bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Social Context and Intention to Quit: The Mediating Role of Work Engagement and Interpersonal Strain
Authors: De Simone Silvia , Cicotto Gianfranco , Cenciotti Roberto , Borgogni Laura
Published: July 2021

Several studies have investigated turnover intention and its predictors underlining the role of organisational conditions and personal resources. This study focused on the role of the Perceptions of Social Context (PoSC) and Work Engagement as personal resources that can create healthy and productive organisations. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that contribute to intention to quit focusing on the PoSC, including Work Engagement and a construct that describes mental and emotional detachment from other individuals in work contexts (Interpersonal Strain). A total of 647 employees of an Italian organisation completed a self-report questionnaire. A structural equations model was tested, the findings of which show that work engagement negatively predicts intention to quit, whereas interpersonal strain positively predicts this outcome. Moreover, the PoSC of the immediate supervisor and the PoSC of colleagues have negative mediated effects on intention to quit by reinforcing work engagement and by reducing interpersonal strain, respectively. Finally, the PoSC of management also have negative effects on intention to quit, both directly and by increasing work engagement. Nevertheless, it is now possible to plan different actions and interventions, taking into account these findings to enhance workplace well-being.
Sustainability of Families and Child Welfare
Authors: Hämäläinen Juha , Vornanen Riitta , Pihlainen Kaisa
Published: July 2021

This special issue deals specifically with the sustainability of families and child welfare with respect to sustainable social development [...]
Community-Based Conservation for the Sustainable Management of Conservation Conflicts: Learning from Practitioners
Authors: Young Juliette Claire , Alexander Justine Shanti , Bijoor Ajay , Sharma Deepshikha , Dutta Abhijit , Agvaantseren Bayarjargal , Mijiddorj Tserennadmid Nadia , Jumabay Kubanych , Amankul Venera , Kabaeva Benazir , Nawaz Ali , Khan Shafiqullah , Ali Hussain , Rullman Jennifer Snell , Sharma Koustubh , Murali Ranjini , Mishra Charudutt
Published: July 2021

We explore the role of community-based conservation (CBC) in the sustainable management of conservation conflicts by examining the experiences of conservation practitioners trying to address conflicts between snow leopard conservation and pastoralism in Asian mountains. Practitioner experiences are examined through the lens of the PARTNERS principles for CBC (Presence, Aptness, Respect, Transparency, Negotiation, Empathy, Responsiveness, and Strategic Support) that represent an inclusive conservation framework for effective and ethical engagement with local communities. Case studies from India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Pakistan show that resilient relationships arising from respectful engagement and negotiation with local communities can provide a strong platform for robust conflict management. We highlight the heuristic value of documenting practitioner experiences in on-the-ground conflict management and community-based conservation efforts.
Exploring the Influences of Innovation Climate and Resource Endowments through Two Types of University–Industry Collaborative Activities on Regional Sustainable Development
Authors: Yu Shu , Zhang Shuangshuang , Yuizono Takaya
Published: July 2021

“Innovation driven” is the proper term for promoting regional sustainable development under the general goal of national high-quality development. University–industry collaboration (UIC) has become an important innovation resource for regional sustainable development. The study aims to analyze the influencing factors and mediating mechanisms of university–industry collaboration scientific and technological (S&T) and business activities oriented for regional sustainable development in 30 provinces in China (excluding Tibet). Specifically, we used the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling method to test the effects of innovation climate and resource endowments on regional sustainable development through two mode pathways of university–industry collaboration activities. The results show that the innovation climate and resource endowments significantly affect UIC in scientific and technological innovation activities, and then affect the regional economic development and human capital. UIC S&T innovation activities play positive mediating roles in promoting regional sustainable development. In addition, the innovation climate does not significantly impact the business activities of UIC. Therefore, region can get a greater sustainable development through UIC S&T innovation activities than business activities. Much more UIC S&T activities can improve the economic development, human capital, and environmental conditions in the region.
End Use Energy Services Framework Co-Creation with Multiple Stakeholders—A Living Lab-Based Case Study
Authors: Shafqat Omar , Malakhatka Elena , Chrobot Nina , Lundqvist Per
Published: July 2021

End use energy services have an important role in the ongoing energy transition process by improving the value proposition to the customer through better needs fulfillment and experience and providing system value to the energy system. This study presents a framework for end use energy services, developed as a result of co-creation with multiple stakeholders for a case study in a living lab context. The framework has been co-created using the principles of systems thinking to identify and map both existing and emerging elements and interactions within the energy system and customers. The framework is organized to include aspects from energy system and human system perspectives and divides the energy services development process into three distinct stages. The development stages comprise the strategic planning stage, service design stage, and solution stage. Key considerations are provided for each stage to develop a clearer understanding of the overall end use energy service process.
Agent-Based Approach to Configure Processes in Iran’s Banking Service Supply Chain
Authors: Jalilian Negar , Zanjirchi Seyed Mahmoud , Naser Sadrabadi Alireza , Asgharpourmasouleh Ahmadreza , Goh Mark
Published: July 2021

