bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Knowledge Contribution in Open Innovation Platforms: An Absorptive Capacity Perspective on Network Effects
Authors: Wang Yujie , Qi Guijie
Published: May 2022

In open innovation platforms, users learn external knowledge through network interaction, and their position in the interactive network has an impact on the user’s sustainable knowledge contribution. Due to the gap in knowledge level, users’ absorption and utilization efficiency of external knowledge is not consistent. We studied the differences in user sustainable knowledge contribution behavior from the perspective of knowledge absorption. We crawled the data of a typical open innovation platform, used LDA to identify the level of user knowledge diversity and social network technology to analyze the user’s network location, and used the negative binomial regression model for empirical analysis. Our results show that knowledge diversity positively affects user knowledge contribution, and network breadth and network depth have positive and negative effects on user knowledge contribution behavior, respectively. In addition, the level of user knowledge diversity moderates the influence of network location on knowledge contribution. In summary, this research not only provides a comprehensive perspective on our current understanding of the contribution behavior of open innovation platforms, but also provides an in-depth understanding of how open innovation platforms can be properly designed to promote continuous contributions.
A Predictive Checkpoint Technique for Iterative Phase of Container Migration
Authors: Singh Gursharan , Singh Parminder , Hedabou Mustapha , Masud Mehedi , Alshamrani Sultan S.
Published: May 2022

Cloud computing is a cost-effective method of delivering numerous services in Industry 4.0. The demand for dynamic cloud services is rising day by day and, because of this, data transit across the network is extensive. Virtualization is a significant component and the cloud servers might be physical or virtual. Containerized services are essential for reducing data transmission, cost, and time, among other things. Containers are lightweight virtual environments that share the host operating system’s kernel. The majority of businesses are transitioning from virtual machines to containers. The major factor affecting the performance is the amount of data transfer over the network. It has a direct impact on the migration time, downtime and cost. In this article, we propose a predictive iterative-dump approach using long short-term memory (LSTM) to anticipate which memory pages will be moved, by limiting data transmission during the iterative phase. In each loop, the pages are shortlisted to be migrated to the destination host based on predictive analysis of memory alterations. Dirty pages will be predicted and discarded using a prediction technique based on the alteration rate. The results show that the suggested technique surpasses existing alternatives in overall migration time and amount of data transmitted. There was a 49.42% decrease in migration time and a 31.0446% reduction in the amount of data transferred during the iterative phase.
Climate-Changed Wheat: The Effect of Smaller Kernels on the Nutritional Value of Wheat
Authors: Metcalfe Merri C. , Estrada Heather E. , Jones Stephen S.
Published: May 2022

Through plant breeding and improved agronomy, the average wheat kernel size increased globally by about 40% from 1940 to 2000. Millers demand larger kernels because they contain more white flour (endosperm). Climate pressures are resulting in frequently reduced kernel size and routine rejection by the commodity system. If whole-wheat flour instead of white flour is the target, these smaller kernels have unrealized value. A total of 94% of Americans do not meet the recommended fiber intake, and inadequate fiber intake plays a role in the development of multiple chronic diseases. A total of 98% of the fiber in wheat is found in the bran. Bran content was measured in “big” (x¯ = 0.042 g/kernel) and “small” (x¯ = 0.023 g/kernel) kernels in nine varieties over locations and years. On average, small kernels contained 15.9% more bran than big kernels (n = 54, p < 0.001) and, thus, had higher mineral and fiber content. In the majority of cases, baking showed no difference in whole-wheat quality among flours within the same variety, regardless of kernel size, based on bread slice height and surface area. Wheat that was rejected by commercial mills as too small produced satisfactory bread. Favoring larger kernels and white flour production has unintended health consequences. Valuing smaller kernels and whole-wheat production provides an outlet for farmers dealing with increasing climate pressures and leads to an end-use product which can improve human health by increasing dietary fiber consumption.
Differences in Fitness between Firefighter Trainee Academy Classes and Normative Percentile Rankings
Authors: Lockie Robert George , Orr Robin M. , Montes Fernando , Ruvalcaba Tomas Jason , Dawes J. Jay
Published: May 2022

