bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fostering a Clean and Sustainable Environment through Green Product Purchasing Behavior: Insights from Malaysian Consumers’ Perspective
Authors: Al-Kumaim Nabil Hasan , Shabbir Muhammad Salman , Alfarisi Salman , Hassan Siti Hasnah , Alhazmi Abdulsalam K. , Hishan Sanil S. , Al-Shami Samer , Gazem Nadhmi A. , Mohammed Fathey , Abu Al-Rejal Hussein Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Rapid economic developments have led to the excessive consumption of environmental resources. Consumption patterns play a crucial role in deteriorating environmental conditions and influencing consumers to seek sustainability features while purchasing different products. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the sustainability factors that have prompted consumers in Malaysia to buy green products. The primary elements of this research focused on environmental concern, green product awareness, government support, perceived ecological value, community green practice, purchase intention, and green product purchase behavior. Additionally, to explain the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, this research employed the theory of planned behavior as a theoretical framework. A total of 300 questionnaires were collected and examined using smart PLS-SEM. The findings of the research suggest that all factors, including environmental concern, green product awareness, government support, perceived ecological value, community green practice, and purchase intention, influence consumers in Malaysia to purchase green products. Finally, this research discusses the contribution, limitations, and suggestions for future studies related to purchasing behavior towards green products.
Motivation, Satisfaction, and Risks of Operational Forces and Helpers Regarding the 2021 and 2013 Flood Operations in Germany
Authors: Fekete Alexander
Published: November 2021

Pluvial floods claimed more than 180 lives in Germany in July 2021, when a large and slow-moving storm system affected Germany and many neighbouring countries. The death tolls and damages were the highest since 1962 in Germany, and soon after, the crisis management was under public critique. This study has undertaken an online survey to understand crisis management better and identify lessons to learn. It has received a positive interest among operational relief forces and other helpers (n = 2264). The findings reveal an overall satisfaction with the operation in general as well as personal lessons learned. It also reveals shortcomings in many areas, ranging from information distribution, coordination, parallel ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure resilience, and other factors. Just as well, areas for improvement of the crisis management system are suggested by the respondents. Cooperation and support by the affected population are perceived as positive. This helps to inform other areas of research that are necessary, such as studies on the perception by the affected people. The gaps in assessments of operational forces and some methodological constraints are discussed to advance future follow-up studies.
Entrepreneurial Behaviour Identified among SME Members of an International Group with Sustainability-Oriented Strategy
Authors: Scarlat Cezar , Ioanid Alexandra , Şişu Marian
Published: November 2021

The current development of energy management services is stimulated by a series of factors that are both external and industry-specific. One important external factor is the pressure coming from legal provisions in favour of sustainable development. This qualitative, descriptive research is focused on an international group with a strategic orientation to sustainability. The aim is to analyse the strategic changes of several group members over a period of 15 years (2004–2019) in order to identify their entrepreneurial behaviour (EB), contributing to scarce literature on EB of sustainability-oriented SMEs—medium-sized enterprises, in particular. The methodological approach included both secondary and primary research (direct observation and in-house interviews). The results match the research objectives and research questions in that they are able to identify different types and degrees of enterprise EB (EEB). The findings demonstrated here support a proposed finer EEB typology: independent EEB and induced EEB. Besides the natural limitations of the research (only comprising companies of a group and single industry), the main limitation of the study is its pre-pandemic characteristic, which is also a challenging research opportunity for further post-pandemic studies on EEB. The promising results of this exploratory research on EEB and novel EEB typology proposed should also be tested in more industries. The research results are useful for scholars, company managers, and entrepreneurs as well as for strategists involved in designing sustainable development policies.
Deriving Major Fire Risk Evaluation Items Utilizing Spatial Information Convergence Technology in Dense Areas of Small Obsolete Buildings
Authors: Lee Hyung-Joo , Park Sun-Woo , Roh Seungjun , Ryu Jung-Rim , Son Byeung-Hun , Ryu Seong-Ryong , Lee Seung-youp , Park Won-Jun
Published: November 2021

As small obsolete buildings are exposed to high fire risks, governments are trying to evaluate their fire risks and preferentially improve fire protection performance for high risk buildings, however, the evaluation manpower and time are insufficient compared to the rapidly increasing number of obsolete buildings. Therefore, this study aimed to derive major fire risk index (FRI) evaluation items as part of developing a platform to quickly and efficiently evaluate fire risks in dense areas of small obsolete buildings utilizing spatial information convergence technology. To this end, 20 preliminary evaluation items specifically tailored to dense areas of small obsolete buildings were derived through a field survey, investigation of FRI evaluation items from existing works, and expert pre-reviews. Based on the derived 20 preliminary items, an importance survey was conducted with a total of 181 fire safety experts including fire officers, university professors, researchers, industry experts, and fire insurers. As a result, a total of 12 major evaluation items (e.g., outdoor fire extinguisher, distance to 119 Safety Center, building structure, building cladding, illegal alterations, illegal parking, and liquefied natural gas cylinder) were derived. Results can help to evaluate the fast and efficient fire risks in dense areas of small obsolete buildings.
Development of Students’ Sustainability Competencies: Do Teachers Make a Difference?
Authors: Scharenberg Katja , Waltner Eva-Maria , Mischo Christoph , Rieß Werner
Published: November 2021

