bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Search of Justice and Peace: Benedict XVI’s Questions to the Cultures and Religions of the World
Authors: McKenna Mary Frances
Published: September 2022

In a series of addresses, commencing with the Regensburg address in 2006, Benedict XVI engaged the cultures and religions of the world with perennial questions concerning the rationality of reason, the catalyst for culture, the ethical foundations of political decisions, and the legality of law. In the answers he provided, which emanate from the Christian tradition’s equation of the God of Jesus Christ, the God of love, with the God of the philosophers—the logos (λόγος)—Benedict invited his audiences to reassess the rationality and reasonableness of reason. Illustrating the interlinked nature of reason and truth, Benedict details the horizon of reality opened by an expansive understanding of reason, that of creative eternal reason. He challenges others to reflect on the presuppositions and implications of their own understanding of reason. On what basis is reason rational? What makes an argument reasonable? Benedict forthrightly acknowledges that religions have been a source of violence which he sees as resulting from the absence of reason. He insists that it is a reason informed by the great religious traditions that forms the basis for dialogue among the cultures and religions of the world. In those dialogues, Benedict maintains that freedom of conscience and freedom of religion play an essential and indispensable role.
Deprived Muslims and Salafism: An Ethnographic Study of the Salafi Movement in Pekanbaru, Indonesia
Authors: Rosadi Andri
Published: September 2022

This article analyses the process of reversion to Salafism in Pekanbaru, Indonesia in the context of Muslims who have returned to Islam as a solution to their sense of deprivation. This return to Islam is considered by many as an initial solution to a feeling of deprivation which often manifests itself as a form of spiritual ‘emptiness’, accompanied by anxiety, depression and a lack of direction in life. The analysis in this article is based on extensive reading of relevant literature, participatory observation, and interviews conducted during fieldwork in Pekanbaru from July 2015 to June 2016. The discussion is based on three case studies of Salafi members, detailing their reversion to Salafism and the personal and sociological reasons for their choice to return to Islam, i.e., Salafism, after a certain period of time in their lives. Findings show that those who join the Salafi movement have previously experienced relative deprivation which led to a sense of existential deprivation.
When Uncertainty Motivates Identity Restoration in Religious Groups: The Hijra Phenomenon
Authors: Wulandari Roosalina , Milla Mirra Noor , Muluk Hamdi
Published: September 2022

In the face of uncertainty, people tend to look for ways to manage discomfort, often through religion. Growing conservatism in the Muslim society in Indonesia has encouraged people to restore meaning when dealing with uncertainties triggered by a crisis. This study aims to explore the dynamics of meaning restoration through hijra, a collective spiritual transformation process. Using a qualitative approach, findings showed that people going through hijra were driven by significance loss and potential significance gain, both taking validation in relational significance and group identity. In Indonesia, where religion is acknowledged as central to identity, religious groups become a prescription sought for closure, and all are directed towards managing uncertainty and restoring significance. The study found that individuals started the hijra journey provoked by either personal significance loss or the need to gain significance and resorted to the collective orientation of relational significance to gain closure. Once a new collective identity is established through the spiritual transformation, significance is restored.
Multi-Source Time Series Remote Sensing Feature Selection and Urban Forest Extraction Based on Improved Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Yan Jin , Chen Yuanyuan , Zheng Jiazhu , Guo Lin , Zheng Siqi , Zhang Rongchun
Published: September 2022

Urban forests maintain the ecological balance of cities and are significant in promoting the sustainable development of cities. Therefore, using advanced remote sensing technology to accurately extract forest green space in the city and monitor its change in real-time is very important. Taking Nanjing as the study area, this research extracted 55 vegetation phenological features from Sentinel-2A time series images and formed a feature set containing 81 parameters together with 26 features, including polarimetric- and texture-related information extracted from dual-polarization Sentinel-1A data. On the basis of the improved ABC (ABC-LIBSVM) feature selection method, the optimal feature subset was selected, and the forest coverage areas in the study area were accurately described. To verify the feasibility of the improved feature selection method and explore the potential for the development of multi-source time series remote sensing for urban forest feature extraction, this paper also used the random forest classification model to classify four different feature sets. The results revealed that the classification accuracy based on the feature set obtained by the ABC-LIBSVM algorithm was the highest, with an overall accuracy of 86.80% and a kappa coefficient of 0.8145. The producer accuracy and user accuracy of the urban forest were 93.21% and 82.45%, respectively. Furthermore, by combining the multi-source time series Sentinel-2A optical images with Sentinel-1A dual-polarization SAR images, urban forests can be distinguished from the perspective of phenology, and polarimetric- and texture-related features can contribute to the accurate identification of forests.
A Review of Spectral Indices for Mangrove Remote Sensing
Authors: Tran Thuong V. , Reef Ruth , Zhu Xuan
Published: September 2022

