bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Neural Network Method for Retrieving Sea Surface Wind Speed for C-Band SAR
Authors: Yu Peng , Xu Wenxiang , Zhong Xiaojing , Johannessen Johnny A. , Yan Xiao-Hai , Geng Xupu , He Yuanrong , Lu Wenfang
Published: May 2022

Based on the Ocean Projection and Extension neural Network (OPEN) method, a novel approach is proposed to retrieve sea surface wind speed for C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR). In order to prove the methodology with a robust dataset, five-year normalized radar cross section (NRCS) measurements from the advanced scatterometer (ASCAT), a well-known side-looking radar sensor, are used to train the model. In situ wind data from direct buoy observations, instead of reanalysis wind data or model results, are used as the ground truth in the OPEN model. The model is applied to retrieve sea surface winds from two independent data sets, ASCAT and Sentinel-1 SAR data, and has been well-validated using buoy measurements from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and China Meteorological Administration (CMA), and the ASCAT coastal wind product. The comparison between the OPEN model and four C-band model (CMOD) versions (CMOD4, CMOD-IFR2, CMOD5.N, and CMOD7) further indicates the good performance of the proposed model for C-band SAR sensors. It is anticipated that the use of high-resolution SAR data together with the new wind speed retrieval method can provide continuous and accurate ocean wind products in the future.
Adaptive Kalman Filter for Real-Time Precise Orbit Determination of Low Earth Orbit Satellites Based on Pseudorange and Epoch-Differenced Carrier-Phase Measurements
Authors: Li Min , Xu Tianhe , Shi Yali , Wei Kai , Fei Xianming , Wang Dixing
Published: May 2022

Real-time precise orbit determination (POD) of low earth orbiters (LEOs) is crucial for orbit maintenance as well as autonomous operation for space missions. The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become the dominant technique for real-time precise orbit determination (POD) of LEOs. However, the observation conditions of near-earth space are more critical than those on the ground. Real-time POD accuracy can be seriously affected when the observation environment suffers from strong space events, i.e., a heavy solar storm. In this study, we proposed a reliable adaptive Kalman filter based on pseudorange and epoch-differenced carrier-phase measurements. This approach uses the epoch-differenced carrier phase to eliminate the ambiguities and thus reduces the significant number of unknown parameters. Real calculations demonstrate that four to five observed GPS satellites is sufficient to solve reliable position parameters. Furthermore, with accurate pseudorange and epoch-differenced carrier-phase-based reference orbits, orbital dynamic disturbance can be detected precisely and reliably with an adaptive Kalman filter. Analyses of Swarm-A POD show that sub-meter level real-time orbit solutions can be obtained when the observation conditions are good. For poor observation conditions such as the GRACE-A satellite on 8 September 2017, when fewer than five GPS satellites were observed for 14% of the observation time, 1–2 m orbital accuracy can still be achieved with the proposed approach.
The Relationship between Personal Variables and Perceived Appropriateness of Coping Strategies against Cybervictimisation among Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: de las Heras Marta , Yubero Santiago , Navarro Raúl , Larrañaga Elisa
Published: May 2022

Cyberbullying behaviours begin at primary school, so the actions taken by pre-teachers will play a key role in achieving the goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More specifically, active coping strategies are essential in reducing victimisation. The aim of this study was to identify the coping strategies considered effective by pre-service teachers and to analyse the perceived appropriateness of active and passive strategies in relation to personal variables. The participants were 1122 students on the Bachelor’s Degree in Education at the University of Castile-La Mancha in Spain. The study measured the perceived appropriateness of five active coping strategies and four passive coping strategies, moral disengagement, experiences of bullying and cyberbullying, emotions in response to bullying and gender stereotypes. The results show that more than 25% of pre-service teachers are not prepared to manage cyberbullying effectively. Prior experiences of victimisation, personal masculinity in men and moral emotions in women are related to active strategies, while moral disengagement, and pleasant emotions in women, are related to passive strategies. Universities must implement initiatives to ensure that pre-service teachers receive training on effective coping strategies and reflect on the personal factors influencing their decisions.
Electro-Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Valuable Chemicals in a Membrane Electrode Assembly
Authors: Jin Zhenyu , Guo Yingqing , Qiu Chaozhi
Published: May 2022