Sustainability competence is an important goal of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in school. It is therefore anchored in the education plans of almost all school tracks in Germany. However, empirical findings regarding ESD in schools are scarce. The present study thus examined how sustainability competencies of secondary-school students develop within the course of a school year. Based on a proposed framework model of sustainability competencies, we assessed (a) students’ sustainability-related knowledge, (b) their affective-motivational beliefs and attitudes towards sustainability, as well as (c) their self-reported sustainability-related behavioral intentions. Our sample comprised n = 1318 students in 79 classrooms at different secondary school tracks (Grades 5–8) in Baden-Wuerttemberg (Germany). Measurements were taken at the beginning and at the end of the school year after the introduction of ESD as a guiding perspective for the new education plan. We observed an increase in students’ sustainability-related knowledge but a decline in their affective-motivational beliefs and attitudes towards sustainability over the course of one school year. Multilevel analyses showed that, at the individual level, prior learning requirements as well as ESD-related characteristics (students’ activities and general knowledge of sustainability) proved to be the strongest predictors of their development. In addition, grade- and track-specific differences were observed. At the classroom level, teachers’ attitudes towards ESD as well as their professional knowledge were found to be significant predictors of students’ development. The higher the commonly shared value of ESD at school and the higher teachers’ self-efficacy towards ESD, the higher was the students’ development of sustainability-related knowledge and self-reported sustainability-related behavioral intentions, respectively. The significance of the findings for ESD in schools is discussed.
Differences in Environmental Impact between Plant-Based Alternatives to Dairy and Dairy Products: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Carlsson Kanyama Annika , Hedin Björn , Katzeff Cecilia
Published: November 2021

A large body of research suggests a more plant-based diet, including a switch to plant-based alternatives to dairy, is needed for lowering human-induced climate change as well as land and water use. With the help of a systematic literature review, we analyzed data from 21 peer-reviewed articles about the differences in emissions and resources used between various plant-based alternatives to dairy and dairy products. Emissions included were greenhouse gases, acidifying, eutrophicating, and ozone-depleting substances, and resource use included water, energy, and land. The results are presented as the quotients of the ratios of plant-based alternatives to dairy and dairy products. The comparison shows that the plant-based dairy alternatives have lower, or much lower, impacts in almost all cases, with two exceptions: water use for almond drinks (several studies) and emissions of ozone-depleting substances for margarine (one study). There is a lack of data concerning impacts other than greenhouse gas emissions for plant-based cheese alternatives; and in general, emissions of greenhouse gases are more highly covered than other impacts. In the quest for a swift transition to a low carbon economy, however, there is already enough evidence to proceed with a dietary change involving switching dairy products to plant-based alternatives.
Study of the Potential Uses of Hydrochar from Grape Pomace and Walnut Shells Generated from Hydrothermal Carbonization as an Alternative for the Revalorization of Agri-Waste in Chile
Authors: Garrido René A. , Lagos Camila , Luna Carolina , Sánchez Jaime , Díaz Georgina
Published: November 2021

A myriad of resources and efforts have been devoted to assessing the possibilities of using locally sourced biomass to produce energy, reduce CO2 emissions, and, in turn, lower dependance on petroleum. Grape pomace (GP) and walnut shells (WS) are organic waste generated in Chile. Within the last decade, the potential benefits and application of biomass have received significant attention, both in terms of producing functionalized carbon materials, and the various potential applications in the field of energy storage and environmental protection. The proposed research motivation is on the development of carbonous materials through thermal decomposition processes. Few researchers have addressed the idea of developing a multipurpose carbonaceous matrix from hydrochar, and there remains a need for an efficient method to obtain hydrochar specially from grape pomace. Hence, the general objective of this research is to study the potential of grape pomace and walnut shells treated with hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as an alternative low-cost and efficient carbonous matrix. Proximate and elemental analysis was determined to distinguish the nature of the feedstock along with the hydrochar produced. Yield and reaction severity were also studied to study the impacts of temperature and residence time for both feedstocks. Successful results from the proposed work have broad applications for increasing the sustainability biomass applications, contributing to a positive economic impact.
Insights for Landfill Site Selection Using GIS: A Case Study in the Tanjero River Basin, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Authors: Othman Arsalan Ahmed , Obaid Ahmed K. , Al-Manmi Diary Ali Mohammed , Pirouei Mohammad , Salar Sarkawt Ghazi , Liesenberg Veraldo , Al-Maamar Ahmed F. , Shihab Ahmed T. , Al-Saady Younus I. , Al-Attar Zaid T.
Published: November 2021