Mangrove ecosystems provide critical goods and ecosystem services to coastal communities and contribute to climate change mitigation. Over four decades, remote sensing has proved its usefulness in monitoring mangrove ecosystems on a broad scale, over time, and at a lower cost than field observation. The increasing use of spectral indices has led to an expansion of the geographical context of mangrove studies from local-scale studies to intercontinental and global analyses over the past 20 years. In remote sensing, numerous spectral indices derived from multiple spectral bands of remotely sensed data have been developed and used for multiple studies on mangroves. In this paper, we review the range of spectral indices produced and utilised in mangrove remote sensing between 1996 and 2021. Our findings reveal that spectral indices have been used for a variety of mangrove aspects but excluded identification of mangrove species. The included aspects are mangrove extent, distribution, mangrove above ground parameters (e.g., carbon density, biomass, canopy height, and estimations of LAI), and changes to the aforementioned aspects over time. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was found to be the most widely applied index in mangroves, used in 82% of the studies reviewed, followed by the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) used in 28% of the studies. Development and application of potential indices for mangrove cover characterisation has increased (currently 6 indices are published), but NDVI remains the most popular index for mangrove remote sensing. Ultimately, we identify the limitations and gaps of current studies and suggest some future directions under the topic of spectral index application in connection to time series imagery and the fusion of optical sensors for mangrove studies in the digital era.
Interferometric Orbit Determination System for Geosynchronous SAR Missions: Experimental Proof of Concept
Authors: Nicolás-Álvarez Jorge , Carreño-Megias Xavier , Ferrer Estel , Albert-Galí Miquel , Rodríguez-Tersa Judith , Aguasca Albert , Broquetas Antoni
Published: September 2022

Future Geosynchronous Synthetic Aperture Radar (GEOSAR) missions will provide permanent monitoring of continental areas of the planet with revisit times of less than 24 h. Several GEOSAR missions have been studied in the USA, Europe, and China with different applications, including water cycle monitoring and early warning of disasters. GEOSAR missions require unprecedented orbit determination precision in order to form focused Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images from Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). A precise orbit determination technique based on interferometry is proposed, including a proof of concept based on an experimental interferometer using three antennas separated 10–15 m. They provide continuous orbit observations of present communication satellites operating at GEO as illuminators of opportunity. The relative phases measured between the receivers are used to estimate the satellite position. The experimental results prove the interferometer is able to track GEOSAR satellites based on the transmitted signals. This communication demonstrates the consistency and feasibility of the technique in order to foster further research with longer interferometric baselines that provide observables delivering higher orbital precision.
GPR Image Clutter Suppression Using Gaussian Curvature Decomposition in the PCA Domain
Authors: Su Qibin , Bi Beizhen , Zhang Pengyu , Shen Liang , Huang Xiaotao , Xin Qin
Published: September 2022

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the most generally used underground sensing equipment, but it is frequently contaminated by clutter and noise during data acquisition, which has a significant impact on the detection performance of buried targets. The purpose of this letter is to present a novel clutter suppression method based on the principal component Gaussian curvature decomposition (PCGCD). First, the GPR B-scan data are divided into different sub-components using principal component analysis (PCA). Then, a Gaussian curvature decomposition (GCD) method is proposed, which can be applied to PCA domain subspaces to recover more target structure information from random noise. The PCGCD method’s performance is evaluated using both numerical simulation and real-world GPR datasets. The visualization and quantitative results demonstrated our method’s superiority in protecting the underground target structure, removing complex random noise, and improving the detection ability of buried targets.
Earable Ω (OMEGA): A Novel Clenching Interface Using Ear Canal Sensing for Human Metacarpophalangeal Joint Control by Functional Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Matsui Kazuhiro , Suzuki Yuya , Atsuumi Keita , Nagai Miwa , Ohno Shotaro , Hirai Hiroaki , Nishikawa Atsushi , Taniguchi Kazuhiro
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: A mouth-free interface is required for functional electrical stimulation (FES) in people with spinal cord injuries. We developed a novel system for clenching the human metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint using an earphone-type ear canal movement sensor. Experiments to control joint angle and joint stiffness were performed using the developed system. (2) Methods: The proposed FES used an equilibrium point control signal and stiffness control signal: electrical agonist–antagonist ratio and electrical agonist–antagonist sum. An angle sensor was used to acquire the joint angle, and system identification was utilized to measure joint stiffness using the external force of a robot arm. Each experiment included six and five subjects, respectively. (3) Results: While the joint angle could be controlled well by clenching with some hysteresis and delay in three subjects, it could not be controlled relatively well after hyperextension in the other subjects, which revealed a calibration problem and a change in the characteristics of the human MP joint caused by hyperextension. The joint stiffness increased with the clenching amplitude in five subjects. In addition, the results indicated that viscosity can be controlled. (4) Conclusions: The developed system can control joint angle and stiffness. In future research, we will develop a method to show that this system can control the equilibrium point and stiffness simultaneously.
Characterization of Infants’ General Movements Using a Commercial RGB-Depth Sensor and a Deep Neural Network Tracking Processing Tool: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Balta Diletta , Kuo HsinHung , Wang Jing , Porco Ilaria Giuseppina , Morozova Olga , Schladen Manon Maitland , Cereatti Andrea , Lum Peter Stanley , Della Croce Ugo
Published: September 2022

