bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Survey of Parasitic Contamination of Frozen Berries
Authors: Barlaam Alessandra , Datteo Marialoreta , Perdonò Stefania , Puccini Antonella , Giangaspero Annunziata
Published: October 2024

Berries represent healthy dietary options and contain bioactive compounds associated with a decreased risk of diseases. Despite representing healthy food choices, these products can be contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms, including parasites. Among foodborne parasites, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Echinococcus multilocularis are of significant public health importance and have been recently detected in fresh berries in Europe, including Italy. Berries can be purchased fresh or frozen, and it is worrying that even frozen berries could represent a risk for the consumer. In fact, several parasites can resist freezing temperatures and have been responsible for outbreaks of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of G. duodenalis, C. parvum, C. cayetanensis, T. gondii, and E. multilocularis in frozen berries with simplex and multiplex real-time PCR protocols. A total of 108 packages of mixed frozen berries were bought from supermarkets located in a south-eastern region of Italy. The samples were tested using two simplex real-time PCR protocols targeting C. parvum and G. duodenalis, respectively, and a multiplex real-time PCR targeting C. cayetanensis, T. gondii, and E. multilocularis. None of the investigated parasites were detected in the frozen berry samples tested. This research topic is still unexplored and of great current interest. These results represent a first attempt to investigate parasitic contamination of frozen berries sold on the Italian market, but further large-scale surveys are required.
Trends and Gaps in the Scientific Literature about the Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Canine Leishmaniosis
Authors: Previti Annalisa , Biondi Vito , Sicuso Diego Antonio , Pugliese Michela , Passantino Annamaria
Published: October 2024

In canine leishmaniosis (CanL), complex interactions between the parasites and the immunological background of the host influence the clinical presentation and evolution of infection and disease. Therefore, the potential use of nutraceuticals as immunomodulatory agents becomes of considerable interest. Some biological principles, mainly derived from plants and referred to as plant-derived nutraceuticals, are considered as supplementation for Leishmania spp. infection. This study provides a systematic review regarding the use of nutraceuticals as a treatment using a text mining (TM) and topic analysis (TA) approach to identify dominant topics of nutritional supplements in leishmaniosis-based research, summarize the temporal trend in topics, interpret the evolution within the last century and highlight any possible research gaps. Scopus® database was screened to select 18 records. Findings revealed an increasing trend in research records since 1994. TM identified terms with the highest weighted frequency and TA highlighted the main research areas, namely “Nutraceutical supports and their anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties”, “AHCC and nucleotides in CanL”, “Vit. D3 and Leishmaniosis”, “Functional food effects and Leishmaniosis” and “Extract effects and Leishmaniosis”. Despite the existing academic interest, there are only a few studies on this issue so far, which reveals a gap in the literature that should be filled.
Targeting Ferroptosis with Small Molecule Atranorin (ATR) as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy and Providing New Insight into the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ensoy Mine , Cansaran-Duman Demet
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Ferroptosis results from the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Previous research has determined the effect of atranorin (ATR) on other cell death mechanisms, but its potential for a ferroptotic effect depending on ROS levels is unclear. This study details the therapeutic role of small-molecule ATR through ferroptosis by suppressing MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, BT-474, and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. Methods: The anti-proliferative effect of ATR on cells was evaluated by xCELLigence analysis, and ferroptotic activity was evaluated by enzymatic assay kits. The changes in gene and protein expression levels of ATR were investigated by the qRT-PCR and western blot. In addition, mitochondrial changes were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Results: ATR was found to reduce cell viability in cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner without showing cytotoxic effects on normal breast cells. In BT-474 and MDA-MB-231 cells, ATR, which had a higher anti-proliferative effect, increased iron, lipid peroxidation, and ROS levels in cells and decreased the T-GSH/GSSG ratio. The results revealed for the first time that small-molecule ATR exhibited anti-cancer activity by inducing the glutathione pathway and ferroptosis. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of ATR as a drug candidate molecule that can be used in the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of triple-negative and luminal-B breast cancer subtypes.
An Ethnobotanical Study in Kırşehir (Türkiye)
Authors: Emre Gizem , Şenkardeş İsmail , İşcan Kaan , Evcimen Oltan , Yılmaz İlknur , Tugay Osman
Published: October 2024