Fire academy training classes may have trainees with a range of different fitness capabilities. Documentation of trainee fitness could indicate the need for flexibility in physical training emphases. Therefore, data from six academy classes (males = 274; females = 31) were analyzed, including: Illinois agility test (IAT), push-ups, pull-ups, leg tucks, multistage fitness test, backwards overhead 4.54 kg medicine ball throw (BOMBT), 10-repetition maximum deadlift, and 18 kg kettlebell farmers carry. A one-way ANOVA, with the Bonferroni post hoc test, calculated between-class fitness differences. Normative fitness test data were produced via percentile ranks. Classes 5 and 6 had the most females (n = 15). Class 1 completed the IAT faster than all classes (p ≤ 0.009). Classes 1 and 4 had a further BOMBT distance than Classes 5 and 6, and Class 3 outperformed Class 6 (p ≤ 0.044). Class 4 completed more leg tucks than Class 5 (p = 0.047). Class 1 had a greater deadlift than Classes 3, 4, and 6, and Class 2 outperformed Classes 3–6 (p ≤ 0.036). Class 3 was slower in the farmers carry compared to all classes (p ≤ 0.002). Percentile rankings showed that most females (48–100%) were in the 0–29% rank. Staff should implement individualized programs where appropriate for trainees as cohort fitness differences exist. Female trainees may need targeted maximal strength and power development.
Potential Flood Risk in the City of Guasave, Sinaloa, the Effects of Population Growth, and Modifications to the Topographic Relief
Authors: Peinado Guevara Héctor José , Espinoza Ortiz Mauro , Peinado Guevara Víctor Manuel , Herrera Barrientos Jaime , Peinado Guevara Jesús Alberto , Delgado Rodríguez Omar , Pellegrini Cervantes Manuel de Jesús , Sánchez Morales Moisés
Published: May 2022

The coastal city of Guasave, Sinaloa, located on the Mexican Pacific coast, is subject to extreme precipitation events, which have caused flooding with damage to the city’s infrastructure. The factors that influence flooding are vegetation, geology, degree of soil saturation, drainage characteristics of the watershed, and the shape of the topographic relief. Of the above factors, the topographic relief, which is the subject of the study, has been partially modified in some areas by infrastructure works (from 20.2 m to 17.6 m), and the population of the urban area has grown by 51.8% in 17 years (2004–2021); therefore, the objective is to evaluate the potential flood risk due to changes in this factor and the growth of the urban area. When using this method, the potential flood risk was determined considering four extreme events, 1982, 1990, 1998, and 2019. It was found that the potential risk increases for the whole city, being more intense in sector III, which, before the modification of the topographic relief, was the area with the lowest risk of flooding. In an extreme event such as Hurricane Paul in 1982, practically the entire city would be flooded.
Investigating the Drivers of Sustainable Consumption and Their Impact on Online Purchase Intentions for Agricultural Products
Authors: Zia Adil , Alzahrani Musaad , Alomari Abdullah , AlGhamdi Fahad
Published: May 2022

This research is an attempt to explore the drivers of sustainable consumption and their impact on online purchase intentions (OPI) for agricultural products. To this aim, social influence (SI) and quality assurance (QA) were identified as the drivers of sustainable consumption leading to the formation of OPI. The input from the technology acceptance model (TAM) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) has been incorporated to develop a model that explains the formation of OPI. Primary data were collected from 612 respondents and subjected to partial least square (PLS) analysis. The impact of SI and QA on OPI was found to be positively significant. Furthermore, the influence of perceived value (PV) as a mediator for the SI–OPI relationship has been discovered to be positively significant. This shows that as the PV increases, the influence of SI also increases. However, when the perceived risk (PR) was introduced as a mediator for the QA–OPI relationship, the influence of QA on OPI became insignificant. SI and QA impacts are the most important aspects that influence OPI according to this study, which is useful information for agricultural enterprises and online vendors. It is proposed that the SI and QA impacts might be exploited as a new tool to influence customers’ OPI for agricultural firms and online sellers. Therefore, managers must work to produce greater levels of PV in online purchases and reduce the PR in order to develop OPI for sustainable consumption.
Global Pandemic Prevention Continual Learning—Taking Online Learning as an Example: The Relevance of Self-Regulation, Mind-Unwandered, and Online Learning Ineffectiveness
Authors: Yu Hsien-Hua , Hu Ru-Ping , Chen Mei-Lien
Published: May 2022

Since the global COVID-19 pandemic began, online learning has gained increasing importance as learners are socially isolated by physical and psychological threats, and have to face the epidemic and take preventive measures to ensure non-stop learning. Based on socially situated cognition theory, this study focused on exploring the relevance of online learning ineffectiveness (OLI) predicted by self-regulated learning (SRL) in different phases of learning (preparation, performance, and self-reflection) and its interaction with mind-unwandered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subjects of the study were senior general high and technical high school students. After completing the online questionnaire, the PLS-SEM method of the structural equation model was used to analyze the data. Results demonstrated that self-regulation in two phases of preparation (i.e., cognitive strategy and emotional adjustment) and performance (i.e., mission strategy and environmental adjustment) in SRL are positively related to mind-unwandered in online learning. Moreover, mind-unwandered in online learning was positively related to the self-reflection phase (i.e., time management and help-seeking) of SRL. Additionally, self-reflection of SRL was negatively related to online learning ineffectiveness. PLS assessments found that the preparation and performance sub-constructs of SRL were negatively related to online learning ineffectiveness mediated by mind-unwandered and self-reflection of SRL. The results suggest that teachers can enhance their students’ self-regulation in online learning, and assist them in being more mind-unwandered in online learning.
Novel Methodologies for the Development of Large-Scale Airport Noise Map
Authors: Xie Jinlong , Zhu Lei , Lee Hsiao Mun
Published: May 2022