Cerebral palsy, the most common childhood neuromotor disorder, is often diagnosed through visual assessment of general movements (GM) in infancy. This skill requires extensive training and is thus difficult to implement on a large scale. Automated analysis of GM performed using low-cost instrumentation in the home may be used to estimate quantitative metrics predictive of movement disorders. This study explored if infants’ GM may be successfully evaluated in a familiar environment by processing the 3D trajectories of points of interest (PoI) obtained from recordings of a single commercial RGB-D sensor. The RGB videos were processed using an open-source markerless motion tracking method which allowed the estimation of the 2D trajectories of the selected PoI and a purposely developed method which allowed the reconstruction of their 3D trajectories making use of the data recorded with the depth sensor. Eight infants’ GM were recorded in the home at 3, 4, and 5 months of age. Eight GM metrics proposed in the literature in addition to a novel metric were estimated from the PoI trajectories at each timepoint. A pediatric neurologist and physiatrist provided an overall clinical evaluation from infants’ video. Subsequently, a comparison between metrics and clinical evaluation was performed. The results demonstrated that GM metrics may be meaningfully estimated and potentially used for early identification of movement disorders.
Workshop Schools: From Employment Creation to Employability
Authors: Barroso-Hurtado Domingo , Guerrero-Puerta Laura M. , Torres Sánchez Mónica
Published: September 2022

Workshop Schools are an alternance scheme which combines periods of education and training in educational institutions or training centres for young people at risk of social exclusion between the ages of 16 and 25. The present work of research aims to analyse the logic models underlying the design of these schemes from a historical perspective, specifically from their formation in 1985 up until the year 2020, paying special attention to both individual and structural aspects. Methodology: A qualitative study is carried out based on the analysis of 58 policy documents. Results: The results establish three different phases since the creation of the scheme (employment creation, lifelong learning and employability), analysing the changes produced in the design and relating them to international trends. A progressive self-responsibility forced upon young people rather than a concern on structural problems and barriers characterising the current labour market is also highlighted. Conclusions: Different international trends, such as job creation and the promotion of lifelong learning and employability, have had an influence in the logical models underlying the regulatory documents of the Workshop Schools and, therefore, the social problems and solutions the scheme seeks to provide.
Implications of Land Use/Land Cover Changes and Climate Change on Black Volta Basin Future Water Resources in Ghana
Authors: Abungba Joachim Ayiiwe , Adjei Kwaku Amaning , Gyamfi Charles , Odai Samuel Nii , Pingale Santosh Murlidhar , Khare Deepak
Published: September 2022

The Black Volta River basin faces several challenges, which impede the sustainability of its water resources and biodiversity. Climate change coupled with land use/land cover (LULC) change patterns account for most of the observed hydrological changes in the basin. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of changes in the climate and LULC on water resources in the basin, and its effect on the livelihoods of downstream users, particularly regarding water allocations. The water evaluation and planning (WEAP) model was applied to the assessment of runoff and streamflow and the percentage future water demand under climate change scenarios (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5), as well as the effects of current and future changes on water supply systems. LULC data from 1990 to 2019 were processed to detect the changes in LULC patterns in the basin. The results showed that from 1990 and 2019, the land use classes of settlements/bare ground, open savannah woodland, croplands, and waterbodies increased by 339.5%, 77.4%, 24.4%, and 607%, respectively. Close savannah woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands all decreased by 97%, 99.8%, and 21.2%, respectively. Overall, there was a significant difference in LULC changes. Hence, measures needed to be put in place to curb the changes, as the observed changes posed a serious challenge to the basin’s water resources. The results from the WEAP simulations also indicated that in the future, changes in discharge would be visible in September with ranges between 0.72 × 106 m3 and 1.9 × 106 m3 for RCP 2.6, and 0.65 × 106 m3 and 2.5 × 106 m3 for RCP 8.5, per month. Although the median values illustrate an increase in water availability from river discharge compared with the reference scenario, the uncertainties in future changes largely exceeded the predicted increases. Annual variability of the mean annual flows is projected to decrease over the period in the Black Volta Basin. Therefore, the outcomes of this study will be useful for different stakeholders within the basin in water resources planning and the formulation of appropriate policies for improving land use planning.
The Research on the Spatial Governance Tools and Mechanism of Megacity Suburbs Based on Spatial Evolution: A Case of Beijing
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhao Zhifeng
Published: September 2022

