bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending Porous Silicone Capacitive Pressure Sensor Applications into Athletic and Physiological Monitoring
Authors: Xia Yun , Gu Hao , Xu Lei , Chen Xiao Dong , Kirk Tim V.
Published: February 2021

Porous polymer dielectric materials have been developed to increase the sensitivity of capacitive pressure sensors, so that they might expand capacitive sensor use, and promote the realization of the advantages of this class of sensor in further fields. However, their use has not been demonstrated in physiological monitoring applications such as respiration monitoring and body position detection during sleep; an area in need of unmet medical attention for conditions such as sleep apnea. Here, we develop and characterize a sensor comprised of a poly dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge dielectric layer, and PDMS/carbon black (CB) blend electrode layers, with suitable compliance and sensitivity for integration in mattresses, pillows, and athletic shoe insoles. With relatively high pressure sensitivity (~0.1 kPa−1) and mechanical robustness, this sensor was able to fulfill a wide variety of roles, including athletic monitoring in an impact mechanics scenario, by recording heel pressure during running and walking, and physiological monitoring, by detecting head position and respiration of a subject lying on a pad and pillow. The sensor detected considerably greater relative signal changes than those reported in recent capacitive sensor studies for heel pressure, and for a comparably minimal, resistive sensor during respiration, in line with its enhanced sensitivity.
From Data to Actions in Intelligent Transportation Systems: A Prescription of Functional Requirements for Model Actionability
Authors: Laña Ibai , Sanchez-Medina Javier J. , Vlahogianni Eleni I. , Del Ser Javier
Published: February 2021

Advances in Data Science permeate every field of Transportation Science and Engineering, resulting in developments in the transportation sector that are data-driven. Nowadays, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) could be arguably approached as a “story” intensively producing and consuming large amounts of data. A diversity of sensing devices densely spread over the infrastructure, vehicles or the travelers’ personal devices act as sources of data flows that are eventually fed into software running on automatic devices, actuators or control systems producing, in turn, complex information flows among users, traffic managers, data analysts, traffic modeling scientists, etc. These information flows provide enormous opportunities to improve model development and decision-making. This work aims to describe how data, coming from diverse ITS sources, can be used to learn and adapt data-driven models for efficiently operating ITS assets, systems and processes; in other words, for data-based models to fully become actionable. Grounded in this described data modeling pipeline for ITS, we define the characteristics, engineering requisites and challenges intrinsic to its three compounding stages, namely, data fusion, adaptive learning and model evaluation. We deliberately generalize model learning to be adaptive, since, in the core of our paper is the firm conviction that most learners will have to adapt to the ever-changing phenomenon scenario underlying the majority of ITS applications. Finally, we provide a prospect of current research lines within Data Science that can bring notable advances to data-based ITS modeling, which will eventually bridge the gap towards the practicality and actionability of such models.
The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Estimating Soil Volumes Retained by Check Dams after Wildfires in Mediterranean Forests
Authors: Rodrigues Bruno Timóteo , Zema Demetrio Antonio , González-Romero Javier , Rodrigues Mikael Timóteo , Campos Sérgio , Galletero Pablo , Plaza-Álvarez Pedro Antonio , Lucas-Borja Manuel Esteban
Published: February 2021

Check dams act as soil collectors during floods, thus retaining a large amount of sediments. The estimation of the soil volumes stored behind a check dam is a key activity for a proper design of these control works and for evaluation of soil delivery after restoration measures at watershed level. Several topographic techniques have been proposed for this activity, but the sediment wedge mapping tools are complex and time consuming. Conversely, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been proposed to support aerophotogrammetric techniques for several survey activities with promising results. However, surveys by UAVs have never applied to calculate the size of the sediment wedge behind check dams that are built in fire-affected watersheds, where soil loss and sediment transport may be high after a wildfire. To fill this gap, this study evaluates the efficiency and efficacy of aerophotogrammetric surveys using UAVs to estimate the volume of the sediments stored behind ten check dams, built as post-fire channel treatment in a forest watershed of Castilla La Mancha (Central Eastern Spain). The results of the aerophotogrammetric technique were compared to traditional topographic surveys using a total station and GNSS/RTK, assumed as reference. The estimation of sediment wedge volume provided by UAVs was more accurate (mean RMSE of 0.432), extensive (density of mapped points of 328 m−2) and quick (two days of fieldwork) compared to surveys using the topographic method (RMSE < 0.04 m, six days of field work and density of mapped points of 0.194 m−2) by the topographic method. The differences in the sediment volume estimated by the two methods were not significant, but the UAV method was more accurate for the larger check dams. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the volume estimates provided by the two methods, shown by a coefficient of determination close to 0.98. Overall, these results propose a larger use of the aerial surveys for mapping activities in channels regulated by check dams, such as those built for restoration of fire-affected forest watersheds.
Improving the Efficiency of Robust Estimators for the Generalized Linear Model
Authors: Marazzi Alfio
Published: February 2021