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (BIA) is the core airport of Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area. This study produced the noise maps of BIA during summer and winter using a simplified calculation method for the weighted equivalent continuous perceived noise level (LWECPN). Particularly, this method used open-source flight data and short-term noise measurement to replace the traditional long-term noise measurement method. The accuracy of the developed noise map was verified by the field experimental data with an average error of 1.5 dB. The noise maps were analyzed in many aspects including the area and population under different noise levels, the spatial distribution of the aircraft noise, the distribution of noise sensitive points, and the land use condition around BIA. It was manifested that about 22.22% and 25.46% of the total population of the five administrative regions were exposed to LWECPN > 70 dB during summer and winter, respectively. The total area within the noise-affected area that violated the noise limit were about 18.740 km2 and 18.109 km2 during summer and winter, respectively.
The Role of CSR in Promoting Energy-Specific Pro-Environmental Behavior among Hotel Employees
Authors: Fu Qinghua , Ghardallou Wafa , Comite Ubaldo , Siddique Irfan , Han Heesup , Arjona-Fuentes Juan Manuel , Ariza-Montes Antonio
Published: May 2022

Mitigating environmental crises requires efforts to reduce carbon emission at every level and segment of an economy. In this respect, the energy sector is blamed for increasing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) throughout the globe. Specifically, it was specified that electrical energy contributes to 35% of the world’s GHG emissions. Without a doubt, the topics related to clean and green energies remained a part of academic discussion; however, a critical knowledge gap exists in most studies. That is, most of the prior literature focused only on the production side (supply side) of electrical energy, neglecting the consumption side (consumption at the level of individuals). Given that a significant amount of electricity has been consumed by the individuals in buildings (homes, offices, or others) for heating and cooling purposes, it is important to promote a target-specific (energy-specific) pro-environmental behavior (TSPEB) of individuals. However, such a debate did not receive any significant attention previously. Further, psychological factors such as employees’ environmental commitment (EEC) and green self-efficacy (GSE) were identified as critical mediators to drive different employees’ outcomes, but the mediating effect of EEC and GSE was not tested earlier to foster TSPEB in a CSR framework. The data for the current work were collected from employees of different hotels in a developing country by employing a survey strategy (n = 383). The structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, which confirmed that hospitality employees’ CSR perceptions could improve TSPEB. The statistical results also confirmed the significant mediating effects of EEC and GSE. The finding of this study will help the hospitality sector to improve its efforts for de-carbonization by improving the energy consumption behavior of employees as an outcome of CSR.
Selecting Cast Alloy Alloying Elements Suitable for a Circular Society
Authors: Jarfors Anders E. W. , Jansson Per
Published: May 2022

Resource efficiency, energy usage, and carbon footprint drive the need to use aluminium alloys to manufacture lightweight components. The current paper targets the effects of alloy composition on the heat associated with remelting from a material circularity perspective. Si as an alloying element increases the required heat in the recycling cycle. Limiting the Si content in cast materials can reduce the energy needed in the recycling process by 20%, leading to significant gains in energy usage and CO2 emissions from gas heated furnaces and fossil fuel-generated electricity.
Mapping of Ecological Corridors as Connections between Protected Areas: A Study Concerning Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Isola Federica , Leone Federica , Zoppi Corrado
Published: May 2022

According to the European Commission, green infrastructure and spatial connectivity concerning the provision of ecosystem services are strictly related to the conceptual category of ecological networks. In particular, regional and urban planning processes should adequately manage, improve and monitor the effectiveness of green infrastructures as ecological networks which provide ecosystem services and the spatial connectivity of such systems. Building on a methodological approach defined in previous studies, this article aims at identifying ecological corridors through a least-cost path model with reference to the spatial layout of a set of protected areas. Moreover, such a methodological approach is implemented in the context of the Sardinian region to map ecological corridors, which form, together with protected areas, a network representing the spatial framework of regional green infrastructure. Finally, the study discusses the relation between ecological corridors and the spatial taxonomy of the landscape components featured by environmental relevance, identified by the Regional Landscape Plan, through multiple linear regression analysis, in order to assess if, and to what extent, the present regional spatial zoning code can be used as a basis to implement regulations aimed at protecting ecological corridors. This methodological approach is relevant to defining planning policies and measures to strengthen the operational capacity and effectiveness of regional networks of protected areas through the protection and the improvement of the spatial framework of ecological corridors.
Multi-Agent Simulation of Product Diffusion in Online Social Networks from the Perspective of Overconfidence and Network Effects
Authors: Wei Xiaochao , Zhang Yanfei , Liao Qi , Nie Guihua
Published: May 2022