The research on the spatial governance of the suburbs of megacities is of great significance for coordinating the spatial relationship between the central urban area and the suburbs of megacities, and implementing the regional functional layout of megacities. It is helpful to formulate scientific spatial governance strategies, and coordinate suburban space and central urban areas to achieve coordinated and sustainable development. This paper uses spatial form indicators to study suburban space governance from the spatial evolution characteristics of suburban construction land, constructs the relationship between different spatial evolution characteristics and the utility of spatial governance tools in the suburbs of megacities, and discusses the mechanism of suburban spatial governance tools. The study found that the spatial governance of megacities runs through the whole process of spatial evolution. Together with the three stages of space evolution, “space shaping, space restoration, space reconstruction”, we present three spatial governance mechanism types: “extensive development with positive guidance as the theme”, “exploratory adjustment with transformation practice as the theme”, “fine governance with management and control intervention as the theme”. In addition, the study also found that direct and indirect suburban space governance tools have different action paths and usage characteristics, and there is a synergistic mechanism between the two types of tools.
Activated Biochar-Based Organomineral Fertilizer Delays Nitrogen Release and Reduces N2O Emission
Authors: Pereira Valéria Viana , Morales Marina Moura , Pereira Dalton Henrique , de Rezende Fabiana Abreu , de Souza Magalhães Ciro Augusto , de Lima Larissa Borges , Marimon-Junior Ben Hur , Petter Fabiano André
Published: September 2022

Leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions can represent substantial nitrogen (N) losses from chemical fertilizers, and slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) can mitigate these effects. Thus, biochar can be an alternative from an agronomic and environmental point of view to synthesize SRFs due to its physicochemical characteristics. We investigated the effect of nitrogenous organomineral fertilizers (OMF-N) formulated based on activated biochar on N losses by leaching and N2O emissions. The OMF-N were developed from a dry mechanical pelleting process with different biochar and urea proportions (2:1; 1:2, and 1:4). Three experiments were conducted using four fertilizer sources (urea, OMF-N 2:1, OMF-N 1:2, and OMF-N 1:4): i. to analyze the kinetics of N release from OMF-N at times: 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min; ii. for N2O emission analysis determined at 3, 6, 10, 14, 24, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 104, and 118 days after application to the soil; and iii. for a double factorial design that was adopted to analyze N leaching, consisting of the combination of applying 160 kg N ha−1 of fertilizers in PVC columns at different depths (20, 40, 60, and 80 cm) and analyzed at five times (1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days). FTIR spectroscopic analysis, specific surface area, porosity, and surface morphology showed physicochemical interactions of N of the OMF with biochar; the N from the OMF interacts physically and chemically binds to the functional surfaces of biochar, delaying the dissolution flow. The OMF-N proved capable of retaining 48% to 60% more NH4+ and reduced the release of Ntotal from urea from 27% to 60%, as well as reduced N2O emissions from 47% to 66%. Although absolute CO2 emissions intensified with the application of OMF-N, its use provides C sequestration in the soil to due to the recalcitrant C of the biochar, which results in a positive input-output balance in the system. The NO3− concentration profiles revealed that the OMF-N application was able to reduce leaching in the soil to a depth of 80 cm. These studies enabled better understanding of the processes involved in the biochar:urea interaction and revealed that biochar can be used as an organic matrix in the synthesis of SRF.
Study on Characteristics of 125I Absorption and Accumulation in Eggplants
Authors: Hong Chun-Lai , Lu Xin , Weng Huan-Xin , Wang Wei-Ping , Zhu Feng-Xiang , Yao Yan-Lai
Published: September 2022

Iodine fortification of plants is a means of improving the nutritional iodine status for humans. However, knowledge regarding iodine absorption and accumulation in plants remains limited. Hence, we used nutrient culture and isotope tracking methods, and the radioactivity of 125I was measured by using a multi-channel spectrometer to study the characteristics of 125I absorption and accumulation in an eggplant. The results showed that 125I was detected in the stems and leaves after 20 min of incubation in the iodine-containing nutrient solution, while it took 40 min to be detected in fruits, indicating a relatively slow migration of 125I from the roots to the fruits. The absorption and accumulation of 125I by various organs of the eggplant significantly differed, with 125I accumulation in the roots accounting for more than 80% of the whole plant (120 h), significantly higher than the above-ground parts. The absorption rate of all parts of the eggplant rapidly increased within a short period of 125I treatment, peaking at 12 h for the roots and at 3 h for transferring to the stems, leaves, and fruits. The results of this study indicate that the transferability of 125I from the roots to the over-ground parts of the eggplant is high, and eggplant fruits have the potential to continuously accumulate 125I. It is feasible to select eggplant as an iodine-rich crop for cultivation.
Experimental Investigation of Particle Size Alteration and the Selective Crushing Phenomenon of Gangue during the Jaw Crushing Process
Authors: Zhu Lei , Gu Wenzhe , Song Tianqi , Qiu Fengqi
Published: September 2022