A comprehensive ethnobotanical study was carried out in the province of Kırsehir, in the Central Anatolia region. The result of that study is this publication containing information about the main traditional folk medicine, wild food plants, and other plant uses in the area. Our goal was to collect, identify, and provide information about plants traditionally used by the local population. This inquiry focused on the plant specimens obtained during field work. Data were gathered through open and semi-structured interviews conducted with local individuals, and use report (UR) values were computed. A total of 79 taxa of plants used in folk medicine, belonging to 33 families, were identified in this study. Of these, 67 taxa were wild and 12 were cultivated. The most common families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae. Based on the results of this study, 77 taxa with ethnobotanical uses were recorded. The plants were used as folk medicine (45 taxa), as food (46 taxa), and for other purposes (34 taxa). This study determined that plants are still traditionally used in the region.
Reduction in Floor Impact Noise Using Resilient Pads Composed of Machining Scraps
Authors: Lee Donghyeon , Jeon Jonghoon , Kim Wanseung , Kim Narae , Lee Minjung , Park Junhong
Published: October 2024

Floor impact noise is a significant social concern to secure a quiescent living space for multi-story building residents in South Korea. The floating floor, consisting of a concrete structure on resilient pads, is a specifically designed system to minimize noise transmission. This floating structure employs polymeric pads as the resilient materials. In this study, we investigated the utilization of helically shaped machining scraps as a resilient material for an alternative approach to floor noise reduction. The dynamic elastic modulus and loss factor of the scrap pads were measured using the vibration test method. The scrap pads exhibited a low dynamic elastic modulus and a high loss factor compared to the polymeric pads. Heavyweight impact sound experiments in an actual building were conducted to evaluate the noise reduction performance. The proposed pads showed excellent performance on the reduction in the structure-borne vibration of the concrete slab and resulting sound generation. The analytical model was used to simulate the response of the floating floor structure, enabling a parametric study to examine the effects of the resilient layer viscoelastic properties. Both experimental and analytical evidence confirmed that the proposed scrap pads contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for the minimization of floor impact noise.
Opportunities and Constraints of the Adsorption of Rare Earth Elements onto Pyrolytic Carbon-Based Materials: A Mini-Review
Authors: Nogueira Miguel , Bernardo Maria , Ventura Márcia , Matos Inês , Pinto Filomena , Lapa Nuno
Published: October 2024

Rare earth elements (REEs), comprising seventeen metallic elements, including lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium, are indispensable for modern technological industries due to their unique properties. However, their supply is critically risky for the European Union, with 95% of global production concentrated in China, Brazil, Vietnam, Russia, India, and Australia. This mini-review examines the adsorption of REEs onto pyrolytic carbon-based materials as a sustainable recovery method from secondary raw materials. The review covers different types of carbon-based adsorbents used in several research works, such as activated carbon, chars, and biochar, and discusses their adsorption mechanisms and influencing factors. Comparative analyses of adsorption capacities highlight the significance of surface area and functionalization in enhancing adsorption efficiency. Despite promising results, the variability in adsorption performance due to experimental conditions and the scarcity of real-world application studies are noticed. This review underscores the need for further research using real e-waste leachates to validate the practical applicability of pyrolytic carbon-based adsorbents for REEs’ recovery, aiming for an economically and environmentally sustainable solution.
Deep-Learning-Based Amplitude Variation with Angle Inversion with Multi-Input Neural Networks
Authors: Tao Shiping , Guo Yintong , Huang Haoyong , Li Junfeng , Chen Liqing , Gui Junchuan , Zhao Guokai
Published: October 2024

Deep-learning-based (DL-based) seismic inversion has emerged as one of the state-of-the-art research areas in exploration geophysics with the development of artificial intelligence technology. Due to its good portability and high computational efficiency, this method has emerged as a data-driven approach for estimating subsurface properties. However, most of the current DL-based methods rely solely on seismic data, lacking the incorporation of prior information. In addition, these methods are usually performed trace-by-trace, resulting in insufficient horizontal constraints. These limitations make traditional methods less robust, particularly when dealing with high noise levels or limited data. To address these challenges, we propose a multi-input deep learning network for pre-stack inversion, which combines data-driven and model-driven approaches for optimization. The proposed method separately extracts features from the model and data, merging them to improve feature utilization. Moreover, by adopting a 2-D training unit, rather than a trace-by-trace approach, the method improves the horizontal continuity of the results. Tests on synthetic and real seismic data confirmed the robustness and improved stability of the proposed method, even under challenging conditions. This dual-driven approach significantly enhances the reliability of seismic inversion.
Can Mindful Politics Be Meaningful Politics? Socially Engaged Buddhism as a Political Project within a Liberal Political Order
Authors: Sukala Cory
Published: October 2024

