bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of the Degree of Varus Thrust during Gait Assessed by an Inertial Measurement Unit with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Misu Shogo , Tanaka So , Miura Jun , Ishihara Kohei , Asai Tsuyoshi , Nishigami Tomohiko
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to assess the association between the degree of varus thrust (VT) assessed by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Seventy patients (mean age: 59.8 ± 8.6 years; women: n = 40) were instructed to walk on a treadmill with an IMU attached to the tibial tuberosity. For the index of VT during walking (VT-index), the swing-speed adjusted root mean square of acceleration in the mediolateral direction was calculated. As the PROMs, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were used. Data on age, sex, body mass index, static alignment, central sensitization, and gait speed were collected as potential confounders. After adjusting for potential confounders, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the VT-index was significantly associated with the pain score (standardized β = −0.295; p = 0.026), symptoms score (standardized β = −0.287; p = 0.026), and activities of the daily living score (standardized β = −0.256; p = 0.028). Our results indicated that larger VT values during gait are associated with worse PROMs, suggesting that an intervention to reduce VT might be an option for clinicians trying to improve PROMs.
Separation of Zinc from Zinc Ferrite by Magnetization Roasting and Ammonia Leaching
Authors: Xie Zeqiang , Jiang Tao , Guo Yufeng , Wang Shuai , Chen Feng , Yang Lingzhi , Fu Ganghua
Published: May 2023

Zinc ferrite can be found in zinc-bearing dust in ironmaking and steelmaking. It is difficult to be recovered due to its stable properties. The magnetization roasting and ammonia leaching method were used to separate iron and zinc from zinc ferrite in this study. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the key to the selective reduction of zinc ferrite to zinc oxide and ferric oxide is to control the appropriate temperature and atmosphere. The influences of the selective reduction roasting process of zinc ferrite on the conversion rate, phase change, and microevolution behavior were investigated. The microstructure analysis showed that the distribution area of iron was mainly gray, and the distribution area of zinc was mainly white grid lines. The zinc content in the white area was higher than that in the gray area. With the increase in temperature and PCO, the white area expanded and the migration of zinc and iron was accelerated, but the iron in the white area still existed. The ammonia leaching of the magnetization-roasted product showed that a zinc leaching rate of 78.12% was achieved under the following conditions: the roasting atmosphere of PCO/P(CO+CO2) = 25%, the roasting temperature of 750 °C, roasting duration for 45 min, n(NH3-H2O):n(NH4Cl) = 1:1, the solid–liquid ratio of 40 g/L, leachate concentration of 6 mol/L, leaching duration of 90 min, the leaching temperature of 50 °C, and the stirring rate of 200 rpm.
Recent Advances in Using Adsorbent Derived from Agricultural Waste for Antibiotics and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Wastewater Treatment: A Review
Authors: Nordin Abu Hassan , Norfarhana Abdul Samad , Noor Siti Fadilla Md , Paiman Syafikah Huda , Nordin Muhammad Luqman , Husna Siti Muhamad Nur , Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad , Ngadi Norzita , Bakar Aznizam Abu , Ahmad Zuliahani , Azami Mohammad Saifulddin , Nawawi Wan Izhan , Nabgan Walid
Published: May 2023

Antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the top pharmaceutical contaminants that have been often found in the aquatic environment. The presence of these contaminants in the aquatic environment is of great concern since it has a negative impact on both ecology and human health. In contrast to other tertiary treatments, adsorption stands out as a viable treatment approach since it provides benefits such as easier operating conditions with no byproduct formation. Commercial activated carbon is widely researched as a pharmaceutical adsorbent, but its large-scale applicability is constrained by its high cost. Agricultural waste also contains a large amount of various functional groups, which may be adapted to surface modification to increase its adsorption ability. In this regard, this study is designed to review the recent progress of efficient adsorbents derived from various agricultural wastes for the removal of antibiotics and NSAIDs contaminants from water bodies. Adsorbents made from agricultural waste have important benefits over commercial activated carbon for the reduction in waste while controlling water pollution.
Stormwater Sewerage Masterplan for Flood Control Applied to a University Campus
Authors: Merchán-Sanmartín Bethy , Carrión-Mero Paúl , Suárez-Zamora Sebastián , Aguilar-Aguilar Maribel , Cruz-Cabrera Omar , Hidalgo-Calva Katherine , Morante-Carballo Fernando
Published: May 2023

