bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Product Innovation and Perceived Brand Value: The Mediating Role of Ethical-Related Aspects
Authors: Morea Donato , Gattermann Perin Marcelo , Kolling Camila , de Medeiros Janine Fleith , Duarte Ribeiro Jose Luis
Published: July 2023

Studies developed in the last two decades indicate that environmental product innovations can potentially generate competitive advantages. However, the ethical dimension, now increasingly involved in evaluations for consumer decision-making, has received less attention in academic research. Considering the above, our study investigates the mediating role of ethical aspects in the relationship between environmental product innovation and perceived brand value. To this end, we carried out a quantitative study with 336 university students who are end users of Apple and Microsoft products and services. In addition to investigating the main effect of environmental product innovations on perceived brand equity, we explore the possible mediating effects of ethical behaviors: (i) open-mindedness and (ii) concerns with privacy practices. Our results indicate that environmental product innovations need to be supported by the ethical aspects of companies to have a positive effect on perceived brand equity. Crucially, customers perceive value in environmental product innovation when they can confirm that organizations exhibit ethical correctness, particularly in the sector under study. We understand that our research provides advancement in the field of sustainable innovation. The study confirms that broader approaches, mainly centered on corporate commitments beyond environmental issues, are critical for environmental product innovations to generate perceived brand value.
Indonesia’s Renewable Natural Resource Management in the Low-Carbon Transition: A Conundrum in Changing Trajectories
Authors: Suratin Aloysius , Utomo Suyud Warno , Martono Dwi Nowo , Mizuno Kosuke
Published: July 2023

A paradigm shift is required to transform current natural resource management (NRM) in Indonesia’s decision to move into low-carbon development to achieve the greenhouse gas emission target. No study has been conducted to assess whether or not the current approaches are reliable in anticipating the conundrum of the new juncture. We reviewed 10 cases of NRM practices in Indonesia from 2019–2023 collected from the Scopus dataset by integrating the prisoner’s dilemma approach into the socio-ecological framework to analyze the practices and the anticipated gaps. Our finding revealed that socio-economic governance is the dominant view in interpreting the competition between personal and collective interests in NRM. Seeing NRM as an allocation problem and the excessive use of the legal normative approach in interpreting and addressing the problem are flaws in the approach. Combining the prisoner’s dilemma approach with the socio-ecological governance framework enabled us to address the flaws. Promoting polycentric governance that accommodates social trust, reciprocities, and socio-ecological beliefs and reduces uncertainties about ownership and the resources necessary to reduce defective behavior is a solution to transform the structure of the competition. Revising the socio-economic payoff into a socio-ecological value-oriented institution is the strategy to address the conundrum.
Driving Sustainable Practices in Vocational Education Infrastructure: A Case Study from Latvia
Authors: Bohvalovs Ģirts , Kalnbaļķīte Antra , Pakere Ieva , Vanaga Ruta , Kirsanovs Vladimirs , Lauka Dace , Prodaņuks Toms , Laktuka Krista , Doļģe Kristiāna , Zundāns Zigmārs , Brēmane Ingūna , Blumberga Dagnija , Blumberga Andra
Published: July 2023

A vital component of achieving climate neutrality in the future involves bolstering energy efficiency measures in educational institutions and improving the overall knowledge on sustainable solutions. To achieve fruitful outcomes, the active involvement of various stakeholders, such as managers, teaching staff, and students, is indispensable. By implementing energy-efficient building systems, advancing the use of renewable energy sources, and incorporating sustainable practices into the curriculum, educational institutions can decrease their environmental impact and conserve resources for future generations. Active participation from all stakeholders, including managers, teaching staff, and students, is essential for the success of these efforts. Providing students with a comprehensive education on sustainability equips them to apply this knowledge in their future professions, thus contributing to a more sustainable society. To gain insights into the existing state of sustainability within educational systems, a comprehensive study of educational institutions was undertaken. To assess and compare schools’ sustainability, a composite indicator was developed. The study’s findings reveal that the implementation of mandatory and optional measures can lead to a substantial reduction in primary energy consumption by 39% and greenhouse gas emissions by 34% in educational institutions. The average abandonment costs for mandatory measures are 5.87 EUR/kgCO2/year, but the average value for optional measures is 33.80 EUR/kgCO2/year. It is suggested demonstration projects be implemented in institutions where specialists in RE, mechatronics, building engineering systems, and environmental technologies are trained by showcasing technologies needed for the transition to climate neutrality.
Space Mission Risk, Sustainability and Supply Chain: Review, Multi-Objective Optimization Model and Practical Approach
Authors: Sawik Bartosz
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the convergence of risk, sustainability, and supply chain in space missions, including a review of fundamental concepts, the introduction of a multi-objective conceptual optimization model, and the presentation of a practical approach. Risks associated with space missions include technical, human, launch, space environment, mission design, budgetary, and political risks. Sustainability considerations must be incorporated into mission planning and execution to ensure the long-term viability of space exploration. The study emphasizes the importance of considering environmental sustainability, resource use, ethical concerns, long-term planning, international collaboration, and public outreach in space missions. It emphasizes the significance of reducing negative environmental consequences, increasing resource use efficiency, and making responsible and ethical actions. The paper offers a multi-objective optimization conceptual model that may be used to evaluate and choose sustainable space mission tactics. This approach considers a variety of elements, including environmental effects, resource utilization, mission cost, and advantages for society. It provides a systematic decision-making approach that examines trade-offs between different criteria and identifies optimal conceptual model solutions that balance risk, sustainability, and supply chain objectives. A practical approach is also offered to demonstrate the use of the multi-criteria optimization conceptual model in a space mission scenario. The practical approach demonstrates how the model can aid in the development of mission strategies that minimize risks, maximize resource consumption, and fit with sustainability goals. Overall, this paper delivers a multi-criteria optimization conceptual model and provides a space mission planning practical approach, as well as an overview of the interaction between risk, sustainability, and supply chain in space mission organization, planning, and execution.
The Effect of Corporate Resource Abundance on the Transformation and Upgrading of Manufacturing Enterprises from the Perspective of Whole Process Innovation
Authors: Tang Tong , Ma Chun-Ai , Lv Heng-Yu , Hao Fu-Ying
Published: July 2023