The increasing world population and the growing quantity of solid waste have become a challenging problem facing governments and policy makers because of the scarcity of suitable sites for new landfills and the negative perception of these sites by the people. This study aims to evaluate the performance of different Multi-Criteria Decision-Analysis (MCDA) approaches using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) data for identifying suitable landfill sites (LFSs). We evaluated the methodologies used by various investigators and selected appropriate ones as suitable sites for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfill in the Tanjero River Basin (TRB) in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. We applied Boolean Overlay (BO), Weighted Sum Method (WSM), Weighted Product Method (WPM), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to allow combined use of 15 thematic layers as predictive factors (PFs). In this study, we applied the Topographic Position Index (TPI) for the first time to select MSW LFSs. Almost all methods showed reliable results and we identified eight suitable sites situated in the western part of the TRB having total area of ~18.35 km2. The best accuracy was achieved using the AHP approach. This paper emphasizes that the approach of the used method is useful for selecting LFSs in other areas, which are located in similar environments.
Deciphering Property Development around High-Speed Railway Stations through Land Value Capture: Case Studies in Shenzhen and Hong Kong
Authors: Gong Weihang , Li Jing (Victor) , Ng Mee Kam
Published: November 2021

Property development around transit stations has been viewed by many governments as a considerable way of financing public transportation. However, despite mounting evidence of the positive relationship between transport investment and proximate land value, the stakeholder relationship in enabling complex property–transit development has received relatively scarce attention. In this study, we analyze the railway financing strategies in two cities (Shenzhen and Hong Kong) connected by the first cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) network in China. Using a holistic power approach, this study presents power direction, power strength, and power mechanism as the critical factors for each case. The results reveal that different stakeholder relations arising from different social and institutional contexts have led to varying land value capture practices. The findings of this study contribute to sustainable railway financing in three phases: First, it unravels the relationship between railway financing and property development under the context of an intercity railway program, with the intervention of state power. Second, it sorts out critical elements in the implementation of the land value capture mechanism, especially institutional factors such as the role of the transit agency. Third, it directs a flexible development of the land value capture theory to cope with foreseeable problems such as land resource scarcity, institutional complexity, and interest divergence.
The Effect of Basalt Fiber on Mechanical, Microstructural, and High-Temperature Properties of Fly Ash-Based and Basalt Powder Waste-Filled Sustainable Geopolymer Mortar
Authors: Ziada Mahmoud , Erdem Savaş , Tammam Yosra , Kara Serenay , Lezcano Roberto Alonso González
Published: November 2021

As the human population grows and technology advances, the demand for concrete and cement grows. However, it is critical to propose alternative ecologically suitable options to cement, the primary binder in concrete. Numerous researchers have recently concentrated their efforts on geopolymer mortars to accomplish this objective. The effects of basalt fiber (BF) on a geopolymer based on fly ash (FA) and basalt powder waste (BP) filled were studied in this research. The compressive and flexural strength, Charpy impact, and capillary water absorption tests were performed on produced samples after 28 days. Then, produced samples were exposed to the high-temperature test. Weight change, flexural strength, compressive strength, UPV, and microstructural tests of the specimens were performed after and before the effect of the high temperature. In addition, the results tests conducted on the specimens were compared after and before the high-temperature test. The findings indicated that BF had beneficial benefits, mainly when 1.2 percent BF was used. When the findings of samples containing 1.2 percent BF exposed to various temperatures were analyzed, it was revealed that it could increase compressive strength by up to 18 percent and flexural strength by up to 44 percent. In this study, the addition of BF to fly ash-based geopolymer samples improved the high-temperature resistance and mechanical properties.
Multimedia Analysis of Spanish Female Role Models in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Authors: Verdugo-Castro Sonia , García-Holgado Alicia , Sánchez-Gómez María Cruz , García-Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: November 2021

Horizontal segregation in the higher education framework is a problem that goes up in the work environment. Women are assuming traditional gender roles due to phenomena such as the threat of stereotyping, which prevents them from opting for higher studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This research work arises within the project W-STEM, “Building the Future of Latin America: Involving Women in STEM”. The research aims to investigate women’s academic and professional development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through their personal experience in making career-related decisions. The research was developed by applying a qualitative method. During the year 2020, video semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-one women professionals in the STEM field. Of the twenty-one participants, six are linked to science, eight to technology, fifteen to engineering and one to mathematics. Due to their research lines, some of them are located in more than one STEM area, for example, in technology and engineering. These women were interviewed about their choice of studies and training, their jobs, professional achievements, family and social environment and their perspective on the gender gap in STEM. They all agree on horizontal segregation and consider it necessary to motivate girls and young women to study what they like. Furthermore, they all show passion for their work.
Predicting Heritability of Oil Palm Breeding Using Phenotypic Traits and Machine Learning
Authors: Ahmad Latif Najihah , Mohd Nain Fatini Nadhirah , Ahamed Hassain Malim Nurul Hashimah , Abdullah Rosni , Abdul Rahim Muhammad Farid , Mohamad Mohd Nasruddin , Mohamad Fauzi Nurul Syafika
Published: November 2021