The distance constrained maximum likelihood procedure (DCML) optimally combines a robust estimator with the maximum likelihood estimator with the purpose of improving its small sample efficiency while preserving a good robustness level. It has been published for the linear model and is now extended to the GLM. Monte Carlo experiments are used to explore the performance of this extension in the Poisson regression case. Several published robust candidates for the DCML are compared; the modified conditional maximum likelihood estimator starting with a very robust minimum density power divergence estimator is selected as the best candidate. It is shown empirically that the DCML remarkably improves its small sample efficiency without loss of robustness. An example using real hospital length of stay data fitted by the negative binomial regression model is discussed.
Mouthwash with Tagetes lucida Cav. for Control of Chronic Periodontitis in Older Adults
Authors: Macías-Camacho Thalia , Retana-Ugalde Raquel , Legorreta-Herrera Martha , Ruiz-Ramos Mirna , Mendoza-Núñez Víctor Manuel
Published: February 2021

Background: Tagetes lucida Cav (T. lucida) is an herbaceous plant from the family Asteraceae, native to Mexico, Guatemala, and other Mesoamerican countries. Their common names are: (i) Spanish names: “hierbanís”, “jericón”, “pericón vomol”, “Santa María”, “cuchrucumín”, “falso hipericón”, “hierba añil”, “pericón”, “periquillo”; (ii) indigenous names: “ichka”, “cuahuyauhtli”, “yahuhtli”, “naná uarhi”, and (iii) English names: “sweet-scented marigold”, “sweet mace”, and “sweet marigold”., Its chemical composition of coumarins, estragole, quercetin, and flavonoids has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a mouthwash made with T. lucida for control of chronic periodontitis (CP) in older adults. Methods: We carried out a quasi-experimental study with a convenience sample of 60 older adults with CP. The sample was divided into a placebo group (PG) n = 30, administered with a mouthwash made with alcohol diluted with purified water (10%), and the experimental group (EG) n = 30 treated with a mouthwash made with T. lucida extract in 10% alcohol; both groups were administered three times a day for three months. Results: We found a significant improvement in the EG group compared with the PG group in: probing pocket depth (baseline, 5.2 ± 0.81 vs. post-treatment, 3.1 ± 0.43, p < 0.05), the clinical attachment loss (baseline, 6.6 ± 1.9 vs. post-treatment, 2.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.05), lipoperoxides (baseline, 0.056 ± 0.03 vs. post-treatment, 0.034 ± 0.02 µmol/L, p < 0.05), and chronic inflammation markers (IL-1, IL-8, and TNF-α) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that mouthwash made with T. lucida extract, administered three times a day, clinically improved chronic periodontitis in older adults, associated to a significant decrease in lipoperoxides and proinflammatory markers.
Mindless Response or Mindful Interpretation: Examining the Effect of Message Influence on Phishing Susceptibility
Authors: Chou Frank Kun-Yueh , Chen Abbott Po-Shun , Lo Vincent Cheng-Lung
Published: February 2021

Influence-based deceptive messages constantly play a critical role in email phishing attacks. However, the literature lacks adequate understanding about how phishing messages with attractive and coercive influence result in the receivers’ adverse consequences. We therefore take the perspective of mindless response and mindful interpretation to address this issue by examining comprehensive relationships among message influence, cognitive processing, and phishing susceptibility. To accomplish this, a survey approach was adopted after a simulated phishing attack was conducted in campuses. Our empirical evidence shows that both message influence and cognitive processing can lead to people being phished, and a combination of different influences can also trigger cognitive processing. This research makes contributions to the literature of information security, persuading influence, and cognitive psychology.
Pilot-Scale Composting Test of Polylactic Acid for Social Implementation
Authors: Kawashima Nobuyuki , Yagi Tadashi , Kojima Kouya
Published: February 2021

The chemical industry and subsequent value chain of plastics are facing significant challenges from the viewpoints of resource conversion and environmental burden. Now is the time to explore the future direction of plastics, which will require an integrated scheme using resource circulation, carbon neutrality, and a social system to promote after-use treatment under the concept of a circular economy. Polylactic acid (PLA) should help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a biobased material and contribute to waste management after use due to its biodegradability if managed properly. That is, it will be necessary to treat biodegradable products appropriately in closed systems such as composting facilities after use and recovery. To realize the implementation of fully approved composting facilities in society, simply evaluating biodegradability in the laboratory is insufficient. In this study, a pilot-scale test using PLA under actual composting conditions was conducted in accordance with both international standards and domestic evaluation methods. The results not only confirm its biodegradability and disintegration, but also demonstrate that the presence of a biodegradable plastic product has a negligible impact on the composting process. The obtained compost did not adversely affect plant germination or growth, demonstrating its safety and high quality. Such a multifaceted perspective makes this study unique and useful for creating a social framework.
Science-Based Targets: On Target?
Authors: Giesekam Jannik , Norman Jonathan , Garvey Alice , Betts-Davies Sam
Published: February 2021