Online social networks (OSNs) have steadily become the primary mechanism of product promotion. However, previous studies have paid little concern to the irrational consumer behavior (e.g., overconfidence) and network effects that influence product diffusion in OSNs. We use overconfidence theory, network effects theory, and evolutionary game theory to build a multi-agent simulation model that captures the nonlinear relationship between individual actions to examine the effects of overconfidence and network effects on product diffusion in OSNs. We found that (1) overestimation is profitable for improving the diffusion level of product diffusion in OSNs and maintaining market stability; however, the closer the degree of overprecision is to 1 (i.e., individuals are more rational), the more stable the market will be. We also found that (2) moderate network effect intensity can better promote product diffusion on the social network. When the network effect intensity is small, the non-overconfident scenario has the highest percentage of adoption. The overprecision scenario has the highest percentage of adoption where the network effect intensity is high. Additionally, we found that (3) the scale-free network is more conducive to the diffusion of products in OSNs, while the small-world network is more susceptible to overconfidence and network effect. This research laid the groundwork for investigating dynamic consumer behavior utilizing a multi-agent method, network effects theory, and a psychological theory.
Μeat Quality Traits as Affected by the Dietary Inclusion of Food Waste in Finishing Pigs
Authors: Giamouri Elisavet , Papadomichelakis George , Pappas Athanasios C. , Simitzis Panagiotis E. , Galliou Fenia , Paßlack Nadine , Zentek Juergen , Lasaridi Katia , Fegeros Kostas , Manios Thrassyvoulos , Tsiplakou Eleni , Zervas George
Published: May 2022

An increasing world population along with increasing human needs have raised demand for animal origin products. Moreover, high prices of conventional animal feeds have led to a demand for alternative feedstuff. Food waste can be an alternative feed ingredient. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of dried hotel residues (DHR) on the growth performance, blood biochemical parameters and meat quality traits in finishing pigs. In each of the 2 trials conducted, 20 castrated male pigs were allotted into 2 treatments. In both trials, control treatment pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet without hotel residues. In the first trial, a DHR1 treatment contained 100 g DHR1/kg with meat residues (approximately 5%). In the second trial, a DHR2 treatment, contained 80 g DHR2/kg with no meat residues. Average daily feed intake tended to be lower and average daily weight gain was lower in DHR1 compared to control pigs in the first trial, while in the second no differences were detected. However, final body weight, FCR and dressing percentage were not affected in any of the two trials. Minor differences in several meat physical traits, hematological parameters were observed among treatments and trials. In conclusion, the results indicate that the dietary addition of DHR did not affect the feed utilization and the quality of the produced meat; hence, the use of DHR in pig feeding can be supported.
Assessment of Barriers and Strategies for the Enhancement of Off-Site Construction in India: An ISM Approach
Authors: Marinelli Marina , Konanahalli Ashwini , Dwarapudi Rupesh , Janardhanan Mukund
Published: May 2022

The tremendous urbanization pace of India calls for higher efficiency in housing development, currently typified by low productivity and poor sustainability performance. Although off-site construction (OSC) is a method of widely acknowledged efficiency, its current uptake in India is very low, and the factors hindering its wider adaptation have not been comprehensively researched. This paper employs interviews with experts, a questionnaire survey and the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique to achieve the following objectives: first, to reveal which factors are perceived as top barriers for OSC implementation in India; second, to develop a hierarchical model presenting the causality between these factors; and third, to propose the initiatives required for barriers with high impact on other barriers to be most efficiently tackled. The survey findings show that the barriers perceived as most important from the professionals’ point of view are design inflexibility, difficulties in storage and transportation, supply chain weaknesses, initial capital requirements and lack of skills. The ISM reveals, though, that the underlying causes for these barriers lie with factors such as public procurement regulations and the fragmentation of the sector. Therefore, the latter are the barriers that need to be targeted in priority, as per the suggested strategies.
Anthropogenic Influences on Soil Erosion since the Late Holocene and Contrasting Regional Sustainability in China
Authors: Zhang Guocheng , Chen Qu , Guan Jueqi , Zhao Guoyong , Wang Wei
Published: May 2022