Electro-conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals is an efficient method to deal with excessive CO2 in the atmosphere. However, undesirable CO2 reaction kinetics in the bulk solution strongly limit current density, and thus it is incompetent in market promotion. Flow cell technology provides an insight into uplifting current density. As an efficient flow cell configuration, membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has been proposed and proven as a viable technology for scalable CO2 electro-conversion, promoting current density to several hundred mA/cm2. In this review, we systematically reviewed recent perspectives and methods to put forward the utilization of state-of-the-art MEA to convert CO2 into valuable chemicals. Configuration design, catalysts nature, and flow media were discussed. At the end of this review, we also presented the current challenges and the potential directions for potent MEA design. We hope this review could offer some clear, timely, and valuable insights on the development of MEA for using wastewater-produced CO2.
Assessing the Net Primary Productivity Dynamics of the Desert Steppe in Northern China during the Past 20 Years and Its Response to Climate Change
Authors: Yang Bo , Li Xiaoshuang , Xian Yaqi , Chai Yalin , Li Min , Yang Kaidie , Qiu Xiaorui
Published: May 2022

The net primary productivity (NPP) dynamics in arid and semi-arid ecosystems are critical for regional carbon management. Our study applied a light-utilization-efficiency model (CASA: Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach) to evaluate the vegetation NPP dynamics of a desert steppe in northern China over the past 20 years, and its response to climate change. Our results show that the annual average NPP of the desert steppe was 132 g C m−2 y−1, of which the grass- and shrub-dominated biome values were 142 and 91 g C m−2 y−1, respectively. The average change rate of NPP was 1.13 g C m−2 y−1, and in the grassland biome 1.31 g C m−2 y−1, a value which was significantly higher than that in shrubland, at 0.84 g C m−2 y−1. The precipitation and temperature at different time scales in the desert steppe showed a slow upward trend, and the degree of aridity tended to weaken. The correlation analysis shows that NPP changes were significantly positively and negatively correlated with precipitation and temperature, respectively. In terms of temperature, 43% of the area was significantly correlated during the growing season, which decreased to 12% on the annual scale. In 31% of the changed areas, the average NPP was 148.1 g C m−2 y−1, which was higher than the remaining significant areas. This suggests that higher NPP levels help to attenuate the negative effects of high temperature during the growing season on plant productivity in the desert steppe. This improves the understanding of the carbon cycle mechanism of arid and semi-arid ecosystems, which is beneficial to improving sustainable grassland development strategies.
Sustainable Animal Production in Denmark: Anthropological Interventions
Authors: Hastrup Frida , Brichet Nathalia , Nielsen Liza Rosenbaum
Published: May 2022

In 2020, Denmark passed a new Climate Act. Labelled one of the world’s most ambitious, the law explicitly obliges the country to be a global frontrunner in the green transition. Zooming in on the large Danish animal production sector, this article analyzes how ambitious climate goals are addressed by industrial, political, and scientific stakeholders in the sector. Based on the method of anthropological fieldwork, and theoretically informed by relational and performative approaches, as well as science and technology studies, the article explores how sustainability features in documents, policies, strategies, research presentations, and other outputs on Danish livestock, with the aim of understanding how an intensified animal production sector aligns itself with the green agenda. Accordingly, the article describes the work of sustainability and finds that a sustainable livestock industry is commonly articulated by making some units of animal production visible as central while ignoring or downplaying others. The analysis shows a Danish livestock sector that appears to consist of particular entities that science, industry, and politics can intervene in, manage, connect, and disconnect in specific selective ways. Altogether, the paper argues that this caters to a relative sustainability—a production sector seen as greener than others (per unit produced)—which, in turn, allows for it to ignore local responsibilities for planetary boundaries, even as Danish animal production is posited as a common, natural, and global good. The anthropological mode of analysis is an intervention that qualifies how such naturalization plays out.
Multi-Agent Evolutionary Game Model: Corporate Low-Carbon Manufacturing, Chinese Government Supervision, and Public Media Investigation
Authors: Xue Jia , He Youshi , Gao Peng , Tang Yin , Xu Hanyang
Published: May 2022

Government supervision and media investigation play an important role in regulating manufacturing produce mode and reducing carbon emissions. In terms of theoretical implications, this study uses the tripartite evolutionary game model to investigate the dynamic decision-making process of stable strategies among three participating stakeholders: manufacturing enterprises, government regulatory departments, and media survey agencies. The payoff matrix and replicator dynamic functions of three parties are specifically calculated based on the evolutionary game theory. From a lower-carbon economy perspective, the main factors (revenue, subsidy, cost, and loss) that affect the stable strategies of three stakeholders are included in the sensitivity analysis. In terms of practical implications, this paper describes the evolutionary dynamic process of the stability condition using numerical simulation tests, and it proposes the promotion mechanism of four different supervision stages of manufacturing production mode. In the beginning and early stage, strengthened government supervision and active media investigation have a positive effect on reducing the heavy-polluting manufacturer proportion in China. Under this circumstance, the lower cost, in-creased revenue, and added subsidies all motivate firms to adopt the lower-carbon production mode. With the maturity of the supervision platform, public media will gradually reduce their investigations and interventions to the manufacturing business, and finally engage in no-investigation. This paper also demonstrates that lower penalties and subsidies are not related to the optimal strategy among three stakeholders, and the extravagant survey cost will reduce the enthusiasm of public media to investigate manufacturing firms.
Factors Influencing Agricultural Products Trade between China and Africa
Authors: Ya Zhang , Pei Kuangyuan
Published: May 2022