Exploiting a comparative advantage through resource endowment is a way to promote the transformation and upgrading of enterprises and high-quality economic development. Based on resource-based theory, this paper takes the listed companies of China’s manufacturing industry as a sample and classifies them into leading, potential, catching-up, and exiting enterprises according to the abundance of financial and human resources. In terms of the research perspective, this paper adopts resource abundance as the starting point to explore its impact on enterprise transformation and upgrading and incorporates technological innovation into the framework to investigate its transmission mechanism. The results indicate that the resource abundance of enterprises directly promotes the transformation and upgrading of enterprises. Notably, the mechanism identification test suggests the following. (1) From the perspective of innovation investment, innovation investment intensity is an important channel for manufacturing companies to transform and upgrade. (2) From the perspective of innovation direction, higher levels of resources allow leading enterprises to accelerate transformation and upgrading through product and process innovation. In contrast, catching-up enterprises tend to foster product innovation rather than process innovation to transform and update, while potential enterprises are likely to foster process innovation to transform and update rather than product innovation. On the other hand, the path of transformation and upgrading through product or process innovation is obstructed for the exiting enterprises. (3) From the perspective of innovation output, all but the exiting enterprises can be transformed and upgraded by increasing their innovation output. Overall, considering the impact of corporate innovation behavior, this research offers new insights into the relationship between resource abundance and transformation and upgrading, and it provides inspiration for promoting transformation and upgrading in Chinese manufacturing enterprises.
Strategies to Manage Ecotourism Sustainably: Insights from a SWOT-ANP Analysis and IUCN Guidelines
Authors: Sobhani Parvaneh , Esmaeilzadeh Hassan , Wolf Isabelle D. , Marcu Marina Viorela , Lück Michael , Sadeghi Seyed Mohammad Moein
Published: July 2023

Protected areas are prime areas for ecotourism development, attracting large numbers of visitors to an abundance of ecologically significant and often sensitive flora and fauna. The current study identified adverse impacts of ecotourism in four prominent tourist hotspots in Iran, namely Lar National Park, Jajrud Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources, Tangeh Vashi National Natural Monument, and Kavdeh Wildlife Refuge. Impacts were compared against the IUCN guidelines according to the degree of ecological sensitivity and multiple managerial objectives. In addition, an analytic network process (ANP) was applied within a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to identify optimal strategies for reducing threats and weaknesses and improving opportunities and strengths for sustainable ecotourism management. We found the greatest negative impacts of ecotourism in a Jajrud that was exposed to rapidly expanding urbanisation and the corresponding development of economic and physical activities. Conversely, the least negative impact occurred in a national park (Lar) that was managed based on conservation approaches, accounting for high ecological sensitivities, and adapting legal prohibitions. The SWOT-ANP analysis demonstrates that certain strategies can minimise impacts and should be adopted as conservation tools by protected area managers and land planners.
Ecosystem Services Supply–Demand Matching and Its Driving Factors: A Case Study of the Shanxi Section of the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Xu Mingjing , Feng Qiang , Zhang Shurong , Lv Meng , Duan Baoling
Published: July 2023