This study examines the particle size and distribution of the main chemical components of gangue during the crushing process. Coal mine gangue was chosen as the research object, and its particle size and chemical components at various crusher discharge settings were examined through screening, grinding, chemical composition testing, and other methods. The findings demonstrate that the characteristic particle size in the gangue particle size distribution model has a logarithmic upward trend as the width of the discharge port increases. In contrast, the uniformity index has shown an exponential downward trend. The analysis of the distribution rate and enrichment ratio of the main chemical components of the gangue at different widths of the discharge port shows that the gangue exhibits obvious selective crushing during the crushing process. The distribution rate of each component is affected by the size of the screen aperture to various extents. As the discharge port width increases, the elements of CaO and MgO are enriched in the coarse-grained products, while those containing Fe2O3 are enriched from fine-grained to coarse-grained. Gangue particles containing Al2O3, SiO2, and C are enriched in the fine-grained product. In addition, by analyzing the alterations in the main chemical components of gangue at different particle size intervals, it was found that the amount of each component first rises and then falls, and the trend of enrichment ratio to particle size follows an exponential pattern. The research results have significance for guiding the selection of resource utilization methods of gangue with different particle sizes after crushing.
Multi-Modal Graph Interaction for Multi-Graph Convolution Network in Urban Spatiotemporal Forecasting
Authors: Zhang Lingyu , Geng Xu , Qin Zhiwei , Wang Hongjun , Wang Xiao , Zhang Ying , Liang Jian , Wu Guobin , Song Xuan , Wang Yunhai
Published: September 2022

Graph convolution network-based approaches have been recently used to model region-wise relationships in region-level prediction problems in urban computing. Each relationship represents a kind of spatial dependency, such as region-wise distance or functional similarity. To incorporate multiple relationships into a spatial feature extraction, we define the problem as a multi-modal machine learning problem on multi-graph convolution networks. Leveraging the advantage of multi-modal machine learning, we propose to develop modality interaction mechanisms for this problem in order to reduce the generalization error by reinforcing the learning of multi-modal coordinated representations. In this work, we propose two interaction techniques for handling features in lower layers and higher layers, respectively. In lower layers, we propose grouped GCN to combine the graph connectivity from different modalities for a more complete spatial feature extraction. In higher layers, we adapt multi-linear relationship networks to GCN by exploring the dimension transformation and freezing part of the covariance structure. The adapted approach, called multi-linear relationship GCN, learns more generalized features to overcome the train–test divergence induced by time shifting. We evaluated our model on a ride-hailing demand forecasting problem using two real-world datasets. The proposed technique outperforms state-of-the art baselines in terms of prediction accuracy, training efficiency, interpretability and model robustness.
Moderating Effect of Collectivism on Chinese Consumers’ Intention to Adopt Electric Vehicles—An Adoption of VBN Framework
Authors: Zhang Weitao , Mas’od Adaviah , Sulaiman Zuraidah
Published: September 2022

Vehicle electrification has been promoted as an effective way to tackle environmental issues and the energy crisis worldwide. Being the largest auto market, China witnessed a dramatic increase of sale volume and market share of electric vehicles recently, while the incentives kept decreasing. Normative factors have been found to effectively explain consumers’ intention to adopt electric vehicles, but the mechanism remains to be discovered. One of the culture’s orientations, namely collectivism, has been proved to have significant impact on consumption behaviors, but the influence of collectivism on intention to adopt electric vehicles in China needs further discussion. Based on 433 questionnaires collected from Chinese consumers, this study adopted the Value–Belief–Norm (VBN) framework and examined collectivism as a moderator variable on the relationship between personal norms and intention to adopt electric vehicles. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27 and PLS-SEM (SmartPLS 3). The results show that the VBN framework successfully explains the intention to adopt electric vehicles of Chinese consumers, and collectivism has a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between personal norms and intention to adopt electric vehicles. Insights and suggestions from theoretical and managerial perspectives on how to accelerate electric vehicle adoption are discussed for marketers, policymakers and industry practitioners.
Study on Evolution of Front Abutment Pressure at Working Face in Repeated Mining of Close-Distance Coal Seams
Authors: He Fulian , Li Liang , Lv Kai , Qin Binbin , Xu Xuhui , Ma Qing , Chen Yongqiang
Published: September 2022