Throughout the Western political world, and particularly in the United States, contemporary Buddhist political thought has largely become synonymous with the movement of mindful politics, also known as Socially Engaged Buddhism. Focusing primarily on issues of social, economic, and environmental justice, mindful politics has found a natural ally in Western left-wing and progressive movements to the degree that Buddhist political thought in the United States is now seemingly indistinguishable from these Western political positions as a practical matter. While the practical alliance of Socially Engaged Buddhism and progressivism is well established, what is less clear is what the movement of mindful politics brings to this relationship beyond its Buddhist veneer. By basing its political project on the secularization of Buddhist compassion (karuṇā), mindful politics fails in creating a political project which can be compelling to those outside of the confines of Buddhist religious belief and practice. While the mindful politics movement and contemporary liberal progressivism share an overlap in policy commitments, the religious roots of Buddhist mindful politics ultimately preclude it from properly aligning with the pluralistic requirements of the prevailing liberal political order. This article will examine the foundations of Socially Engaged Buddhism and explore the standing of the possibility of Socially Engaged Buddhism as the foundation for a political project within the confines of a liberal political order.
A Critical Analysis of Cremation Burials Within Some of the South African Tribes: A Contextual Practical Theological View
Authors: Hove Rabson , Baloyi Magezi Elijah , Phalatsi-Shilubana Mmamajoro
Published: October 2024

The colonial erosion of African traditional and cultural practices continues to dislocate the African identity in different ways. The changes and shifts made to burial practices have simply paved a way for the colonial agenda to bring about more Western ways of doing things, burial rites included. It is important to note that cremation, as another way of burying the dead, is slowly becoming a norm for black people. This paper intends to not only unveil the causes and contestations around cremation burials, but to also seek an African theological response as a way to guide black African culture moving forward.
Estimation of Regional Electricity Consumption Using National Polar-Orbiting Partnership’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Night-Time Light Data with Gradient Boosting Regression Trees
Authors: Guo Xiaozheng , Wang Yimei
Published: October 2024

With the rapid development of society and economy, the growth of electricity consumption has become one of the important indicators to measure the level of regional economic development. This paper utilizes NPP-VIIRS nighttime light remote sensing data to model electricity consumption in parts of southern China. Four predictive models were initially selected for evaluation: LR, SVR, MLP, and GBRT. The accuracy of each model was assessed by comparing real power consumption with simulated values. Based on this evaluation, the GBRT model was identified as the most effective and was selected to establish a comprehensive model of electricity consumption. Using the GBRT model, this paper analyzes electricity consumption in the study area across different spatial scales from 2013 to 2022, demonstrating the distribution characteristics of electricity consumption from the pixel level to the city scale and revealing the close relationship between electricity consumption and regional economic development. Additionally, this paper examines trends in electricity consumption across various temporal scales, providing a scientific basis for the optimal allocation of energy and the effective distribution of power resources in the study area. This analysis is of great significance for promoting balanced economic development between regions and enhancing energy efficiency.
Gender-Based Violence in the Context of Mothering: A Critical Canadian Health Perspective
Authors: Mantler Tara , Jackson Kimberley Teresa
Published: October 2024

Violence against women is a predominant, human rights violation, globally. Understood as any act of gender-based violence resulting in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, approximately 35% of women experience violence across the lifespan. While violence can be experienced at any age, women of reproductive age suffer the greatest prevalence, underscoring that for many women, experiencing violence or the health and social sequelae, which may follow violence, co-occurs with mothering. Mothering in the context of gender-based violence in Canada is complex and multifaceted. In this article, the interplay among gender-based violence and the childbearing stages of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are explored using an intersectional lens, including consideration of social disparities and equity-deserving groups. Approaches to address gender-based violence among childbearing women, such as an ecological approach and trauma- and violence-informed care, are discussed as implications for further research and practice.
Exploring Portuguese Consumers’ Behavior Regarding Sustainable Wine: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Sousa Sara , Correia Elisabete , Viseu Clara
Published: October 2024

Although consumption is the cornerstone of economic growth, it is unquestionably one of the main reasons for the current degradation of the planet. Hence, it is necessary to understand consumers’ different perceptions and behaviors regarding sustainable goods, as the solution will inevitably involve changing behaviors and promoting more sustainable consumption. In light of the challenges posed by sustainability within the wine sector, namely issues related to climate change, chemical exposure, and the availability of water and energy, and considering the industry’s substantial environmental and social impacts, it is important to understand the factors influencing wine consumer behavior. This research explores sustainable wine consumption in Portugal. Based on a sample of 197 valid responses, collected in an online survey that took place from March 20 to April 30 of 2024, and applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, the current study found that consumers’ intention to consume sustainable wine is influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, and sustainability awareness. Regarding the individuals’ consumption of sustainable wine, this behavior is influenced by the intention to consume this wine, and by consumers’ perceived behavioral control. The results also concluded that individuals’ intention to consume sustainable wine is significantly different across marital status, professional occupation, level of education, and age. With these valuable insights, this study aimed to increase the available information on sustainable wine consumption, allowing different stakeholders, namely political decision makers, to develop and implement more efficient measures to promote sustainable wine consumption.
Carbon Footprint Assessment Based on Agricultural Traceability System Records: A Case Study of Onion Production in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Lee Zi-Yi , Kang Yi-Huang , Chang Yao-Tsung , Lin Shun-Ho , Chien Chuan-Chi , Lee Shih-Chi , Ko Wen-Ching
Published: October 2024