Floods generated by rain cause significant economic and human losses. The campus of the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) has a drainage system that conducts stormwater to two discharge points outside the campus. The system works effectively at the macro-drainage level. However, a very crowded area is deficient at the micro-drainage level, which has registered flooding and the proliferation of vectors that affect people’s health. This work aimed to design a masterplan for stormwater sewerage by analyzing the existing situation and applying technical criteria that allow the establishment of solutions and strategies to control floods at the university campus. The methodology consisted of: (i) data collection and processing for the stormwater drainage system diagnosis; (ii) a design proposal for micro-drainage and (iii) a SWOT analysis to propose improvement strategies in water management. The resulting flows for return periods of 5 years, 10 years, and 25 years are 9.67 m3/s, 11.85 m3/s, and 15.85 m3/s, respectively. In the latter, as the most critical area (presence of flooding), the implementation of a trapezoidal channel 80.20 m long, with a capacity of 1.00 m3/s, for a return period of 25 years was proposed. The stormwater masterplan will contribute to the execution of activities within the campus and prevent accidents and the proliferation of diseases, constituting a water-management model that can be replicated locally, regionally, and internationally.
Age-Related Differences between Maximum Flight Height of Basic Skills on Floor, Beam and Vault and Physical Condition of Youth Female Artistic Gymnasts
Authors: Schärer Christoph , Reinhart Luca , Hübner Klaus
Published: May 2023

In women’s artistic gymnastics, difficult elements with great flight heights have to be performed on the apparatuses. However, the importance of the physical condition for generating flight height and its development with age remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the age-related differences of lower body power, reactive strength, 20 m sprint speed, flight heights (basic elements on beam and floor) and run-up speed on the vault of 33 youth female gymnasts. Further, we calculated correlations between all parameters separately for different age groups (7–9 y; 10–12 y; 13–15 y). We found larger differences between the age groups 7–9 y and 10–12 y than between 10–12 y and 13–15 y on the apparatuses (10–12 y vs. 7–9 y: +23% to +52%; 13–15 y vs. 10–12 y: +2% to +24%) and for physical conditioning variables (10–12 y vs. 7–9 y: +12 to +24%; 13–15 y vs. 10–12 y: + 5% to +16%). The correlations between flight heights and physical condition were the lowest for age group 7–9 y (r: from −0.47 to 0.78; 10–12 y: r: from −0.19 to 0.80; 13–15 y: r: from −0.20 to 0.90). An optimal application of the physical condition to enhance the gymnastics-specific performance (e.g., flight height) is strongly age-dependent. Regular monitoring of jumping abilities and the derivation of training recommendations can accelerate this development and the future performance of young athletes.
Posterior Cervical Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic One-Block Resection Technique for Cervical Ossified Ligamentum Flavum
Authors: George Rajeesh , Wu Pang Hung
Published: May 2023

Background: There is sparse literature on the technique of single-stage anterior discectomy fusion and posterior decompression and flavectomy using the biportal endoscopic technique. Methods: Single-stage anterior discectomy fusion and posterior biportal endoscopic decompression and flavectomy apply to cervical myelopathy at a single level with an anterior disc and posterior ossified ligamentum flavum complex. Anterior discectomy and fusion were performed in the usual fashion in the supine position, and subsequently, posterior biportal endoscopic decompression was carried out after turning the patient prone. Conclusion: Single-stage anterior discectomy fusion and posterior biportal endoscopic decompression and flavectomy are good alternatives for circumferential decompression with myelopathy
Research on the Control of Excavation Deformation of Super Deep Foundation Pit Adjacent to the Existing Old Masonry Structure Building
Authors: Xue Huajun
Published: May 2023

In order to ensure the safety and stability of the existing old masonry structure houses in the process of dewatering and excavation of the super deep foundation pit of the subway, the support form of a water stop curtain combined with bored cast-in-place piles and internal support is adopted, and the rotary jet grouting piles are constructed around the houses, and sleeve valve pipes are embedded, and the soil and house foundation are grouted and strengthened. The deformation of the building foundation is analyzed by the finite element method. The results show that the deformation of adjacent buildings is mainly uniform at the initial stage of foundation pit dewatering and excavation. With the increase of foundation pit dewatering and excavation depth, the deformation of adjacent buildings shows significant differential characteristics, and the maximum displacement of buildings is settlement deformation. The field monitoring data show that the actual deformation trend and value range of the building structure are basically consistent with the finite element calculation results, and no new damage is found in the building structure during the construction process. Effective foundation pit support method and soil layer reinforcement method can effectively reduce the impact of foundation pit on the deformation of adjacent buildings.
Anaerobic Fluidized-Bed Membrane Bioreactor for Treatment of Liquid Fraction of Sludge Digestate: Performance and Agricultural Reuse Analysis
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Jun , Chen Yifan , Guo Ze , Xu Ganzhan , Yin Linlin , Tian Yu , Lavrnić Stevo
Published: May 2023