In order to determine the reasonable width of a stopping coal pillar in close-distance coal seams, the evolution law of front abutment pressure of the working face with repeated mining was studied. Based on the actual engineering project, we conducted field measurement, theoretical analyses, numerical simulations and a physical similarity simulation test to study. The results show that: (1) according to field measurement, the influence range of front abutment pressure increases from 60 m to 75 m with repeated mining; (2) according to theoretical analysis, the arch height and span are negatively and positively correlated with the influence range of front abutment pressure, respectively; (3) with repeated mining, the arch height increased to 165 m, the arch span to 235 m and the influence range to 83.5 m by 14.5 m relative to that before repeated mining; (4) if it is necessary to ensure that the main roadway is less affected by the mining stress, the width of the stopping coal pillar in 2214 working face should be greater than 80 m. The influence range of front abutment pressure increases obviously with repeated mining in close-distance coal seams. The study provides a reference for similar engineering projects.
Finding Global Liquefied Natural Gas Potential Trade Relations Based on Improved Link Prediction
Authors: Jin Yuping , Yang Yanbin , Liu Wei
Published: September 2022

Unstable factors such as international relations, geopolitics, and transportation routes make natural gas trade complex and changeable. Diversified and flexible sources of liquefied natural gas (LNG) can guarantee the energy supply security of natural gas-consuming countries. Therefore, it is very important to find potential natural gas trade links to help the government find potential partners and prepare strategically in advance. In this paper, the global LNG network is taken as the research object. In order to fully consider the importance of nodes and the influence of economic and political factors, the “centrality degree” and “node attraction degree” are added into the link prediction algorithm, and multifactor coupling is carried out. The reliability of the improved algorithm is verified using the area under the curve (AUC) evaluation index, and the prediction results are analyzed. The results are as follows: Trinidad, Russia, Algeria, Nigeria, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea (Eq. Guinea) are more likely to establish new LNG trading relationships with other countries. For all potential trade relationships, potential relations involving the above countries are more likely to be realized within 5 years, while potential relations involving China, India, Japan, and South Korea are more likely to be realized within 2 years. China, India, and South Korea are more likely to import LNG from Algeria, and Taiwan Province is more likely to import LNG from Algeria, Angola, Eq. Guinea, and America. On the basis of the above study, states and governments can give priority to the above countries and regions when dealing with the possible LNG supply crisis.
Equity and Parity in Primary Education: A Study on Performance in Language and Mathematics Using Hierarchical Linear Models
Authors: Lucas-Oliva Inés , García-Jiménez Jesús , Torres-Gordillo Juan-Jesús , Rodríguez-Santero Javier
Published: September 2022

Education plays a crucial role in the development and consolidation of equality in society, which is reflected in the SDGs of the UN 2030 Agenda. Knowing the educational performance of schools is necessary to diagnose needs, evaluate proposals and undertake improvements in education policies. This study pursued a twofold objective: (1) to assess the equity and parity of Andalusian schools in relation to the competencies of mathematical reasoning and linguistic communication and (2) to study the relationship among educational performance, equity and parity in these competences. Hierarchical linear model research was designed and implemented in a population of 79,806 schoolchildren and 2092 schools. The results confirmed differences in equity and parity among schools. A relation was found between higher effectiveness and higher parity. Nonpublic schools are not more efficient than public schools; rather, it is the average economic and sociocultural status of schools that controls for their effectiveness. In conclusion, the educational system does not guarantee the same opportunities for all children; thus, the equity and parity of educational systems should be key criteria for their evaluation, ensuring that quality education reaches everyone equally. Further implications are also discussed.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Green Development in the Yellow River Basin of China
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Lv Yongze , Zhang Baolei
Published: September 2022

Globally, nations and regions have pushed for “green development (GD)”, a sustainable development strategy that considers the integrated growth of “economy–environment–society”. As it is an area of China that provides an ecological function and is an important energy base, it is necessary to explore the current situation and factors influencing GD in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). Therefore, first, this paper constructs a GD indicator system from a multi-dimensional perspective, measures the GD of 79 prefecture-level cities in the YRB from 2006 to 2019 by using the entropy method, and analyzes the evolution of time series according to the results. We found that the YRB’s GD showed an overall increase during the study period, rising from 0.1261 to 0.2195, but the level was low. Second, we analyzed the spatial characteristics of the YRB’s GD using a spatial analysis method and concluded that GD varied significantly across cities in the YRB. The YRB presented spatial distribution characteristics with obvious “quad-core pieces”, and there was a high intensity of spatial correlation and agglomeration. The spatial center of gravity of GD moved toward the southeast year by year. Third, we examined the influencing factors of the GD of the YRB through the spatial Durbin model. The study found that the spatial spillover effect on GD in the YRB was obvious, and the reasons affecting the GD of the YRB were heterogeneous. Finally, according to the conclusions of this research, we propose differentiated policies that are suitable for GD in the YRB.
Survival Analysis for Asphalt Pavement Performance and Assessment of Various Factors Affecting Fatigue Cracking Based on LTPP Data
Authors: Hatoum Ali A. , Khatib Jamal M. , Barraj Firas , Elkordi Adel
Published: September 2022

