bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Acoustic Properties of Poroelastic Asphalt Mixtures in Laboratory and Field Conditions
Authors: Gardziejczyk Wladyslaw , Jaskula Piotr , Ejsmont Jerzy A. , Motylewicz Marek , Stienss Marcin , Mioduszewski Piotr , Gierasimiuk Pawel , Zawadzki Maciej
Published: May 2021

Measures for the improvement of acoustic conditions in the vicinity of roads include the construction of pavement structures with low-noise surfaces with optimal macrotexture and the highest possible sound absorption coefficient. Laboratory evaluation of acoustic properties of a designed asphalt mixture before its placement in the pavement is a good solution. Currently, the most popular method for the determination of the sound absorption coefficient of various construction materials under laboratory conditions is the Kundt’s tube test. Sound absorption coefficient can also be assessed based on field and laboratory measurements performed using a Spectronics ACUPAVE System. Other parameters characterising the acoustic properties of road pavement courses include air void content and water drainability or permeability. The article presents an analysis of results of sound absorption coefficient obtained using a Spectronics ACUPAVE System and water drainability and permeability of poroelastic mixtures obtained both in laboratory and on test sections, in relation to air void content and grading of the mixtures. It was established that poroelastic mixtures containing an aggregate of maximum particle size of 5 mm are characterised by better acoustic properties than mixtures with a maximum aggregate particle size of 8 mm. Changes of crumb rubber aggregate grading and bitumen type (within the tested range of values) as well as the addition of lime have shown no evident influence on the sound absorption coefficient. Noise level values at the speed of 30 km/h according to the CPX method were measured as well. Relationships between sound absorption coefficient, water drainability/permeability, and air void content were determined. The performed analyses confirmed that Spectronics ACUPAVE System may be applied for evaluation of acoustic properties of asphalt mixtures in laboratory conditions, but further research is needed to reduce the uncertainty of the results.
Comparison in Deformation Behavior, Microstructure, and Failure Mechanism of Nickel Base Alloy 625 under Two Strain Rates
Authors: Liu Meng , Wang Quanyi , Cai Yifan , Lu Dong , Wang Tianjian , Pei Yubing , Zhang Hong , Liu Yongjie , Wang Qingyuan
Published: May 2021

Tensile deformation behavior and microstructure of nickel-base superalloy Inconel 625 are investigated under different strain rates of 5 × 10−4 s−1 and 5 × 10−5 s−1. According to the experimental results, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the alloy increase with the increase in strain rate in room temperature. Microstructure results indicate that the size of dimples is smaller in the tensile fracture surface at low strain rate than the high strain rate, and the number of dimples is also related to the strain rates and twins appear earlier in the specimens with higher strain rates. Apart from Hollomon and Ludwik functions, a new formula considering the variation trend of strength in different deformation stages is deduced and introduced, which fit closer to the tensile curves of the 625 alloy used in the present work at both strain rates. Furthermore, the Schmid factors of tensile samples under two strain rates are calculated and discussed. In the end, typical work hardening behavior resulting from the dislocations slip behavior under different strain rates is observed, and a shearing phenomenon of slip lines cross through the δ precipitates due to the movement of dislocations is also be note.
Analysis of Wire-Cut Electro Discharge Machining of Polymer Composite Materials
Authors: Ablyaz Timur Rizovich , Shlykov Evgeny Sergeevich , Muratov Karim Ravilevich , Sidhu Sarabjeet Singh
Published: May 2021

This study presents the analysis of wire-cut electro-discharge machining (WIRE-EDM) of polymer composite material (PCM). The conductivity of the workpiece is improved by using 1 mm thick titanium plates (layers) sandwiched on the PCM. Input process parameters selected are variable voltage (50–100 V), pulse duration (5–15 μs), and pause time (10–50 μs), while the cut-width (kerf) is recognized as an output parameter. Experimentation was carried out by following the central composition design (CCD) design matrix. Analysis of variance was applied to investigate the effect of process parameters on the cut-width of the PCM parts and develop the theoretical model. The results demonstrated that voltage and pulse duration significantly affect the cut-width accuracy of PCM. Furthermore, the theoretical model of machining is developed and illustrates the efficacy within the acceptable range. Finally, it is concluded that the model is an excellent way to successfully estimate the correction factors to machine complex-shaped PCM parts.
Caffeine Doses of 3 mg/kg Increase Unilateral and Bilateral Vertical Jump Outcomes in Elite Traditional Jiu-Jitsu Athletes
Authors: Merino Fernández María , Ruiz-Moreno Carlos , Giráldez-Costas Verónica , Gonzalez-Millán Cristina , Matos-Duarte Michelle , Gutiérrez-Hellín Jorge , González-García Jaime
Published: May 2021