The treatment of sludge digestion liquid is a big challenge in wastewater treatment. If treated as normal wastewater, large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus present in the sludge digestion liquid might be wasted when they could be reused in agricultural irrigation and reduce the consumption of artificial fertilizers. Thus, it is of utmost importance to deliver a simple and feasible strategy to treat sludge digestion liquid for agricultural reuse. In this study, a novel type of anaerobic fluidized bed membrane bioreactor system (US-AnFMBR) was developed by combining an ultrasonic processing unit and biochar in AnFMBR. The improvement of sludge properties, removal of pollutants performance and membrane fouling mitigation were achieved in this novel system. The optimal dose of BC (biochar) was 2.5 g·L−1, and the optimal ultrasonic treatment conditions were 30 min at 26 W. The main contribution of ultrasound was to improve the activity of sludge microorganisms to adsorb and degrade more organic matter present in sewage. The system achieved the removal efficiencies of COD, NH4+-N and PO43−-P up to 89.41%, 49.29% and 54.83%, respectively, and had a better mitigation effect in terms of membrane fouling. On the one hand, the biochar addition for COD removal performance was mainly manifested in membrane rejection performance. On the other hand, the combination of low-cost biochar and AnFMBR can also provide new ideas for the recycling of agricultural waste for biochar production. However, regarding the removal efficiency of NH4+-N and PO43−-P, the US-AnFMBR system promoted the activity of starved sludge to preferentially absorb NH4+-N compared with PO43−-P by statistical analysis. The US-AnFMBR can reduce the viscosity of sludge and release more small molecular substances, thus better mitigating membrane fouling. Long-term operation performance also revealed the excellent stability of the sludge digestion liquid treatment. The US-AnFMBR system achieves the recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus resources for subsequent agricultural recycling, and avoids the eutrophication of water ecosystems. Reclaimed water meets the nutrient requirements of typical crops during the growing season. To a certain extent, carbon emission reductions in agriculture can be achieved.
Hazard Assessment of Rainfall–Induced Landslide Considering the Synergistic Effect of Natural Factors and Human Activities
Authors: Lan Qing , Tang Jianbo , Mei Xiaoming , Yang Xuexi , Liu Qinghao , Xu Qian
Published: May 2023

Landslide hazard assessment is essential for determining the probability of landslide occurrence in a specific spatial and temporal range. The hazard assessment of potential landslides could support landslide disaster early warning and disaster prevention decisions, which have important guiding significance for urban construction and sustainable development. Due to the lack of consideration of the synergistic effect of multiple factors and geographic scene heterogeneity, the accuracy of existing landslide hazard assessment methods still needs to be improved, and the interpretability and applicability of existing models still need to be improved. In this paper, we propose a landslide hazard assessment method considering the synergistic effect of multiple factors, including natural factors and human activities, and the heterogeneity of geographic scenes. On this basis, we carry out experimental verification on rainfall–induced landslides in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Firstly, rainfall–induced landslide hazards’ characteristics and impact factors are analyzed and classified. The whole study area is divided into some homogeneous sub–regions using regional dynamic constraint clustering based on the similarity of underlying environmental variables. Then, considering the spatial autocorrelation between various landslide conditioning and trigger factors, a local weighted random forest model is developed to evaluate the rainfall–induced landslide hazards comprehensively. Experimental results show that the proposed method has higher accuracy and interpretability than the existing representative methods and can provide useful references for preventing landslide hazards.
Analysis of the Spatial and Temporal Evolution Characteristics and Driving Forces of the Surface Thermal Environment in Lanzhou City
Authors: Chai Jiao , Zhang Zhibin , Chen Long , Ma Xiaomin , Wu Zhixiang
Published: May 2023

The urban heat island effect is becoming more and more serious due to the continuous expansion of cities in China, and improving the urban thermal environment is an important prerequisite for creating a livable city. Based on the Landsat TM images of 2001 and 2011 and Landsat TIRS images of 2021, this study investigated the spatial and temporal distribution and evolution characteristics of the urban thermal environment in Lanzhou City in the last 20 years by using the radiation equation conduction method to invert the surface temperature of Lanzhou City. The results show the following: (1) The radiation range of the medium temperature zone in Lanzhou City spreads in an “extended” style from 2001 to 2021 until it covers the whole main urban area, the secondary high and low temperatures decrease, and the corresponding medium temperature zone increases over a large area. (2) The average temperatures of Lanzhou urban area and its arable land, forest, grassland, and water area within the urban area reaches 10–25 °C, and the heat island area decreases by 9.56% in 20 years, with the high-temperature zone decreasing by 42.32%. (3) The proportion of water bodies and the proportion of impermeable surfaces are dominant factors in the spatial differentiation of surface temperature, and the interaction and synergy of various influencing factors affect the spatial differentiation of surface temperature.
Promotion Mechanism of Atrazine Removal from Soil Microbial Fuel Cells by Semiconductor Minerals
Authors: Tang Muyuan , Sun Yilun , Cao Xian , Jiang Xiaoyi , Gao Xintong , Li Xianning
Published: May 2023