Oil palm is one of the main crops grown to help achieve sustainability in Malaysia. The selection of the best breeds will produce quality crops and increase crop yields. This study aimed to examine machine learning (ML) in oil palm breeding (OPB) using factors other than genetic data. A new conceptual framework to adopt the ML in OPB will be presented at the end of this paper. At first, data types, phenotype traits, current ML models, and evaluation technique will be identified through a literature survey. This study found that the phenotype and genotype data are widely used in oil palm breeding programs. The average bunch weight, bunch number, and fresh fruit bunch are the most important characteristics that can influence the genetic improvement of progenies. Although machine learning approaches have been applied to increase the productivity of the crop, most studies focus on molecular markers or genotypes for plant breeding, rather than on phenotype. Theoretically, the use of phenotypic data related to offspring should predict high breeding values by using ML. Therefore, a new ML conceptual framework to study the phenotype and progeny data of oil palm breeds will be discussed in relation to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Investigating the Influencing Factors of Teachers’ Information and Communications Technology-Integrated Teaching Behaviors toward “Learner-Centered” Reform Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Zengzhao , Ma Jingjing , Liu Zhi
Published: November 2021

In the context of information-driven Education transformation, this study investigates factors that influence the continuous transformation of teacher information and communications technology (ICT) teaching methods. Although some studies have found that teacher psychological cognition exerts different effects on different types of teacher ICT-integrated teaching behaviors, the current literature on influencing factors lacks the classification of behaviors. Based on the learner-centered transformation, this study divides teacher ICT-integrated teaching behaviors into teacher-centered teaching behavior and student-centered teaching behavior, and constructs a hypothesis model of influencing factors on teacher ICT-integrated teaching behavior. We collected questionnaire data from 795 primary and secondary school teachers, then validated and adjusted the model through structural equation modeling (SEM). The social environment exerted a significant indirect impact on teacher technology application behaviors via mediation of teacher efficacy and outcome expectations. The two types of self-efficacy directly affected the student-centered ICT application behavior more than the teacher-centered ICT application behavior. The student-centered ICT application behavior exerted a significant impact on the teacher-centered ICT application behavior. This study confirms the significance of classifying teacher ICT-integrated teaching behavior and supports the transformation of learner-centered ICT-integrated teaching by improving the social environment to realize equitable and sustainable Education development.
Quantification of Urban Patterns and Processes through Space and Time Using Remote Sensing Data: A Comparative Study between Three Saudi Arabian Cities
Authors: Alqurashi Abdullah F.
Published: November 2021

Saudi Arabia has developed rapidly over the last five decades in the wake of an extensive development programme implemented by the government throughout the entire country. Several previous studies have measured the extent and rate of urbanization in Saudi Arabian cities, but most of this research used only remote sensing data or a single index to explain urban growth patterns. This study used satellite data and a set of landscape metrics to quantify the spatiotemporal urban growth patterns and processes in three Saudi Arabian cities–Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah. First, Landsat images were collected and classified for the years 1985, 1990, 2000, 2007, 2014 and 2020. Classification was carried out through an object-based image analysis (OBIA) to map the extent of urbanization. The classified maps were then used to compute seven landscape metrics to determine the spatial configuration of urban areas. The spatial metrics were calculated for the entire landscape and across buffer zones that were delineated from the urban core centre of each city. The overall accuracies were >94% for all the classified maps. The spatiotemporal results indicated that all three cities have experienced significant urban growth during the last four decades. Urban patterns in Jeddah were more dispersed than in Riyadh, which showed aggregated patterns (especially in recent years), while urban growth in Makkah tended to be more fragmented. The urban form in Riyadh was relatively simple, while a complex form was associated with Makkah and Jeddah. Understanding the rates, patterns, processes and trajectories of changes to urban land use is essential for various decision-making processes.
Can Financial Literacy Explain Lack of Investment in Risky Assets in Japan?
Authors: Khan Mostafa Saidur Rahim , Rabbani Naheed , Kadoya Yoshihiko
Published: November 2021