Understanding the supply–demand relationships and driving mechanisms of ecosystem services (ES) provides a theoretical foundation for sustainable ecosystem management. This study utilized Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) models and geographical detectors to quantify the spatial–temporal patterns of the supply, demand, and supply–demand ratio of ESs such as water yield, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, along with their driving factors, in the Shanxi section of the Yellow River Basin. The results show that: (1) From the year 2000 to 2020, although the supply and demand of water yield, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration fluctuated, they generally increased during this period of time. In comparison to ecosystem services from the year 2000 to 2020, the supply of water yield exceeded the demand in 2020. The supply, demand, and supply–demand ratio of ESs exhibited notable spatial heterogeneity. (2) The most notable factors influencing the supply–demand ratio of water yield varied between 2000 and 2020. In 2000, construction land was the most important factor, while in 2020, cropland had the greatest impact. However, the primary factors affecting the supply–demand ratio of soil conservation and carbon sequestration remained the same in 2000 and 2020. Forestland was the primary factor in 2000, while construction land was the primary factor in 2020. (3) Considering interaction factors, the interaction factors between construction land and precipitation had the greatest impact on the supply–demand ratio of water yield in 2000, while the interaction between forestland and cropland had the greatest impact in 2020. The interaction between cropland and shrubland had the greatest impact on the supply–demand ratio of soil conservation in 2000, whereas the interaction factors between construction land and forestland had the greatest impact in 2020. The interaction between construction land and shrubland had the greatest impact on the supply–demand ratio of carbon sequestration in 2000, while the interaction between construction land and cropland had the greatest impact in 2020. Overall, the interaction between construction land and various land-use factors had the strongest explanation for the supply–demand ratio of ecosystem services. This study can serve as a reference for the comprehensive development and utilization of the Shanxi section of the Yellow River Basin.
Beijing Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Battery Capacity Conversion and Emission Estimation in 2022
Authors: Fu Mengqi , Yang Yanyan , Li Yong , Wang Huanqin , Yu Fajun , Liu Juan
Published: July 2023

Road transport is a scenario for the use of fossil fuels to a large extent, and the process of electrification can slow down this use of fossil fuels. This study analyzes the annual emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) and the feasibility of electrification in Beijing based on the on-board diagnostics (OBD) of remote monitoring data from more than 9000 HDDVs. The annual NOX and CO2 emissions of 13 industry types were 44,980.9 and 6,658,722.6 tons in 2022. The highest contributor to these NOX and CO2 emissions was concrete trucks, accounting for 27.1% and 17.0% of the 13 industry type vehicles. The electrification of concrete trucks can greatly reduce the diesel emissions in Pinggu and other districts and realize regional emission reduction management. The CO2 emission factor of passenger buses in the Pinggu district was significantly higher than that in other districts, which was 1212.4 g/km, and the electrification of passenger buses could significantly reduce the CO2 emissions in the Pinggu district. This study investigates HDDVs in Beijing, provides a scientific basis for the electrification management of key models in Beijing, and provides a regional reference for the electrification trend of HDDVs in various countries worldwide.
Determinants of Rural Households’ Intensity of Flood Adaptation in the Fogera Rice Plain, Ethiopia: Evidence from Generalised Poisson Regression
Authors: Ndue Kennedy , Baylie Melese Mulu , Goda Pál
Published: July 2023

Effective adaptation to flooding risk depends on careful identification and combinations of strategies which, in turn, depends on knowledge of the determinants of flood adaptation. The main objective of this study was to examine the determinants of rural households’ intensity of flood adaptation in the Fogera rice plain, Ethiopia. A three-stage stratified sampling technique was employed to select 337 sample household heads. Primary data was collected through a structured household survey. Data analysis was accompanied by a descriptive and generalised Poisson regression (GP) model. The descriptive analysis showed that households adopted an average of three (3) flood adaptation strategies. The generalised Poisson regression further revealed that family size, availability of off-farm income, previous flood experience, access to credit, access to extension services, and an early warning information system statistically significantly increase flood adaptation strategies’ average number (intensity). However, the age of the household head negatively and significantly influences the intensity of flood adaptation. More specifically, households with off-farm income, previous flood experience, access to credit, access to extension, and an early warning information system were 20%, 94%, 13%, 30%, and 29% more likely to adopt more flood adaptation strategies, respectively. The findings call for immediate response and coordination among stakeholders to design strategies that enhance households’ livelihood, access to credit, access to extension services, and early warning information systems for effective flood adaptation in the study area.
Cradle-to-Grave Lifecycle Environmental Assessment of Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Rashid Shafayat , Pagone Emanuele
Published: July 2023