Studies on the factors affecting agricultural trade between China and Africa are of practical significance to ensure the healthy and sustainable development of their agricultural cooperation and to strengthen the strategic outcome of China’s “one belt, one road” strategy. Firstly, this paper posits research hypotheses considering six aspects—economic scale, geographical and demographic factors, natural resource endowment, the level of agricultural science and technology, political factors, and exchange rate factors—and then performs an empirical analysis based on an extended gravity model by using data on China from the UN COMTRADE and other data on 58 Africa countries from 2010 to 2019. The results indicate that China’s GDP, African countries’ GDP, the years of education of the African population, the average arable land per capita of African countries and the renewable water resources per capita in Africa have positive effects on the trade flow of agricultural products between China and Africa. Geographical distance and China’s exchange rate have a negative impact on trade flow. The impact of the human capital index of China and the “one belt, one road” policy are not significant. Next, in order to analyze the impact of these factors on different regions of Africa, this paper uses sub samples to test the regional heterogeneity and discusses the relevant issues. Finally, some countermeasures are put forward: the top-level design and overall layout of bilateral cooperation should be consolidated, the stereoscopic traffic network construction of bilateral trade should be accelerated, and the upgrading of agricultural technology should also be accelerated.
B Impact Assessment as a Sustainable Tool: Analysis of the Certification Model
Authors: Silva Vítor , Lima Vanda , Sá José Carlos , Fonseca Luís , Santos Gilberto
Published: May 2022

Currently, certification is an essential tool for a company’s sustainability and a seal of trust for the stakeholders. The B Corporation (B Corp) certification system is in line with the leading indicators of sustainable development and social responsibility published by the general assembly of the United Nations, namely: environment, community, workers, customers, and governance. Nevertheless, it is essential that academic research should empirically assess the B Corp model’s reliability for its validation and legitimization. In this study, we address the results of the B Impact Assessment of 2262 companies certified by B Corp from the beginning of 2017 to March 2021. The main objective is to analyze the B Impact Assessment, verifying the robustness and consistency of the model to measure and improve the economic, social, and environmental impact of companies. We analyzed the construct’s validity through a confirmatory factorial analysis using AMOS statistical software. The results allowed us to identify some weaknesses and limitations of the B Impact Assessment. This certification system reflects an unadjusted model where the main assessment indicators have problems with regard to the measurement scale. The governance and customer indicators are the most vulnerable. The findings also allow us to state that there are apparently no minimum values established for each of the parameters evaluated, which may cause imbalances in the sustainable development process of B Corp companies. This research contributes to enhancing B Impact Assessment as a sustainability tool, highlighting areas for improvement concerning the indicators’ measurement scales and the assessment process, including the monitoring of evaluators.
Assessment of Social Housing Energy and Thermal Performance in Relation to Occupants’ Behaviour and COVID-19 Influence—A Case Study in the Basque Country, Spain
Authors: Perez-Bezos Silvia , Figueroa-Lopez Anna , Etxebarria-Mallea Matxalen , Oregi Xabat , Hernandez-Minguillon Rufino Javier
Published: May 2022

Evidence shows that people have a major impact on building performance. Occupants’ impact is especially important in social housing, where their occupants may present greater vulnerabilities, and their needs are not always considered. This study aims to analyse the socio-demographic influence in social rental housing concerning hygrothermal comfort and energy consumption in a case study located in Vitoria, Spain during the first 4-month period of 2020 and 2021 (during and after COVID-19 lockdown). An innovative data management system is included, where the users and administration can see in real-time the temperature and consumption in the dwellings. A 2-phase method has been applied; phase 1 is associated with outdoor climate conditions, building properties and social profile. Phase 2 determined the results in energy consumption, indoor hygrothermal comfort and occupant energy-use pattern. The results show that the comfort levels and energy consumption vary according to the analysed social profiles, as well as the heating activation periods and domestic hot water system usage. In conclusion, socio-demographic characteristics of social housing households influence the hygrothermal comfort of their dwellings, occupants’ behaviour and heating and domestic hot water energy consumption.
Rethinking Outdoor Courtyard Spaces on University Campuses to Enhance Health and Wellbeing: The Anti-Virus Built Environment
Authors: Alnusairat Saba , Al-Shatnawi Zahra , Ayyad Yara , Alwaked Ala’ , Abuanzeh Nasser
Published: May 2022

