bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical Issues in Software Requirements Engineering
Authors: Biable Seblewongel Esseynew , Garcia Nuno Manuel , Midekso Dida , Pombo Nuno
Published: February 2022

Context: Ethics have broad applications in different fields of study and different contexts. Like other fields of study, ethics have a significant impact on the decisions made in computing concerning software artifact production and its processes. Hence, in this research, ethics is considered in the context of requirements engineering during the software development process. Objective: The aim of this paper is to discuss the investigation results regarding ethical problems of requirements engineering processes by taking sample software developing companies and exposing existing research gaps. Method: This research uses interviewing, focus group discussions, purposive sampling, and qualitative analysis research methods. Result: This research finds an absence of industry practices, professional responsibility code of conduct standards, and other guidelines within companies when integrating ethical concerns of software during requirements engineering. It also indicates that almost all companies have no identification methods and checking mechanisms for ethical concern considerations. Furthermore, the major identified ethical concerns are classified into six categories as requirements identification problems, quality-related problems, carrying out unpermitted activities, unwillingness to give requirements, knowledge gaps and lack of legal grounds/rules for accountability. Conclusion: From the findings of this research, it can be concluded that, in the case software companies, there is no specific method for identifying ethical concerns. Additionally, there are no standards and guidelines used within the companies. This implies the need to overcome the existing and emerging ethical issues of requirements engineering.
The Role and Perspective of Climate Smart Agriculture in Africa: A Scientific Review
Authors: Abegunde Victor O. , Obi Ajuruchukwu
Published: February 2022

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is gaining a wide acceptance as a laudable approach that can assist farmers to maximize the potential of the farming systems in Africa. A number of practices have been identified as CSA practices, and successful outcomes of CSA technologies are being reported. However, CSA uptake among African farmers remains low despite its proven potential. The aim of this paper is to analyse the state of CSA in Africa and identify the constraints to the uptake of the practices among smallholder farmers. This paper synthesizes a subset of literature between 2010 and 2020. The key findings are that the response to climate change and the pattern and extent of adoption of CSAs differs from one macro-area to another. Factors such as resource constraints, institutional instruments, climate and ecological settings, and farmers’ characteristics, such as farmers’ experience and access to extension services, are significant determinants of CSA adoption. Socioeconomic constraints, poor availability of data and mastery of CSA approach, inadequate labour, and the wide diversity of the farming systems in Africa are challenges militating CSA uptake in the system This paper argues that it is crucial to ensure that limited resources available are systematically harnessed to achieve the triple-win benefits of CSA. Furthermore, there is the need to identify and prioritize locally suitable CSA practices and provide an enabling environment needed for CSA uptake and sustenance in the African farming systems.
Swell Conditions at Potential Sites for the Colombian Antarctic Research Station
Authors: Lonin Serguei , Rios-Angulo Wilson A. , Coronado Jairo
Published: February 2022

The objective of this paper was to characterize swell conditions in the coastal zone of the South Shetland Islands, where our preliminary analyses evaluated potential locations for the Colombian scientific station. The Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) spectral model was implemented for the Bransfield Strait. The boundary conditions were selected by a cluster analysis of the wave climate from global hindcasting obtained with the WAVEWATCH III model. Some comparisons between the model and wavemeter measurements were made. The results demonstrated that optimal sea state conditions for the scientific base are present in the South Bay, Livingston Island.
Augmented Reality and the Flipped Classroom—A Comparative Analysis of University Student Motivation in Semi-Presence-Based Education Due to COVID-19: A Pilot Study
Authors: Campos-Mesa María-Carmen , Castañeda-Vázquez Carolina , DelCastillo-Andrés Óscar , González-Campos Gloria
Published: February 2022

Background: This study aims to analyze university student motivation during the period of semi-presence-based education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the type of educational material used: Augmented Reality (AR) videos and traditional videos associated with the Flipped Classroom (FC) methodology. Methods: A sample of 129 university students were asked to take the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS). Results indicate that participants in the study were generally more motivated by AR educational material than by FC material; although mean motivation levels with both instruments are extremely high, with scores of 4.57 and 5.64 for FC and AR, respectively. Conclusions: Therefore, a conclusion was met which determines that these results are a starting point to continue the research of the motivational impact of using different types of videos in active methodologies.
Global Drivers for ESG Performance: The Body of Knowledge
Authors: Daugaard Dan , Ding Ashley
Published: February 2022