This study proposes an improved methodology based on life cycle assessment (LCA), which is used to calculate the carbon footprint of agriculture, provides a simple and feasible calculation path, and constructs a streamlined framework for calculating the carbon footprint based on the agricultural traceability system records. Using important economic crop (Onion) as research subject, and choose the largest planting area in R.O.C. (southern Taiwan) as a case study. A total of 64 farm production history records have been collected, includes all of farms certified with a traceable agricultural products (TAP) label. Through a detailed analysis of the traditional carbon footprint calculation method, found that agricultural traceability system records could replace the data source in carbon footprint verification (CFV) process, and system records could be used as activity data after being organized. With our method, no need to go through a complicated CFV process, just download the existing data on agricultural traceability system, can start calculating carbon footprint as soon as possible. To compared to traditional assessment method, results show a margin of error is less than 6% compared to traditional assessment methods. Advantages of improved method were be found, such as easy data acquisition, simplified calculation steps, and improved data transparency and accuracy. From statistical data, show that at least seven categories of carbon emission sources for carbon footprints, the most significant of carbon emission impact are fertilizers. The result of improved methodology based on life cycle assessment (LCA), show that using the improved methods can help promote the carbon footprint management efficiency of agricultural organizations such as Farmers’ Association or Agricultural Production Marketing Group, promptly monitor the carbon footprint status of their fields and adjust strategies to reduce carbon footprints in real-time, advancing towards the goal of net-zero carbon emissions.
Study on the Promotional Effect and Mechanism of New Quality Productive Forces on Green Development
Authors: Xu Song , Wang Jiating , Peng Zhisheng
Published: October 2024

The new quality productive forces have the potential to spur both the green transformation of the industrial structure and innovative advances in green technology, which will further strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth. This study analyzes panel data from 30 provinces between 2012 and 2022 to build an evaluation system for new quality productive forces and green development at the provincial level. The entropy weight TOPSIS approach is used to assign weights to each indicator. Methods including fixed effects, mediation effects, and spatial econometrics are used to examine the contribution of new quality productive forces to green development and its mediation mechanism. The study finds that: (1) New quality productive forces significantly promote green development, and the conclusion still holds after a robustness test using the instrumental variables method and excluding municipalities. (2) The new quality productive forces contribute significantly to green development by improving technology and optimizing industrial structure. (3) The new quality productive forces not only directly enhance the green development level of the region, but also positively influence the green development level of the neighboring regions through the spatial spillover effect. (4) The eastern and central regions are more affected by new productivity in terms of green development. Based on these, efforts should be made to develop new quality productive forces, increase technological research and investment, and promote the development of industrial structure to be more environmentally friendly and efficient to promote green development.
An Optimal Road Network Extraction Methodology for an Autonomous Driving-Based Demand-Responsive Transit Service Considering Operational Design Domains
Authors: Woo Boram , Lee Donghoun , Chang Yoojin , Park Sungjin , Tak Sehyun
Published: October 2024

In addition to addressing the labor shortage due to an aging population, the transition to autonomous vehicle (AV)-based mobility services offers enhanced efficiency and operational flexibility for public transportation. However, much of the existing focus has been on improving AV safety without fully considering road conditions and real-world service demand. This study contributes to the literature by proposing a comprehensive framework for efficiently integrating AV-based mobility services at the network level, addressing these gaps. The framework analyzes and optimizes service networks by incorporating actual demand patterns, quantifying road segment difficulty from an AV perspective, and developing an optimization model based on these factors. The framework begins by quantifying the operational difficulty of road segments through an evaluation of Operational Design Domains (ODDs), providing a precise measure of AV suitability under varying road conditions. It then introduces a quantitative metric to assess operational feasibility, considering factors such as the service margin, costs, and safety risks. Using these metrics alongside Genetic Algorithms (GAs), the framework identifies an optimal service network that balances safety, efficiency, and profitability. By analyzing real-world data from different mobility services, such as taxis, Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT), and Special Transportation Services (STSs), this study highlights the need for service-specific strategies to optimize AV deployment. The findings show that optimal networks vary with demand patterns and road difficulty, demonstrating the importance of tailored network designs. This research provides a scalable, data-driven approach for integrating AV services into public transportation systems and lays the foundation for further improvements by incorporating dynamic factors and broader urban contexts.
Investigating the Interactive Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Different Chelating Agents (EDTA and DTPA) with Different Plant Species on Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil
Authors: Aloud Saud S. , Alotaibi Khaled D. , Almutairi Khalid F. , Albarakah Fahad N. , Alotaibi Fahad , Ahmed Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2024