Companies are increasingly seeking to align their actions with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Over 1000 such companies have committed to the science-based targets initiative which seeks to align corporate carbon reduction targets with global decarbonisation trajectories. These ‘science-based targets’ are developed using a common set of resources and target-setting methodologies, then independently assessed and approved by a technical advisory group. Despite the initiative’s rapid rise to public prominence, it has received little attention to date in the academic literature. This paper discusses development of the initiative based upon a quantitative assessment of progress against each component of the science-based targets set by 81 early adopters, using information gathered from company annual reports, corporate social responsibility websites and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) responses. The analysis reveals a mixed picture of progress. Though the majority of targets assessed were on track and, in some cases, had already been achieved, just under half of the companies assessed were falling behind on one or more of their targets. Progress varied significantly by target scope, with more limited progress against targets focused on Scope 3 emissions. Company reporting practices were highly variable and often of poor quality. This paper concludes with a range of recommendations to improve the transparency, consistency and comparability of targets within this key agenda-setting initiative.
Railway Alignment Optimization in Mountainous Regions Considering Spatial Geological Hazards: A Sustainable Safety Perspective
Authors: Pu Hao , Xie Jia , Schonfeld Paul , Song Taoran , Li Wei , Wang Jie , Hu Jianping
Published: February 2021

Sustainable railway construction and operation are threatened by densely occurring geological hazards in complex mountainous regions. Thus, during the alignment optimization process, it is vital to reduce the harmful impacts of geological hazards to a railway. However, current alignment-related studies solely consider such threats in existing geological hazard regions and, outside these regions, slight attention has been devoted to the assessment of potential hazardous impacts along the alignment. To this end, this paper proposes a novel railway alignment optimization model considering both existing and potential geological hazards based on quantitative geological hazard evaluation criteria from a sustainable safety perspective. More specifically, a geohazard zone classification method, within which an energy–slope model is integrated, is first developed. Three geohazard regions, namely the geohazard outbreak region, buffer region and fuzzy region, can then be obtained. Afterward, a spatial geological hazard assessment model is constructed considering the geological danger of three kinds of geohazards (debris flows, landslides and rockfalls) and railway construction vulnerability. This model is incorporated into a previous cost–hazard bi-objective alignment optimization model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by applying it to a real-life case of the Sichuan–Tibet railway. The results show that this method can effectively optimize mountain railway alignments by concurrently reducing geological hazards and costs, which is beneficial to railway safety and sustainable construction and operation.
Analysis of PV Self-Consumption in Educational and Office Buildings in Spain
Authors: Ordóñez Mendieta Ángel José , Hernández Esteban Sánchez
Published: February 2021

As grid parity is reached in many countries, photovoltaic self-consumption is raising great interest. Currently, there is a big number of new projects being developed in Spain thanks to the new regulation. From the experience of the monitoring of one full year of operation of a self-consumption PV plant in a university building, a regulatory, energy, and economic analysis is made for this type of building. It has been carried out by simulating the behavior of the building with installations within the range of PV powers allowed in the Spanish regulation. The analysis shows the good fitting between the new Royal Decree of Self-Consumption and the new Building Code. The economic analysis proves that the new simplified compensation method gives the best economic return for this use of the buildings when the PV production is matched with the consumption. The time of return of investment is between 8 and 9 years, and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is into the range of the pool market price of electricity. These results show the profitability of PV self-consumption for this type of building.
Smart Villages Policies: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Stojanova Simona , Lentini Gianluca , Niederer Peter , Egger Thomas , Cvar Nina , Kos Andrej , Stojmenova Duh Emilija
Published: February 2021

Highlighting the important role of rural development, this paper represents a review of rural policies. Data were generated, including a broad literature research and online survey on existing and future, post-2020 rural development policies. The survey was shared among project partners from six different EU Member States including eleven regions, all from the Alpine Space. The number of total policies covered in this review paper, together with policy projects, programs or actions, is 114. Based on these, key policy findings and future recommendations are provided, attributing to the future studies on this topic as well as for policymakers at the local, regional, national and EU levels.
How Chinese Students’ Travel Constraints Influence Their Travel Intentions in Thailand: Moderating Role of Cross-Cultural Adaptation
Authors: Wong Jehn-Yih , Kuo Cheng-Yi
Published: February 2021