Progress on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues is vastly different depending where in the world you look. However, the literature on what drives ESG performance is highly fragmented and current theories fail to offer useful insights into the disparity in ESG performance. Hence, this study draws upon an accumulated body of knowledge of ESG-related literature and explores the major drivers of ESG performance. By applying a scientific and replicable methodology of systematic literature review, this article reveals the fundamental debate underpinning ESG responsibility, the breath of pertinent stakeholders, the theories necessary to understand ESG management and the conditions which will best achieve ESG progress. The major themes help inform the most effective choice of mechanisms to improve ESG outcomes. However, there are also significant themes not yet fully developed in the literature. Future research is urgently needed on the impact of economic development, regulatory environment and responsible investing on ESG outcomes. These research trajectories hold important implications for investment management, corporate strategy and government policies affecting global ESG performance.
Does Backward Integration Improve Food Safety of the Tea Industry in China in the Post-COVID-19 Era?
Authors: Wang Huashu , Li Zhenyi , Wang H. Holly
Published: February 2022

China is the largest tea producer in the world; however, tea quality and safety issues have caught broad attention due to pesticide overuse in the growing stage. In order to control the quality and safety of their raw inputs, tea-processing firms in China are expanding their own plantations. Does this backward integration (BI) improve the food safety performance of the tea firms in China? Based on the transaction cost theory, we empirically investigate the effect of tea firms’ BI on their food safety performances, using data from 246 tea firms collected via an online survey in 2021. Controlling the basic background situation and firms’ characteristics, the empirical regression results, when controlling for the self-selection bias, support the hypothesis that BI can improve the food safety performance of the tea industry when it reaches the effective integration level, specifically, 80% or higher. Other factors include that the private brand and asset share of the plantation would also help reduce the firms’ food safety problems. Therefore, the government may consider supporting firms’ BI in the development of tea plantations through one-time subsidies and/or land and labor coordination, so as to improve the food safety situation and industry efficiency.
Blockchain in Cultural Heritage: Insights from Literature Review
Authors: Vacchio Erica Del , Bifulco Francesco
Published: February 2022

Cultural and creative products play an important role in helping local cultural prosperity and economic development. Today, the cultural sector presents itself as an elective field of application for the development of new investments in technologies. These investments are also facilitated by recent development programs promoted nationally with the aim of digitizing the sector using the integration between technology and artistic and cultural heritage. A review of the impact of blockchain technology in this industry is provided in this study. From this analysis, we identified three use cases of blockchain application: provenance and authenticity, tokenization and fractional equity, and rights management and digital protection. In addition, a future research agenda is developed, and new research questions are offered within three research areas: (1) expanding empirical research on the topic, (2) developing a guideline for cultural managers, and (3) analyzing the customer point of view.
Investigation on Mechanism of Tetracycline Removal from Wastewater by Sinusoidal Alternating Electro-Fenton Technique
Authors: Zhou Yihui , Hu Bonian , Zhuang Xiaojie , Qiu Jinxian , Xu Tao , Zeng Muping , He Xi , Yu Gang
Published: February 2022

Sinusoidal alternating electro-Fenton (SAEF) is a new type of advanced electrochemical oxidation technology for the treatment of refractory organic wastewater. In this research, the removal performance and degradation mechanism of tetracycline (TC) were investigated, and the optimal operation parameters were determined. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) were used to characterize the morphology, elemental composition, crystal structure, function groups of sludge produced by SAEF. UV-visible spectroscopy (UV) and liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) were employed to determine the concentration of organic matter, middle products of decomposed organics in the SAEF process, respectively. The results showed that the removal rates of TC, chemical oxygen demand (COD), electric energy consumption (EEC) and the amount of produced sludge (Ws) are 94.87%, 82.42%, 1.383 kWh⋅m−3 and 0.1833 kg⋅m−3 by SAEF, respectively, under the optimal conditions (pH = 3.0, conductivity (κ) = 1075 μS⋅cm−1, current density (j) = 0.694 mA⋅cm−2, initial c (TC) = 100 mg·dm−3, c [30%H2O2] = 1.17 cm3⋅dm−3, frequency (f) = 50 Hz, t = 120 min). Compared with pure direct electro-Fenton (DEF) or sinusoidal alternating current coagulation (SACC), SAEF was a highly effective method with low-cost for the treatment of TC wastewater. It was found that the conjugated structure of TC was destroyed to generate intermediate products, and then most of them was gradually mineralized into inorganic materials in the SAEF process.
Willingness to Pay for Urban and Suburban Green
Authors: Kalfas Dimitrios , Chatzitheodoridis Fotios , Loizou Efstratios , Melfou Katerina
Published: February 2022