Improving the service processes of banks requires updating and optimizing banking supply chain processes as well as understanding the interaction between the constituent elements of each process. This paper applies agent-based modeling to configure selected processes of Tejarat Bank’s service supply chain, a large bank in Iran. Tejarat’s banking process system is presented and the most effective processes of the banking supply chain are identified. The interactions between the processes are examined and the research model is presented. We execute the agent-based modeling in a simulated environment. The simulation results are analyzed using Taguchi’s experimental method. Selected combinations of the elements of the integrated marketing communications program are presented to reduce the liquidity risk of Tejarat Bank.
Green Technological Progress and the Backwardness Advantage of Green Development: Taking the Sustainable Development Strategy of Central and Western China as an Example
Authors: Wen Huaide , Dai Jun
Published: July 2021

It is generally believed that research and development on green technology are difficult, but this paper finds that the gap in green technological progress between the central and western regions and the eastern region in China is significantly smaller than the gap in technological progress, and the per capita green GDP of the central and western regions caught up with the eastern region significantly faster than the per capita GDP. This paper proposes that the comparative advantage of human capital level in the central and western regions is the reason why these regions choose the direction of green technological progress, and the choice of the direction of green technological progress in the central and western regions may further bring about the backwardness advantages of green development in these regions. Through the system generalized method of moments (sys-GMM) estimation, empirical research using panel data from 29 provinces as well as the regional panel data in the mainland of China from 1995 to 2017 proved the above proposition. Specifically, due to the comparative advantages of human capital level, the central and western regions have chosen the direction of green technological progress; further, the central and western regions will obtain greater benefits of green GDP growth from the green technological progress, that is, the green technological progress enables these regions’ backwardness to take advantage from green development. This is a useful supplement to the theory of sustainable development and the theory of backwardness advantage.
Determining Pre-Service Teachers’ Intention of Using Technology for Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Authors: Lai Wah Lim , Hashim Harwati
Published: July 2021

The advancement of technology has led to a paradigm shift in the educational system, especially in classrooms. Technological tools have been used for language teaching in recent years, and it is proven that the use of technology enhances teaching and learning experiences. However, the researchers lamented the lack of use of technology by pre-service to teach English as a second language (ESL). This study aims to investigate factors that influence pre-service teachers’ intention of using technology for teaching ESL. This research applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with some modifications to the constructs. Using simple random sampling, this study distributed questionnaires to 257 ESL pre-service teachers in Malaysia. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to analyse the data. The findings showed that technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) had a significant positive effect on the intention to incorporate technology in teaching. This study provides knowledge on the factors that influence ESL pre-service teachers’ intention to use technology in the classroom. It is hoped that this study can provide information for teacher training institutions to develop strategies and a new framework to address pre-service teachers’ concerns in technology utilisation for teaching ESL. As a conclusion, further study could be conducted qualitatively to better understand the subject matter.
Seawater Desalination via Waste Heat Recovery from Generator of Wind Turbines: How Economical Is It to Use a Hybrid HDH-RO Unit?
Authors: Rostamzadeh Hadi , Rostami Saeed , Amidpour Majid , He Weifeng , Han Dong
Published: July 2021

Over recent years, the concept of waste heat recovery from the generators of wind turbines for driving a thermal-driven desalination system was introduced, and its advantages were highlighted. However, any selection of a bottoming thermal-driven desalination system among different existing technologies should be taken under consideration before making an ultimate recommendation. Unfortunately, no comprehensive comparison is available in the literature to compare the performance as well as the cost aspects of using the waste thermal energy of the generator of a wind turbine for desalinating seawater, comparing them with those of a layout where the power of the wind turbine is directly supplied to a mechanically driven desalination system for the same amount of drinkable water production. This study aims at analyzing the economic aspects of waste heat recovery from the generators of wind turbines for seawater desalination via the humidification-dehumidification (HDH) approach, versus the reverse osmosis (RO) unit. For this purpose, a closed-air water-heater HDH unit, directly coupled with a RO unit (called a hybrid HDH-RO unit) is employed, in which thermal energy is provided by the heat dissipating from the generator of the wind turbine while its power is supplied directly by the wind turbine. The energetic and exergetic performance, along with the cost aspects of a hybrid HDH-RO unit driven by the wind turbine, are compared with those of a solo RO unit. The results of the study were extended for six different types of wind turbines, and we concluded that the unit cost associated with the freshwater produced by the waste heat recovery approach is astronomically higher than that of the solo RO system for all wind turbine models, and hence is not practically feasible. It was found that more power can be recovered from the discarded brine from the solo RO unit than the hybrid HDH-RO unit. In addition, the solo RO desalination system, working directly with the power of the wind turbine, has a less complex configuration, and hence its investment cost rate is significantly lower than that needed for setting up an HDH-RO unit. At high wind speeds, however, the cost penalty associated with the freshwater produced by the HDH-RO unit decreases, but it is still huge. Among all screened wind turbines, the GW-136/4.8 is most appealing in terms of greater power generation, but its investment cost rate is the highest among all models due to its high rated power value. However, the freshwater unit cost of the GW-136/4.8 is significantly lower than the values obtained for other models. Finally, the two locations of Manjil and Zabol are selected as a benchmark and the results of the simulation are extended for these locations.
Crushed Bricks: Demolition Waste as a Sustainable Raw Material for Geopolymers
Authors: D’Angelo Gigliola , Fumo Marina , Merino Mercedes del Rio , Capasso Ilaria , Campanile Assunta , Iucolano Fabio , Caputo Domenico , Liguori Barbara
Published: July 2021