In recent years, soil microbial fuel cells (Soil-MFCs) have attracted attention due to their simultaneous electricity production and contaminant removal functions, but soil electron transfer resistance limits their contaminant removal effectiveness. To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, in this study, a dual-chamber Soil-MFC was constructed using atrazine (ATR) as the target contaminant, and the electrochemical performance of Soil-MFC and ATR removal were enhanced by semiconductor mineral addition. Analysis of atrazine was performed in soil using HPLC and GC-MS, and analysis of metallic minerals using XPS. Anodic microorganisms were determined using high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the addition of Fe3O4 increased the maximum output voltage of the device by 2.56 times, and the degradation efficiency of atrazine in the soil to 63.35%, while the addition of MnO2 increased the internal resistance of the device and affected the current output, and these changes were closely related to the ion dissolution rate of the semiconductor minerals. In addition, the addition of both minerals significantly increased the relative abundance of both Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, and Fe3O4 simultaneously promoted the significant enrichment of Firmicutes, indicating that the semiconductor minerals significantly enhanced the enrichment of electroactive microorganisms near the anode. The structural equation modeling indicated that the semiconductor minerals achieved efficient degradation of ATR in the soil through a synergistic mechanism of metal ion leaching and microbial community structure changes. The detection of ATR and its degradation products in soil revealed that the degradation of ATR mainly included: (1) hydrolysis of atrazine by microorganisms to generate dehydroxylated atrazine (HYA); (2) reduced to diethyl atrazine (DEA) and diisopropyl atrazine (DIA) by extracellular electron reduction and re-dechlorination and hydrolysis to HYA. Semiconductor minerals make an important contribution to promoting microbial activity and extracellular electron reduction processes. The results of this study strengthen the power production and ATR removal efficiency of the Soil-MFC system and provide important theoretical support for the on-site removal of organic pollutants and the sustainable application of converting biomass energy into electricity.
Impact of Tourism Satisfaction and Service Quality on Destination Loyalty: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach concerning China Resort Hotels
Authors: Hussain Abid , Li Mingxing , Kanwel Shahida , Asif Muhammad , Jameel Arif , Hwang Jinsoo
Published: May 2023

Since China holds a critical geographical status, it harbors an immense tourist attraction. This research aims to investigate service quality, which determines electronic word of mouth, tourist satisfaction, and loyalty to visiting China’s tourist places. This study collected 443 questionnaires comprising tentative sampling from sightseers in China. This research examined how electronic word of mouth affects how far tourists are satisfied with their trip and how much loyalty they demonstrate toward the destination places. The SPSS, AMOS, and structural equation modeling techniques were used for analysis. Our findings illustrate the connection between electronic word of mouth, service quality, tourist satisfaction, and destination loyalty. This study also demonstrated that both tourist satisfaction and electronic word of mouth exercise an intermediary impact on service quality and the destination loyalty relationship. In this way, service quality may be attributed to tourist satisfaction (TS) and electronic word of mouth (eWOM), which explicitly influences destination loyalty (DL) when visiting China. These findings have practical implications for the tourism sector of China.
Controlling Industrial Air-Pollutant Emissions under Multi-Factor Interactions Based on a Developed Hybrid-Factorial Environmental Input–Output Model
Authors: Liu Jing , Yang Yujin
Published: May 2023

A hybrid-factorial environmental input–output model (HEIM) is proposed for controlling industrial energy-related air pollution. HEIM has the advantages of analyzing industrial air-pollutant emission system (IAES) performance, quantifying key factors’ individual and reciprocal effects on the system, generating optimal system planning strategies under multiple scenarios. HEIM is then applied to Fujian province, which is a special economic development region in China. The significant findings are as follows: (i) the main sectors of pollutants’ (NOx, SO2, PM and VOCs) emissions are electricity supply (ELE), transportation (TRA), nonmetal minerals (NON), chemical products (CHE) and metal processing (MET); (ii) the proportion of air pollutants (NOx, SO2 and PM) emitted from energy activities can reach 83.8%, 88.6% and 68.1% of the province’s total emissions, implying that it is desired for industrial activities to improve the energy efficiency and promote cleaner production; (iii) the system robustness was between 0.287 and 0.321 (maximum value is 0.368), indicating the emission structure of IAES was not healthy; (iv) the contributions of the key factors to air-pollutant emission equivalent are NOx emission (51.6%) > ELE coal consumption (25.8%) > SO2 emission (12.5%); (v) the contributions of the key factors affecting system robustness are equipment manufacturing’s (EQU) direct consumption coefficient (81.4%) > CHE coal consumption (11.7%) > NON coal consumption (5.0%). The optimal strategies should strictly control ELE coal consumption (replaced by clean energy) and strictly limit NOx and SO2 emissions (e.g., technology upgrade) from the main sectors.
Life Cycle Assessment for Geopolymer Concrete Bricks Using Brown Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Zhang Jingxuan , Fernando Sarah , Law David W. , Gunasekara Chamila , Setunge Sujeeva , Sandanayake Malindu , Zhang Guomin
Published: May 2023