Caffeine increases vertical jump, although its effects on kinetics and kinematics during different phases of bilateral and unilateral jumps remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of 3 mg/kg on kinetic, kinematic and temporal variables in the concentric and eccentric phases of bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps. A total of 16 Spanish national team traditional Jiu-Jitsu athletes took part in two experimental trials (3 mg/kg caffeine or placebo) in a randomized, double-blind crossover study. Sixty minutes after ingestion, bilateral and unilateral jumps were performed on a force platform. Compared to the placebo, caffeine increased bilateral jump height (p = 0.008; Δ% = 4.40), flight time (p = 0.008; Δ% = 2.20), flight time:contraction time (p = 0.029; Δ% = 8.90), concentric impulse (p = 0.018; Δ% = 1.80), peak power (p = 0.049; Δ% = 2.50), RSI-modified (p = 0.011; Δ% = 11.50) and eccentric mean braking force (p = 0.045; Δ% = 4.00). Additionally, caffeine increased unilateral RSI-mod in both legs (Left: p = 0.034; Δ% = 7.65; Right: p = 0.004; Δ% = 11.83), left leg flight time (p = 0.044; Δ% = 1.91), left leg jump height (p = 0.039; Δ% = 3.75) and right leg FT:CT (p = 0.040; Δ% = 9.72). Caffeine in a dose of 3 mg/kg BM in elite Jiu-Jitsu athletes is a recommended ergogenic aid as it increased performance of bilateral and unilateral vertical jumps. These increases were also accompanied by modified jump execution during the different phases of the countermovement prior to take-off.
Considerations for Maximizing the Exercise “Drug” to Combat Insulin Resistance: Role of Nutrition, Sleep, and Alcohol
Authors: Remchak Mary-Margaret E. , Piersol Kelsey L. , Bhatti Sabha , Spaeth Andrea M. , Buckman Jennifer F. , Malin Steven K.
Published: May 2021

Insulin resistance is a key etiological factor in promoting not only type 2 diabetes mellitus but also cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise is a first-line therapy for combating chronic disease by improving insulin action through, in part, reducing hepatic glucose production and lipolysis as well as increasing skeletal muscle glucose uptake and vasodilation. Just like a pharmaceutical agent, exercise can be viewed as a “drug” such that identifying an optimal prescription requires a determination of mode, intensity, and timing as well as consideration of how much exercise is done relative to sitting for prolonged periods (e.g., desk job at work). Furthermore, proximal nutrition (nutrient timing, carbohydrate intake, etc.), sleep (or lack thereof), as well as alcohol consumption are likely important considerations for enhancing adaptations to exercise. Thus, identifying the maximal exercise “drug” for reducing insulin resistance will require a multi-health behavior approach to optimize type 2 diabetes and CVD care.
Polymeric Micelles for the Enhanced Deposition of Hydrophobic Drugs into Ocular Tissues, without Plasma Exposure
Authors: Uchegbu Ijeoma F. , Breznikar Jan , Zaffalon Alessandra , Odunze Uche , Schätzlein Andreas G.
Published: May 2021