Demolition activity plays an important role in the total energy consumption of the construction industry in the European Union. The indiscriminate use of non-renewable raw materials, energy consumption, and unsustainable design has led to a redefinition of the criteria to ensure environmental protection. This article introduces an experimental plan that determines the viability of a new type of construction material, obtained from crushed brick waste, to be introduced into the construction market. The potential of crushed brick waste as a raw material in the production of building precast products, obtained by curing a geopolymeric blend at 60 °C for 3 days, has been exploited. Geopolymers represent an important alternative in reducing emissions and energy consumption, whilst, at the same time, achieving a considerable mechanical performance. The results obtained from this study show that the geopolymers produced from crushed brick were characterized by good properties in terms of open porosity, water absorption, mechanical strength, and surface resistance values when compared to building materials produced using traditional technologies.
Multi-Level Perspective on Sustainability Transition towards Nature-Based Solutions and Co-Creation in Urban Planning of Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Mitić-Radulović Ana , Lalović Ksenija
Published: July 2021

In recent years, nature-based solutions have been increasingly promoted as a climate change adaptation instrument, strongly advocated to be co-created. Achieving clear, coherent, and ambitious urban greening strategies, embedded in urban planning and developed in a co-creative, participatory and inclusive manner, is highly challenging within the EU enlargement context. In this article, such challenges are studied through two recent urban development initiatives in Belgrade, the Capital of Serbia: the first initiative focuses on planning the new Linear Park, within the framework of the CLEVER Cities Horizon 2020 project; the second initiative envisages the transformation of the privatised Avala Film Complex in the Košutnjak Urban Forest, primarily led by private interests but supported by the local authorities. The multiple-case study research method is applied, with an exploratory purpose and as a basis for potential future research on evaluation of co-creation processes for NBS implementation. The theoretical basis of this article is founded in the research on sustainability transitions, focusing on multi-level perspective (MLP) framework. The urban planning system in Belgrade and Serbia is observed as a socio-technical regime of the MLP. In such framework, we recognize co-creative planning of the Linear Park as a niche innovation. We interpret opposition towards planning of the Avala Film Complex as escalation, or an extreme element of the socio-technical landscape, comprised of civic unrests and political tensions on one side, combined with the climate crisis and excessive pollution on the other side. Moreover, the article examines informal urban planning instruments that can be implemented by the practitioners of niche innovations, that could support urban planners and NBS advocates in the Serbian and EU enlargement contexts to face the challenges of motivating all stakeholders to proactively, constructively and appropriately engage in co-creation.
Modelling the Carbon Footprint of Various Fruit and Vegetable Products Based on a Company’s Internal Transport Data
Authors: Górny Kasper , Idaszewska Natalia , Sydow Zuzanna , Bieńczak Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

Many organisations consider environmentally friendly activities, including the reduction of their carbon footprint, to be a significant aspect of their operation. In this study, a mathematical model was used to calculate the carbon footprint of food products at different stages of internal transport, using data on internal transport energy consumption. It was shown that for most products, the highest carbon footprint was related to the raw material transport stage from the loading/unloading point to the workstations on the production line. Broccoli showed the highest carbon footprint for internal transport per tonne of raw material. The study proposes methods of reducing the internal transport-related carbon footprint, which involves reorganising the distribution of goods in the warehouse and using nutritionally valuable vegetable waste in the production of food products.
Association between Physical Activity and Comorbidities in Spanish People with Asthma-COPD Overlap
Authors: Sánchez Castillo Sheila , Smith Lee , Díaz Suárez Arturo , López Sánchez Guillermo Felipe
Published: July 2021