This study clarified the controversial travel constraints in the tourism literature and test the moderating role of cross-cultural adaptation (CCA) on the relationship between travel constraints and travel intention. In this study, 897 questionnaires were collected from Chinese students studying in Thailand. Structural equation modeling was adopted to test the proposed model, and the moderating effect of CCA was examined via multigroup analysis. Results demonstrated that interpersonal constraints positively influenced students’ travel intentions, whereas intrapersonal and structural constraints negatively affected such intentions. A significant moderating effect of CCA was also observed in the relationship between “interpersonal constraints and travel intentions” and “structural constraints and travel intentions”. Theoretical and practical implications for academics and practitioners in tourism and education management are provided.
Integrating Sustainability into Logistics Oriented Education in Europe
Authors: Lukman Rebeka Kovačič , Omahne Vasja , Sheikh Lobna Tag el , Glavič Peter
Published: February 2021

In the last decades, logistics has become an important industry sector, with significant impacts on the environment generated through several internal and external logistic processes. We analysed and elaborated on integrating sustainability topics within logistics-oriented programmes at universities across Europe, based on a framework of systemising and classifying sustainability terms. We also analysed pedagogical approaches within the identified courses. In our study, we perceived a moderate diversity of courses from the system and horizontal sustainability perspectives. Courses mostly focus on “principle” and “approach” levels, denoting specialised courses, with less environmental and social topics. Such coverage and distribution might imply a limitation to develop complex, multi-dimensional, and inter-disciplinary understanding, thinking, and problem-solving required for real-world challenges, comprehending all the dimensions. We also perceived a scarcity by using pedagogical approaches, where the majority of the courses emphasise traditional ones. This paper’s novelty lies in providing the first empirical evaluation and elaboration of logistics-oriented programmes at European universities from a sustainability perspective. Thus, our study enriches current knowledge and research on sustainability integration into curricula at the university level, enabling new insights and better correlations between various study fields and pedagogical approaches used.
Integrating Ecosystem Services Supply, Demand and Flow in Ecological Compensation: A Case Study of Carbon Sequestration Services
Authors: Zhai Tianlin , Wang Jing , Fang Ying , Huang Longyang , Liu Jingjing , Zhao Chenchen
Published: February 2021

Through the implementation of ecological compensation policy, it is of great significance to protect ecosystems, coordinate regional development, and achieve sustainable development goals. This study selected the carbon sequestration service in Yantai as an example and carried out a study on the measurement of ecological compensation based on the ecosystem services supply and demand. Moreover, this study clarified the whole process of the generation, circulation and social demand docking of ecological benefits from the perspective of “nature-society”, proposed a spatial flow characterization method for carbon sequestration services, and described the “externality” spillover of ecosystem services. The results showed that most areas of Yantai belonged to the ecological surplus area, which were important sources of carbon sequestration services. Ecological compensation was needed, with a total amount of about 2.2 billion yuan. Qixia, Muping and Penglai had greater comparative ecological radiation force (CERF), and the total amount of carbon sequestration services transferred to the external areas was large. Although the carbon sequestration flows of Yantai showed a spatial decay law, there were significant differences in the direction of different districts and cities. The study can provide a reference for achieving sustainable development of Yantai and formulating ecological compensation policy.
A Comparison of the Role of Voluntary Organizations in Disaster Management
Authors: Jung Do-Young , Ha Kyoo-Man
Published: February 2021

This research aimed to compare different voluntary organizations in disaster management in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Comparative case studies were used to evaluate the following: the specialized expertise and unsolicited goods and services approach of the United States, the collaborative relations and small-scale approach of Japan, and the additional support and unsystematic coordination approach of community-based organizations in Korea. Three variables were considered: volunteers and their organizations, financial independence, and preferred strategies. The key findings are as follows: each country has tried to enhance the role of its own voluntary organizations in disaster management; the nations studied have similarities and differences in their strategies and actions; and the specific developments in each country have been varied and reflective of its respective culture. This work, as a pioneering study, evaluated three national cases in terms of voluntary organizations in disaster management in the Asia–Pacific region.
Overview of the Legal Design Basis for Passive Fire Protection in Korea and the Direction of Further Development
Authors: Choi Jae-Young , Byeon Sang-Hoon
Published: February 2021