Responding to the events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores how to improve health and wellbeing and reduce infections in outdoor open spaces on university campuses to maximize their potential as a response to future crises. The study identifies the relationship between human behavior (social) and the various physical and environmental elements of these spaces. A case study and mixed-methods approach were undertaken, comprising four modes of inspection: user analysis layer using questionnaires and observations to survey students’ needs and behavior; context analysis layer using space syntax and CFD to examine the space’s physical and environmental conditions; design solutions reflecting an understanding of virus transmission; and a performance analysis layer to test the performance of ‘anti-virus’ courtyards. The findings demonstrated that students are willing to use the open spaces that they used before the pandemic, at the same frequency. This indicates a need to redesign the current spaces to prevent the spread of viruses. The study highlights the social, physical, and environmental implications to be considered in designs for outdoor anti-virus spaces. It provides a comprehensive process for transforming outdoor spaces on university campuses into anti-virus spaces that meet users’ needs. These findings have implications for the designing and retrofitting of open spaces to reduce infection.
Two-Part Tariff of Pumped Storage Power Plants for Wind Power Accommodation
Authors: Li Hua , Zheng Hongwei , Zhou Bowen , Li Guangdi , Yang Bo , Hu Bo , Ma Min
Published: May 2022

Pumped storage power plants face many challenges in competing in the electricity market, and high pumping costs lead to high prices for their power generation, which is one of the important factors that has limited their development. To address this problem, this paper studies the pumped storage two-part tariff mechanism considering wind power accommodation and uses the peak-valley price difference of wind power to realize the rationality and economy of a pumped storage charging and discharging strategy. It can improve the competitiveness of pumped storage power plants participating in electricity market transactions. Then, by considering the economic advantages of “pumped storage + clean energy”, a pumped storage and wind power joint optimal dispatching model was established based on the original pumped storage pricing method. This model takes the total system cost reduction after the introduction of pumped storage as the objective function to derive a reasonable pumped storage strategy. After which, the two-part tariff for pumped storage power plants was formulated based on the principle of reasonable revenue. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of various relevant parameters of the power plant was conducted through case studies to verify the effectiveness of the two-part tariff mechanism of pumped storage. It was found that the electricity tariff is lowest when the ratio of plant capacity to upper reservoir capacity is 1:6.37 (MW/million m3).
Study on Properties of Copper-Contaminated Soil Solidified by Solid Waste System Combined with Cement
Authors: Liang Lisheng , Zhang Jieya , Fang Peiying , Suo Chongxian
Published: May 2022

Three industrial solid wastes including red mud, carbide slag, and phosphogypsum combined with ordinary Portland cement were used as curing agents to solidify/stabilize loess polluted by a high concentration of copper ions. The unconfined compressive strength, resistivity, permeability coefficient, copper ion leaching concentration, pH value, and other engineering application evaluation indexes were analyzed to preliminarily assess the applicability of the curing agent in the remediation of soil contaminated with a high concentration of copper ions. The mineral phases and functional groups of solidified soil were detected using XRD and FTIR, showing that the strength, electrical resistivity, and pH value of solidified soil decrease following the addition of copper ions. Moreover, the strength and resistivity of solidified soil increase with the curing age, and the pH value decreases with age. For solidified contaminated soil, when the total content of curing agent increases from 10 to 20%, the maximum 28 d strength increases from 1.35 to 5.43 MPa, and in this study, its permeability coefficient, copper ion leaching concentration, and pH value were found to be within the limits set by relevant national standards. In conclusion, red mud-carbide slag-phosphogypsum combined with cement has a good stabilizing effect on sites polluted with a high concentration of copper ions.
Controlling Agronomic Variables of Saffron Crop Using IoT for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Kour Kanwalpreet , Gupta Deepali , Gupta Kamali , Juneja Sapna , Kaur Manjit , Alharbi Amal H. , Lee Heung-No
Published: May 2022

Saffron, also known as “the golden spice”, is one of the most expensive crops in the world. The expensiveness of saffron comes from its rarity, the tedious harvesting process, and its nutritional and medicinal value. Different countries of the world are making great economic growth due to saffron export. In India, it is cultivated mostly in regions of Kashmir owing to its climate and soil composition. The economic value generated by saffron export can be increased manyfold by studying the agronomical factors of saffron and developing a model for artificial cultivation of saffron in any season and anywhere by monitoring and controlling the conditions of its growth. This paper presents a detailed study of all the agronomical variables of saffron that have a direct or indirect impact on its growth. It was found that, out of all the agronomical variables, the important ones having an impact on growth include corm size, temperature, water availability, and minerals. It was also observed that the use of IoT for the sustainable cultivation of saffron in smart cities has been discussed only by very few research papers. An IoT-based framework has also been proposed, which can be used for controlling and monitoring all the important growth parameters of saffron for its cultivation.
Does Infrastructure Development Contribute to EU Countries’ Economic Growth?
Authors: Maciulyte-Sniukiene Alma , Butkus Mindaugas
Published: May 2022