A multi-disciplinary investigation of loess sections in the southeast and northwest of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) and a sediment core drilled in Zhejiang Province of southeast China was conducted. Discrepancies among grain size distribution, rock magnetic properties, geochemical characteristics and chroma features, and up-section weakening relation between various proxies in the Sanmenxia loess section were found. The results were compared with those of the Baicaoyuan loess section in the northwest of the CLP and the sediment records across the plateau and elsewhere. It was suggested that human impacts began to increase soil erosion on the CLP since the middle Holocene. In addition to the increased soil erosion being decoupled from drying climate after 4 ka, renewed intensification of soil erosion was suggested to occur within the interval of 1.5–2.5 ka as a result of enhanced human activities. The two detected increases in human-induced soil erosion on the CLP are consistent with the human-driven land use changes or human–land interactions at national or regional scales, including the anthropogenic influences on the changes in the sediment load of the Yellow River. In contrast, no human impacts overwhelming hydroclimate control of soil erosion was revealed in the Beihuqiao cores, Zhejiang. The population growth during the past 2400 years showed a relative decreasing trend on CLP and a relative increasing trend in Zhejiang. It is indicated that anthropogenic factors have played a key role in modulating the Earth’s surface environment. In particular, ecologically fragile areas, such as the CLP, would be much more susceptible to human disturbance and climate change. The current serious land degradation on the CLP mainly results from the negative feedback between human–land interactions. Regional heterogeneity should be taken into account for sustainable development.
Research on Multi-Center Mixed Fleet Distribution Path Considering Dynamic Energy Consumption Integrated Reverse Logistics
Authors: Li Mengke , Shi Yongkui , Zhu Bobin
Published: May 2022

The fleet operation model in which electric vehicles coexist with traditional vehicles is becoming increasingly popular. Because electric vehicles have certain disadvantages and usage limitations, the multi-center management of the distribution of mixed fleets is very complex. There is no research on the multi-center mixed vehicle routing problem based on the integration of reverse logistics and dynamic energy consumption. In response to this challenge, this study proposes a solution to the multi-center mixed vehicle routing problem considering dynamic energy consumption and integrated reverse logistics. Specifically, three studies were carried out: (1) Considering the influencing factors of the operating cost system of the mixed fleet, a system dynamics model was constructed. (2) On the basis of considering delaying the aging of electric vehicle batteries, a new charging station insertion strategy was designed. (3) Based on a novel charging station insertion strategy, a fast non-dominated sorting multi-objective genetic algorithm with an elite strategy was designed to solve this problem. We designed 15 groups of examples to prove the effectiveness of the model and algorithm. The experimental results show that 46.67% of the cases have more than 60% customer satisfaction. The average expenditure cost of 15 groups of cases is CNY 2018.33, which can improve the average customer satisfaction by 22.94%. This method helps companies to formulate transportation plans according to the actual situation, including providing a cost model that considers multiple influencing factors and improving the average customer satisfaction while reducing the total cost expenditure. We believe that the results of this research can provide methods and ideas for logistics companies with multiple distribution centers to formulate large-scale distribution plans.
Evaluation and Functional Zoning of the Ecological Environment in Urban Space—A Case Study of Taizhou, China
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Jiang Xiaowei , Gu Binjie , Wang Kaiyong
Published: May 2022

Functional zoning provides a basis for establishing a regional development layout with clear functions, reasonable division of labor, and complementary advantages. In the process of urban development, a large number of behaviors such as occupying ecological land and generating a lot of pollution cause damage to the urban ecological environment. Functional zoning of the ecological environment has become an important tool used by the local and central governments to establish a harmonious relationship between socio-economic welfare and the ecological environment in recent years. Guided by the concepts and principles of ecological function zoning, this study applies and extends the methodological approach of ecological function zoning to the scale of urban space. Based on consideration of an evaluation of ecological environment sensitivity, ecosystem service function importance, and socio-economic coercion, this paper divides urban space into four types, namely: ecological environment restoration zone, ecological economy bearing zone, ecological environment preservation zone, and ecological environment protection zone, utilizing a mutually exclusive matrix classification. Taking Taizhou in Jiangsu Province as a pilot study, this paper verifies the actual application of a theoretical model and its technicalities, thus advancing the general case for function zoning of the ecological environment. Furthermore, it outlines measures for ecological environment protection and the industrial development orientation of each function area, thus providing a scientific basis for Taizhou’s ecological city development and construction.
A Smart Post-Processing System for Forecasting the Climate Precipitation Based on Machine Learning Computations
Authors: Ghazikhani Adel , Babaeian Iman , Gheibi Mohammad , Hajiaghaei-Keshteli Mostafa , Fathollahi-Fard Amir M.
Published: May 2022

Although many meteorological prediction models have been developed recently, their accuracy is still unreliable. Post-processing is a task for improving meteorological predictions. This study proposes a post-processing method for the Climate Forecast System Version 2 (CFSV2) model. The applicability of the proposed method is shown in Iran for observation data from 1982 to 2017. This study designs software to perform post-processing in meteorological organizations automatically. From another point of view, this study presents a decision support system (DSS) for controlling precipitation-based natural side effects such as flood disasters or drought phenomena. It goes without saying that the proposed DSS model can meet sustainable development goals (SDGs) with regards to a grantee of human health and environmental protection issues. The present study, for the first time, implemented a platform based on a graphical user interface due to the prediction of precipitation with the application of machine learning computations. The present research developed an academic idea into an industrial tool. The final finding of this paper is to introduce a set of efficient machine learning computations where the random forest (RF) algorithm has a great level of accuracy with more than a 0.87 correlation coefficient compared with other machine learning methods.
Narrative-Based Disaster Learning Programmes Simultaneously Improve People’s Disaster Awareness Scores, Willingness to Pay and Settlement Preferences
Authors: Uehara Misato , Fujii Makoto , Kobayashi Kazuki , Shiba Keita
Published: May 2022