Peri-urban and urban green are considered among the basic priorities of the local government’s regional policy agenda, in line with the principles of spatial planning. This agenda is promoted at both the national and European levels through a variety of technical and institutional measures. Green spaces in urban and suburban areas are directly linked to the quality of life of urban residents and their environment. In this context, the purpose of this study is to investigate and identify the characteristics and factors that influence the residents of a small Greek city in terms of the value they attach to urban and suburban green spaces. These factors are identified through the residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) using the contingent valuation method (CVM). In general, the analysis aims to document the value of environmental economic methods as a tool in the management of natural heritage. According to the research, income and knowledge of environmental issues (global and local) as well as the benefits of green spaces (urban and suburban) are the key factors that drive residents to place a higher value on them. Future work may explore whether or how the COVID-19 pandemic affected city residents’ willingness to pay for green spaces.
The One Thing You Need to Change Is Emotions: The Effect of Multi-Sensory Marketing on Consumer Behavior
Authors: Abdolmohamad Sagha Moein , Seyyedamiri Nader , Foroudi Pantea , Akbari Morteza
Published: February 2022

Retailers are increasingly aware of the importance of store atmosphere on consumers’ emotions. The results of four experimental studies demonstrate that the sensory cues by which customers sense products and the amount of (in)congruency among the sensory stimuli of the products affect consumers’ emotions, willingness to purchase, and experience. In the presence of moderators such as colors, jingles, prices, and scent imagery, when facing sensory-rich experiential products (e.g., juice, coffee, hamburger, soda) with different sensory cues, consumers’ emotions, willingness to purchase, and experience depend on affective primacy and sensory congruency. The results (1) facilitate an improved consideration of the role of the interaction of sensory cues on customer emotions, (2) have consequences for outcomes linked with sensory congruency and affective primacy, and (3) help clarify possible incoherence in preceding studies on cross-modal outcomes in the setting of multi-sensory marketing.
Analysis of Relationship between Road Geometry and Automated Driving Safety for Automated Vehicle-Based Mobility Service
Authors: Tak Sehyun , Kim Sari , Yu Hwapyeong , Lee Donghoun
Published: February 2022

Various mobility services have been proposed based on the integration of automated vehicle (AV) and road infrastructure. Service providers need to identify a set of road sections for ensuring the driving safety of an AV-based mobility service. The main objective of this research is to analyze the safety performance of AVs on the road geometrical features present during this type of mobility service. To achieve the research goal, a mobility service is classified by a combination of six road types, including expressway, bus rapid transit (BRT) lane, principal arterial road, minor arterial road, collector road, and local road. With any given road type, a field test dataset is collected and analyzed to assess the safety performance of the AV-based mobility service with respect to road geometry. Furthermore, the safety performances of each road section are explored by using a historical dataset for human-driven vehicle-involved accident cases. The result reveals that most of the dangerous occurrences in both AV and human-driven vehicles show similar patterns. However, contrasting results are also observed in crest vertical curve sections, where the AV shows a lower risk of dangerous events than that of a human-driven vehicle. The findings can be used as primary data for optimizing the physical and digital infrastructure needed to implement efficient and safe AV-based mobility services in the future.
Superheated Steam Torrefaction of Biomass Residues with Valorisation of Platform Chemicals Part—2: Economic Assessment and Commercialisation Opportunities
Authors: Roy Baharam , Kleine-Möllhoff Peter , Dalibard Antoine
Published: February 2022

Up to now biorefinery concepts can hardly compete with the conventional production of fossil-based chemicals. On one hand, conventional chemical production has been optimised over many decades in terms of energy, yield and costs. Biorefineries, on the other hand, do not have the benefit of long-term experience and therefore have a huge potential for optimisation. This study deals with the economic evaluation of a newly developed biorefinery concept based on superheated steam (SHS) torrefaction of biomass residues with recovery of valuable platform chemicals. Two variants of the biorefinery were economically investigated. One variant supplies various platform chemicals and torrefied biomass. The second variant supplies thermal energy for external consumers in addition to platform chemicals. The results show that both variants can be operated profitably if the focus of the platform chemicals produced is on high quality and thus on the higher-priced segment. The economic analysis gives clear indications of the most important financial influencing parameters. The economic impact of integration into existing industrial structures is positive. With the analysis, a viable business model can be developed. Based on the results of the present study, an open-innovation platform is recommended for the further development and commercialisation of the novel biorefinery.
Determinants of Purchase Behavior of Young E-Consumers of Eco-Friendly Products to Further Sustainable Consumption Based on Evidence from Poland
Authors: Maciaszczyk Magdalena , Kwasek Artur , Kocot Maria , Kocot Damian
Published: February 2022