The design of passive fire protection is applied to minimize the domino effect when a liquid pool fire occurs due to the facilities inside a process plant. In general, the design of passive fire protection has been applied using the API RP 2218 guideline as the basis regardless of the country or owner of the process plant. However, in Korea, legal regulations dictate that explosive areas should be regarded as fireproofing zones rather than following the API RP 2218 guideline. Because liquid pool fires and explosive gas atmospheres are different concepts, it is wrong from an engineering perspective to regard them as the same. Therefore, when a liquid pool fire occurs in a process plant in Korea, it may be more dangerous than in any other countries. In this study, we investigated three categories of fire risk. Korean safety regulations for the design of passive fire protection and others that are not reasonable from an engineering perspective need to be studied and revised. Specifically, Korea needs to revise the design basis of passive fire protection based on the API RP 2218 guideline as a legal standard in accordance with global trends.
What Makes Producers Participate in Marketing Cooperatives? The Northern Greece Case
Authors: Batzios Aristotelis , Kontogeorgos Achilleas , Chatzitheodoridis Fotios , Sergaki Panagiota
Published: February 2021

Marketing cooperatives are gaining popularity in the supply chain management of fruits and vegetables (F&V) due to consumers’ increasing desire to purchase cooperative products as well as producers’ willingness to reinforce their bargaining power in the market. The main purpose of this empirical study is to investigate the most important factors that motivate Greek producers to participate in marketing cooperatives, as well as those motives that discourage them. The prefecture of Imathia, in the northern part of Greece, was chosen because it is characterized by a high involvement of cooperatives, wholesalers and retailers in F&V trading. A structured questionnaire was answered by 61 producers of Imathia in 2020. The results indicate that producers recognize that they ensure safer financial transactions and direct distribution of their fresh agricultural produce via marketing cooperatives. Moreover, the study showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the motives of participation in a marketing cooperative that has bargaining power and direct distribution of fresh agricultural produce between the three categories of education level. However, producers appeared to agree that (1) the great divergence in members’ reasons for participation in a marketing cooperative and (2) the inability to take collective decisions by the general assembly are the most important disincentives for participation in marketing cooperatives.
Utility-Scale Solar in the Great Lakes: Analyzing Community Reactions to Solar Developments
Authors: Uebelhor Emma , Hintz Olivia , Mills Sarah B. , Randall Abigail
Published: February 2021

In the coming years, it is expected that reliance on utility-scale solar projects for energy production will increase exponentially. As a result, communities throughout the Midwest will become potential solar facility hosts. Previous research has sought to identify factors that influence community support and opposition to solar developments throughout the country. This paper builds upon prior research by examining community perceptions about the economic, environmental, local and global impact of solar projects in four Great Lakes states using a content analysis of local newspaper articles. Ultimately, this paper identifies the most common perceptions of solar facilities and offers some preliminary suggestions on strategies to mitigate the most prevalent concerns.
Analysis of Fracture Mechanics Theory of the First Fracture Mechanism of Main Roof and Support Resistance with Large Mining Height in a Shallow Coal Seam
Authors: Yang Dengfeng
Published: February 2021

Because the first-weighting of a main roof with a large mining height has obvious sudden characteristics and is more severe, which causes large-scale support crushing and has a great impact on the ecological environment of the mining area, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth analysis. This paper studies the mechanical mechanism and asymmetric fracture conditions of a main roof with a large mining height, with the first-weighting occurring in a shallow coal seam. In combination with an asymmetric three-hinged arch structural model, the main roof was regarded as a finite plate model with a crack, and a fracture-mechanics model was established. The conditions and main controlling factors of main roof fracture asymmetry were analyzed, and the determination methods of the first-weighting interval and support resistance were further analyzed. The results show that the stress concentration and the stress-intensity factor increase at the crack tip with the advancement of the face; when the stress-intensity factors increase beyond the critical value, the crack expands until the first-weighting. The sufficient condition for modeling the instability was the length s of the branch crack reaching the protection thickness H of the main roof, and the necessary condition was the activation of the crack. The calculation equations of the first-weighting interval and the support resistance were obtained. The influence weights of each parameter on the support resistance are ordered as follows: overburden load q > rock fracture toughness KC > crack length a > main roof thickness h > weighting interval l. Finally, the theoretical analysis results were verified by an in situ monitoring case of the no. 33,206 working face in the Bulianta coal mine, China. On this basis, a reasonable value of the support resistance is further calculated. The results mentioned above can provide a new method for researching the first-weighting of the main roof and can improve the accuracy of the roof control analysis. The research on the mechanisms of first-weighting and the support resistance can effectively promote the safety production of mine, which is in line with the concept of green and sustainable development of the mine.
Collaborative Rebate Strategy of Business-to-Customer Platforms Considering Recycling and Trade-Ins Simultaneously
Authors: Ji Guojun , Sun Zhongfeng , Tan Kim Hua
Published: February 2021