Traditionally, infrastructure has been considered an essential component of a country’s development. Therefore, European Union (EU) Member States (MS) invest heavily in this area. A lot of support for infrastructure development is also directed from the EU Structural Funds (SF). However, the results of previous studies do not fully reveal whether the development of infrastructure contributes to EU MS’ economic growth and what factors mediate this effect. Considering the limitations of previous studies, this article aims to examine whether the development of different types of infrastructure (transport, information and communication technologies (ICT), energy, and water and sanitation) contribute to economic growth and to assess whether government quality affects the growth outcomes of infrastructure. Empirical estimations are based on neoclassical specifications and cover 28 EU countries from 2000 to 2019. Estimates revealed that all types of infrastructure positively correlate with growth but not all correlations are significant. Only mobile cellular, which proxies ICT infrastructure, electricity production, which proxies energy infrastructure, and pipeline transport infrastructure significantly affect economic growth. Water and sanitation infrastructure development do not significantly contribute to EU MS’ economic growth. The institutional environment, i.e., less corruption, has a considerable positive effect on the growth outcomes of electricity production and pipeline transport infrastructure.
Analysis of the COVID-19 Lockdown’s Impact on Air Quality in the Larger Cities of Spain
Authors: Lorenzo-Sáez Edgar , Coll-Aliaga Eloína , Oliver-Villanueva Jose-Vicente , Prieto del Campo Fernando , Lerma-Arce Victoria
Published: May 2022

During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the air quality reached the best levels to be recorded in large cities in Spain. To analyze and demonstrate this improvement in air quality levels, the evolution of the average nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in 78 Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants during the pre-COVID-19 years (2017–2019), the period of the COVID-19 lockdown, and the post-COVID-19 year (2021) was analyzed. The results show an improvement in the air quality in most of the cities analyzed for 2020 due to the COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, in 2021, without the COVID-19 restrictions, the air quality levels of the largest cities in Spain showed important improvements in terms of NO2 concentration compared to the levels in the pre-COVID-19 years (2017–2019). Nevertheless, in 2021, only 11 cities were below the average annual limit of 10 µg/m3 NO2 established by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, no cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants achieved NO2 levels below the WHO limit. Finally, a detailed monthly analysis indicated that the pre-COVID-19 levels were reached again during the last months of the monitored period.
The Use of Hydraulic Fracturing in Stimulation of the Oil and Gas Wells in Romania
Authors: Pană Ion , Gheţiu Iuliana Veronica , Stan Ioana Gabriela , Dinu Florinel , Brănoiu Gheorghe , Suditu Silvian
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the application of the hydraulic fracturing method in Romania, exemplified by three case studies. In the current conditions in which the oil and gas prices have risen above the limit of affordability, Romania, one of the few producers in Europe, is trying to solve the problems that have arisen through various methods, which are as follows: offshore drilling, gas underground storage, field rehabilitation and increasing the efficiency of applied technologies. The application of hydraulic fracturing is a safe process, with minimal environmental implications and certain economic benefits. The important thing is to have the necessary energy now, in the desired quantities and with minimal expenses. The authors sought to include key issues in the application of this technology in Romania. The scientific literature on this topic has helped us to interpret the data from the field in difficult situations and were a real support in our activity. We need to provide energy support and energy security and we do not have a lot of resources. Under these conditions, the reactivation of existing deposits and the extension of the production period are essential elements. The authors designed the fracturing technologies. The data corresponding to the geological structure obtained through geological investigations, and the database corresponding to the analyzed wells from the company’s data archive were the elements used in the simulation programs. Thus, the values in the fracturing area about pore fluid permeability, layers stress, Young’s modulus of the structure and fracture toughness were established. The fluids for the fracturing operation and the proppant were chosen for each case, in accordance with the geological recommendations, by our team. Testing of the fracturing technologies for different variants of the pumping program was carried out using the Fracpro program. The variants presented in this article are some of the best solutions found. We used the step-by-step flow test to find the fracture expansion pressure and closing pressure for each case. The mini-frac program established corrections to the designed technologies during the operation quickly and with reduced costs. The designed technologies allowed us to anticipate the necessary flows and pressure, leading to the choice of equipment. The fracture operations were performed only after the projected technologies anticipated the economic benefits covering the investments for the use of the equipment and the operation itself. Knowing the measured pressure of the well and the conditions of communication with the gas/oil reservoir, a simulation of the gas/oil production that could be obtained was made with the simulator. Two situations were exemplified for a gas well and an oil well. The field production results for a two-year interval are also indicated for these wells and a comparison was made with the estimated production.
The Role of Physical Education and Sports in Modern Society Supported by IoT—A Student Perspective
Authors: Cojocaru Adin Marian , Bucea-Manea-Țoniș Rocsana , Jianu Anca , Dumangiu Mihail Alexandru , Alexandrescu Lygia Ulpiana , Cojocaru Marilena
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic in recent years and the massive presence of information technology generate one of the biggest challenges facing humanity, namely the technological challenge. In this context, educational technologies have a positive impact on the correct and effective teaching and learning of physical education and sports (PES), with a great positive impact on future sustainable higher education (HE). Thus, various innovative techniques could be of interest, such as the use of social networks and fitness sites, e-learning platforms, computer games, and telephone applications involving video analysis and age-specific images of students and the skills taught. This study aims to establish the main means used by technology, through which it can improve the teaching, learning, and practice of PES. This paper demonstrates the positive effects of technology on the PES field in modern society through a regression model, applied to data collected from 260 students from 2 Romanian PES Universities. The pedagogical and educational elements of our model also highlight the role of technology as a facilitator of knowledge, functioning as a tool that comes to the aid of specialists in the PES field.
Research on Carbon Emissions of Road Traffic in Chengdu City Based on a LEAP Model
Authors: Wang Junjie , Li Yuan , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2022