The aim of the article is to analyze the purchasing behavior of young e-consumers of organic products in regard to sustainable consumption. The article highlights the importance of the Internet in the intensification of purchasing processes of modern consumers and presents the results of the study conducted in November 2021 using a survey questionnaire involving a sample of 620 respondents. As a result of statistical analyses, a structural model was estimated using the maximum likelihood method. It allowed us to determine the variables that influence the purchasing behavior of young e-consumers, as well as to illustrate the degree of the influence between endogenous variables. Defining these relationships made it possible to determine the factors that affect the buying behavior of young e-consumers in the market of organic products. The results of the study and the analysis of the model have led us to the conclusion that purchasing behavior is mainly determined by product information derived from various sources involving product and service quality or warranty, thus giving the consumers the right to file a complaint. The balance between these factors creates the grounds for sustainable consumption and putting emphasis on the specified groups of factors by the producers will allow shopping activities to intensify among young e-consumers. The ongoing SARS-CoV-19 pandemic has posed a serious limitation to an effective performance of the following study. In the future, the authors intend to carry out similar research among overseas respondents so that it is possible to verify if the current trends can also be traced in foreign markets.
Which Factors Favour Biodiversity in Iberian Dehesas?
Authors: Rodríguez-Rojo Maria , Roig Sonia , López-Carrasco Celia , Redondo García María , Sánchez-Mata Daniel
Published: February 2022

Dehesas or montados are man-made systems whose conservation interest as a Mediterranean landscape or agroforestry system has been highlighted in the scientific literature due to their high levels of biodiversity. The understanding of how management practices influence the biodiversity of the dehesa requires a comprehensive approach that considers the broad spectrum of biological components (i.e., fungi, lichens, vascular plants, macroinvertebrates, and vertebrates) that make the dehesa an ecosystem. We have reviewed around seventy publications compiled through Scopus and other specialized bibliographic sources not included in Scopus that study the impact of land use and land cover on the biodiversity of Iberian dehesas. The most significant results have been organized and summarized into a group of factors related to habitat structure and management practices. The conclusion to be drawn from the scientific studies is that not all biological components respond in the same way to land-cover and human practices, and the maintenance of a high overall diversity in dehesas depends on a complex understorey vegetation and habitat heterogeneity.
A Difficult Pattern to Change in Romania, the Perspective of Socio-Economic Development
Authors: Iancu Tiberiu , Petre Ionuț Laurențiu , Tudor Valentina Constanta , Micu Marius Mihai , Ursu Ana , Teodorescu Florina-Ruxandra , Dumitru Eduard Alexandru
Published: February 2022

The rural area is a basic component from a socio-economic point of view, being closely linked to the activities that take place in these areas. Normally, Romanian rural localities should show significant differences from one development region to another, being influenced by a number of factors (geographical positioning, the influence of agriculture in the economy, etc.). In this sense, data were collected from the town halls of the localities from Calarasi and Timis counties. The analyzed data were processed by the linear regression method, and the estimation of the evolution of the population was determined using the Vensim simulation program. The paper identifies a pattern in rural localities in Romania that hinders their development, reflected by various socio-economic indicators available in the analyzed localities. The main factor that can change this pattern in rural localities is the influence of local and national decision-makers, who can encourage investment in these areas either through the development of local and national infrastructure or through fiscal measures that encourage the development of quality non-agricultural activities that can generate financial resources and jobs at the local level. Moreover, it is not only the low number of non-agricultural activities that is causing the poor development of rural areas, but rather the low number of economic operators in general and the quality of these types of activities, which in most cases do not have the capacity to create new jobs.
Participation of Brinjal Farmers in Large and Small Wholesale Markets: Factors Influencing Farmers’ Decisions and Impact on Producers’ Prices
Authors: Rana Masud , Maharjan Keshav Lall
Published: February 2022

This research aims to explore the factors associated with the decisions of brinjal (aubergine) farmers to participate in large wholesale markets and estimate the impact of large wholesale markets participation on producers’ prices in the Jashore and Narsingdi districts of Bangladesh. A linear probability model (LPM) was used to identify the factors associated with decisions to participate in large wholesale markets, and propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to estimate the impact of large wholesale markets on producer prices. The results showed that the decision to participate in a large wholesale market is significantly associated with years of schooling, farm size, the distance from the farm to the large wholesale market, road quality from the farm to the market, access to extension services, market information, group marketing, trust-based credit, yield, and transportation cost. Moreover, this study consistently showed that participation in a large wholesale market had a positive effect on producer price. Therefore, this study suggests the policy implication that comprehensive strategies must be adopted by the government to increase small-scale farmers’ participation in large wholesale markets and improve the welfare of these farmers.
Linking CSR Communication to Corporate Reputation: Understanding Hypocrisy, Employees’ Social Media Engagement and CSR-Related Work Engagement
Authors: Jiang Hua , Cheng Yang , Park Keonyoung , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2022