B2C (business to customer) platforms like JD.com and Suning.com often cooperate with professional recycling companies, and implement recycling programs and trade-in programs simultaneously, especially for electronic products. The former means that platforms recycle old products from customers with cash, whereas the latter means that platforms allow customers to trade in old products for new ones. Under this background, we discuss how to develop the optimal rebate strategy for B2C platforms based on the market recovery price of old products, and give the optimal rebate prices and feasible conditions of single-rebate, dual-rebate, and none-rebate strategies. The results show that the single-recycling rebate strategy is dominant when the residual value of old products is low, and when the residual value of old products is high, platforms should choose in turn the single-trade-in rebate strategy, dual-rebate strategy, single-recycling rebate strategy, and non-rebate strategy with the increase in the cost of new products. In order to obtain higher profits, B2C platforms should provide appropriate rebates to better coordinate the recycling program and the trade-in program on the basis of the market recovery price, the residual value, and the durability of old products as well as the cost, the selling price, and the upgrade range of new products.
Understanding Behavioral Regulation Towards Physical Activity Participation: Do We Need a Paradigm Shift to Close the Gender Gap?
Authors: Luque-Casado Antonio , Mayo Xian , Lavín-Pérez Ana Myriam , Jiménez Alfonso , Del Villar Fernando
Published: February 2021

Despite the well-established benefits of physical activity for both physical and psychological health, current inactivity prevalence continues to be particularly alarming among adolescents and youth. Equally of great concern is the existence of striking gender differences that represent a serious threat to reverse this problem. We aimed to analyze gender-related differences in self-reported physical activity and motivational regulations in a population-based sample of Spaniard adolescents and young adults (n = 9949). To this aim, we used an explanatory mixed-methods design by integrating quantitative and qualitative data using self-determination theory (SDT) as an analytic framework. Our results reported a gender imbalance in physical activity levels and autonomous forms of motivation to the detriment of adolescent girls and young women. An earlier and steeper age-related decline both in activity and volitional types of motivation was observed in girls. Qualitative outcomes depicted a range of key cognitive and contextual mechanisms undermining the degree to which physically active behaviors are volitionally undertaken among women. These findings highlight the importance of implementing gender-sensitive policy approaches and may have a useful application in suggesting how contextual factors and exercise settings can be addressed to foster volitional types of physical activity engagement in adolescent girls and young women.
Spatial Dynamics between Firm Sales and Environmental Responsibility: The Mediating Role of Corporate Innovation
Authors: Gu Jiafeng
Published: February 2021

Corporate environmental responsibility (CER) is increasingly gaining interest among researchers and practitioners. Despite this extensive interest, systematic research regarding the effect of sales on environmental performance remains scarce. In this study, an empirical analysis on a sample of 909 Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2016 showed that sales positively impact environmental performance. This study also showed that corporate innovation mediates the relationship between sales and environmental performance. Furthermore, this study showed that environmental performance has a positive spatial spillover effect. Enterprises appear to promote their own environmental performance as a response to a rise in the environmental performance of their neighbors. The external control theory of organization has important reference significance and explanatory power for CER behavior in emerging economies.
Blending in: A Case Study of Transitional Ambidexterity in the Financial Sector
Authors: Callegari Beniamino , Rai Ranvir S.
Published: February 2021

Organizational ambidexterity is widely recognized as necessary for the economic sustainability of firms operating in the financial sector. While the management literature has recognized several forms of ambidexterity, the relationship between them and their relative merits remain unclear. By studying a process of implementation of ambidextrous capabilities within a large Scandinavian financial firm, we explore the role of top-down reforms and bottom-up reactions in determining the development of sector-specific innovative capabilities. We find that blended ambidexterity follows naturally from the attempt to correct the tensions arising from harmonic ambidextrous blueprints. The resulting blended practice appears to be closely related to the reciprocal model of ambidexterity, which appears to be a necessity rather than a choice, for large firms attempting to develop innovative capabilities. Consequently, we suggest to re-interpret current taxonomies of ambidexterity not as alternative blueprints, but rather as stages in a long-term process of transition.
A Study on Practicing Qigong and Getting Better Health Benefits in Biophilic Urban Green Spaces
Authors: Hung Shih-Han , Chou Wan-Yu , Chang Chun-Yen
Published: February 2021

In natural spaces, people experience traditional environmental Qi (TEQ), which supports healthy environmental energy flow, and helps them gain an overall improved Qi experience from practicing Qigong. However, what kind of urban green spaces support Qigong? This study provides an analysis that measures TEQ, Qi experience, flow experience, restorative experience, and preference when practicing Qigong in different urban green spaces. A total of 654 valid data points were collected. The results indicate that subjects practicing “breathing” among trees, meadows, and waterscapes perceived higher TEQ, Qi experience, flow experience, and restorative experience, and preferred it to the environment of plazas. In addition, practicing Qigong in environments featuring biophilic elements, such as plants (meadows and trees), elicits flow experience and Qi experience in the built environment. Water, an important biophilic element, also produces better TEQ and restorative experiences, and is preferred by human beings. These results make a connection between Qigong, experiences, and biophilic urban green spaces, and offer suggestions for users to gain health benefits while exercising in urban areas.
The Investigation of Mobile Health Stickiness: The Role of Social Support in a Sustainable Health Approach
Authors: Yin Meng , Tayyab Syed Muhammad Usman , Xu Xiao-Yu , Jia Shuo-Wei , Wu Chih-Lun
Published: February 2021