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are important conditions which often coexist. Higher rates of comorbidities among people with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) may complicate clinical management. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of 30 different comorbidities and to analyze associations between these comorbidities and physical activity (PA) in Spanish people with ACO. Cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analyzed. A total of 198 Spanish people with ACO aged 15–69 years (60.6% women) were included in this study. PA was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. Diagnosis of chronic conditions were self-reported. Associations between PA and comorbidities were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. The most prevalent comorbidities were chronic allergy (58.1%), chronic lumbar pain (42.4%), chronic cervical pain (38.4%), hypertension (33.3%) and arthrosis (31.8%). A PA level lower than 600 MET·min/week was significantly associated with urinary incontinence (OR = 3.499, 95% CI = 1.369–8.944) and osteoporosis (OR = 3.056, 95% CI = 1.094–8.538) in the final adjusted model. Therefore, the potential influence of PA on reducing the risk of these conditions among people with ACO should be considered, not only because of the health benefits, but also because PA can contribute to a more sustainable world.
Unveiling the Evolution of Innovation Ecosystems: An Analysis of Triple, Quadruple, and Quintuple Helix Model Innovation Systems in European Case Studies
Authors: Taratori Rallou , Rodriguez-Fiscal Paulina , Pacho Marie Abigail , Koutra Sesil , Pareja-Eastaway Montserrat , Thomas Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

Despite the rising interest in smart city initiatives worldwide, governmental theories along with the managerial perspectives of city planning are greatly lacking in the literature. It is definitely understandable that the adoption of configurational pathways toward the ‘smart’ ‘governance’ models is required as a key factor and smartness’ facilitator in modern cities. In this manuscript, we display an exhaustive literature review on the importance of the n-Helix models along with a benchmarking critical approach through selected European case studies. This paper reveals the lack of exhaustive analyses for the methodological investigation, identification, and adoption of the most appropriate governance model per project including collaborative approaches. In addition, the paper deploys modular frameworks to efficiently address the continuous urban challenges, such as the rapid urbanization or the climate change.
Household Food Consumption and Wastage during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: A Comparison between Peru and Brazil
Authors: Cequea Mirza Marvel , Vásquez Neyra Jessika Milagros , Schmitt Valentina Gomes Haensel , Ferasso Marcos
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a major global challenge. In Latin America, both Brazil and Peru reported the highest levels of impact in terms of proportional infection and death rates. Within this context, this study sought to compare food consumption and wastage patterns in Peruvian and Brazilian households. For these purposes, the authors conducted a quantitative research study based on a self-reported online survey submitted during the pandemic outbreak. Results revealed that the intention of reducing food wastage and implementing leftover management routines are related to the economic value of wasted food. In addition, in both countries, shopping lists are used as planning elements, and food purchases are influenced by on-sale products. Leftover management is also similar in both countries, and the expiration date on the label is the most commonly used criterion for consuming or discarding food items. Nevertheless, within the framework of the health and economic crisis generated, opportunities for change toward the adoption of smarter and more sustainable purchasing behaviors are emerging for both households and companies, in addition to giving equal importance to environmental, social, and economic benefits. This research study provided insights into food consumption and food wastage behaviors in times of crisis, such as a pandemic.
Overview and Main Findings for the Austrian Case Study
Authors: Dolezal Franz , Dornigg Isabella , Wurm Markus , Figl Hildegund
Published: July 2021

As part of a project investigating in the potential greenhouse gas mitigation effect of the increased use and production of mass timber worldwide, a comparative study was carried out to show the potential benefit of mass timber use in buildings in central Europe. After designing a mass timber building functionally equivalent to an existing conventional building, cradle to grave life cycle assessments (LCA) were calculated. The reference is an eight-story building with mixed use in Vienna, originally built in reinforced concrete. Global Warming Potential (GWP) is defined as the central parameter of interest. Calculated life cycle phases are A1–A3 (resource to production), A4 and A5 (transport to site and construction, respectively), B4 (replacement in the use phase), and C1–C4 (End of Life), as well as D (benefits and loads beyond the building life). It can be shown that the total mass of the timber building is 47% lower than of the concrete building. Considering life cycle phases A1 to A5, the timber building shows 18% less embodied carbon. Taking the whole building life cycle and the operational energy use (B6) into account, differences in GWP are much lower, as the heating system, though equipped with high efficiency and clean Austrian electricity grid mix, has much higher impact than the other phases.
The Sustainable Development of Financial Topic Detection and Trend Prediction by Data Mining
Authors: Liu Yunmei , Zhang Shuai , Chen Min , Wu Yenchun , Chen Zhengxian
Published: July 2021