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in soil poses a severe environmental threat, jeopardizing ecosystem health and potentially entering the food chain through plant uptake. Phytoremediation, a bioremediation technique utilizing plants to remove or immobilize contaminants, offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for HM remediation. This study investigated the interactive effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and chelating agents (EDTA and DTPA) on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivated in metal-contaminated soil and their impact on HM uptake by these plants. The findings revealed that AMF and chelating agents have complex interactive effects on plant growth and metal accumulation. Maize (Zea mays L.) shoot dry matter increased with AMF and chelating agents at lower concentrations. Both plants generally showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in shoot dry matter with amendments, with AMF × EDTA (10 mmol/kg) being the most effective for alfalfa. DTPA and EDTA generally reduced the DTPA-extractable metals in soil, suggesting potential for metal removal. However, the effects of AMF on metal availability were variable. Metal concentrations in maize (Zea mays L.) shoots increased with increasing DTPA and EDTA concentrations, while the effects of AMF were more complex. The alfalfa shoot metal content showed varied responses, with EDTA (5 mmol/kg) effectively reducing the metal uptake. In general, treatments involving chelating agents (DTPA and EDTA) tend to result in higher bioaccumulation factor (BF) values compared to the non-treated controls for most HMs in both plant species. Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) treatment alone or in combination with chelating agents also showed that varied effects on HM uptake in both the alfalfa and maize treatments with chelating agents, especially at higher concentrations, generally promoted the greater translocation of HMs in both plant species. Both alfalfa and maize responded differently to treatments, with some treatments showing higher translocation factor (TF) values for certain HMs in one species compared to the other. Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) treatment alone or in combination with chelating agents also showed varied effects on HM uptake and translocation in both alfalfa and maize. Further research is required to optimize remediation strategies that balance plant health and metal mobilization.
How Does a Green Supply Chain Improve Corporate Carbon Performance
Authors: Zou Qianlingzi , Ge Shuaizhong , Peng Yu , Shi Daqian , Tan Zhifen
Published: October 2024

Drawing from A-share listed companies’ data from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets in China (2013–2022), this paper adopts the differential model to test the impact and mechanism of a green supply chain (GSC) pilot on pilot enterprises. The results show that the GSC pilot effectively improved the carbon performance of the pilot enterprises and passed a series of robustness tests. Mechanism analysis finds that green innovation, efficiency improvement, and environmental information disclosure (EID) can reduce the carbon emissions of enterprises. The moderating effect discovers that environmental regulation and environmental attention effectively strengthened the role of the GSC pilot in improving carbon performance. In addition, this paper finds that the pilot had a better carbon reduction effect on mature, technology-intensive, and non-state-owned enterprises. The above research conclusions provide strong support for the government to build a GSC and promote low-carbon development.
Experience-Sharing to Support Inclusive Travel for Blind and Partially Sighted People
Authors: Bandukda Maryam , Azmi Aisha , Xiao Lan , Holloway Catherine
Published: October 2024

This research aimed to understand the challenges blind and partially sighted people experience in tourism and the travel information they need to plan their travel experiences effectively. To this end, we designed a mixed-methods study consisting of semi-structured interviews and co-design workshops, which were conducted to identify the needs of BPS people and the barriers experienced due to a lack of access to such information. The findings provide insights into the information-seeking process and highlight the role of experience sharing in cultivating a sense of agency, contribution, and interdependence. This study also contributes an accessible tourism ecosystem map based on our findings to highlight the different sources of travel information and their potential role in supporting inclusive travel for BPS people. The findings have implications for research and tourism service design and serve as a tool to motivate research on technologies to support inclusive leisure travel for BPS people and to inform the design of inclusive tourism services.
South Africa as a Donor of Its Native and Exotic Species to the International Pet Trade
Authors: Shivambu Ndivhuwo , Shivambu Tinyiko Cavin , Nelufule Takalani , Moshobane Moleseng Claude , Seoraj-Pillai Nimmi , Nangammbi Tshifhiwa Constance
Published: October 2024