Traditionally, the construction industry has predominantly used Portland cement (PC) to manufacture bricks, as it is one of the most-commonly available building materials. However, the employment of waste industrial material for brick production can lead to a significant improvement in terms of sustainability within the construction sector. Geopolymer bricks made from brown coal fly ash, a promising industrial waste by-product, serve as a potential alternative. Conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA), this study thoroughly evaluated the entire manufacturing process’s environmental impact, from source material acquisition and transportation to brick manufacturing, distribution, usage, and end-of-life, for brown coal bricks as compared to PC bricks. The LCA of the brown coal bricks revealed that their primary environmental impacts stemmed from the raw material manufacturing and usage, while exhibiting substantial reductions in ozone depletion, water depletion, and metal depletion. These findings highlighted the environmental advantages of the brown coal bricks and their potential to revolutionize sustainable construction practices.
Consumption Culture and Critical Sustainability Discourses: Voices from the Global South
Authors: Das Arindam , Albinsson Pia A.
Published: May 2023

Our qualitative critical research intends to examine the meta-normative features of the sustainability discourse of the marginalized Global South through sociological critique of (neo)colonial and anti-sustainable consumption. Using a critical lens, we discuss two community performances of sustainable consumer culture from the Global South to highlight the subversive consumption performances in the Global South market, which has the potency to ontologically denaturalize the Global North market’s standard-normalized Western discourses of sustainability that tend to legitimize social inequalities and the seizing of agency by marginalized consumers of subsistence marketplace. The article contributes to both sustainability and consumer culture literature by proposing a new research agenda: the way sustainable consumption culture projects and negotiates identity in the Global South, especially at the margin. We highlight how traditional sustainable prosumption of subaltern subjects of the Global South resists power practices promulgated by Western capitalism, neoliberalism, and neocolonization.
Build Back Safely: Evaluating the Occupational Health and Safety in Post-Disaster Reconstruction
Authors: Carrasco Sandra , O’Brien David
Published: May 2023

Current trends in disaster response and management include various stakeholders, including non-government organisations (NGOs), volunteer groups and other humanitarian organisations, working alongside governmental agencies. Together, they are directly involved in reconstruction efforts, with support often extending from the early response to long-term reconstruction. The common goal of reconstruction efforts spanning the last few decades is the ambition to “Build Back Better”. More recently, there have been efforts to expand the scope of the reconstruction efforts to “Build Back Safer” and to raise awareness about the quality and safety of the final products, such as housing and infrastructure. Disaster management studies rarely address the construction process after disasters, or the working conditions of the builders, and often pay little attention to the health and safety of the extended workforce. This study identifies critical factors affecting workers, volunteers, local communities and other staff working on disaster reconstruction projects through a systematic literature review of academic publications. A total of 35 publications were thematically analysed, reduced from an initial selection of 394 publications selected between 2004 to 2022. The findings from this study highlight the vulnerabilities experienced by workers and the broader community involved in post-disaster reconstruction and acknowledge challenges integrating health and safety concerns into the practice and governance of global humanitarian systems.
From Laborers to Coffee Farmers: Collaborative Forest Management in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Gunawan Budhi , Abdoellah Oekan Soekotjo , Hadi Firman , Alifi Gianrico Juan , Suhendi Riky Novalia , Aisharya Inas Yaumi , Gunawan Wahyu
Published: May 2023

Collaborative forest management (CFM) is assumed to provide benefits for improving the condition of the forest ecology and the community’s economy. However, its effectiveness is often debated, particularly regarding the involvement of poor and landless farmers in program implementation. In this relation, this study examines a CFM program implementation in Bandung District, West Java, the so-called Pengelolaan Hutan Bersama Masyarakat (PHBM). The study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches in collecting data. GIS analysis and vegetation identification supported this study. The study shows that the PHBM program implementation in the study area provided benefits for improving forest ecological conditions and the livelihood of the farmers. This study also suggests that poor or landless farmers could secure their rights and access to the forest; they became coffee farmers. Despite this, to ensure the sustainability of the program, especially the involvement of the poor and landless farmers, support from the government is very much needed.
Development of New-Energy Vehicles under the Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Strategy in China
Authors: Li Xia , Peng Yi , He Qiqi , He Hongmei , Xue Song
Published: May 2023