Demand for sustainable transportation with a reduced environmental impact has led to the widespread adoption of electrified powertrains. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) produce lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the use phase of their lifecycle, compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). However, a full understanding of their total environmental impact, from resource extraction to end-of-life (EOL), of a contemporary, real-world HEV and PHEV remains broadly elusive in the scientific literature. In this work, for the first time, a systematic cradle-to-grave lifecycle analysis (LCA) of a Toyota Prius XW50, as a HEV and PHEV, was used to comprehensively assess its environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle using established lifecycle inventory databases. The LCA revealed that the gasoline fuel cycle (extraction, refinement, and transportation) is a major environmental impact “hotspot”. The more electrified PHEV model consumes 3.2% more energy and emits 5.6% more GHG emissions within the vehicle’s lifecycle, primarily owed to the manufacturing and recycling of larger traction batteries. However, when factoring in the fuel cycle, the PHEV model exhibits a 29.6% reduction in overall cradle-to-grave life energy consumption, and a 17.5% reduction in GHG emissions, in comparison to the less-electrified HEV. This suggests that the higher-electrified PHEV has a lower environmental impact than the HEV throughout the whole lifecycle. The presented cradle-to-grave LCA study can be a valuable benchmark for future research in comparing other HEVs and PHEVs or different powertrains for similarly sized passenger vehicles.
Marine Accidents in the Brazilian Amazon: Potential Risks to the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Fontes Jassiel V. H. , de Almeida Paulo R. R. , Hernández Irving D. , Maia Harlysson W. S. , Mendoza Edgar , Silva Rodolfo , Santander Elvis J. O. , Marques Rayrima T. S. F. , Soares Nádia Letícia do N. , Sanches Ricardo Almeida
Published: July 2023

Although the Brazilian Amazon is still one of the most well-conserved environments in the world, it contains an extensive network of waterways that are used by a wide range of vessels that transport both people and cargo, as well as undertaking other activities. To plan environmental risk disaster strategies here, the potential effects of technological disasters, including marine accidents, must be taken into consideration. This paper seeks to redress this by providing a review of the possible risks to the Amazon aquatic environment that could result from various types of marine accidents. While the Amazon region has been researched worldwide, both extensively and intensively, regarding land use, climate, and environmental characterization, work in this field is scarce. A review of the main environmental characteristics of the Amazon is provided, including a description of common marine accidents that have occurred in this region. The environmental impacts experienced by the aquatic environment due to marine accidents worldwide were reviewed from the scientific literature to examine potential risks to the Amazon waterways. It was found that marine accidents, such as fire/explosions and the sinking of ships with different types of cargo, can cause the spillage of oil and other hazardous materials, causing catastrophic damage to the aquatic environment. Changes in the hydrological characteristics of rivers, including unexpected changes in the weather, such as heavy rain and winds, may also influence pollutant dispersion. Initiatives to deal with these technological hazards in the Amazon basin should also consider the potential social and environmental impacts in the protected areas of this region. It is hoped that this paper can serve as a starting point toward the governance and planning of risk disaster management actions, which are aimed at reducing the negative environmental impacts caused by marine accidents in the region.
A Metaorganizations Perspective on Digital Innovation and Corporate Social Responsibility: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Lihua , Chen Yilang
Published: July 2023

This research investigates the relationship between DI and CSR from the metaorganizational perspective. Metaorganizations represent collectives of organizations that function collectively to achieve shared goals and objectives. The study underscores the significant influence of DI on CSR initiatives, suggesting that firms should strategically align their digital innovation endeavors with their CSR objectives. Alignment between digital innovation and CSR objectives can cultivate a more integrated strategy that delivers both business and societal value. Furthermore, our findings reveal that firms operating under conditions of higher value appropriation, partner concentration, and environmental uncertainty tend to be more proactive in their CSR efforts within the DI context. This observation stems from a noticeable shift in primary focus: value creation and capture are no longer exclusive goals, but, rather, there is an increased emphasis on social benefits. This change necessitates a strategic recalibration by firms to incorporate a more robust focus on sustainability and social responsibility within their business models in the digital era. Our hypotheses are substantiated by results obtained from a longitudinal sample of Chinese listed firms. The contribution of this study is that it offers novel insight into the interplay between digital innovation and CSR through the lens of metaorganizations.
Organically Cultivated Vine Varieties—Distinctive Qualities of the Oils Obtained from Grape Seeds
Authors: Gitea Manuel Alexandru , Gitea Daniela , Mirela Tit Delia , Bungau Simona Gabriela , Bogdan Mihaela Alexandra , Radu Andrei-Flavius , Dulf Francisc Vasile , Pasca Manuela Bianca
Published: July 2023