The global pet trade is a thriving multibillion-dollar industry, involving the international exchange of various species and regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). South Africa plays a significant role as both an importer and exporter within this market. By analysing over 13 million records from the CITES database, spanning from 1975 to 2023, we aimed to access South Africa’s role in the international pet trade and to analyse trade volume and trends over time. Our findings indicate that alien species dominate exports, particularly birds and mammals, while native species are traded in lower volume, involving only a few species. The top 10 traded species for birds and mammals belong to the genera Agapornis and Callithrix, while 80% of reptile exports were native, with Stigmochelys pardalis being the most exported species. Bird and mammal exports are primarily composed of captive-bred individuals, whereas both captive-bred and wild-sourced individuals contribute to reptile exports. Approximately 100 countries import various species from South Africa, with Asia and Europe as major importers of birds. The extensive exportation of South Africa’s native species, particularly reptiles, raises significant conservation concerns regarding the potential impact on local biodiversity.
View Selection of Safety Managers Affects Their Ability to Evaluate Safety Level of Workers
Authors: Tian Xianlun , Li Guohui , Zhu Ming
Published: October 2024

Evaluating the safety level of work behaviors is an important means of safety management through safety managers’ manual visual or video surveillance. This paper aims to grasp the view selection rules of safety managers in correctly observing and analyzing work behavior, which are conducive to safety behavior assessment. Firstly, based on a similarity simulation experiment, the work process of the operators was simulated, and the process was simultaneously monitored from multiple views to obtain surveillance videos. Then, safety managers with different experience levels watched the videos and answered the questionnaire in a questionnaire survey experiment. The authors found the following: (1) Prior experience does not affect the view selection during the observation stage, but it does affect the view selection during the analysis stage. Experienced safety managers perform better in view selection when dealing with complex tasks. (2) The work postures have a significant effect on the view type and their combination order. (3) The view selection of experienced safety managers in the behavior observation and analysis stages is non-constant except for sitting posture operations, while the view selection of amateur managers is always constant. (4) Sitting posture work takes the front view as the main view and the left–right–upper views as auxiliary views; standing posture uses the left and right views as the main views and the front–back–upper views as auxiliary views; and mixed posture takes the left and right views as the main views and the upper–front–back views as auxiliary views. These view selection rules can achieve the highest evaluation performance. These findings can help train or select high-quality safety managers and provide a scientific basis for arranging views during video surveillance.
The Impact of Education on Consumers’ Eco-Friendly Shopping Habits towards Sustainable Purchases: Evidence from Indonesia and Taiwan
Authors: Lee Cheng-Wen , Hung Hsiu-Hua
Published: October 2024

The use of disposable products has increased significantly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this surge has also exacerbated the problem of waste pollution and climate change. Although there has been some progress recently, there is still a great deal of work to be carried out to promote eco-friendly shopping habits to combat environmental pollution. Education plays a crucial role in encouraging consumers to adopt long-term environmentally friendly behaviors as part of their shopping habits. This study aims to investigate the impact of education on non-disposable product knowledge and eco-awareness, which in turn influences consumer attitudes and shapes eco-friendly concepts into their habits. In our study, we also explore the role of self-identity as a moderator in the correlation between pro-environmental attitudes and eco-friendly shopping habits. Furthermore, our research involves gathering data from participants in Taiwan and Indonesia, considering their diverse cultural backgrounds and economic statuses in the Asian region. With a sample size of 332 individuals (152 from Indonesia and 180 from Taiwan), we utilized quantitative methodology and electronic questionnaires to collect data from October to November 2023. By employing CB-structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 4, we have been able to discern the similarities and differences between Taiwanese and Indonesian consumers within the context of our research framework. Consequently, sustainable purchases promote awareness and encourage consumers to adopt more environmentally friendly habits, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards sustainability.
The Belt and Road Initiative: Industry Competition and Corporate Environmental Information Disclosure in China
Authors: Yi Jingtao , Wang Yuxin , Teng Da
Published: October 2024

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a significant Chinese strategic measure designed to construct a platform for multinational cooperation. The study investigates whether the BRI construction influences corporate environmental information disclosure (EID) and whether the industry competition moderates their relationship. Adopting the legitimacy theory, we assume that firms focus more on EID to differentiate themselves after the BRI construction, especially amongst fierce competition where firms apply the EID strategy more for higher legitimacy. Taking the BRI construction in 2014 as an exogenous shock, we use a difference-in-differences method (DID) and propensity score matching difference-in-differences method (PSM-DID) based on the panel data of 4099 A-share listed firms from 2008 to 2022 and take the parallel trend and placebo tests for the robustness. We reveal a significant improvement in the EID of firms within the BRI stock sector following its establishment, with the effect of the BRI construction being further strengthened by industry competition. Leveraging legitimacy theory, the paper sheds light on the motivations behind EID and how industry competition serves as a moderating factor of the EID-promoting effects brought by the BRI construction.
Effects of Light Conditions on Tunnel Construction Workers’ Quality of Life and Work Productivity
Authors: Yan Guanfeng , Tian Yuhang , Wang Mingnian , Yan Tao , Yan Shiyuan
Published: October 2024