Although household savings in Japan are among the highest in the world, investment in risky assets is still very low. This study examines whether financial literacy explains the lack of investment in risky assets in Japan. We use data from the Preference Parameter Study, a nationwide survey in Japan that has been conducted by Osaka University. We use investment in stocks, investment trusts, futures/options, Japanese government bonds, government bonds of foreign countries, and foreign currency deposits as a proxy for investment in risky assets. Our results show that investment in risky assets is higher among financially literate people. Moreover, financial literacy has a significantly positive association with investment in risky assets even after controlling the demographic, socio-economic, and psychological factors. We check the robustness of the association between financial literacy and investment in risky assets by segregating investment in risky assets into investment in equity securities and investment in bonds and foreign currencies. Financial literacy is found to be associated with both investment in equity securities and investment in bonds and foreign currencies. Our results are also robust in terms of the endogeneity issue. The results imply that investment in risky assets in financial markets could be increased by introducing financial literacy programs at a mass level.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Dairy Farming Coordination between Economy and Ecology in China
Authors: Li Ran , Qian Guixia
Published: November 2021

This paper focuses on the theme of the sustainable dairy industry and explores the coordination between the economy and ecology in dairy farming. Specifically, we constructed a composite dairy economy and ecology (DEE) system to evaluate the status of dairy farming. Based on the panel data of the nine primary milk producing provinces in China from 2003 to 2018, we estimated DEE changes with the coupling coordination degree model from perception of time. We then applied spatial autocorrelation model to analyze spatial heterogeneity. The results show that: (1) Seven of the nine provinces had experienced the three-stage process of economic lag–ecological lag–economic lag. Only Xinjiang and Ningxia have experienced the first two stages and are currently going through the economic lag status. (2) The coupling degree of DEE increased rapidly and has fluctuated around 0.5 since 2009. Furthermore, the degree of coordination of DEE went up continuously, and there was obvious regional differentiation. (3) Reduction of large-scale dairy farms is conducive to coordination between the dairy economy and ecology. (4) The positive spatial spillover effect on the coordination of DEE was not temporally steady. Our findings provide relevant evidence for improving the relationship between the economy and ecology for the sustainability of the dairy industry.
The State of Human Capital and Innovativeness of Polish Voivodships in 2004–2018
Authors: Jagódka Maciej , Snarska Małgorzata
Published: November 2021

The category of human capital has increased in importance with the emergence of human capital theory in the 1960s. The interest in innovativeness is a result of successive waves of industrial revolutions and technical progress. The article aims to estimate human capital and innovation in Polish voivodeships 2004–2018 as an essential determinant of socio-economic development in emerging economies. The regional dimension related to human capital and innovativeness is rarely studied in a socio-economic context. Additionally, the main contribution of the paper is that we propose an extraordinary set of variables capturing quantitative and qualitative aspects of regional research. To measure these factors, we propose a set of sub-indices describing the state of human capital and innovation. The delimitation of regions was carried out using the method of Czekanowski. The study results confirmed the polarization of voivodeships in Poland, generally according to Eastern and Western Poland. Unfortunately, it turns out that despite the economic growth in the country in recent years, disparities within the human capital of voivodeships are increasing. This makes it challenging to unleash innovation and enter a faster and more sustainable path of growth.
Experimental Study on Solidification of Pb2+ in Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers
Authors: Liu Fang , Tang Ran , Wang Baomin , Yuan Xiaosa
Published: November 2021

Fly ash from the incineration of domestic waste contains heavy metals, which is harmful to the environment. To reduce and prevent their contamination, heavy metal ions need to be sequestered. In this study, the geopolymer prepared by fly ash, a kind of power plant waste, is used to cure the heavy metal Pb2+, and to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Pb2+ on the compressive strength of the solidified body at different ages; the curing effect is judged by the toxic leaching concentration of heavy metals; the resistance of the solidified body to immersion is evaluated by comparing the change in strength before and after leaching; the fly ash-based geopolymer solidified body is compared with the cement solidified body in terms of curing effectiveness; the properties of the geopolymer and its mechanism of curing heavy metals are explored by microscopic tests. The results show that the fly ash-based geopolymer solidified body has good resistance to immersion; the optimum curing concentration of Pb2+ in fly ash-based geopolymers is 2.0%; compared to pure geopolymers, the strength of the solidified body at 28 d decreases by only 13.0%, and the leaching concentration of Pb2+ is 4.73 mg·L−1, which meets the specification requirements; the curing effect of the fly ash-based geopolymer is better than the cement solidified body; the microscopic test results indicate that the curing of Pb2+ by the fly ash-based geopolymer is a combination of both chemical bonding and physical fixation.
Sustainable Cities: Some Reflections on Companies’ Settlements
Authors: De Falco Stefano , Corbino Alberto
Published: November 2021

Urban dynamics in recent years show a tendency that cannot be ignored in terms of the impacts that they induce, with regard to many companies, especially big companies, that are settled in the downtown districts of the main cities, where economic spaces are blended with urban spaces. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the sustainability of cities by using the specific perspective of their relationship with the companies’ urban settlements. Some questions in the present work are discussed: What advantages derive from the firms’ settlements in downtown areas? What is the impact on urban geographies? What role does urban policy play in this process? How do cities perceive this large business settlement? To answer to these questions, a model of dynamic equilibrium, referred to as the public–private relationship, is provided. The analysis starts from the context of the city as a commercial space, then identifies the determinants of the establishment of businesses in the city centers and the mediating function of politics in this urban morphogenesis. Case studies from the USA on large companies returning to urban centers complete the analysis.
The Influence of Hotel Employees’ Perception of CSR on Organizational Commitment: The Moderating Role of Job Level
Authors: Oh Kum-Sik , Han Juyeon Rachel , Park So Ra
Published: November 2021