Blockchain technology is the most cutting-edge technology in the field of financial technology, which has attracted extensive attention from governments, financial institutions and investors of various countries. Blockchain and finance, as an interdisciplinary, cross-technology and cross-field topic, has certain limitations in both theory and application. Based on the bibliometrics data of Web of Science, this paper conducts data mining on 759 papers related to blockchain technology in the financial field by means of co-word analysis, bi-clustering algorithm and strategic coordinate analysis, so as to explore hot topics in this field and predict the future development trend. The experimental results found ten research topics in the field of blockchain combined with finance, including blockchain crowdfunding, Fintech, encryption currency, consensus mechanism, the Internet of Things, digital financial, medical insurance, supply chain finance, intelligent contract and financial innovation. Among them, blockchain crowdfunding, Fintech, encryption currency and supply chain finance are the key research directions in this research field. Finally, this paper also analyzes the opportunities and risks of blockchain development in the financial field and puts forward targeted suggestions for the government and financial institutions.
A Sustainable Plan to Rescue HR from Itself
Authors: Westerman James W.
Published: July 2021

The Human Resource (HR) function is often viewed by those in organizations as a process function and a cost-center, which results in an enhanced risk of outsourcing and automation. However, HR is also uniquely positioned to engage firms in cross-functional transformational change efforts, as its work is embedded in every business function within an organization. Sustainable HR and the triple bottom line (TBL) present opportunities for HR to build a strategic role within organizations. This essay provides strategic and tactical models, with specific steps for implementation, to assist HR in re-assert its role in driving the competitiveness of the firm through Sustainable HR.
Evaluating Cryospheric Water Withdrawal and Virtual Water Flows in Tarim River Basin of China: An Input–Output Analysis
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Shiwei , Xiao Cunde , Feng Cuiyang , Li Chenyu
Published: July 2021

In Tarim River Basin (TRB), the retreat of glacier and snow cover reduction due to climate warming threatens the regional economy of downstream basins that critically depends on meltwater. However, the quantitative evaluation of its impact on multiple sectors of the socioeconomic system is incomplete. Based on compiled regional input–output table of the year 2012, this study developed a method to analyze the relationships between economic activities and related meltwater withdrawal, as well as sectoral transfer. The results show that the direct meltwater withdrawal intensity (DMWI) of agriculture was much higher than other sectors, reaching 2348.02 m3/10,000 CNY. Except for A01 (agriculture) and A02 (mining and washing of coal), the embodied meltwater withdrawal (EMW) driven by the final demand of other sectors was greater than direct meltwater withdrawal, and all sectors required inflows of virtual water (72.45 × 108 m3, accounting for 29% of total supply from cryospheric water resources) for their production processes in 2012. For sectors with high DMWI, improving water-use efficiency is an effective way to reduce water withdrawal. To some extent, the unbalanced supply of cryospheric water resources due to geographical segregation can be regulated by virtual water flows from water-saving to water-intensive sectors. Such decisions can affect the balance between socioeconomic development and environment conservation for long-term sustainability.
Effects of Different Aboveground Structural Parts of Grass Strips on the Sediment-Trapping Process
Authors: Luo Mingjie , Pan Chengzhong , Cui Yongsheng , Guo Yahui , Wu Yun
Published: July 2021

Grass strips can decrease erosion, trap sediment in silt-laden water flowing downhill, and control nonpoint source pollution. Determining the effects of different parts of grass strips on silt-laden overland flow will improve our understanding of sediment trapping by grass strips with different structures. Sediment trapping by grass strips was studied using a 5° slope, 30 L min−1 m−1 flow rate, 120 g L−1 sediment concentration, and different aboveground components of grass strips (complete grass, removed green grass, and removed green and withered grass). The whole overland flow process was monitored. Meanwhile, the runoff sediment samples at the outlet were collected and measured. Sediment trapping by aboveground grass parts was quantified at different stages. Of the soil bed surface, green grass, and withered grass, the soil bed surface dominated sediment trapping in the initial stage of the sediment-trapping process, contributing about 90% of total sediment deposition in the first 5 min. As the sediment-trapping process continued, the effect of the soil bed surface weakened, and the green grass played a major role at the later stage of sediment trapping. The ratio of the soil bed surface, green grass, and withered grass contributions to total sediment deposition at the stable stage of the experiments was approximately 3:5:2. The results will help assess the effects of vegetation restoration on sediment transport in entire watersheds.
Nanoporous Alumina Membranes for Sugar Industry: An Investigation of Sintering Parameters Influence onUltrafiltration Performance
Authors: Niazi Farooq Khan , Umer Malik Adeel , Ahmed Ashfaq , Hafeez Muhammad Arslan , Khan Zafar , Butt Muhammad Shoaib , Razzaq Abdul , Luo Xian , Park Young-Kwon
Published: July 2021