Higher lighting intensity promotes workers’ productivity but few studies focus on the problems caused by lower lighting intensities at tunnel construction sites without natural light. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between light intensity and workers’ sleep quality, alertness, vitality, and work productivity through a theoretical structural equation model based on the literature review. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, and 5792 valid responses were adopted for the analysis. First, the results showed that greater lighting intensity promoted workers’ productivity directly and indirectly through three mediators: sleep quality, alertness, and vitality. Then, the whole sample was classified into four groups: high intensity/high comfort, moderate intensity/moderate comfort, moderate intensity/low comfort, and low intensity/low comfort. The clustered results showed that the lighting conditions of tunnel construction sites were generally poor and that lighting comfort promoted workers’ productivity to some extent. Besides, the influence of lighting intensity on productivity declined with improved lighting conditions while the impact of lighting intensity on workers’ physiological and psychological status showed differing trends as lighting conditions varied. However, the relationships between workers’ physiological and psychological status and productivity remained stable regardless of the lighting conditions. The findings could provide a reference for developing corresponding measures to promote workers’ productivity.
Motivations of Ecotourists and Their Relationship with Sociodemographic Aspects, Satisfaction, and Loyalty: Puntilla de Santa Elena Marine Fauna Production Reserve, Ecuador
Authors: Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Orly , Borja-Morán José , Bustamante-Ruiz Silvia , Aguay-Tomalá Amalia , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: October 2024

This study aims to investigate the demand for ecotourism in marine protected areas by (a) identifying motivations specific to marine protected areas, (b) establishing the relationship between social and demographic variables and motivations, and (c) determining the relationship between social and demographic characteristics, satisfaction, and loyalty variables. The study was conducted in Santa Elena Province at the reserve called “Puntilla”, which is a coastal marine and fauna production reserve in Ecuador, a country renowned for its biodiversity. The sample comprised 369 on-site surveys. Factor analysis and stepwise multiple regression methods were used for data analysis. The results revealed associations between social and demographic variables and tourist motivations. Specifically, lower-income tourists were most motivated by “escape and ego-defensive function motivation” and reported higher satisfaction levels. Conversely, tourists who visited the destination less frequently displayed stronger motivations related to nature and showed high satisfaction. Furthermore, visitors who spent less at the destination demonstrated a greater intention to return and recommend the area to others. These findings hold significant implications for protected areas management and contribute to the scientific literature on ecotourism in similar protected areas.
Effects of Restoration Strategies on Soil Health after Lycium chinense Removal in the Qaidam Basin
Authors: Tian Yedi , Pengmao Dangzhi , Hu Xin , Liu Min
Published: October 2024

Ecological restoration of arid land plays a pivotal role in maintaining ecological sustainability and enhancing the resilience of local communities. As an ecologically significant arid land, the Qinghai Qaidam Basin has been severely impacted by human activities such as the widespread planting of Lycium chinense, leading to considerable degradation of vegetation and soil carbon and nutrients. Currently, this vital area is undergoing extensive ecological restoration through the employment of a variety of strategies, but the impact remains inadequately understood. This study seeks to compare the effects of different restoration strategies in the Qinghai Qaidam Basin, focusing on soil properties across five scenarios: a controlled desert area, natural restoration after the removal of L. chinense, continued planting of L. chinense, restoration through the planting of Haloxylon ammodendron, and mixed reseeding after four years of restoration. Our findings indicate that mixed reseeding significantly improved soil water storage to 4.26%, especially in the deep soil layer. The planting of H. ammodendron strategy efficiently reduced soil pH in such an alkaline environment. Soil nutrients, including total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK), were predominantly concentrated in the top soil layer, with reduced concentrations observed in the medium and deep soil layers. Although soil organic matter remained relatively stable across all restoration strategies, its content was notably lower in the deeper layers. Overall, mixed reseeding proved to be the most efficient strategy for enhancing soil water retention and nutrient levels. In contrast, despite achieving high vegetative coverage to 62.6%, planting of L. chinense was less ecologically beneficial due to its extensive irrigation requirements and adverse effects on soil structure. These findings suggest that restoring degraded areas to an ideal ecological state cannot be achieved within a few years, underscoring the importance of sustained restoration efforts. This study offers valuable insights and practical guidance for the ecological restoration of arid lands, contributing to the development of sustainable land management practices in similar regions.
Consumers’ Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding Honey Purchases and Expectations on Traceability and Sustainability in Italy
Authors: Mascarello Giulia , Pinto Anna , Crovato Stefania , Tiozzo Pezzoli Barbara , Pietropaoli Marco , Bertola Michela , Mutinelli Franco , Formato Giovanni
Published: October 2024