Few studies currently examine the effect of different disaster informational programmes because conducting such intervention studies is challenging. By providing two types of online disaster learning programmes, this intervention study measured changes made to three different perspectives: (1) disaster preventive awareness scores, (2) willingness to pay for disaster information (WTP), and (3) settlement preferences (preferences for post-disaster recovery goals). The participants engaged with one of two different types of 45-min learning programmes—one created as a narrative-based disaster learning programme (N = 218) and the other presented as a collective information disaster learning programme (N = 201). Consequently, both disaster preparedness scores and WTP increased statistically after both styles of disaster preparedness programmes. Furthermore, the increase generated by the narrative programme was greater (2.2 times higher for WTP value and 1.72 times higher in WTP value-increased probability). In their preprogramme answer, people who selected safety and nature conservation for post-disaster recovery goals improved their awareness scores. Despite both programmes having the same theme and length, only the narrative learning programme had a beneficial—improvement odds ratio for all three perspectives. Thus, the narrative-based disaster learning (vicarious) experience simultaneously improved people’s disaster awareness scores, willingness to pay for disaster information, and settlement preferences for disaster prevention.
The Impact of Student-Teacher Policy Perception on Employment Intentions in Rural Schools for Educational Sustainable Development Based on Push–Pull Theory: An Empirical Study from China
Authors: Chen Siyu , Wang Ran , Wang Tingting , Zhou Wenxian
Published: May 2022

Governments and professional organizations around the world have realized that successful recruitment and retention policies are vital to address the shortage of teachers in rural and remote areas. To the best of our knowledge, despite extensive advocacy of policies and discussions pertaining to their implications, an academic investigation into how student teachers perceive the policies and how their policy perception influences rural employment intentions has rarely been performed. Herein, this study is devoted to investigating the impact of policy perception on student-teacher rural employment intentions. In this study, the participants consist of undergraduate and postgraduate students at Chinese universities who specialize in preparing teachers of all disciplines. A questionnaire survey and quantitative analysis based on commercially available software Questionnaire Star, SPSS 26.0, Amos 26.0 and RMediation package were performed in data acquisition and analysis. It was found that student-teacher perception of the supporting policy Rural Revitalization Strategy was a little below average. High policy perception leads to an increase in the intentions of student teachers to seek employment in rural areas, and social support and positive job perception mediate the linkage between policy perception and rural employment intentions. It was also found that a difference in academic qualifications, census registration, and unpaid teaching satisfaction exists in the intentions to teach in rural schools. Such effects can be explained by the push–pull theory. Finally, this study provides recommendations for governments, universities, rural schools, and families.
The Antecedents of Willingness to Adopt and Pay for the IoT in the Agricultural Industry: An Application of the UTAUT 2 Theory
Authors: Shi Yan , Siddik Abu Bakkar , Masukujjaman Mohammad , Zheng Guangwen , Hamayun Muhammad , Ibrahim Abdullah Mohammed
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to examine the factors influencing the willingness of Bangladeshi farmers to adopt and pay for the Internet of Things (IoT) in the agricultural sector by applying the theoretical framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT 2). To this end, the study employed a quantitative research methodology and obtained data from 345 farmers from the northern districts of Bangladesh. Using a cross-sectional survey design and convenience sampling method, a study of premium fruit growers was undertaken to assess IoT use in agriculture, and the primary survey data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach via AMOS 26. The study confirmed that effort expectancy, performance expectancy, facilitating condition, hedonic motivation, government support, price value, personal innovativeness, and trust influence the willingness of Bangladeshi farmers to adopt the IoT. Additionally, predictors such as trust and willingness to adopt were observed to influence the willingness to pay for the IoT, while the construct ‘performance expectancy’ produced no effect. The study also revealed that the willingness to adopt moderates the association between performance expectancy, price value, and willingness to pay for the IoT. This research has novel implications because it investigates the behavior of rural customers with respect to innovation adoption, which in this case is the IoT in agriculture. It outlines precise reasons for the willing adoption of the IoT in agriculture, which will, in turn, assist marketers of IoT technology in the design of appropriate marketing strategies to increase acceptance in rural areas. Using the proposed model that incorporates farmers’ willingness to pay, this empirical study takes the first step in examining whether farmers in a developing economy such as Bangladesh will adopt and pay for the IoT.
Coordinated Design of Type-2 Fuzzy Lead–Lag-Structured SSSCs and PSSs for Power System Stability Improvement
Authors: Khampariya Prabodh , Panda Sidhartha , Alharbi Hisham , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y. , Ghoneim Sherif S. M.
Published: May 2022