In recent years, there has been a phenomenal proliferation of multifunctional fitness apps (MFAs), many of which are deeply ingrained into modern daily life as an aid to trace, manage, and improve users’ health and fitness. With technological advancement, these emerging information technology (IT) artifacts have the potential to facilitate the sustainable development of society and the environment. However, MFAs are facing a critical predicament: how to ensure user stickiness and continuous use. Drawing on the social support theory, this study aims to investigate stickiness as a multi-dimensional construct and to explore the antecedents of continuance usage and continuance purchase intentions in MFAs. The research model is empirically tested with data collected from 328 users of mobile fitness apps. A structural equation modeling analysis reveals both instrumental stickiness and social stickiness exert statistically significant influences on continuance usage intentions and in-app purchase intentions. Appraisal support, information support, and network support are significant antecedents for instrumental stickiness. While emotion support, esteem support, network support, and tangible support are significant antecedents for social stickiness. In addition, two facets of user sustainability—instrumental stickiness and social stickiness—exert different levels of influence on continuance usage and continuance app purchase intensions, respectively. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers involved in designing sustainable health products and engendering e-health systems.
The Role of Expected Benefits towards Smart Hotels in Shaping Customer Behavior: Comparison by Age and Gender
Authors: Kim Jinkyung Jenny , Montes Antonio Ariza , Han Heesup
Published: February 2021

The present study attempted to provide foresight into the hotels of the future in response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In particular, this research aimed to understand customers’ expected benefits, many of which are rooted in the characteristics of a smart hotel, as well as to discover the role of expected benefits to build perceived value and attitude, which in turn increase the behavioral intentions towards a smart hotel. Furthermore, the moderating effect of age and gender was tested in the link between the expected benefits and perceived value, and the association between the expected benefits and attitude. The results of our analysis determined how personalization and entertainment, as well as safety and security, had a leading role to shape customer behavior, and how age moderated the link between entertainment and attitude. The discussion and implications were conducted in light of these findings.
Community-Based Actors and Participation in Rangeland Management. Lessons from the Western Highlands of Cameroon
Authors: Mairomi Harry Wirngo , Kimengsi Jude Ndzifon
Published: February 2021

Participation is a key component in socioecological systems (especially rangeland) governance. Yet, in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), this attribute is yet to be fully understood and/or mainstreamed in natural resource management. This suggests the need for renewed learning on how actors are (dis)engaged in rangeland governance. With a litany of studies focusing on rangeland transformation, complementary evidence which unpacks actor’s participation in rangeland management are required in SSA. Through a survey of 333 households from 12 pastoral communities in Cameroon’s Western Highlands, this paper (i) maps the interactions of rangeland actors, (ii) analyzes actors’ participation in rangeland institutions and in the implementation of management approaches, and (iii) discusses their potential implications for rangeland governance. Using the socioecological coevolution approach as analytical lens, the study revealed the following: (1) state and non-state actors demonstrate overlapping interests, and form temporary alliances to pursue these interests, (2) pastoral households’ participation demonstrate a wavy tendency—with activity-specific participation in decision making and grazing activities (facilitated by catalyzing agents) as opposed to nominal and passive participation in arbitrary boundary setting. (3) The wavy participation spectrum translates to suboptimal resource use, differential and fragmented engagements, and adaptation to changing resource circumstances. The results enhance our understanding of actor dynamics in socioecological systems, and provides relevant information to support Cameroon’s environmental management policy with emphasis on her cattle rearing kingdoms.
Constructed Governance as Solution to Conflicts in E-Waste Recycling Networks
Authors: Pedro Fernanda , Giglio Ernesto , Velazquez Luis , Munguia Nora
Published: February 2021