Grape seeds, which have an increased concentration of high-quality compounds in their oil, are the byproduct of the grape processing industry. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physico-chemical and bioactive profile of grape seed oil (GSO) obtained by extraction with n-hexane, using three different techniques and coming from two varieties of grapes. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability assessments, and CUPRAC and FRAP assays, were used to determine the oil’s antioxidant properties, whereas the total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by applying an adapted version of the Folin–Ciocalteu technique. Utilizing a coupling method of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, 14 fatty acids have been identified by analyzing their methylated intermediates. GSOs were characterized by a high content of polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) (69.25–80.32%), of which linoleic acid stands out (66.97 and 79.88%), followed by monounsaturated acids (MUFAs) (16.64–19.59%), with the representative being oleic acid (15.20–17.86%) and then saturated acids (SFAs) (9.26–15.53%), through the palmitic acid (6.29–9.82%). GSO from Merlot samples recovered by MW had the greatest ratio of fatty acids with hypo-/hypercholesterolemia (H/H) values (14.09). The atherogenicity index and thrombogenicity index ranges for red GSO were 0.278–0.393 and 0.242–0.268, respectively, and for white GSO, 0.401–0.440 and 0.256–0.268, respectively. The oil from the red grape variety has the highest quantity of total polyphenols regardless of the extraction method (1.263–2.035 mg GAE/g vs. 0.918–1.013 mg GAE/g). Through the DPPH and FRAP methods, the results were similar (8.443–14.035 µmol TE/g oil and 6.981–13.387 µmol TE/g oil, respectively). The best results were obtained by the CUPRAC method (8.125–19.799 µmol TE/g oil). The assessment of the grape varieties revealed that they are appropriate for making edible GSO, which was endorsed by our results.
Analysis and Comparison of Daylighting Technologies: Light Pipe, Optical Fiber, and Heliostat
Authors: Song Jifeng , Dessie Bizuayehu Bogale , Gao Longyu
Published: July 2023

This article analyzes and compares three daylighting technologies: light pipes, optical fibers, and heliostats. This work aims to evaluate their efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in providing natural light to indoor spaces. The analysis includes a review of the principles behind each technology, the design and development of the prototypes and experiments carried out by our research team, their advantages and disadvantages, and their applications in different settings. The comparison is based on several criteria, such as installation, cost, efficiency, output spectrum, and hybrid system. The results indicate that each technology has its unique features and is suited to specific applications. Light pipes are effective for short distances, and they can be easily integrated into existing buildings. Optical fibers are suitable for long distances and offer flexibility in design, but they require more maintenance. Heliostats are ideal for large spaces, but they are expensive to install and operate. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of three daylighting technologies and helps designers and architects make informed decisions when selecting the most appropriate solution for future work.
Assessment of Vinca rosea (Apocynaceae) Potentiality for Remediation of Crude Petroleum Oil Pollution of Soil
Authors: Hegazy Ahmad K. , Hussein Zahra S. , Mohamed Nermen H. , Safwat Gehan , El-Dessouky Mohamed A. , Imbrea Ilinca , Imbrea Florin
Published: July 2023

Petroleum oil pollution is a worldwide problem that results from the continuous exploration, production, and consumption of oil and its products. Petroleum hydrocarbons are produced as a result of natural or anthropogenic practices, and their common source is anthropogenic activities, which impose adverse effects on the ecosystem’s nonliving and living components including humans. Phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-polluted soils is an evolving, low-cost, and effective alternative technology to most traditional remediation methods. The objective of this study is to evaluate the phytoremediation potentiality of Vinca rosea for crude oil-contaminated soil by understanding its properties and involvement in the enhanced degradation of crude oil. The remediation potentiality was determined by evaluating the total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation percentage (TPH%) and changes in the molecular type composition of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions. TPH% was estimated gravimetrically, and changes in the molecular type composition of saturated and aromatic fractions were measured using gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Sulfur concentration was measured using X-ray fluorescence. Cadmium and lead quantification was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results revealed that V. rosea enhanced total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation and altered the molecular composition of the crude oil. The saturated hydrocarbons increased and the aromatic hydrocarbons decreased. The saturated hydrocarbon fraction in the crude oil showed a wider spectrum of n-paraffin peaks than the oil extracted from unplanted and V. rosea-planted soils. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon degradation was enhanced in the presence of V. rosea, which was reflected in the increase of monoaromatic and diaromatic constituents. This was parallel to the increased sulfur levels in planted soil. The determination of sulfur and heavy metal content in plant organs indicated that V. rosea can extract and accumulate high amounts from polluted soils. The ability of V. rosea to degrade TPH and alter the composition of crude petroleum oil by decreasing the toxicity of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in soil, as well as its capability to absorb and accumulate sulfur and heavy metals, supports the use of plant species for the phytoremediation of crude oil-polluted sites.
Perceptions of Community-Based Waste Bank Operators and Customers on Its Establishment and Operationalization: Cases in Pangandaran, Indonesia
Authors: Ismiraj Muhammad Rifqi , Wulansari Asri , Setiadi Yadi , Pratama Aditia , Mayasari Novi
Published: July 2023