This work suggests a type-2 fuzzy lead–lag (T2FLL) controller structure for flexible AC transmission system (FACTS)-based damping controllers and power system stabilizers (PSSs) for power system stability improvement. The values of the suggested controller are optimized by a hybrid adaptive differential evolution and pattern search algorithm (hADE-PS) method. Initially, a single-machine infinite-bus (SMIB) system with lead–lag (LL)-structured FACTS and PSS controllers is considered, and the dominance of the hADE-PS method is established over the original differential evolution (DE), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The supremacy of T2FLL over the lead–lag (LL) controller is established under different large and small disturbance conditions, as well as varied loading conditions and fault positions. Lastly, the effectiveness of T2FLL is evaluated in a multimachine power system (MMPS). It is demonstrated that the suggested T2FLL offers better performance than the LL controller under various large and small disturbance conditions by providing significantly more damping to all modes of oscillations.
Time History Method of Three-Dimensional Dynamic Stability Analysis for High Earth-Rockfill Dam and Its Application
Authors: Yuan Han , Yu Xiang , Zou Degao , Wang Yuke , Li Minghao , Liu Junchi
Published: May 2022

Accurately grasping the stability characteristics of high earth-rockfill dam slopes is the key to the seismic safety evaluation of dams. In this research, the development and application of the common methods for slope stability analysis are reviewed firstly. Then, a three-dimensional dynamic time history stability analysis method is presented, and corresponding software is developed based on the sliding surface finite element stress method combined with the three-dimensional finite element dynamic response. This method makes the three-dimensional dynamic stability analysis efficient, and the effectiveness of this software is verified. Finally, the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) dynamic stability analyses of a high concrete face dam are carried out, and the stability of the dam’s downstream slope under seismic load is studied. The results indicate that there are many differences between the results of the traditional 2D and 3D stability analyses. The time history of the safety factor, local safety behavior, overall shape and spatial position of the potential sliding body, and even the sliding process of failure can be captured with 3D stability analysis.
An Evaluation of Critical Capabilities and Improvement Areas for Competitive Manufacturing in a Developed-Country Environment
Authors: Ascic Ivana , Ascic Josip , Hilletofth Per , Pimenta Márcio Lopes , Hilmola Olli-Pekka
Published: May 2022

This research evaluates the critical capabilities and improvement areas for competitive manufacturing in a developed-country environment. A multiple-case-study approach is applied, consisting of three manufacturing firms located in Sweden. The case study combines both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the critical capabilities found in the extant literature. The research reveals fifteen critical capabilities and sixteen improvement areas for competitive manufacturing in a developed-country environment. The results show that the firms develop capabilities in a cumulative manner, starting with cost and quality, continuing with time and flexibility, and finally trying to improve innovation and sustainability. To develop competitive manufacturing operations in developed counties, it is therefore vital to improve capabilities related to time, flexibility, innovation, or sustainability. Irrespective of the targeted capabilities, they must contribute to cost-efficient operations and high quality must always be maintained. The efforts to develop capabilities related to innovation and sustainability may be expensive in the short term, however they can provide better cumulative results and competitiveness in the long term.
Low-Carbon Strategies Considering Corporate Environmental Responsibility: Based on Carbon Trading and Carbon Reduction Technology Investment
Authors: Yuan Yanhong , Zhang Bowen , Wang Lei , Wang Li
Published: May 2022

This paper focuses on the optimal strategic choice of carbon trading and carbon reduction technology investment under the cap-and-trade system. We consider a carbon-dependent production enterprise that trades carbon emission rights or invests in carbon reduction technologies under the regulation of the cap-and-trade system. The enterprise undertakes corporate environmental responsibility (CER) and aims to maximize the comprehensive benefits of both the economy and the environment. Using numerical simulation, we analyze the impacts of the CER coefficient and initial carbon quotas on the comprehensive benefits, optimal emission reduction rate, and production quantity of the enterprise. Our main contribution is studying the low-carbon strategic option for CER production enterprises to maximize the comprehensive benefits by trading carbon emission permits or investing in carbon emission reduction technologies. We found that the carbon emission trading mechanism plays an important role in promoting enterprises to reduce carbon emissions and is a beneficial supplement to the carbon cap policy. Under different initial carbon quotas allocated by the government, the manufacturer strategically chooses to trade carbon emission rights or invest in carbon reduction technologies. CER is a significant factor in encouraging companies to reduce carbon emissions proactively.
Prospects of Biochar for Sustainable Agriculture and Carbon Sequestration: An Overview for Eastern Himalayas
Authors: Layek Jayanta , Narzari Rumi , Hazarika Samarendra , Das Anup , Rangappa Krishnappa , Devi Shidayaichenbi , Balusamy Arumugam , Saha Saurav , Mandal Sandip , Idapuganti Ramkrushna Gandhiji , Babu Subhash , Choudhury Burhan Uddin , Mishra Vinay Kumar
Published: May 2022