Based on the social exchange theory and the signaling theory, we proposed a conceptual model of effective CSR communication and corporate reputation integrating employees’ hypocrisy toward their employers’ corporate behavior, employees’ CSR-related social media engagement and work engagement. We tested our proposed model based on an employee survey (n = 811). Structural equational modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted while controlling variables that could exert confounding effects on our proposed model. All the hypotheses were supported by our collected data. Effective CSR communication factors turned out to be significant predictors for hypocrisy, employees’ social media engagement and CSR-related work engagement, and corporate reputation. Hypocrisy and engagement were also significant mediators in our proposed model. The key findings of the study made theoretical contributions to CSR and employee communication scholarship. Practical implications of the findings of this study were also discussed.
The Relationships among Transformational Leadership, Professional Learning Communities and Teachers’ Job Satisfaction in China: What Do the Principals Think?
Authors: Zhang Jia , Huang Qinan , Xu Jianmei
Published: February 2022

This study explores the relationships among transformational leadership, professional learning community (PLC) components, and teachers’ job satisfaction from Chinese principals’ perspective. A survey was conducted among 572 principals from different provinces in China. Structural equation modelling results revealed that transformational leadership had a significant effect on all five components of PLCs (i.e., shared purpose, collaborative activity, collective focus on student learning, deprivatized practice, and reflective dialogue), and these five PLC components all significantly predicted teachers’ job satisfaction. Meanwhile, the effect of transformational leadership on teachers’ job satisfaction was also significant. Mediation analysis showed that all five components of PLCs were significant mediators between transformational leadership and teachers’ job satisfaction. The practical implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Transforming the German Food System: How to Make Start-Ups Great!
Authors: Ludwig Kathrin , Profeta Adriano , Märdian Alexander , Hollah Clemens , Schmiedeknecht Maud Helene , Heinz Volker
Published: February 2022

The food system represents a key industry for Europe and Germany in particular. However, it is also the single most significant contributor to climate and environmental change. A food system transformation is necessary to overcome the system’s major and constantly increasing challenges in the upcoming decades. One possible facilitator for this transformation are radical and disruptive innovations that start-ups develop. There are many challenges for start-ups in general and food start-ups in particular. Various support opportunities and resources are crucial to ensure the success of food start-ups. One aim of this study is to identify how the success of start-ups in the food system can be supported and further strengthened by actors in the innovation ecosystem in Germany. There is still room for improvement and collaboration toward a thriving innovation ecosystem. A successful innovation ecosystem is characterised by a well-organised, collaborative, and supportive environment with a vivid exchange between the members in the ecosystem. The interviewees confirmed this, and although the different actors are already cooperating, there is still room for improvement. The most common recommendation for improving cooperation is learning from other countries and bringing the best to Germany.
Climate Smart Regenerative Agriculture to Produce Sustainable Beauty Products: The Case Study of Snail Secretion Filtrate (LX360®)
Authors: Novara Agata , Sampino Salvatore , Paternò Fernando , Keesstra Saskia
Published: February 2022

In the last years, the environmental impacts of cosmetics production have received growing interest from consumers, industries and the scientific community. Therefore, the selection and evaluation of more sustainable ingredients for cosmetic preparations need greater attention. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the environmental impact of snail secretion filtrate (LX360®), which could be used as an alternative cosmetic ingredient. The Carbon Footprint (CF) was used to quantify the kgCO2eq per liter of the LX360® produced in a rearing system farm that follows circularity economy and regenerative agriculture principles. The study computes the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock change due to the implementation of regenerative agricultural practices. The CF of the production system was up to 1.76 kg CO2eq L−1, where the extraction stage contributed most. Findings on SOC stock showed a significant increase compared to the previous land-use. The net sequestered CO2 into the soil amounts to 2.07 kg CO2eq L−1; therefore, the production of LX360® showed a positive carbon balance (0.31 kg CO2eq L−1). The application of regenerative agriculture in snail rearing systems positively affects SOC sequestration, and it should be considered as a best management practice for the restoration of degraded land.
The Effect of COVID-Related EU State Aid on the Level Playing Field for Airlines
Authors: Martín-Domingo Luis , Martín Juan Carlos
Published: February 2022