Ultrafiltration membranes offer a progressive and efficient means to filter out various process fluids. The prime factor influencing ultrafiltration to a great extent is the porosity of the membranes employed. Regarding membrane development, alumina membranes are extensively studied due to their uniform porosity and mechanical strength. The present research work is specifically aimed towards the investigation of nanoporous alumina membranes, as a function of sintering parameters, on ultrafiltration performance. Alumina membranes are fabricated by sintering at various temperatures ranging from 1200–1300 °C for different holding times between 5–15 h. The morphological analysis, conducted using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed a homogeneous distribution of pores throughout the surface and cross-section of the membranes developed. It was observed that an increase in the sintering temperature and time resulted in a gradual decrease in the average pore size. A sample with an optimal pore size of 73.65 nm achieved after sintering at 1250 °C for 15 h, was used for the evaluation of ultrafiltration performance. However, the best mechanical strength and highest stress-bearing ability were exhibited by the sample sintered at 1300 °C for 5 h, whereas the sample sintered at 1250 °C for 5 h displayed the highest strain in terms of compression. The selected alumina membrane sample demonstrated excellent performance in the ultrafiltration of sugarcane juice, compared to the other process liquids.
Important Factors Affecting Rural Tourists’ Aesthetic Experience: A Case Study of Zoumatang Village in Ningbo
Authors: Zhou Weiwei , Chen Li-Yu , Chou Rung-Jiun
Published: July 2021

China’s countryside is rich in cultural heritage. It is an important engine for rural development and revitalization. How to improve the tourists’ satisfaction with their aesthetic experience, raise the revisit rate and loyalty, and provide new methods and ideas for re-understanding the tourism experience is a topic worth discussing. This study chose Zoumatang Village in Ningbo, China, as the research target, and explored the important factors affecting tourists’ satisfaction with the aesthetic experience of their visit. Through a literature review and eight experts applying the Delphi method, this paper develops a framework of important criteria for the Zoumatang Village aesthetic experience. It then ranks their importance and causal relationships using the DEMATEL-based ANP method. It also combines 16 important factors for tourist satisfaction to explore improvement measures. The research results show that pleasure is the most critical factor of the aesthetic experience offered by Zoumatang Village with interactivity, variety, associability, sociability, and stewardship as factors that need to be improved given that naturalness lies at the heart of tourists’ aesthetic experience. The evaluation model of this study can provide a reference for improving the aesthetic experience of Zoumatang Village in particular, and the research methods and ideas for rural tourism development planning and integrated marketing in general. The findings can be used when investigating aesthetic experience, questionnaire making, and evaluation optimization related to tourism.
University Students’ Perception, Evaluation, and Spaces of Distance Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Austria: What Can We Learn for Post-Pandemic Educational Futures?
Authors: Bork-Hüffer Tabea , Kulcar Vanessa , Brielmair Ferdinand , Markl Andrea , Immer Daniel Marian , Juen Barbara , Walter Maria Hildegard , Kaufmann Katja
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caught societies worldwide unprepared in 2020. In Austria, after a lockdown was decreed on 16 March 2020, educational institutions had to switch to a patched-up distance learning approach, which has been largely maintained to date. This article delivers empirical insights from an interdisciplinary mixed-methods research study that investigated university students’ perceptions of and experiences with distance learning as well as their educational (home) spaces during the pandemic in Innsbruck, Austria. It combines results from a quantitative survey conducted with 2742 students in early 2021 with a qualitative multi-method and longitudinal research study that accompanied 98 students throughout four data-collection phases in 2020. Results show a significant improvement since spring 2020 with both teachers and learners adjusting to the distance learning formats and the use of digital tools, yet students urgently desired a return to face-to-face teaching and university life, particularly for its social benefits. Strikingly, more than half of the participants wanted to maintain the option of overall distance education after the pandemic. Based on the perspectives of students, it is appropriate to demand significant changes in post-pandemic education adapted to the era of the post-digital, for which this article gives short-term as well as medium-term recommendations.
Policy Interventions Promoting Sustainable Food- and Feed-Systems: A Delphi Study of Legume Production and Consumption
Authors: Balázs Bálint , Kelemen Eszter , Centofanti Tiziana , Vasconcelos Marta W. , Iannetta Pietro P. M.
Published: July 2021