There is a lack of awareness and understanding of how to manage waste effectively in Indonesia, especially in coastal rural areas. This paper discusses the important issues in waste management and proposes effective waste management practices in Indonesia. This paper also provides a case study involving the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the waste bank project in Pangandaran, Indonesia, and its impact on the community, reflected by the perceptions of its operators and customers, which was achieved through several questionnaires. The results showed that waste banks are a viable option to manage waste in Pangandaran. This is based on the finding that waste banks have created employment opportunities and raised awareness among the community about how to manage waste effectively. The waste bank also enables its members to earn income from recycling, which provides benefits to the community and encourages further participation in the waste bank program. The most important finding is that community-based projects can provide engagement-generating value to communities and can be sustainably run by the community independently and in the long term. Nevertheless, the success and operational sustainability of waste banks are affected by many factors, hence endorsement from municipal authorities, non-profit entities, corporations, and additional interested parties is needed.
Optimizing Emergency Plane Selection in Civil Aviation Using Extended Dombi Hybrid Operators
Authors: Razzaque Asima , Alhamzi Ghaliah , Javaid Saman , Shuaib Umer , Razaq Abdul , Masmali Ibtisam , Noor Saima
Published: July 2023

Airports located in densely populated areas often face challenges due to asymmetrical traffic patterns. Efficient management and careful planning are required to handle the disproportionate flow of passengers, aircraft, and ground services. The significance of symmetry and asymmetry in civil aviation extends to international regulations and agreements. By harmonizing standards and practices among different nations, it is possible to achieve symmetry in safety measures and operational procedures, thereby promoting a unified and secure global aviation system. Conversely, asymmetry in regulations, infrastructure development, or technological advancements among countries can create obstacles in establishing a cohesive and equitable international aviation framework. This article discusses the weaknesses of the existing score function in handling the MADM problem in an Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy (IVPF) environment. To tackle this issue, an enhanced score function is developed as a solution. The article proposes the IVPF Dombi hybrid arithmetic and IVPF Dombi hybrid geometric operators based on IVPF information. Furthermore, the article proves some fundamental properties of these operators. In the context of recently introduced techniques using IVPF settings, an effective method is developed for selecting the best airline. Additionally, a comparative investigation is carried out to demonstrate the legitimacy and viability of this unique strategy in comparison to earlier approaches.
Mirror Symmetry for New Physics beyond the Standard Model in 4D Spacetime
Authors: Tan Wanpeng
Published: July 2023

The two discrete generators of the full Lorentz group O(1,3) in 4D spacetime are typically chosen to be parity inversion symmetry P and time reversal symmetry T, which are responsible for the four topologically separate components of O(1,3). Under general considerations of quantum field theory (QFT) with internal degrees of freedom, mirror symmetry is a natural extension of P, while CP symmetry resembles T in spacetime. In particular, mirror symmetry is critical as it doubles the full Dirac fermion representation in QFT and essentially introduces a new sector of mirror particles. Its close connection to T-duality and Calabi–Yau mirror symmetry in string theory is clarified. Extension beyond the Standard Model can then be constructed using both left- and right-handed heterotic strings guided by mirror symmetry. Many important implications such as supersymmetry, chiral anomalies, topological transitions, Higgs, neutrinos, and dark energy are discussed.
Fuzzy Model Parameter and Structure Optimization Using Analytic, Numerical and Heuristic Approaches
Authors: Morales-Viscaya Joel Artemio , Alonso-Ramírez Adán Antonio , Castro-Liera Marco Antonio , Gómez-Cortés Juan Carlos , Lazaro-Mata David , Peralta-López José Eleazar , Coello Coello Carlos A. , Botello-Álvarez José Enrique , Barranco-Gutiérrez Alejandro Israel
Published: July 2023