This study attempts to investigate the relationships among Korean hotel employees’ perception of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), their intrinsic motivations, and their organizational commitment (OC). The mediating effect of intrinsic motivation on the relationship between employees’ perception of customer- and employee-related CSR and OC is explored, and the moderating role of job level on the relationship between CSR perceptions and intrinsic motivation is tested. The data were collected via online survey, and the Hayes’ Process macro was used as an analysis tool. We found that (1) both types of CSR perceptions are important in creating intrinsic motivation and OC, (2) intrinsic motivation enhances OC, and (3) job level moderates the link between employee CSR perceptions and intrinsic motivation positively. Interestingly, we found that when customer-related CSR or employee-related CSR is high, the level of intrinsic motivation will significantly differ between managerial and non-managerial employees. This study’s results will contribute to the current literature on CSR, and will aid human resources departments that are considering CSR practices as a means to enhancing employee intrinsic motivation and OC.
A New Method for Solid Acid Catalyst Evaluation for Cellulose Hydrolysis
Authors: Tyufekchiev Maksim , Finzel Jordan , Zhang Ziyang , Yao Wenwen , Sontgerath Stephanie , Skangos Christopher , Duan Pu , Schmidt-Rohr Klaus , Timko Michael T.
Published: November 2021

A systematic and structure-agnostic method for identifying heterogeneous activity of solid acids for catalyzing cellulose hydrolysis is presented. The basis of the method is preparation of a supernatant liquid by exposing the solid acid to reaction conditions and subsequent use of the supernatant liquid as a cellulose hydrolysis catalyst to determine the effects of in situ generated homogeneous acid species. The method was applied to representative solid acid catalysts, including polymer-based, carbonaceous, inorganic, and bifunctional materials. In all cases, supernatant liquids produced from these catalysts exhibited catalytic activity for cellulose hydrolysis. Direct comparison of the activity of the solid acid catalysts and their supernatants could not provide unambiguous detection of heterogeneous catalysis. A reaction pathway kinetic model was used to evaluate potential false-negative interpretation of the supernatant liquid test and to differentiate heterogeneous from homogeneous effects on cellulose hydrolysis. Lastly, differences in the supernatant liquids obtained in the presence and absence of cellulose were evaluated to understand possibility of false-positive interpretation, using structural evidence from the used catalysts to gain a fresh understanding of reactant–catalyst interactions. While many solid acid catalysts have been proposed for cellulose hydrolysis, to our knowledge, this is the first effort to attempt to differentiate the effects of heterogeneous and homogeneous activities. The resulting supernatant liquid method should be used in all future attempts to design and develop solid acids for cellulose hydrolysis.
An Eco-Epidemiological Model Incorporating Harvesting Factors
Authors: Hassan Kawa , Mustafa Arkan , Hama Mudhafar
Published: November 2021

The biological system relies heavily on the interaction between prey and predator. Infections may spread from prey to predators or vice versa. This study proposes a virus-controlled prey-predator system with a Crowley–Martin functional response in the prey and an SI-type in the prey. A prey-predator model in which the predator uses both susceptible and sick prey is used to investigate the influence of harvesting parameters on the formation of dynamical fluctuations and stability at the interior equilibrium point. In the analytical section, we outlined the current circumstances for all possible equilibria. The stability of the system has also been explored, and the required conditions for the model’s stability at the equilibrium point have been found. In addition, we give numerical verification for our analytical findings with the help of graphical illustrations.
Neutrino Oscillations in the Model of Interaction of Spinor Fields with Zero-Range Potential Concentrated on a Plane
Authors: Pismak Yury , Shakhova Olga
Published: November 2021

Symanzik’s approach to the description of quantum field systems in an inhomogeneous space-time is used to construct a model for the interaction of neutrino fields with matter. In this way, the problem of the influence of strong inhomogeneities of the medium on the processes of oscillations is considered. As a simple example, a model of neutrino scattering on a material plane is investigated. Within this model, in the collisions of particles with planes, a special filtration mechanism can be formed. It has a significant impact on the dynamics of subsequent neutrino oscillations which are analogous to the Mikheev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein effect at propagation of these particles in an adiabatic medium. Taking into account the possibility of the filtration process in a highly inhomogeneous environment can be useful in planning and carrying out experimental studies of neutrino physics. It can also be considered by investigations of the role of neutrino in astrophysical processes by means of numerical simulations methods.
Semi-Hyers–Ulam–Rassias Stability of a Volterra Integro-Differential Equation of Order I with a Convolution Type Kernel via Laplace Transform
Authors: Inoan Daniela , Marian Daniela
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we investigate the semi-Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability of a Volterra integro-differential equation of order I with a convolution type kernel. To this purpose the Laplace transform is used. The results obtained show that the stability holds for problems formulated with various functions: exponential and polynomial functions. An important aspect that appears in the form of the studied equation is the symmetry of the convolution product.
Non-Separable Linear Canonical Wavelet Transform
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. , Shah Firdous A. , Garg Tarun K. , Lone Waseem Z. , Qadri Huzaifa L.
Published: November 2021