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become an increasingly pressing problem worldwide because of the increase in the volume of waste, without a corresponding increase in the recycling rate. E-waste recycling models show a low percentage of reuse, at around 17.4% in the world, 11% in Latin America, and 3% in São Paulo City, Brazil. The sources of conflicts relating to e-waste recycling networks are diverse, including asymmetries of objectives, knowledge, ethical values, and culture of sustainability, which indicates the need for a system of regulatory mechanisms. The article’s main proposition is that constructed governance, which is a collective process involving many actors, could be an alternative to e-waste recycling management. The city of São Paulo was chosen to be analyzed. Using an abductive methodology, the data analysis shows a fragmented network, with conflicts of interest among commercial and sustainability objectives, an absence of legal knowledge, and increases in the incorrect disposal of waste. However, initiatives in small groups in Brazil, which can be considered as examples of constructed governance, show a better volume of waste and the transportation of waste material to the right destination. The authors argue that constructed governance could be an efficient tool for e-waste recycling management systems. Besides, the article offers a matrix of indicators that can be used by both researchers and recycling managers.
East Africa’s Policy and Stakeholder Integration of Informal Operators in Electric Mobility Transitions—Kigali, Nairobi, Kisumu and Dar es Salaam
Authors: Galuszka Jakub , Martin Emilie , Nkurunziza Alphonse , Achieng’ Oginga Judith , Senyagwa Jacqueline , Teko Edmund , Lah Oliver
Published: February 2021

Electric mobility is beginning to enter East African cities. This paper aims to investigate what policy-level solutions and stakeholder constellations are established in the context of electric mobility (e-mobility) in Dar es Salaam, Kigali, Kisumu and Nairobi and in which ways they attempt to tackle the implementation of electric mobility solutions. The study employs two key methods including content analysis of policy and programmatic documents and interviews based on a purposive sampling approach with stakeholders involved in mobility transitions. The study findings point out that in spite of the growing number of policies (specifically in Rwanda and Kenya) and on-the-ground developments, a set of financial and technical barriers persists. These include high upfront investment costs in vehicles and infrastructure, as well as perceived lack of competitiveness with fossil fuel vehicles that constrain the uptake of e-mobility initiatives. The study further indicates that transport operators and their representative associations are less recognized as major players in the transition, far behind new e-mobility players (start-ups) and public authorities. This study concludes by identifying current gaps that need to be tackled by policymakers and stakeholders in order to implement inclusive electric mobility in East African cities, considering modalities that include transport providers and address their financial constraints.
The Initial Labor Market Conditions in Developing Economies as a Factor in Understanding the Progression of SARS-CoV-2: The Case of Chile
Authors: Trujillo Manuel Pérez , Atienza Miguel
Published: February 2021

This study assesses how the initial economic context of a country functions as a factor in the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. To do so, we analyze Chile during the first wave of the pandemic. Chile is a developing country that suffered an unprecedented social disturbance (the Social Outbreak) that deteriorated economic activity and increased unemployment just months before the pandemic begun. We empirically test the hypothesis that the previous deterioration in the labor market, as an indicator of economic deterioration at the beginning of the pandemic, impacted the infection rate. Our results show a positive and significant relationship between unemployment prior to the pandemic at a provincial level and the number of individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2. All in all, we provide evidence that the initial social and socioeconomic conditions of each territory must be considered in the design of any policy aimed at minimizing the effects of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 Induced Disruptions across Groundnut Value Chain: Empirical Evidence from South India
Authors: Nandi Ravi , Nedumaran Swamikannu , Selvaraj Aravazhi , Datta Mazumdar Saikat , Kumar Shalander
Published: February 2021

We study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the groundnut value chain and all the actors involved in its value chain in Ananthapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh, a leading groundnut producing state in south India. The results revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic created a double burden on farmers by disrupting farm production on one side and decreased diet diversity on the other. Disruption in farm productions resulted in a decline in household income and increased consumer food prices. The effect on farmers snowballed to other actors in the value chain, and all the actors were affected variably. Availability of storage infrastructure would have saved the farmer’s household income to some extent during the pandemic. Supply of diverse nutrient foods through the existing public distribution system, which mostly provides wheat and rice, might have helped tackle the diet diversity issue amongst farmers. Farmer’s collectives were perceived to reduce the negative impact during natural disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic by helping to organise smallholder farmers, minimise transaction costs and increase their bargaining power. In addition, effective farm extension services, including market information, could have benefited farmers during the crisis.
Use of the Sustainable Mobility Efficiency Index (SMEI) for Enhancing the Sustainable Urban Mobility in Greek Cities
Authors: Morfoulaki Maria , Papathanasiou Jason
Published: February 2021

Since 2013, the European cities have been encouraged to develop local Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) according to the specific procedure that was launched by the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG Move) and updated in 2019. One of the most critical steps in this 12-step procedure is the assessment—with specific criteria—of all the alternative measures and infrastructure, which will be optimally combined, in order to better satisfy the problems and the achieve the vision of each area. The aim of the current work is to present the development and implementation of a methodological framework based on the use of multicriteria analysis. The framework targets the capturing of opinions of the relevant local experts in order to evaluate alternative sustainable mobility measures, and also prioritize them using the Sustainable Mobility Efficiency Index (SMEI).