Traceability is a cornerstone of sustainable honey production and consumption. Honey fraud and a lack of traceability have been recently highlighted by the European Commission. Innovative systems aimed at guaranteeing food safety ’from farm to fork’ and improved controls are highly recommended. Within the framework of the BPRACTICES project, part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, and the ERA-Net SusAn initiative—focused on Sustainable Animal Production Systems—an advanced traceability system has been developed. This system utilizes QR code and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, along with a user-friendly web application, to facilitate direct interactions between producers and consumers. Despite existing research, studies on the information needs of Italian consumers regarding honey and its traceability remain limited. Understanding these needs is vital for creating effective communication strategies that enhance consumer satisfaction and trust. This study aims to identify the needs of Italian consumers’ honey during the purchasing and consumption decisions. To explore consumer perceptions, behaviors, expectations, and needs regarding honey, we employed diverse social research methodologies, including a quantitative online survey, paper-and-pencil interviews, and focus groups. The results of this study indicate a robust demand for more information on honey’s origin, production processes, and beekeeping practices, aligning with the recent EU Directive 2024/1438, which mandates clear labeling. Italian consumers would be willing to pay a premium for honey that offers detailed information about production practices and transparency. The positive reception of QR code technology by consumers suggests a growing openness to digital tools that enhance transparency and access to information. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the need for the beekeeping sector to adopt sustainable practices, improve traceability systems, and actively engage with consumers to foster trust and ensure long-term viability in the honey market. By addressing these information needs, the sector can align itself with increasing consumer demand for quality, sustainability, and transparency.
Modeling and Analysis of Public Transport Network in Hohhot Based on Complex Network
Authors: Zhang Hong , Lu Lu
Published: October 2024

In the urban public transport network, the transfer of buses and subways provides convenience for residents to travel efficiently. But in actual operation, it is found that accidents, natural disasters, and other damage are inevitable. These sudden events may lead to route suspensions and service delays, ultimately resulting in network paralysis. In this paper, complex network theory is used to construct a weighted double-layer network model. Carrying capacity is considered the edge weight. The model analyzes the impact of these sudden events on network performance. It also conducts in-depth research on network structure and node importance. A collective influence (CI) algorithm is proposed as a centrality index to evaluate node importance. Based on the dynamic nature of the attacks, the network state is divided into initial network and current network. Taking Hohhot as an example, the results show that the network based on a CI algorithm node attack has the worst invulnerability. The network invulnerability based on an edge weight attack is better than that of edge betweenness. Compared with the current network, the invulnerability of the initial network is stronger. This indicates that ongoing changes and adaptations in the network may accelerate the decline in overall performance. At the same time, targeted interventions on key nodes and edges can enhance the network’s invulnerability. Planners can continuously monitor network performance to provide a basis for dynamic management and real-time adjustments. Additionally, effective information about critical routes to the public helps ensure the sustainable operation of the public transportation network.
Construction of a Digital Twin System and Dynamic Scheduling Simulation Analysis of a Flexible Assembly Workshops with Island Layout
Authors: Liu Junli , Zhang Deyu , Liu Zhongpeng , Guo Tianyu , Yan Yanyan
Published: October 2024

Assembly Workshops with Island Layout (AWIL) possess flexible production capabilities that realize product diversification. To cope with the complex scheduling challenges in flexible workshops, improve resource utilization, reduce waste, and enhance production efficiency, this paper proposes a production scheduling method for flexible assembly workshops with an island layout based on digital twin technology. A digital twin model of the workshop is established according to production demands to simulate scheduling operations and deal with complex scheduling issues. A workshop monitoring system is developed to quickly identify abnormal events. By employing an event-driven rolling-window rescheduling technique, a dynamic scheduling service system is constructed. The rolling window decomposes scheduling problems into consecutive static scheduling intervals based on abnormal events, and a genetic algorithm is used to optimize each interval in real time. This approach provides accurate, real-time scheduling decisions to manage disturbances in workshop production, which can enhance flexibility in the production process, and allows rapid adjustments to production plans. Therefore, the digital twin system improves the sustainability of the production system, which will provide a theoretical research foundation for the real-time and unmanned production scheduling process, thereby achieving sustainable development of production.