This study aims to achieve an efficient time-frequency representation of higher-dimensional signals by introducing the notion of a non-separable linear canonical wavelet transform in L2(Rn). The preliminary analysis encompasses the derivation of fundamental properties of the novel integral transform including the orthogonality relation, inversion formula, and the range theorem. To extend the scope of the study, we formulate several uncertainty inequalities, including the Heisenberg’s, logarithmic, and Nazorav’s inequalities for the proposed transform in the linear canonical domain. The obtained results are reinforced with illustrative examples.
Visual Robotic Perception System with Incremental Learning for Child–Robot Interaction Scenarios
Authors: Efthymiou Niki , Filntisis Panagiotis Paraskevas , Potamianos Gerasimos , Maragos Petros
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a novel lightweight visual perception system with Incremental Learning (IL), tailored to child–robot interaction scenarios. Specifically, this encompasses both an action and emotion recognition module, with the former wrapped around an IL system, allowing novel actions to be easily added. This IL system enables the tutor aspiring to use robotic agents in interaction scenarios to further customize the system according to children’s needs. We perform extensive evaluations of the developed modules, achieving state-of-the-art results on both the children’s action BabyRobot dataset and the children’s emotion EmoReact dataset. Finally, we demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the IL system for action recognition by conducting a thorough experimental analysis for various conditions and parameters.
Associations between Serum Aflatoxin-B1 and Anemia in Pregnant Women: Evidence from Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort in China
Authors: Lei Lei , Liu Shun , Ye Ye , Qiu Xiaoqiang , Huang Dongping , Pan Dongxiang , Chen Jiehua , Qian Zhengmin , McMillin Stephen Edward , Vaughn Michael G. , Luo Xingxi , Wu Kaili , Xiao Suyang , Li Jinxiu , Liu Meiliang , Yang Yu , Lai Mingshuang , Dong Guanghui , Zeng Xiaoyun
Published: November 2021

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common toxic mycotoxin and is detectable in pregnant women. Animal studies have revealed that AFB1 caused the lysis of erythrocytes and a decrease in hemoglobin. We conducted a prospective cohort study in Guangxi, China, in order to evaluate the association between AFB1 exposure and anemia in pregnant women during the entire pregnancy. A total of 616 pregnant women from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort were included in the study. Serum AFB1-albumin (AFB1-ALB) adduct levels were measured. The effect of AFB1-ALB adducts on hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were analyzed by using multivariable linear regression. The risks of anemia from AFB1-ALB adduct exposure were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. We found that the AFB1-ALB adduct was significantly associated with a decrease in Hb (β = −4.99, 95% CI: −8.42, −1.30), MCV (β = −4.58, 95% CI: −7.23, −1.94), MCH (β = −1.86, 95% CI: −2.87, −0.85), and MCHC (β = −5.23, 95% CI: −8.28, −2.17) in the first trimester with the third tertile of AFB1-ALB adducts when compared with the first tertile. Furthermore, the third tertile of the AFB1-ALB adduct significantly increased the risk of anemia by 2.90 times than compared to the first tertile in the first trimester (OR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.67, 9.14). A significant positive does–response relationship existed between AFB1-ALB adduct levels and anemia risk (Ptrend = 0.001). When dividing anemia types, we only found that the third tertile of AFB1-ALB adduct increased the risk of microcytic hypochromic anemia (MHA) in the first trimester (OR = 14.37, 95% CI: 3.08, 67.02) and second trimester (OR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.96, 11.51). These findings demonstrate the correlation between maternal AFB1 exposure during early pregnancy and risk of anemia, especially MHA, and during different trimesters in Southern China. More efforts should be made to diminish AFB1 exposure for pregnant women.
The Pore-Forming Hemolysin BL Enterotoxin from Bacillus cereus: Subunit Interactions in Cell-Free Systems
Authors: Ramm Franziska , Stech Marlitt , Zemella Anne , Frentzel Hendrik , Kubick Stefan
Published: November 2021