China regards the development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) as an important breakthrough to achieve the periodic goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. After decades of development, China’s NEVs industry has made significant progress, especially in the past 20 years, where the industry has transformed from a follower to a leader. This article reviews the development background of NEVs in China and reflects the development status of NEVs in different periods of China. The development of NEVs in China was analyzed through data, reflecting the current development status and trends. Combined with the policy background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the position of NEV industry in China’s automobile submarket, domestic market, and international market is analyzed. Based on the analysis and discussion, the main issues faced by the development of NEVs in China were proposed, including the impact of subsidy policy withdrawal on car companies and consumers, the construction and development of infrastructure, the research and development of core technologies and components, and the construction of a clean energy system based on sustainable development. It is proposed that the future development direction of China’s NEV industry can follow the directions of electrification, intelligence, lightweight, and sustainable development.
Evaluating Culturalization Strategies for Sustainable Tourism Development in Uzbekistan
Authors: Jeong Ji Young , Karimov Mamurbek , Sobirov Yuldoshboy , Saidmamatov Olimjon , Marty Peter
Published: May 2023

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing and most visible sectors of the global economy, contributing significantly to boosting a nation’s economy. Currently, tourism-led economic growth considering sustainable approaches is becoming increasingly important in public policy. Recent urban and regional studies have begun to focus on the sustainability of tourism from social, economic, environmental, and cultural perspectives. The research aims to identify the most important issues and barriers to sustainable tourism development in Uzbekistan and proposes the most effective culturalization strategies to overcome those barriers. This paper involves the application of Global RPM (Globalization, Rationality, Professionalism, and Morality) analysis in combination with SANEL HERMES (Sightseeing, Admission paying, Night touring, Experiencing, Learning, Healing, Enjoying, Rest and Relaxing, Memento shopping, Eating and Drinking, and Staying) model based on data from a variety of sources, including literature review, participation interview, tourist survey, and expert questionnaire to identify and classify influencing factors that show existing barriers to sustainable tourism in Uzbekistan. Finally, a set of culturalization strategies is proposed, evaluated, and ranked by experts using a Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix. The results of the survey have shown that tourism activities are currently not sustainable in a satisfactory manner. However, if the policymakers consider the relevant strategies and take this study into account, as well as its findings, then Uzbekistan can be made more attractive in terms of sustainable tourism.
Effect of Damage Severity and Flexural Steel Ratio on CFRP Repaired RC Beams
Authors: Fayyadh Moatasem M. , Abdul Razak Hashim
Published: May 2023

The study aims to investigate the effectiveness and failure modes of using CFRP-bonded sheets as a flexural repair system for RC beams, considering the effect of pre-repair damage levels and flexural steel design limits. This study investigated two different flexural design criteria: RC beams reinforced with the minimum flexural steel limit (ρmin) and RC beams reinforced with the maximum flexural steel limit (ρmax). Additionally, three pre-repair damage levels were considered: design limit load, steel yield limit load, and failure limit load. The study results showed that the RC beams’ repair effectiveness depends on the ratio of the flexural steel provided. Specifically, the beams with a minimum steel ratio demonstrated a higher capacity restoration of 49% to 85% (corresponding to the pre-repair damage level, i.e., design load to failure load), while beams with a maximum steel ratio only achieved a capacity restoration of 15.3% to 28.4%. Regarding failure modes, the beams experienced an intermediate-induced crack (IC) debonding due to pre-repair flexural cracks. Despite the debonding of the CFRP sheets, the beams still had the ability to withstand loads close to their unrepaired capacity. This indicates the possibility of re-repairing the beams after the CFRP debonding. Overall, the findings of this study can be used in the industry to repair RC beams and girders that have been damaged due to extreme loading conditions or other reasons. By using CFRP externally bonded sheets, the capacity of the structures can be restored regardless of the pre-repair damage level and the flexural steel design criteria.
Sustainable Approaches for Biodiversity and Bioprospecting of Citrus
Authors: Kumari Sony , Bhowal Rony , Suprasanna Penna
Published: May 2023

Citrus, belonging to the Rutaceae family, is a commercial fruit worldwide, and it is mainly recognized for its nutritional, anti-oxidant, and significant medicinal properties. Citruses are a group of multifaceted fruit crops with a rich traditional knowledge, deeply rooted in ethnic culture, and the fruits have been considered to be health-protecting and health-promoting food supplements since ancient times. The presence of secondary metabolites and their bioactivities has led to the development of new alternative drugs in recent years. Diverse secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils and their high bioactive properties have imparted great value to human health based on their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular protective, and neuroprotective effects. The indigenous Citrus species of India—mainly Northeast India—have distinctive and valuable genetic traits, such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, distinctive aroma, flavor, etc. Hence, these species are considered to be repertoires of valuable genes for molecular breeding aimed at quality improvement. There is a need for awareness and understanding among the citrus-producing countries of the exploitation of biodiversity and the conservation of Citrus for sustainable development and bioprospecting. The current review presents a holistic view of Citrus biodiversity from a global perspective, including phytochemical constituents and health benefits. Advanced biotechnological and genomic approaches for Citrus trait improvement have also been discussed to highlight their relevance in Citrus improvement.
High-Level Radioactive Disposal Policy in Japan: A Sociological Appraisal
Authors: Amekawa Yuichiro
Published: May 2023