Fuzzy systems are widely used in most fields of science and engineering, mainly because the models they produce are robust, accurate, easy to evaluate and capture real-world uncertainty better than do the classical alternatives. We propose a new methodology for structure and parameter tuning of Takagi–Sugeno–Kang fuzzy models using several optimization techniques. The output parameters are determined analytically, by finding the minimum of the root-mean-square error (RMSE) for a properly defined error function. The membership functions are simplified by considering symmetry and equispacing, to reduce the optimization problem of finding their parameters, and allow it to be carried out using the numerical method of gradient descent. Both algorithms are fast enough to finally implement a strategy based on the hill climbing approach to finding the optimal structure (number and type of membership functions) of the fuzzy system. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is shown by comparing its performance, using four case studies found in current relevant works, to the popular adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and to other recently published strategies based on evolutionary fuzzy models. In terms of the RMSE, performance was at least 28% better in all case studies.
Immunoglobulin A as a Key Immunological Molecular Signature of Post-COVID-19 Conditions
Authors: Sousa Graziele F. , Carpes Raphael M. , Silva Carina A. O. , Pereira Marcela E. P. , Silva Amanda C. V. F. , Coelho Viktoria A. G. S. , Costa Evenilton P. , Mury Flávia B. , Gestinari Raquel S. , Souza-Menezes Jackson , Leal-da-Silva Manuela , Nepomuceno-Silva José L. , Tanuri Amilcar , Ferreira-Júnior Orlando C. , Monteiro-de-Barros Cintia
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 has infected humans worldwide, causing millions of deaths or prolonged symptoms in survivors. The transient or persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been defined as post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC). We conducted a study of 151 Brazilian PCC patients to analyze symptoms and immunoglobulin profiles, taking into account sex, vaccination, hospitalization, and age. Fatigue and myalgia were the most common symptoms, and lack of vaccination, hospitalization, and neuropsychiatric and metabolic comorbidities were relevant to the development of PCC. Analysis of serological immunoglobulins showed that IgA was higher in PCC patients, especially in the adult and elderly groups. Also, non-hospitalized and hospitalized PCC patients produced high and similar levels of IgA. Our results indicated that the detection of IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 during the course of the disease could be associated with the development of PCC and may be an immunological signature to predict prolonged symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
A Pseudovirus-Based Entry Assay to Evaluate Neutralizing Activity against Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Hu Longbo , Jiang Jiajing , Tang Yongjie , Mei Lingling , Wu Liping , Li Leyi , Chen Hongzhou , Long Fei , Xiao Jing , Peng Tao
Published: July 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can cause life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis, posing a significant threat to human health worldwide, especially to children and the elderly. Currently, there is no specific treatment for RSV infection. The most effective measures for preventing RSV infection are vaccines and prophylactic medications. However, not all population groups are eligible for the approved vaccines or antibody-based preventive medications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel vaccines and prophylactic drugs available for people of all ages. High-throughput assays that evaluate the efficacy of viral entry inhibitors or vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies in blocking RSV entry are crucial for evaluating vaccine and prophylactic drug candidates. We developed an efficient entry assay using a lentiviral pseudovirus carrying the fusion (F) protein of type A or B RSV. In addition, the essential parameters were systematically optimized, including the number of transfected plasmids, storage conditions of the pseudovirus, cell types, cell numbers, virus inoculum, and time point of detection. Furthermore, the convalescent sera exhibited comparable inhibitory activity in this assay as in the authentic RSV virus neutralization assay. We established a robust pseudovirus-based entry assay for RSV, which holds excellent promise for studying entry mechanisms, evaluating viral entry inhibitors, and assessing vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibodies against RSV.
The Importance of Including Non-Household Environments in Dengue Vector Control Activities
Authors: Peña-García Víctor Hugo , Mutuku Francis M. , Ndenga Bryson A. , Mbakaya Joel Omari , Ndire Samwuel Otieno , Agola Gladys Adhiambo , Mutuku Paul S. , Malumbo Said L. , Ng’ang’a Charles M. , Andrews Jason R. , Mordecai Erin A. , LaBeaud A. Desiree
Published: July 2023

Most vector control activities in urban areas are focused on household environments; however, information relating to infection risks in spaces other than households is poor, and the relative risk that these spaces represent has not yet been fully understood. We used data-driven simulations to investigate the importance of household and non-household environments for dengue entomological risk in two Kenyan cities where dengue circulation has been reported. Fieldwork was performed using four strategies that targeted different stages of mosquitoes: ovitraps, larval collections, Prokopack aspiration, and BG-sentinel traps. Data were analyzed separately between household and non-household environments to assess mosquito presence, the number of vectors collected, and the risk factors for vector presence. With these data, we simulated vector and human populations to estimate the parameter m and mosquito-to-human density in both household and non-household environments. Among the analyzed variables, the main difference was found in mosquito abundance, which was consistently higher in non-household environments in Kisumu but was similar in Ukunda. Risk factor analysis suggests that small, clean water-related containers serve as mosquito breeding places in households as opposed to the trash- and rainfall-related containers found in non-household structures. We found that the density of vectors (m) was higher in non-household than household environments in Kisumu and was also similar or slightly lower between both environments in Ukunda. These results suggest that because vectors are abundant, there is a potential risk of transmission in non-household environments; hence, vector control activities should take these spaces into account.
Cross Sectional Analysis of Impact of Seasonal Changes on Excimer Laser Ablation Performance on Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Authors: Verma Shwetabh , Hesser Juergen , Mosquera Samuel Arba
Published: July 2023