The food- and feed-value systems in the European Union are not protein self-sufficient. Despite the potential of legume-supported production systems to reduce the externalities caused by current cultivation practices (excessive use of N fertilizer) and improve the sustainability of the arable cropping systems and the quality of human diets, sufficient production of high-protein legume grains in Europe has not been achieved due to multiple barriers. Identifying the barriers to the production and consumption of legumes is the first step in realizing new pathways towards more sustainable food systems of which legumes are integral part. In this study, we engage stakeholders and decision-makers in a structured communication process, the Delphi method, to identify policy interventions leveraging barriers that hinder the production and consumption of legumes in the EU. This study is one of a kind and uses a systematic method to reach a common understanding of the policy incoherencies across sectors. Through this method we identify policy interventions that may promote the production of legumes and the creation of legume-based products in the EU. Policies that encourage reduced use of inorganic N fertilizer represent an important step toward a shift in the increased cultivation of legumes. Relatedly, investment in R&D, extension services, and knowledge transfer is necessary to support a smooth transition from the heavy use of synthetic N fertilizer in conventional agriculture. These policy interventions are discussed within current EU and national plant-protein strategies.
Quantitative Analysis of Global Terrorist Attacks Based on the Global Terrorism Database
Authors: Li Zhongbei , Li Xiangchun , Dong Chen , Guo Fanfan , Zhang Fan , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2021

Terrorist attacks have become a serious source of risk affecting the security of the international community. Using the Global Terrorism Database (GTD), in order to quantitatively study past terrorist attacks and their temporal and spatial evolution the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to classify the degree of damage from terrorist attacks. The various factors influencing terrorist attacks were extracted and represented in three dimensions. Subsequently, using MATLAB for analysis and processing, the grading standards for terrorist attacks were classified into five levels according to the degree of hazard. Based on this grading standard, the top ten terrorist attacks with the highest degree of hazard in the past two decades were listed. Because the characteristics and habits of a terrorist or group exhibit a certain consistency, the K-means cluster analysis method was used to classify terrorists according to region, type of attack, type of target and type of weapon used by the terrorists. Several attacks that might have been committed by the same terrorist organization or individual at different times and in different locations were classified into one category, and the top five categories were selected according to the degree of sabotage inflicted by the organization or individual. Finally, the spatiotemporal evolution of terrorist attacks in the past three years was analyzed, considering the terrorist attack targets and key areas of terrorist attacks. The Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Africa were predicted to be the regions that will be most seriously affected by future global terrorist events. The terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia are expected to become more severe, and the scope of terrorist attacks in Africa is expected to widen. Civilians are the targets most at risk for terrorist attacks, and the corresponding risk index is considerably higher than it is for other targets. The results of this research can help individuals and the government to enable a better understanding of terrorism, improve awareness to prevent terrorism and enhance emergency management and rescue, and provide a solid and reliable basis and reference for joint counterterrorism in various countries and regions.
Research on a Visual Comfort Model Based on Individual Preference in China through Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Ma Guofeng , Pan Xuhui
Published: July 2021

Recently, decreasing energy consumption under the premise of building comfort has become a popular topic, especially visual comfort. Existing research on visual comfort lacks a standard of how to select indicators. Moreover, studies on individual visual preference considering the interaction between internal and external environment are few. In this paper, we ranked common visual indicators by the cloud model combined with the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) and hierarchical technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Unsatisfied vertical illuminance, daylight glare index, luminance ratio, and shadow position are the top four indicators. Based on these indicators, we also built the individual visual comfort model through five categories of personalized data obtained from the experiment, which was trained by four machine learning algorithms. The results show that random forest has the best prediction performance and support vector machine is second. Gaussian mixed model and classification tree have the worst performance of stability and accuracy. In addition, this study also programmed a BIM plug-in integrating environmental data and personal preference data to predict appropriate vertical illuminance for a specific occupant. Thus, managers can adjust the intensity of artificial light in the office by increasing or decreasing the height of table lamps, saving energy and improving occupant comfort. This novel model will serve as a paradigm for selecting visual indicators and make indoor space be tailored to meet individual visual preferences.
The Impact of Participation in PPP Projects on Total Factor Productivity of Listed Companies in China
Authors: Liu Xiangdong , Cao Guangxi
Published: July 2021

The key to transforming China’s economy from high-speed growth to high-quality development is to improve total factor productivity (TFP). Based on the panel data of China’s listed companies participating in PPP (Public–Private Partnerships) projects from 2010 to 2019, this paper constructs the time-varying DID method to test the impact of participation in PPP projects on the company’s TFP empirically, explore the mechanism of the effect of participation in PPP projects on the company’s TFP, and then conduct heterogeneous analysis from four perspectives: region, industry, ownership form, and operation mode. The empirical results show that participation in PPP projects can significantly promote the growth of the company’s TFP, which mainly comes from the promotion of the innovation level of listed companies and the alleviation of financing constraints by participating in PPP projects. In addition, participation in PPP projects has a significant impact on TFP of listed companies in the eastern region, listed companies in the secondary and tertiary industries, state-owned listed companies, and listed companies participating in PPP projects under the BOT mode.
A Cyber-Physical System and Graph-Based Approach for Transportation Management in Smart Cities
Authors: Rathore Muhammad Mazhar , Attique Shah Syed , Awad Ahmed , Shukla Dhirendra , Vimal Shanmuganathan , Paul Anand
Published: July 2021