With the continuous increase in the number of vehicles, the proportion of carbon emissions from road traffic in cities has significantly increased, putting pressure on the overall carbon emission reduction of cities The implementation of low-carbon transportation has, therefore, become crucial to urban emission reductions. Based on the situation of vehicles in Chengdu, this study uses the LEAP model to construct a road traffic development scenario in Chengdu from 2020 to 2025. The research focuses on common greenhouse gases that contribute to carbon emissions such as CO2, N2O, and CH4 from motor vehicles. With current policies being considered, we simulate and evaluate energy consumption and carbon emissions under two energy-saving and emission reduction scenarios: low carbon (LC) and strengthen low carbon (SLC). The results show that carbon emissions significantly improve under the LC scenario, and that the carbon emissions of the road traffic of Chengdu will peak before 2030 under the SLC scenario.
Diet Fermentation Leads to Microbial Adaptation in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens; Linnaeus, 1758) Larvae Reared on Palm Oil Side Streams
Authors: Klüber Patrick , Tegtmeier Dorothee , Hurka Sabine , Pfeiffer Janin , Vilcinskas Andreas , Rühl Martin , Zorn Holger
Published: May 2022

Insects offer a promising alternative source of protein to mitigate the environmental consequences of conventional livestock farming. Larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; Linnaeus, 1758) efficiently convert a variety of organic side streams and residues into valuable proteins, lipids, and chitin. Here, we evaluated the suitability of two palm oil industry side streams—empty fruit bunches (EFB) and palm kernel meal (PKM)—as larval feed, and their impact on the larval gut microbiome. Among 69 fungal species we screened, Marasmius palmivorus, Irpex consors, and Bjerkandera adusta achieved the fastest growth and lignin degradation, so these fungi were used for the pretreatment of 7:3 mixtures of EFB and PKM. Larvae reared on the mixture pretreated with B. adusta (BAD) developed significantly more quickly and reached a higher final weight than those reared on the other pretreatments or the non-fermented reference (NFR). Amplicon sequencing of the BAD and NFR groups revealed major differences in the larval gut microbiome. The NFR group was dominated by facultatively anaerobic Enterobacteriaceae (typical of H. illucens larvae) whereas the BAD group favored obligately anaerobic, cellulolytic bacteria (Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae). We hypothesize that fungal lignin degradation led to an accumulation of mycelia and subsequent cellulolytic breakdown of fiber residues, thus improving substrate digestibility.
Influence of Magnesium Oxide on Carbonation of Cement Paste Containing Limestone and Metakaolin
Authors: Jiang Tao , Jin Ying
Published: May 2022

One of the major durability concerns for limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) concrete is its high susceptibility to atmospheric carbonation that could lead to an early onset of electrochemical corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete structures. Aimed at designing innovative LC3 formulations with potentially enhanced carbonation resistance, this preliminary study investigates the influence of reactive magnesia (MgO) on the early-age strength development, hydrates assemblage, and atmospheric carbonation resistance of ternary ordinary Portland cement-metakaolin-limestone blends with a constant 45% ordinary Portland cement (OPC) replacement level. The results show that the MgO addition impedes the formation of AFm phases (hemicarbonate and monocarbonate), likely through interfering reactions between metakaolin and portlandite. The formed brucite due to MgO hydration can uptake atmospheric CO2 to some extent, but at a considerably slower rate, in comparison with other hydrates in LC3 including AFm, AFt, and portlandite. The enhancement of carbonation resistance of LC3 pastes is insignificant by MgO addition of less than 5%.
Long-Term Freezing Temperatures Frequency Change Effect on Wind Energy Gain (Eurasia and North America, 1950–2019)
Authors: Aizpurua-Etxezarreta Maddi , Carreno-Madinabeitia Sheila , Ulazia Alain , Sáenz Jon , Saenz-Aguirre Aitor
Published: May 2022