Pavement performance is the ability of pavement to remain in an acceptable condition to serve the intended users over a period of time. There are several principal, combined factors that affect flexible pavement performance such as environmental conditions, pavement materials, and traffic loads. Vehicle overloading is considered one of the most significant causes of accelerating flexible pavement deterioration, reducing the pavement’s design life, and affecting the overall sustainability of the pavement system. Therefore, researchers are continuously examining pavement systems with a view to finding the most suitable solutions for sustainable development in road construction systems in order to reduce both costs and pollution. In this study, we present a framework to conduct nonparametric and parametric survival analysis for asphalt pavement test sections, to assess the influence of using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) on fatigue service life, to indicate the most significant subset of risk factors (covariates), and to study the effect of overweight axles on flexible pavement performance. All the data concerned were extracted from the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) program. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival probability curves of multiple pavement distresses were developed to compare the failure probability for various distresses and to determine the median survival time for each distress. The fatigue survival curves for the test sections using RAP and virgin materials were developed separately and the equality of the two survival curves was tested and affirmed. Several parametric survival analyses were conducted to select the most significant subset of covariates. For fatigue cracking and, after dropping the insignificant predictors, a model was developed to show the quantitative relationship between fatigue failure time and potentially influential factors. The analysis indicated that the increase in the percentage of overloaded axles from 0% to 20% can reduce the fatigue survival life of flexible pavement by up to 55%. In the absence of overweight axles, a one-inch increase in asphalt layer thickness can extend the fatigue service life by about half a year. However, in the presence of 20% of overweight axles, a one-inch increase in thickness can extend the fatigue service life by only 0.22 years. Therefore, additional virgin materials and resources are needed to maintain traffic conditions in the road network and to compensate for the reduction in fatigue service life. Moreover, the effect of the increase in overweight axles from 0% to 15% on reducing the fatigue survival life is found to be similar to the effect of increasing the AADTT tenfold. Therefore, the sustainability of pavement is directly affected by the fatigue survival life.
A Study on the Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and Supply Chain Profit Distribution in the Context of Common Prosperity
Authors: Wang Guihua , Guo Quan , Jiang Qiong , Li Butong
Published: September 2022

As the new mode of resource allocation and profit distribution governance, common prosperity will be achieved effectively through the “third distribution” of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to regulate profit. The performance level of CSR is directly related to the profitability of the entire supply chain and its member enterprises. In the study, based on the utilization of the Shapley value method, by incorporating CSR elements, a preliminary model of profit allocation for four cooperative scenarios in the supply chain is constructed and modified to take into account the level of CSR implementation. Based on the modified model, the relationship between the performance level of CSR and the total profit of the supply chain and the member enterprises’ profit is analyzed. The study shows that the total profit of the supply chain is linearly and positively correlated with the performance level of CSR. In contrast, the profit of supply chain members has a nonlinear positive correlation with CSR performance. The impact of the whole level of CSR fulfillment on the profitability of the entire supply chain varies at different stages. Finally, the findings are discussed from the perspectives of the government, industry organizations, supply chain managers, and supply chain member enterprises, providing valuable references for the research and practice of comprehensively promoting CSR fulfillment in supply chains and realizing common prosperity.
Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial Hierarchical Surface Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Wang Bing , An Wenyuan , Wang Liang , Jiao Lishi , Zhang Hongsheng , Song Haiying , Liu Shibing
Published: September 2022

Superhydrophobic surfaces are important in many applications owing to their special properties such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, antibacterial, and anti-fogging. In this paper, a micro/nano hierarchical superhydrophobic surface with a low roll-off angle was created on 304 stainless steel. The water contact angle was measured to be 152° with a roll-off angle of 7.3°. Firstly, microscale bumps were created by femtosecond laser irradiation. Secondly, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were fabricated on the laser-induced bumps using a hydrothermal synthesis method. Results show that after laser treatment and ZnO nanostructuring, the stainless steel surface became superhydrophobic. However, the roll-off angle of this hierarchical structure surface was larger than 90°. To reduce the surface activity, trimethoxy silane hydrophobic coating was applied. A 7.3° roll-off angle was achieved on the coated surface. The underlying mechanism was discussed. The hydrophobic ZnO structured surface can help prevent bacterial contamination from water, which is important for implants. Thus, for biomedical applications, the antibacterial property of this hierarchical surface was examined. It was found that the antibacterial property of sample surfaces with ZnO nanowires were significantly increased. The optical density (OD) of Escherichia coli (E. coli) attached to the original surface was 0.93. For the micro-structured surface (with bumps), the OD was 0.9, and for the hierarchical surface (with bump & nanowires), it was 0.54. For nanostructured ZnO nanowire surface, the OD was only 0.09. It demonstrates good antibacterial properties of ZnO nanowires.
Can Fintech Promote Sustainable Finance? Policy Lessons from the Case of Turkey
Authors: Bayram Orkun , Talay Isilay , Feridun Mete
Published: September 2022