In the last decade, technological advancements in the cyber-physical system have set the basis for real-time and context-aware services to ease human lives. The citizens, especially travelers, want to experience a safe, healthy, and timely journey to their destination. Smart and on-ground real-time traffic analysis helps authorities further improve decision-making to ensure safe and convenient traveling. In this paper, we proposed a transport-control model that exploits cyber-physical systems (CPS) and sensor-technology to continuously monitor and mine the big city data for smart decision-making. The system makes use of travel-time, traffic intensity, vehicle’s speed, and current road conditions to construct a weighted city graph representing the road network. Traditional graph algorithms with efficient implementation technologies are employed to respond to commuters’ and authorities’ needs in order to achieve a smart and optimum transportation system. To efficiently process the incoming big data streams, the proposed architecture uses the Apache GraphX tool with several parallel processing nodes, along with Spark and Hadoop that ultimately provide better performance against various state-of-the-art solutions. The system is thoroughly evaluated in terms of system throughput and processing time, revealing that the proposed system is efficient, robust, and scalable.
The Effects of Tax Reduction and Fee Reduction Policies on the Digital Economy
Authors: Li Tuochen , Yang Liang
Published: July 2021

The digital economy is the future of the world in terms of both contemporary trends and opportunities. Developing the digital economy is a practical way of strategically re-thinking network power and digital China and is the only way to achieve successful growth in countries’ development economies and seize a commanding position for future development. Tax reductions, which promote high-quality economic development and preserve the overall situation of national governance, are an important measure for all countries to cope with economic pressure. In recent years, China has successively introduced and continuously expanded a series of tax and fee reduction policies that have played an important role in stabilizing its economy and vigorously developing its digital economy. This study consists of six sections. The first section provides an overview of the digital economy, introducing its definitions and connotations as well as the significance of developments of the digital economy. The second section is a literature review of tax and fee reductions; the research results in this field for countries around the world are summarized based on the three perspectives of research objects, tax-reduction-policy effects and research methods and data. The third section describes the impact of tax reductions and fee reductions on China’s digital economy from an international perspective. Through the 2019 Forbes Global Top 100 Digital Economy List, this article analyzes the global digital economy corporate structure, observes the positive effects of tax and fee reductions on Chinese digital economy companies and compares the impact of tax cuts and fee reductions on digital economy companies in China, the United States and other countries. Stata software was used to conduct an empirical analysis on the panel data of digital economy companies from both macro and micro perspectives and Analysis of the Effects of Tax and Fee Reduction Policies in the Digital Economy presents an evaluation of the policy effects of tax cuts and fee reductions on digital economy companies from multiple aspects. China does not have a systematic tax and fee reduction policy that is compatible with digital economy development and its investments in large digital economy companies can be increased, as discussed in Problems of Tax and Fee Reduction and Policies in China’s Digital Economy. In Policy Recommendations for Tax and Fee Reductions in the Digital Economy, we recommend that China improves and optimizes its tax and fee policies to increase tax incentives for independent innovation and high-level talent.
A Novel Computational Intelligence Approach for Coal Consumption Forecasting in Iran
Authors: Jalaee Mahdis sadat , Shakibaei Alireza , GhasemiNejad Amin , Jalaee Sayyed Abdolmajid , Derakhshani Reza
Published: July 2021

Coal as a fossil and non-renewable fuel is one of the most valuable energy minerals in the world with the largest volume reserves. Artificial neural networks (ANN), despite being one of the highest breakthroughs in the field of computational intelligence, has some significant disadvantages, such as slow training, susceptibility to falling into a local optimal points, sensitivity of initial weights, and bias. To overcome these shortcomings, this study presents an improved ANN structure, that is optimized by a proposed hybrid method. The aim of this study is to propose a novel hybrid method for predicting coal consumption in Iran based on socio-economic variables using the bat and grey wolf optimization algorithm with an artificial neural network (BGWAN). For this purpose, data from 1981 to 2019 have been used for modelling and testing the method. The available data are partly used to find the optimal or near-optimal values of the weighting parameters (1980–2014) and partly to test the model (2015–2019). The performance of the BGWAN is evaluated by mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), standard deviation error (STD), and correlation coefficient (R^2) between the output of the method and the actual dataset. The result of this study showed that BGWAN performance was excellent and proved its efficiency as a useful and reliable tool for monitoring coal consumption or energy demand in Iran.