State aid for airlines around the world has been a common practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the air transport was one of the sectors most heavily affected. This study analyzes 27 cases of state aid to EU airlines between 1 March 2020 and 30 September 2021 with a total amount of €31 billion. The information was obtained from the area of competition of the European Commission (EC), which is the entity responsible for final approval. Results indicate that the largest EU economies (Germany and France), as well as some Northern European countries, are supporting national airlines more extensively. Airlines with a weaker financial performance before the pandemic were more likely to receive state aid. Government involvement in the airline industry during the recent health crisis will have an important influence on the level playing field (LPF) for airlines. It is still unclear how this will evolve in the future, but it seems that some airlines now resemble the public flag companies of the past.
Impact of Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Reef Restoration on Benthic Invertebrates and Coastal Birds in a Subtropical Estuary
Authors: Copertino Jessica L. , Harris Katherine , Chute Lyndsey , Walters Linda J.
Published: February 2022

In order to mitigate the degradation of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs in Mosquito Lagoon (ML) along the east coast of central Florida, oyster reef restoration efforts have been in place for over 14 years. These restored reefs are successful in terms of universal oyster metrics (i.e., density, shell height, reef height) and are similar to natural reefs. However, little is known about the impact of this restoration on bird populations. ML provides a habitat for many bird species, including several listed as “threatened” by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Many of these birds rely on oyster reefs for foraging and loafing habitats. As benthic invertebrates serve as an important food source for coastal birds, we monitored the abundances and diversity of these organisms on live, restored, and dead reefs. We collected sediment samples from the reef sites pre-restoration, and one month, six months, one year, two years, and three years post-restoration. We counted benthic invertebrates present in the sediment samples, and sorted them by taxa (polychaetes, amphipods, isopods, gastropods, bivalves, decapods). Benthic invertebrate abundances on restored reefs became similar to live reefs over time (species composition, density), indicating that the prey base on restored reefs was similar to that of live reefs within 6 months. A second objective of this study was to determine if restored oyster reefs reach the same abundances, foraging behaviors, and diversity of bird species on natural, live reefs. We conducted monthly bird surveys to assess bird utilization of live, restored, and dead reefs. After three years, the abundances, behaviors, and assemblages of birds on restored reefs were similar to live reefs.
Optimizing the Compensation Standard of Cultivated Land Protection Based on Ecosystem Services in the Hangzhou Bay Area, China
Authors: Li Hua , Su Dan , Cao Yu , Wang Jiayi , Cao Yu
Published: February 2022

The significant positive externality of cultivated land ecosystem services leads to the low comparative benefit of cultivated land utilization and then causes practical problems such as the abandonment and non-agriculturalization of the cultivated land, which poses a threat to China’s food security. The existing protection system only focuses on the quantity requirement and food production service of cultivated land and ignores the multi-function of cultivated land as an ecosystem, resulting in insufficient incentives and poor effect. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the protection’s economic compensation standard by adding the cultivated land’s ecosystem service value in order to comprehensively assess cultivated land resources and correct for externalities. Taking the area around Hangzhou Bay, where the contradiction between cultivated land protection and economic development is prominent, as an example, the values of six typical cultivated land ecosystem services in 2016 was constructed and calculated, including food production, carbon sequestration and oxygen production, water conservation, soil conservation, biodiversity maintenance, and cultural leisure. Combined with ecosystem services’ values and the quality index, we finally determined the new county-level compensation standard of cultivated land protection in the Hangzhou Bay area. The results show that the value of cultivated land ecosystem services present obvious regional disparities, meaning that there exist significant differences in the sustainable use capacity of cultivated land and the necessity of establishing grading compensation standards in the region. Finally, we analyze the rationality and innovation of the new compensation standard model as well as its role in the protection of cultivated land and look forward to promoting the sustainable use of cultivated land through these new incentives.
Promoting Subjective Well-Being among Rural and Urban Residents in Indonesia: Does Social Capital Matter?
Authors: Nugroho Tri Wahyu , Hanani Nuhfil , Toiba Hery , Sujarwo Sujarwo
Published: February 2022