This study critically appraises the Japanese government’s high-level radioactive disposal policy by drawing on three sociological perspectives: risk society, sociology of scientific knowledge, and social acceptance. The risk society theory emphasizes that the Government of Japan and scientists under its control are pursuing nuclear power policy and repository siting within the conventional paradigm of the first modernity, which no longer aligns with the current reality of nuclear power utilization and its public awareness in Japan. Thus, a reflexive response from the policy side is essential to address the demands of a risk society. The sociology of scientific knowledge supports this view by demonstrating that, while scientists under governmental control attempt to convince the public of the safety of their geological disposal methods and the scientific validity of their siting procedures, these claims are largely a social construction of knowledge riddled with uncertainty and ambiguity about inherent environmental risks. The social acceptance standpoint also reveals a substantial bias in government measures toward ensuring distributive, procedural, and interpersonal fairness. Specifically, it critiques the heavy official reliance on monetary compensation to the host community, limited consideration of the allocation of intergenerational decision-making rights based on the reversibility principle, and the implementing agency’s one-way asymmetrical risk communication for public deliberation.
Assessment of the Adaptive Reuse Potentiality of Industrial Heritage Based on Improved Entropy TOPSIS Method from the Perspective of Urban Regeneration
Authors: Meng Fanlei , Zhi Yeqing , Pang Yuxiang
Published: May 2023

In recent years, it has become critical to promote urban redevelopment and maximize the potentiality of industrial heritage through adaptive reuse. Research on the assessment of adaptive reuse potentiality helps to make scientific decisions in sustainable development and the strategy for utilizing industrial heritage. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the research on the potentiality of buildings or sites. It also constructs a system for the assessment of adaptive reuse potentiality in industrial heritage and describes the characteristics of different dimensions in the indicators of potentiality evaluation. Utilizing the Improved Entropy Technique for Ordering Preferences by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (Improved Entropy TOPSIS), the relative values of the reuse potentiality of each hierarchical evaluation index are calculated, and an adaptive reuse potentiality ranking of various industrial parks is determined. Through the calculation and analysis, it is demonstrated that the application of this quantitative method to the industrial heritage potentiality evaluation system is highly applicable. This paper’s research framework for adaptive reuse potentiality and empirical findings provides targeted recommendations for determining the reuse potentiality and potential hierarchy of industrial heritage, identifying buildings with a high potential for reuse, and developing adaptive reuse strategies to better direct industrial heritage in urban regeneration.
The Characteristics and Seepage Stability Analysis of Toppling-Sliding Failure under Rainfall
Authors: Luo Jing , Pei Xiangjun , Jiang Ronghao , Li Tiantao , Sun Hao , Jin Bo , Li Qian
Published: May 2023

Toppling-sliding failure is a typical mode of deep-seated toppling failure. In this mode, massive collapsed rock masses form the main sliding body, which is sensitive to rainfall events and prone to instability under rainfall due to its unique slope structure. In the present study, based on the detailed investigation on the geology and deformation characteristics, we studied the deformation and failure mechanism of a large-scale deep-seated toppling in Nandongzi Village, Pingquan City, Hebei Province. We constructed an engineering geology model to describe the toppling-sliding failure under rainfall. In addition, based on the saturated–unsaturated seepage theory and using the SLOPE/W and SEEP/W modules in the GeoStudio software, we explored the seepage law and factors controlling the seepage failure of toppling-sliding under rainfall. From surface to interior, the slope can be divided into topplingalling zone, strong toppling zone, slight toppling zone, and non-deformation zone. The geological structure consisting of an upper strong slab and an underlying weak rock layer, controls the early deformation, and the deformation and failure mode is compressing-bending-toppling. Due to the influence of excavation and rainfall, the sliding movements occur along planar rupture planes in the toppling-falling zone in the later stage, during which the failure mode switches to creeping-cracking. At present, the stability of the slope is highly sensitive to rainfall. When the rainfall intensity exceeds 220 mm/day (50 years return period storm), the factor of safety will fall below 1.05 and subsequently the sliding failure may be triggered. Because of the difference in permeability characteristics between the toppling-falling zone and the strong toppling zone, high pore-water pressure is developed at their boundary, leading to a drastic decrease in the factor of safety. Specifically, the more considerable difference in permeability, the lower the safety factor. Overall, this study is significant in scientific guiding for evaluating and preventing such slope failures.
The Relationship between Marine Sports Tourist Destinations, Social Responsibility, and Environmentally Responsible Behavior
Authors: Song Jeongmyeong , Kang Jihyun
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the structural relationship between tourist destination identification and environmental responsibility practices based on the social responsibility activities for visitors of marine sports tourist destinations where domestic travel has been active since COVID-19. Furthermore, we aimed to provide academic and practical implications by investigating the relationship between DSR, a major variable in sustainable marine sports tourism, and ERB. Data from a survey of tourists who participated in marine sports (n = 392) were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Hayes PROCESS macro with bootstrapping procedures. According to the analysis results, it was found that marine sports tourist DSR positively affected destination identification and ERB, and that tourist destination identification positively influenced ERB. Second, it was shown that the effect of the social responsibility of a marine sports tourist destination on ERB is mediated via the influence of tourist destination identification.
Under the Risk of COVID-19 Epidemic: A Study on the Influence of Life Attitudes, Leisure Sports Values, and Workplace Risk Perceptions on Urban Development and Public Well-Being
Authors: Yang Lu , Zheng Yong-Zhan , Lin Hsiao-Hsien , Chen I-Shen , Chen Kuan-Yu , Li Qi-Yuan , Tsai I-En
Published: May 2023