The net arable land area is declining worldwide rapidly due to soil erosion, drought, loss of soil organic carbon, and other forms of degradation. Intense rainfall, cultivation along steep slopes, unscientific land-use changes, shifting cultivation, soil acidity, and nutrient mining in hills and mountains make agriculture unsustainable and less profitable. Hills and mountain ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayan Region (EHR) are further prone to the impact of climate change posing a serious threat to agricultural production and the environment. Increasing soil carbon reserves contributes to multiple ecosystem services, improves soil nutrient and water-holding capacities, and advances climate-resilient agriculture. Thus, carbon sequestration is increasingly becoming an important aspect of farming among researchers in the region. The EHR predominantly practices shifting cultivation that degrades the ecosystem and promotes land degradation and biodiversity loss. Leaching of exchangeable bases is highly favored due to excess rainfall which in turn creates an acidic soil accounting for >84% of the region. Application of lime to raise the soil acidity for the cultivation of crops did not get adequate acceptance among the farming community due to multiple issues such as cost involvement, non-availability in time and place, and transportation issues. The application of biochar as soil amendments is widely known to improve soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. Biochar has also emerged as a potential candidate for long-term carbon sequestration due to its inbuilt structure and higher stability. Shift from traditional “slash and burn” culture to “slash and char” might lead to the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere. Around 0.21 Pg of carbon (12% of the total anthropogenic carbon emissions by land-use change) can be sequestered in the soil if the traditional “slash and burnt” practice is converted to “slash and char”. The objective of this review is to provide detailed information about the role of biochar in altering the soil properties for sustaining agriculture and carbon sequestration, especially for hills and mountain ecosystems.
Research on Influential Factors of Satisfaction for Residents in Unit Communities—Taking Ningbo City as an Example
Authors: Lian Xing , Li Danna , Di Weifeng , Oubibi Mohamed , Zhang Xueyan , Zhang Sijia , Xu Chengyu , Lu Hejie
Published: May 2022

Community governance is the foundation of social governance and a guarantee for modernizing the national governance system and capacity. Residents’ satisfaction with community governance is an important factor in measuring community governance level. Based on similar related literature and practical research analysis, 18 influencing factors of community governance residents’ satisfaction were extracted from four dimensions. Through the principal component analysis of social science statistical software, 16 key influencing factors were finally selected, and six regression models were analyzed and compared. Further, they clarified the influence of various dimensions on residents’ satisfaction with community governance. Further analysis and research on the model show that community governance service, community education and community interpersonal communication are significantly positively correlated with residents’ satisfaction with community governance. Although participation in community governance as a single influencing factor has no significant effect in this study, it can also positively and significantly affect residents’ satisfaction with community governance under the joint action of community education and community interpersonal communication. Therefore, from the aspects of improving the service level of community governance, enhancing the participation of community governance in multiple ways, giving full attention to the role of community education and shaping the new model of community communication, a more realistic evaluation system of community governance residents’ satisfaction is designed.
Spatiotemporal Changes in Ecosystem Services Value and Its Driving Factors in the Karst Region of China
Authors: Yang Liu , Jiao Hongzan
Published: May 2022

Over the last few decades, most regional ecosystem services (ESs) have significantly deteriorated, primarily driven by an increase in human dominance over the natural environment. Creating an assessment framework of ESs and identifying its driving factors at the regional scale is challenging for researchers, administrators, and policy-makers. In this study, we attempt to quantify the economic value of ESs (ESV) in Guizhou Province from 2000 to 2018, one of the most prominent areas of karst landforms in China. We identified the major factors affecting ESs using the geographical detector (GD) model. Then, we conducted a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) analysis to examine the spatial differentiation of the causal effects of both natural and anthropogenic factors on ESs. Our results demonstrate the following: (1) the total ESV of Guizhou Province was approximately USD 81,764.32 million in 2000, USD 82,411.06 million in 2010, and USD 82,065.31 million in 2018, and the increase of USD 300.99 million from 2000 to 2018 was the result of the remarkable conversion from cultivated land to forestland; (2) significantly considerable differentiation existed in the spatial distribution of ESV at the county level, with a higher value in the eastern region and a lower value in the western region; (3) among the driving factors, population density had a more significant effect on the spatial differentiation of ESV than did natural factors; and (4) agricultural output value was the dominant factor influencing the ESV during the study period, with a significantly positive correlation, whereas per capita GDP and population density had significantly negative impacts on ESV, according to the effective performance of the MGWR model that evaluated the spatial heterogeneity in geospatial relationships between the driving factors of ESV. Our findings can provide notable guidance to land administrators and policy-makers for effective land resource conservation and management plans, thereby improving regional sustainability.