There has been growing research on the link between social capital and subjective well-being. However, to date, research investigating the impact of social capital on subjective well-being based on urban and rural typology is limited. Therefore, to fill this gap, this study aims to examine the effects of social capital on subjective well-being, based on urban and rural typology, using large-scale data from 29,341 Indonesian residents, comprising 17,155 urban residents and 12,186 rural residents. A two-stage predictor substitution (2SPS) approach is applied to address the endogeneity issue in estimating the impact of social capital. The empirical findings indicate that social capital significantly increases subjective well-being, i.e., happiness and life satisfaction. However, based on the urban–rural model, we found that the impact of social capital on subjective well-being is different. In the urban model, social capital increases happiness and life satisfaction significantly. However, the rural model indicates that social capital significantly increases happiness, not life satisfaction. These findings imply that subjective well-being impacts urban residents more than rural residents. The main reason is social capital in urban areas is well-developed (i.e., management and infrastructure for community association). Therefore, we suggest developing social capital in rural areas to expand its role in improving well-being.
Increased Digital Resource Consumption in Higher Educational Institutions and the Artificial Intelligence Role in Informing Decisions Related to Student Performance
Authors: Jokhan Anjeela , Chand Aneesh A. , Singh Vineet , Mamun Kabir A.
Published: February 2022

As education is an essential enabler in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it should “ensure inclusive, equitable quality education, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. One of the frameworks for SDG 4 is to propose the concepts of “equitable quality education”. To attain and work in the context of SDG 4, artificial intelligence (AI) is a booming technology, which is gaining interest in understanding student behavior and assessing student performance. AI holds great potential for improving education as it has started to develop innovative teaching and learning approaches in education to create better learning. To provide better education, data analytics is critical. AI and machine learning approaches provide rapid solutions with high accuracy. This paper presents an AI-based analytics tool created to predict student performance in a first-year Information Technology literacy course at The University of the South Pacific (USP). A Random Forest based classification model was developed which predicted the performance of the student in week 6 with an accuracy value of 97.03%, sensitivity value of 95.26%, specificity value of 98.8%, precision value of 98.86%, Matthews correlation coefficient value of 94% and Area Under the ROC Curve value of 99%. Hence, such a method is very useful in predicting student performance early in their courses of allowing for early intervention. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the experimental findings demonstrate that the suggested prediction model satisfies the required accuracy, precision, and recall factors for forecasting the behavioural elements of teaching and e-learning for students in virtual education systems.
Tibetan Herders’ Life Satisfaction and Determinants under the Pastureland Rehabilitation Program: A Case Study of Maduo County, China
Authors: Xia Cuizhen , Zhou Lihua , Wang Ya , Pei Xiaodong
Published: February 2022

The Pastureland Rehabilitation Program (PRP) has been implemented for nearly 20 years, and the lives of herders in different regions have been affected to varying degrees. The level of people’s well-being could measure the success of policy. Taking Maduo County as an example, the life satisfaction of 266 Tibetan herders was investigated through a participatory questionnaire survey in July 2021. Multiple linear regression and optimal scale regression were constructed to analyze the impact of the satisfaction of different aspects of life and PRP on life satisfaction, respectively. The results show that the herders in Maduo County had relative high satisfaction in various aspects of life and overall life, and leisure and consumption were important aspects influencing life satisfaction. The relative living standard, the difficulty in borrowing and the quality of government services had a significant positive impact on herders’ life satisfaction. Occupation and migration location also led to the significant differences of life satisfaction. However, the income changes caused by PRP and subsidy levels did not show a significant impact. We discussed the particularity of Maduo County and suggested that more attention should be paid to the improvement of the social environment such as wealth disparity, channels of assistance, working environment, and the effective assistance formulated according to the demands of different groups needs to be optimized continuously, so as to enhance the self-development ability of herders.
Energy Conservation Measures and Value Engineering for Small Microgrid: New Hospital as a Case Study
Authors: Abdulaziz Almarzooq Saleh , Al-Shaalan Abdullah M. , Farh Hassan M. H. , Kandil Tarek
Published: February 2022

Energy conservation measures can not only improve energy efficiency; it can also enhance microgrid resilience. This paper aims at investigating energy conservation in a small microgrid, using a new hospital in Riyadh city as a case study, to satisfy the Saudi Building Code (SBC part 601) requirement of energy conservation as the first case. The second case study aims to apply and simulate additional advanced energy conservation requirements. The new hospital has considered energy conservation measures uch as upgraded Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), lighting type effect, thermal insulation, and window material. These energy conservation considerations made a difference in the annual energy saving and efficiency of its microgrid. This study used Autodesk Revit software to obtain building information modeling (BIM) and eQUEST to perform energy simulations. The two software programs are integrated together to perform comprehensive energy simulations with detailed building information from the model by Autodesk Green Building Studio (GBS). The energy conservation measures mainly focused on energy management and saving in the building’s electrical installations. All utilized equipment in the hospital should follow the Saudi standards issued by the national authorities. The simulation results revealed a noticeable annual energy saving of up to 19.82% for the second case, using a great thermal resistance building envelope, energy-saving lighting system, and highly rated Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) HVAC system compared to the first case. More than 100,000 SR in yearly energy saving was achieved by implementing the second case study. Applying the Value Methodology (VM) to the proposed hospital in this study saved more than 700,000 SR in the initial cost of the hospital.
From Pollution Control Cooperation of Lancang-Mekong River to “Two Mountains Theory”
Authors: Bai Yuntao , Wang Qiang , Yang Yueling
Published: February 2022

“Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets ” (referred to as the “Two Mountains Theory”) plays an important role in the process of controlling environmental pollution. This article introduces this practice with an example of pollution control in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin (LMRB). The research considers that the upstream and downstream countries can carry out water pollution control by imposing fines on enterprises that cause ecological damage and investing in pollution control resources. Firstly, the differential game model of pollution control by individual countries and international cooperation is established. Then, a differential game model of joint pollution control with compensation mechanism is established under the cooperation framework. Finally, the feedback Nash equilibrium of each state is obtained. The study shows that in the process of industrial pollution control by countries in the LMRB alone, due to the one-way externality of water pollution control, the more downstream countries are, the more resources will be invested in pollution control and the fewer fines will be imposed on enterprises that cause ecological damage. At the beginning stage of management, if more pollution control resources are input, fewer countries will participate in cooperation, and the fines for polluting enterprise would be less. When the amount of fines for enterprises is relatively small, the establishment of a river pollution compensation mechanism is not conducive to the input of pollution control resources. On the contrary, it is beneficial for the state to invest in pollution control resources. The coordinated development of economic development and ecological civilization construction is the core purpose of the “Two Mountains Theory”. Therefore, the case of the LMRB fully illustrates the feasibility of the “Two Mountains Theory” based on cooperation.
An Energy Performance Evaluation of Commercially Available Window Glazing in Darwin’s Tropical Climate
Authors: Mehdizadeh-Rad Hooman , Choudhry Taimoor Ahmad , Ng Anne W. M. , Rajabi Zohreh , Rais Muhammad Farooq , Zia Asad , Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman
Published: February 2022

A total of 40% of the world’s energy produced is utilized to maintain thermal comfort for the occupants of the building. Governments are taking measures collectively to regulate energy efficient buildings to reduce carbon emissions globally. Windows account for more than half of total energy losses in the buildings. The employment of energy efficient glazing in the construction industry is not common in Australia. This paper investigates several types of commercially available windows and their effectiveness in the hot and humid climate of Darwin. Although extensive literature is available for cold regions, these windows have not been studied in hot and humid climates such as the climate in Darwin. Building cooling loads of an academic building were calculated using Autodesk Revit Architecture and Carrier HAP. Double glazed variants offered approximately a 5% reduction in cooling loads and had a payback period of nearly 7 to 9 years, depending on the type of gas used to fill the pane cavity. The results indicate that triple glazed, or aerogel-based windows will provide about 11–12 % of energy saving in cooling loads. These can be a viable alternative and have a payback period of 11 years, while their average service life expectancy is 30 years. It was found that the feasibility of efficient glazing depends on market price, building usage, and energy efficiency of an overall building envelope.
Current Situation of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Northern Africa: The Sustainable Control Methods and Priorities for Future Research
Authors: Assouguem Amine , Kara Mohammed , Mechchate Hamza , Korkmaz Yesim Bulak , Benmessaoud Safaâ , Ramzi Amal , Abdullah Khaled R. , Noman Omar Mohammed , Farah Abdellah , Lazraq Abderahim
Published: February 2022

In North Africa, Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 represents one of the most destructive generalists among mite herbivores. Unfortunately, it is a source of important annual casualties in crop production. It is a phytophagous mite that can feed on hundreds of host plants and produces significant damage. The control of T. urticae in North Africa has been principally based on acaricide sprays. However, new alternative methods have shown effective results, such as artificial ultraviolet-B, natural enemies, and the introduction of new genetic methods. This review aims to present a synthesis of information surrounding control methods of T. urticae in North Africa. We highlight the principal findings of previous studies. Then, we discuss current control methods and propose new innovative research and sustainable approaches to controlling this pest. The control method can potentially extrapolate in North African regions due to its positive ecological results. Further, studies proved the use of natural enemies, myco-metabolites, bacteria metabolites, and the introduction of a genetic method in an integrated long-term sustainable program that can successfully defeat the populations of T. urticae. We also discuss high-priority research guidelines to investigate new sustainable management strategies. Setting up an integrated long-term ecological monitoring program in different Northwest African countries and incorporating new technologies into monitoring programs is an urgent need to fight this devastating pest.