The persistent freezing conditions in cold regions are the cause of ice accretion on mechanical and instrumental elements of wind turbines. Consequently, remarkable Annual Energy Production (AEP) losses are prone to occur in those wind farms. Following global expansion of wind energy, these areas have had increased study interest in recent years. The goal of these studies is an improved characterisation of the site for the installation of turbines, which could prevent unexpected high AEP losses due to ice accretion on them. In this context, this paper provides an estimation of the freezing temperatures frequency (FTF) at 100 m over latitudes and evaluates the changes during the last 70 years. To that end, hourly surface temperature data (2 m above surface) from the ERA5 reanalysis is used in the [50∘ N, 75∘ N] latitudinal belt for the period 1950–2019. The obtained results show an average reduction of FTF hours of 72.5 h/decade for all the domain, reaching a maximum decrease of 621 h/decade on the southeast coast of Greenland and a 60% annual reduction at a specific location in Scandinavia. In terms of AEP a maximum gain of more than 26% would be projected, as categorised by the the International Energy Agency.
Applicability of Industry 4.0 Technologies in the Reverse Logistics: A Circular Economy Approach Based on COmprehensive Distance Based RAnking (COBRA) Method
Authors: Krstić Mladen , Agnusdei Giulio Paolo , Miglietta Pier Paolo , Tadić Snežana , Roso Violeta
Published: May 2022

The logistics sector plays one of the most important roles in the supply chain with the aim of providing a fast, flexible, safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally acceptable performance of freight transport flows. In addition, the popularization of the concept of a circular economy (CE) used to retain goods, components, and materials at their highest usability and value at all times, illustrates the importance of the adequate performance of reverse logistics (RL) processes. However, traditional RL is unable to cope with the requirements of modern supply chains and requires the application of Industry 4.0 technologies, which would make it more efficient. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of various Industry 4.0 technologies in the RL sector in order to point out the most applicable ones. To solve the defined problem, a novel multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model was defined by combining the best—worst method (BWM) to obtain the criteria weights, and the newly developed comprehensive distance-based ranking (COBRA) method to rank the technologies. Another aim of the study was to validate the newly established method. The results indicated that the most applicable technologies were the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and electronic—mobile marketplaces. These technologies will have a significant impact on the development of RL and the establishment of CE systems, thus bringing about all the related positive effects.
Bio-Based Products from Mediterranean Seaweeds: Italian Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Blue Economy
Authors: Armeli Minicante Simona , Bongiorni Lucia , De Lazzari Amelia
Published: May 2022

Seaweeds are attracting increasing attention as an alternative healthy food and renewable drugs source and as agents of climate change mitigation that provide essential ecosystem services. In this context, seaweeds represent marine resources capable of supporting and pursuing the objectives of the Sustainable Blue Economy and the Bio-Based Circular Economy. In this review, we analyze the state of seaweed bio-based products and research on the Mediterranean Sea from the last 20 years. Results of this analysis show a large number of investigations focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to on biofuels and bioplastics. Attempts at seaweed farming, although generally very limited, are present in Israel and some North African countries. Lastly, we focus on the Italian situation—including research, companies and legislation on seaweed production—and we discuss gaps, perspectives and challenges for the potential development of a sustainable seaweed industry according to the Sustainable Blue Economy.
Interdisciplinarity in Graduate Education for Groundwater Science and Technology
Authors: Xia Lu , Peng Guohua
Published: May 2022

Groundwater science and technology is among the most rapidly developing branches of earth science globally. Interdisciplinarity poses both a challenge and a historical mission for graduate education in groundwater science and technology. This paper first analyzes the characteristics of domestic and international graduate education in groundwater science and technology. In addition, taking the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) as an example, it shows the history and development of the field in China. The results indicate that: (1) the graduate courses in groundwater science and technology in China are based on the characteristics of geoscientific research and closely integrate the advantages in environmental studies, ecology, and computer science to promote cross-fertilization across disciplines, departments, and universities; (2) after a few twists and turns in conferring master’s and PhD degrees and in the construction of the discipline, groundwater science and technology has witnessed an increase in faculty members, expansion of the field of study, and the addition of modern educational and research facilities; (3) an increasing number of graduate students conduct research into the quality and safety of water supplies, rehabilitation technology of polluted water bodies, environment protection of river basin ecosystems, and so on.
Towards Balanced Fertilizer Management in South China: Enhancing Wax Gourd (Benincasa hispida) Yield and Produce Quality
Authors: Chen Xiao , Chen Xiaodong , Jiao Jiabin , Zhang Fusuo , Chen Xinping , Li Guohua , Song Zhao , Sokolowski Eldad , Imas Patricia , Magen Hillel , Bustan Amnon , He Yuzhi , Xie Dasen , Zhang Baige
Published: May 2022