Seasonal changes and varying degree of corneal hydration has been linked to excimer laser corneal ablation rates. The use of PMMA as a calibration material in refractive lasers is well established. However, PMMA ablation may be equally affected by seasonal variations in temperature and humidity, in turn affecting the calibration process. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of seasonal changes in PMMA performance using SCHWIND AMARIS laser system. PET and PMMA ablations conducted in climate-controlled environment with 826 consecutive AMARIS systems manufactured over 6 years were retrospectively analyzed. Lasers were stratified depending on seasons and months of the year. Metrics like single laser pulse fluence, nominal number of laser pulses, mean performance, standard deviation, and technical performance of system were compared to global average values. Cyclic winter–summer variation was confirmed with seasons winter and summer showing statistically significant variations with respect to global values. Metric technical performance showed deeper PMMA ablation performance in summertime, with maximum seasonal deviation of 6%. Results were consistently confirmed in seasonal as well as monthly analyses. These findings could help minimize variance among laser systems by implementing compensation factors depending on seasons such that laser systems installed worldwide follow the same trend line of variation.
Alkaline Prehydrolysis Prolongs Resin Life and Enhances the Adsorption of Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Gu Chao , Yan Kailing , Bo Lei , Zhou Xin , He Yiwen , Feng Jiacheng , Qin Jinyi
Published: July 2023

Phenolic compounds in oil wastewater are highly toxic and refractory. Hydrolysis at pH 12 for 12 h makes these compounds more vulnerable to attack and destruction. Under the binding and precipitation of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) at pH 8, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was significantly reduced by 38%. The simulation found that hydrolysis + flocculation was a complex multistep process. The COD removal rate was mainly controlled by the prehydrolysis process. The metabolic pathway suggested that the m-cresol produced in the factory was oxidized to low water-soluble aldehyde. Alkaline hydrolysis converted the aldehyde into m-toluene-methanol, which was conducive to being captured by the PAC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the alkaline dehydrogenation of two m-methylphenyl carbinols produced a molecule that was removed by the resin. Generally, the particle size of the residue after alkaline hydrolysis was 6.4–8.3 nm, which was included in the pore size range of the resin. Therefore, the resin adsorption capacity for the hydrolyzed substances increased to 47,000 mg L−1, with 93% renewability. In short, hybrid technology reduces the concentration burden of the resin inflow and controls the molecular size of adsorbed substances for repurification. It strengthens the treatment effect of high COD wastewater and provides innovative ideas for extending the service life of resin.
Optimization of the Interaction Transport System—Transported Medium to Ensure the Required Water Quality
Authors: Cvelihárová Daniela , Pauliková Alena , Kopilčáková Lucia , Eštoková Adriana , Stefanova Marieta Georgieva , Dománková Mária , Šutiaková Ingrid , Kusý Martin , Moravčíková Jana , Hazlinger Marián
Published: July 2023

This article addresses a pressing issue concerning the attainment of required drinking water quality in municipal settings. The solution lies in optimizing the interaction among multiple elements involved in this process. The interaction encompasses the transport system with its geometric, physicochemical, and operational characteristics, as well as the transported medium, which is drinking water with its physicochemical, operational, and incrustation characteristics. This article provides an overview of the current state of piped water systems and explores the integration of factors influencing the formation of incrustation to minimize its occurrence. Special attention is given to the meticulous selection of factors that impact water quality, considering their advantages and limitations in the assessment. The optimization process relies on Saaty’s method of comparing individual factors and conducting a thorough multi-criteria analysis. The outcome of the analysis culminated in the development of a three-stage procedure for de-incrustation of pipeline systems. To ensure a comprehensive perspective, it is crucial to approach the entire issue in accordance with ISO 46001-compliant water management systems.
Study on the Application of Typhoon Experience Parameter Analysis in Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Fang Hui-Ming , Hsu Hao-Teng , Wang Hsing-Yu
Published: July 2023

Due to the rapid development of computers, researchers have made efforts since the 1990s to develop typhoon forecasting models and stochastic typhoon simulation models to assess typhoon disasters and risks. Typhoon forecasting models are primarily used to predict and track the movement of typhoons and provide warning information to the general public before landfall. Stochastic typhoon simulation models can assess extreme wind speeds and compensate for the limitations of current observations and simulation data length. Taiwan experiences approximately three to four typhoons yearly, of varying intensities and paths. Whether the marine meteorological data includes events of strong typhoon centers passing through will affect the results of frequency analysis. The development of offshore wind power in Taiwan is closely related to the unique marine meteorological conditions throughout the lifecycle stages, including wind farm site selection, feasibility studies, planning and design, construction and installation, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning. This study references relevant research and analyzes sixty-three scenarios using nine types of maximum storm wind speed radii and seven Holland-B parameters. The data from Japan Meteorological Agency Best Track Data (JMA BTD) is utilized, explicitly selecting 20 typhoon events after 2000 for wind speed simulation using a typhoon wind speed model. After validating the typhoon wind speeds with observation data from the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) in Hsinchu and the Longdong buoy, the technique of Monte Carlo simulation is utilized to generate synthetic typhoons randomly. The average of the relative absolute errors for the simulated maximum wind speeds is calculated, and through comprehensive evaluation, optimal parameter combinations (Rm, B) are obtained.