the inherent connections between the mechanism links. Furthermore, the study expands research on AI capabilities research from the technical level to the educational field. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth theoretical explanation theoretically, guiding the practice and application of AI in education. The study is of positive significance for understanding the need for the future development of the cultivation of critical thinking awareness talents needed for future development through AI capabilities in education.
Compete or Avoid? Assessing Brand Competition Strategies with Spatial Colocation Analysis
Authors: Su Lijuan , Kirilenko Andrei , Stepchenkova Svetlana
Published: February 2024

Spatial competition considerations are important in hotel location selection. This study proposes and demonstrates a method of colocation network analysis to quantify the potential encroaching effect of spatial inter- and intra-competition between units of business brands that seek expansion. The environmental context of the study is a network of the top five budget hotel brands in the Beijing hotel market. The results reveal that brands implement different strategies in their hotel placement, which are subject to different levels of the encroaching effect. However, the method is applicable in a variety of hospitality settings, specifically in those that involve the development strategies of chain brands. The simulation capability of the method can assist hospitality brands in assessing the outcomes of a proposed development and, thus, aid hoteliers in the spatial allocation of new units with the least adverse effects on their existing business networks.
Research on Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins in China (Volume II)
Authors: Ahmad Tanvir , Zhang Qi , Wang Shihua , Liu Yang
Published: February 2024

The presence of pathogenic fungi and contamination of mycotoxins in food and feed pose significant threats and challenging issues to food in the world [...]
Negevirus Piura Suppresses Zika Virus Replication in Mosquito Cells
Authors: Carvalho Valéria L. , Prakoso Dhani , Schwarz Erika R. , Logan Tracey D. , Nunes Bruno Tardelli Diniz , Beachboard Sarah E. , Long Maureen T.
Published: February 2024

We investigated the interaction between the insect-specific virus, Piura virus (PIUV), and the arbovirus Zika virus (ZIKV) in Aedes albopictus cells. We performed coinfection experiments in C6/36 cells. Piura virus (Cor 33 strain, Colombia) and ZIKV (PRVABC58 strain, Puerto Rico) were co-inoculated into C6/36 cells using two multiplicity of infection (MOI) combinations: 0.1 for both viruses and 1.0 for ZIKV, 0.1 for PIUV. Wells were infected in triplicate with either PIUV and ZIKV coinfection, ZIKV-only, or PIUV-only. Mock infected cells served as control wells. The cell suspension was collected daily 7 days post-infection. Zika virus load was titrated by TCID50 on Vero 76 cells. The ZIKV-only infection and PIUV and ZIKV coinfection experiments were also quantified by RT-qPCR. We also investigated whether ZIKV interfered in the PIUV replication. PIUV suppressed the replication of ZIKV, resulting in a 10,000-fold reduction in ZIKV titers within 3 days post-infection. PIUV viral loads were not reduced in the presence of ZIKV. We conclude that, when concurrently infected, PIUV suppresses ZIKV in C6/36 cells while ZIKV does not interfere in PIUV replication.
Risk of Severe COVID-19-Related Outcomes among Patients with Cirrhosis: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Canada
Authors: Velásquez García Héctor Alexander , Adu Prince A. , Okonkwo-Dappa Ada , Makuza Jean Damascene , Cua Georgine , Binka Mawuena , Wilton James , Sbihi Hind , Janjua Naveed Z.
Published: February 2024

We assessed the association between cirrhosis and severe COVID-19-related outcomes among people with laboratory-diagnosed COVID-19 infection in British Columbia, Canada. We used data from the British Columbia (BC) COVID-19 Cohort, a population-based cohort that integrates data on all individuals tested for COVID-19, with data on hospitalizations, medical visits, emergency room visits, prescription drugs, chronic conditions, and deaths in the Canadian province of BC. We included all individuals aged ≥18 who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of cirrhosis status with COVID-19-related hospitalization and with ICU admission. Of the 162,509 individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were included in the analysis, 768 (0.5%) had cirrhosis. In the multivariable models, cirrhosis was associated with increased odds of hospitalization (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.58–2.47) and ICU admission (aOR = 3.33, 95% CI: 2.56–4.35). In the analyses stratified by age, we found that the increased odds of ICU admission among people with cirrhosis were present in all the assessed age-groups. Cirrhosis is associated with increased odds of hospitalization and ICU admission among COVID-19 patients.
Cordycepin Inhibits Enterovirus A71 Replication and Protects Host Cell from Virus-Induced Cytotoxicity through Adenosine Action Pathway
Authors: Lee Yi-Ping , Yu Chun-Keung , Wong Tak-Wah , Chen Li-Ching , Huang Bu-Miin
Published: February 2024

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infection typically causes mild illnesses, such as hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), but occasionally leads to severe or fatal neurological complications in infants and young children. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for EV-A71 infection. Thus, the development of an effective anti-EV-A71 drug is required urgently. Cordycepin, a major bioactive compound found in Cordyceps fungus, has been reported to possess antiviral activity. However, its specific activity against EV-A71 is unknown. In this study, the potency and role of cordycepin treatment on EV-A71 infection were investigated. Results demonstrated that cordycepin treatment significantly reduced the viral load and viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) level in EV-A71-infected Vero cells. In addition, EV-A71-mediated cytotoxicity was significantly inhibited in the presence of cordycepin in a dose-dependent manner. The protective effect can also be extended to Caco-2 intestinal cells, as evidenced by the higher median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) values in the cordycepin-treated groups. Furthermore, cordycepin inhibited EV-A71 replication by acting on the adenosine pathway at the post-infection stage. Taken together, our findings reveal that cordycepin could be a potential antiviral candidate for the treatment of EV-A71 infection.
Editorial for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Topical Collection
Authors: Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Almazán Fernando
Published: February 2024

A previously unknown coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was isolated in Wuhan, China in December 2019, from a patient with a respiratory disease linked to potential contact with wild animals [...]
Factors Influencing Childhood Influenza Vaccination: A Systematic Review
Authors: Han Kaiyi , Hou Zhiyuan , Tu Shiyi , Liu Mengyun , Chantler Tracey , Larson Heidi
Published: February 2024

Childhood influenza vaccination coverage remains low in lower/middle-income countries. This systematic review aims to identify influencing factors around childhood influenza vaccination. A systematic literature review was conducted and included empirical studies with original data that investigated factors influencing childhood influenza vaccination. We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Global Health, PsycINFO, and two Chinese databases, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database and Chongqing VIP, using a combination of the key terms ‘childhood’, ‘influenza’, ‘vaccination’, and related syntax for all peer-reviewed publications published before December 2019. Thirty studies were included in the analysis. Childhood influenza vaccination was positively associated with caregivers’ knowledge of influenza vaccine, positive vaccine attitudes, self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility and severity of influenza, believing in the efficacy of influenza vaccine, the worry of getting sick, healthcare workers’ recommendations, and previous influenza vaccination experiences. Barriers included the fear of safety and side effects of the vaccine, as well as poor access to vaccination service. To improve childhood influenza vaccine uptake, health education is necessary to address caregivers’ lack of confidence on vaccine safety. Future studies are needed to investigate influencing factors around healthcare workers’ vaccination recommendation behaviors and the impact of contextual factors on public vaccination behaviors.