Balanced fertilizer management promotes plant growth, enhances produce quality, minimizes inputs, and reduces negative environmental impacts. Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida) is an important vegetable crop species in China and in South Asia. Two crop nutrition options, NPK and the natural mineral polyhalite, were tested, separately and combined, with the aim of enhancing wax gourd yield and quality and simultaneously to increase nutrient use efficiency and reducing inputs. The experiments tested the optimization of NPK by reducing the proportion of phosphorus (P), and the effect of enriching the soil with essential macronutrients by the use of the supplementary mineral fertilizer polyhalite containing magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S). Two experiments were carried out in Foshan County, Guangdong, China, in 2018 and 2019. Experiments included four treatments: (1) Conventional NPK (15:15:15); (2) Optimized NPK (16:8:18); (3) Conventional NPK + polyhalite; (4) Optimized NPK + polyhalite. Fertilizers were applied prior to planting. While optimized NPK alone had no effects on fruit yield and quality, supplementary polyhalite resulted in a 10–17% increase in yield and significantly improved produce quality due to increased nutrient uptake from polyhalite, resulting in better foliar biomass. We conclude that the combined crop nutrition options improved yield and quality, enhanced nutrient use efficiency, and reduced risks of nutrient pollution. Inclusion of polyhalite in balanced fertilization practices as a supplementary source of secondary macronutrients seems promising. Nevertheless, plenty of space remains open for further adjustments of NPK application management, focusing on reduced rates, optimized ratio, and accurate timing of application for each nutrient.
Does Green Finance Contribute to Corporate Technological Innovation? The Moderating Role of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Li Xiuping , Yang Ye
Published: May 2022

Technological innovation fundamentally drives sustainable economic development, and green finance provides an institutional guarantee for technological innovation. In this study, we obtained the data from 31 provinces of China during 2010–2019 to set up a green finance indicator system following the entropy method. The focal points in this paper are investigating the relationship regarding green finance and corporate technological innovation, and whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) strengthens such relationship. To do so, we matched the data of non-financial listed companies. The results are as follows: (1) Green finance can significantly enhance corporate technological innovation, and CSR has a positive moderating effect on this relationship between green finance and corporate technological innovation. (2) Based on the results of heterogeneity analysis, the positive impacts regarding green finance over technological innovation are more significant in larger companies, and companies in more economically developed eastern regions. More notably, green finance played a more significant role before 2016 than after. This study offers insights to future references for analyzing the green finance over economic sustainable development characterized by technological innovation.
Integrated Optimization of Rolling Stock Scheduling and Flexible Train Formation Based on Passenger Demand for an Intercity High-Speed Railway
Authors: Zhao Peng , Li Yawei , Han Baoming , Yang Ruixia , Liu Zhiping
Published: May 2022

The key features of an intercity high-speed railway (IHSR) include its high frequency, the short intervals, and the short distances covered. The mode of rolling stock scheduling generally uses fixed segments. In view of the fact that intercity passenger demand has the characteristics of large fluctuations in terms of time and direction, the use of the traditional rolling stock scheduling plan with a fixed train formation will result in a mismatch between the train formation and passenger demand. In order to improve the matching of train formation and passenger demand and increase the utilization rate of rolling stocks, this paper puts forward the concept of flexible train formation by time period and constructs an integrated optimization model of the rolling stock scheduling and flexible train formation based on passenger demand. The model aims at minimizing the number of rolling stocks, the amount of coupling/decoupling necessary, and the deadhead time. The model takes into account constraints such as the connection method used, the source and destination of the rolling stock, the total amount of rolling stock, and the use of a flexible train formation. In addition, the Gurobi solver is used to accurately solve the problem through the linearization of the model. This paper also provides an example of the Beijing–Tianjin IHSR as a verification of the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model. The example compares the indicators in the fixed and flexible train formation modes. The results of the research show that, on the premise of meeting passenger demand, the flexible train formation mode can reduce the cost of rolling stock; increase the efficiency of rolling stock; improve the balance of rolling stock scheduling; and, consequently, provide a reference for the optimization of rolling stock scheduling plan with the background of “cost reduction and efficiency increase” in the railway industry.