The tripartite enterotoxin Hemolysin BL (Hbl) has been widely characterized as a hemolytic and cytotoxic virulence factor involved in foodborne diarrheal illness caused by Bacillus cereus. Previous studies have described the formation of the Hbl complex and aimed to identify the toxin’s mode of action. In this study, we analyzed the assembly of Hbl out of its three individual subunits L1, L2 and B in a soluble as well as a putative membrane bound composition using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-free system. Subunits were either coexpressed or synthesized individually in separate cell-free reactions and mixed together afterwards. Hemolytic activity of cell-free synthesized subunits was demonstrated on 5% sheep blood agar and identified both synthesis procedures, coexpression as well as individual synthesis of each subunit, as functional for the synthesis of an active Hbl complex. Hbl’s ability to perforate cell membranes was evaluated using a propidium iodide uptake assay. These data suggested that coexpressed Hbl subunits augmented cytotoxic activity with increasing concentrations. Further, a pre-pore-complex of L1-L2 showed cytotoxic effects suggesting the possibility of an interaction between the cell membrane and the pre-pore-complex. Overall, this study shows that cell-free protein synthesis is a fast and efficient way to study the assembly of multiple protein subunits in soluble as well as vesicular fractions.
Validation of a Prognostic Score to Identify Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 at Increased Risk for Bleeding
Authors: Demelo-Rodriguez Pablo , Galeano-Valle Francisco , Ordieres-Ortega Lucía , Siniscalchi Carmine , Martín Del Pozo Mar , Fidalgo Ángeles , Gil-Díaz Aída , Lobo José Luis , De Ancos Cristina , Monreal Manuel ,   For the RIETE-Bleeding Investigators
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but also for bleeding. We previously derived a prognostic score including four variables (elevated D-dimer, elevated ferritin, critical illness, and therapeutic-dose anticoagulation) that identified those at increased risk for major bleeding. Methods: We aimed to validate the score in a subsequent cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 receiving standard-, intermediate- or therapeutic doses of VTE prophylaxis. We evaluated its capacity to predict major bleeding, non-major bleeding, and bleeding-related death. Results: The cohort included 972 patients from 29 hospitals, of whom 280 (29%) received standard-; 412 (42%) intermediate-, 157 (16%) therapeutic doses of VTE prophylaxis and 123 (13%) other drugs. Median duration of prophylaxis was 14.7 ± 10.3 days. Major bleeding occurred in 65 patients (6.7%) and non-major bleeding in 67 (6.9%). Thirty patients with major bleeding (46%) died within the first 30 days after bleeding. The prognostic score identified 203 patients (21%) at very low risk, 285 (29%) at low risk, 263 (27%) intermediate-risk and 221 (23%) at high risk for bleeding. Major bleeding occurred in 1.0%, 2.1%, 8.7% and 15.4% of the patients, respectively. Non-major bleeding occurred in 0.5%, 3.5%, 9.5% and 14.2%, respectively. The c-statistics was: 0.74 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.68–0.79) for major bleeding, 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67–0.78) for non-major bleeding and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76–0.87) for bleeding-related death. Conclusions: In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, we validated that a prognostic score including 4 easily available items may identify those at increased risk for bleeding.
Characterization of Canine Influenza Virus A (H3N2) Circulating in Dogs in China from 2016 to 2018
Authors: Li Yuanguo , Zhang Xinghai , Liu Yuxiu , Feng Ye , Wang Tiecheng , Ge Ye , Kong Yunyi , Sun Hongyu , Xiang Haiyang , Zhou Bo , Fang Shushan , Xia Qing , Hu Xinyu , Sun Weiyang , Wang Xuefeng , Meng Keyin , Lv Chaoxiang , Li Entao , Xia Xianzhu , He Hongbin , Gao Yuwei , Jin Ningyi
Published: November 2021

Avian H3N2 influenza virus follows cross-host transmission and has spread among dogs in Asia since 2005. After 2015–2016, a new H3N2 subtype canine influenza epidemic occurred in dogs in North America and Asia. The disease prevalence was assessed by virological and serological surveillance in dogs in China. Herein, five H3N2 canine influenza virus (CIV) strains were isolated from 1185 Chinese canine respiratory disease samples in 2017–2018; these strains were on the evolutionary branch of the North American CIVs after 2016 and genetically far from the classical canine H3N2 strain discovered in China before 2016. Serological surveillance showed an HI antibody positive rate of 6.68%. H3N2 was prevalent in the coastal areas and northeastern regions of China. In 2018, it became the primary epidemic strain in the country. The QK01 strain of H3N2 showed high efficiency in transmission among dogs through respiratory droplets. Nevertheless, the virus only replicated in the upper respiratory tract and exhibited low pathogenicity in mice. Furthermore, highly efficient transmission by direct contact other than respiratory droplet transmission was found in a guinea pig model. The low-level replication in avian species other than ducks could not facilitate contact and airborne transmission in chickens. The current results indicated that a novel H3N2 virus has become a predominant epidemic strain in dogs in China since 2016 and acquired highly efficient transmissibility but could not be replicated in avian species. Thus, further monitoring is required for designing optimal immunoprophylactic tools for dogs and estimating the zoonotic risk of CIV in China.