This study examined the impact of attitudes toward life, recreational sports values, and workplace risk perceptions on urban development and public well-being under the risk of the COVID-19 epidemic in China. A mixed-method research study was conducted, and 2400 valid questionnaires were collected via purposeful sampling. The questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 statistical software and validated with basic statistical methods and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to collect the opinions of 12 respondents on the questionnaire results, including academics, foreign entrepreneurs and employees, local entrepreneurs and employees, and official institutions. Finally, all the data collected were discussed via triangulation analysis. The survey found that different cities’ social and industrial development and job market needs lead to different attitudes toward life, leisure values, and perceptions of job-seeking and employment risks. The smoother a person’s growing-up background, the better their learning history, the better their learning and working experience, and the richer their life experience; consequently, positive attitudes toward life, correct leisure values, and positive attitudes toward job hunting and employment can be cultivated. In addition, people with positive attitudes toward life, leisure values, and job hunting and employment can improve their city’s economy and environment for sustainable development, thereby improving their quality of life and increasing their well-being.
Renewable Energy Sources in the Residential Property Market, Exemplified by the City of Krakow (Poland)
Authors: Jasińska Elżbieta , Preweda Edward , Łazarz Piotr
Published: May 2023

Krakow has a permanent population of over 800,000. The number of inhabitants is increasing year on year due to the influx of working people and students, who often settle in Krakow permanently. This is leading to increased demand and consequently more flats and houses being put into use by developers. The increasing environmental awareness of the population and the resulting financial benefits—particularly evident in 2022—have meant that the classic, or rather ill-considered, building industry is gradually being replaced by better, environmentally friendly solutions. In the first part of the article, the authors focus on smart buildings, and in the second part, they combine them with financial changes in the real estate market. The aim of the publication is to draw conclusions from the changes in the real estate market in Krakow that have taken place in the last decade and to assess these activities from the point of view of environmental solutions. The data are mainly derived from official statistics and trade reports published by research institutes, marketing agencies operating in the real estate sector in Poland, as well as specialist portals and publications dealing with real estate market analysis. The publication analyzes changes in the real estate market in terms of changes in unit prices, number of transactions, and availability. The analysis covers landed property, the primary and secondary premises market, developed property, and tenement buildings.
Investigation of Passengers’ Perceived Transfer Distance in Urban Rail Transit Stations Using XGBoost and SHAP
Authors: Mao Chengyuan , Xu Wenjiao , Huang Yiwen , Zhang Xintong , Zheng Nan , Zhang Xinhuan
Published: May 2023

Providing high-quality public transport services and enhancing passenger experiences require efficient urban rail transit connectivity; however, passengers’ perceived transfer distance at urban rail transit stations may differ from the actual transfer distance, resulting in inconvenience and dissatisfaction. To address this issue, this study proposed a novel machine learning framework that measured the perceived transfer distance in urban rail transit stations and analyzed the significance of each influencing factor. The framework introduced the Ratio of Perceived Transfer Distance Deviation (R), which was evaluated using advanced XGBoost and SHAP models. To accurately evaluate R, the proposed framework considered 32 indexes related to passenger personal attributes, transfer facilities, and transfer environment. The study results indicated that the framework based on XGBoost and SHAP models can effectively measure the R of urban rail transit passengers. Key factors that affected R included the Rationality of Signs and Markings, Ratio of Escalators Length, Rationality of Traffic Organization outside The Station, Ratio of Stairs Length, and Degree of Congestion on Passageways. These findings can provide valuable theoretical references for designing transfer facilities and improving transfer service levels in urban rail transit stations.