This study contributes to sustainable finance literature by exemplifying promotion of sustainable finance through fintech solutions for emerging market economies by presenting the case of Turkey. Turkey is one of the largest emerging market economies in the world with a strong banking system and high adoption of technology, so it has great potential to benefit from fintech solutions to boost sustainable finance. For the case analysis, the data used came from a research platform for a Turkish start-up ecosystem, Turkish regulations, and documents released on Turkey’s sustainable finance strategies by Turkish and international institutions. We found that Turkey has made remarkable progress in increasing financial inclusivity for underbanked individuals and SMEs via providing contactless payment and contract systems and microfinance by mobile carriers and other online platforms. Turkey was also able to promote the responsible consumption goal for sustainable development by improving fintech solutions on payment systems with educational content on this goal. With upcoming developments such as the sandbox environment in Istanbul Financial Center, fintech solutions using Big Data, AI, and blockchain could emerge much faster with collaboration between banking and fintech sectors and regulatory institutions to better assess climate-related financial risks and form a national carbon trading mechanism.
Embodied Carbon Emissions in Export of Yangtze River Delta: Calculation and Decomposition of Driving Factors
Authors: Tong Xia , Gu Yutong , Jin Tingting , Gao Shenrong
Published: September 2022

The total export of the Yangtze River Delta exceeds 1/3 of China. This region is the backbone of China’s emission reduction and green transformation exports. This paper adopts input–output analysis to calculate direct carbon emission coefficients and embodied carbon in exports. Using the LMDI method, the total embodied carbon emissions and driving factors are quantitatively analyzed by region in terms of scale effect, structural effect and technology effect. Based on the results of the study, the government should actively promote the achievement of carbon neutrality goals by setting carbon emission standards or introducing regulatory policies and incentive mechanisms. Meanwhile, the export structure needs to be continuously optimized. It is necessary to accelerate technological innovation while actively promoting and encouraging the adoption of new energy sources in order to take a low-carbon, clean and sustainable green development path.
Climate Change and Pathways Used by Pests as Challenges to Plant Health in Agriculture and Forestry
Authors: Gullino Maria Lodovica , Albajes Ramon , Al-Jboory Ibrahim , Angelotti Francislene , Chakraborty Subrata , Garrett Karen A. , Hurley Brett Phillip , Juroszek Peter , Lopian Ralf , Makkouk Khaled , Pan Xubin , Pugliese Massimo , Stephenson Tannecia
Published: September 2022

Climate change already challenges people’s livelihood globally and it also affects plant health. Rising temperatures facilitate the introduction and establishment of unwanted organisms, including arthropods, pathogens, and weeds (hereafter collectively called pests). For example, a single, unusually warm winter under temperate climatic conditions may be sufficient to assist the establishment of invasive plant pests, which otherwise would not be able to establish. In addition, the increased market globalization and related transport of recent years, coupled with increased temperatures, has led to favorable conditions for pest movement, invasion, and establishment worldwide. Most published studies indicate that, in general, pest risk will increase in agricultural ecosystems under climate-change scenarios, especially in today’s cooler arctic, boreal, temperate, and subtropical regions. This is also mostly true for forestry. Some pests have already expanded their host range or distribution, at least in part due to changes in climate. Examples of these pests, selected according to their relevance in different geographical areas, are summarized here. The main pathways used by them, directly and/or indirectly, are also discussed. Understanding these pathways can support decisions about mitigation and adaptation measures. The review concludes that preventive mitigation and adaptation measures, including biosecurity, are key to reducing the projected increases in pest risk in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. Therefore, the sustainable management of pests is urgently needed. It requires holistic solutions, including effective phytosanitary regulations, globally coordinated diagnostic and surveillance systems, pest risk modeling and analysis, and preparedness for pro-active management.
Development of an Urban Turfgrass and Tree Carbon Calculator for Northern Temperate Climates
Authors: Flude Corey , Ficht Alexandra , Sandoval Frydda , Lyons Eric
Published: September 2022

The presence of urban plants in an ecosystem are vital for processes including carbon sequestration and the type of urban plants included in urban settings affect the amount of carbon sequestered. The objective of this study is to assess the ability of urban plants to sequester carbon under a number of available management practices through the development and refinement of an accessible carbon calculator. Available urban plant data were analyzed using the calculator developed using available literature regarding carbon sequestration to determine differences between different types of plants, when hidden carbon costs (HCC) were considered. Carbon sequestration including HCC for turfgrasses could be calculated but there was a lack of information regarding HCC of urban trees and shrubs. The calculator was shown to be an effective tool for homeowners to determine viable management practices to maintain or increase carbon sequestration.