Commercial topical ocular formulations for hydrophobic actives rely on the use of suspensions or oil in water emulsions and neither of these formulation modalities adequately promote drug penetration into ocular tissues. Using the ocular relevant hydrophobic drug, cyclosporine A (CsA), a non-irritant ocular penetration enhancer is showcased, which may be used for the formulation of hydrophobic actives. The activity of this penetration enhancer is demonstrated in a healthy rabbit model. The Molecular Envelope Technology (MET) polymer (N-palmitoyl-N-monomethyl-N,N-dimethyl-N,N,N-trimethyl-6-O-glycolchitosan), a self-assembling, micelle-forming polymer, was used to formulate CsA into sterile filtered nanoparticulate eye drop formulations and the stability of the formulation tested. Healthy rabbits were dosed with a single dose of a MET–CsA (NM133) 0.05% formulation and ocular tissues analyzed. Optically clear NM133 formulations were prepared containing between 0.01–0.1% w/v CsA and 0.375–0.75% w/v MET polymer. NM133 0.01%, NM133 0.02% and NM133 0.05% were stable for 28 days when stored at refrigeration temperature (5–6 °C) and room temperature (16–23 °C), but there was evidence of evaporation of the formulation at 40 °C. There was no change in drug content when NM133 0.05% was stored for 387 days at 4 °C. On topical dosing to rabbits, corneal, conjunctival and scleral AUC0–24 levels were 25,780 ng.h g−1, 12,046 ng.h g−1 and 5879 ng.h g−1, respectively, with NM133 0.05%. Meanwhile, a similar dose of Restasis 0.05% yielded lower values of 4726 ng.h/g, 4813 ng.h/g and 1729 ng.h/g for the drug corneal, conjunctival and scleral levels, respectively. NM133 thus delivered up to five times more CsA to the ocular surface tissues when compared to Restasis. The MET polymer was non-irritant up to a concentration of 4% w/v. The MET polymer is a non-irritant ocular penetration enhancer that may be used to deliver hydrophobic drugs in optically clear topical ocular formulations.
Assessment of Mini-Tablets Coating Uniformity as a Function of Fluid Bed Coater Inlet Conditions
Authors: Turk Magdalena , Šibanc Rok , Dreu Rok , Frankiewicz Maja , Sznitowska Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

This study concerned the quality of mini-tablets’ coating uniformity obtained by either the bottom spray chamber with a classical Wurster distributor (CW) or a swirl distributor (SW). Mini-tablets with a diameter of 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm were coated with hypromellose using two different inlet air distributors as well as inlet airflow rates (130 and 156 m3/h). Tartrazine was used as a colorant in the coating layer and the coating uniformity was assessed by spectrophotometric analysis of solutions obtained after disintegration of the mini-tablets (n = 100). Higher uniformity of coating material distribution among the mini-tablets was observed in the case of SW distributor, even for the biggest mini-tablets (d = 3.0 mm), with an RSD no larger than 5.0%. Additionally, coating thickness was evaluated by colorimetric analysis (n = 1000), using a scanner method, and expressed as a hue value. A high correlation (R = 0.993) between inter-tablet variability of hue and UV-Vis results was obtained. Mini-tablets were successfully coated in a fluid bed system using both a classical Wurster distributor as well as a swirl generator. However, regardless of the mini-tablets’ diameter, better film uniformity was achieved in the case of a distributor with a swirl generator.
Synthesis of Selenium-Containing Polystyrene Microspheres and Using as Catalyst for Oxidation of Acrolein
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhu Jian
Published: May 2021

Selenium-containing polystyrene (DSe-PS) microspheres were synthesized by soap-free emulsion polymerization using 1,2-bis(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-vinylphenyl)diselane (FVPDSe) and divinylbenzene (DVB) as crosslinking agents. The particle size of the obtained DSe-PS was characterized by a scanning electron microscope and dynamic light scattering. The results showed that the diameter of the obtained DSe-PS microspheres could be adjusted by changing the ratio of the monomer and crosslinker/water. The diselenide moiety in the obtained DSe-PS microspheres could be oxidized to seleninic acid by H2O2 which can catalyze the oxidation of acrolein. The oxidized DSe-PS microspheres exhibited higher catalytic activity and selectivity to methyl acrylate in a model oxidation of acrolein.
Identifying Seasonal Groundwater-Irrigated Cropland Using Multi-Source NDVI Time-Series Images
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar , Hubert-Moy Laurence , Buvaneshwari Sriramulu , Sekhar Muddu , Ruiz Laurent , Moger Hemanth , Bandyopadhyay Soumya , Corgne Samuel
Published: May 2021

Groundwater has become a major source of irrigation in the past few decades in India, but as it comes from millions of individual borewells owned by smallholders irrigating small fields, it is difficult to quantify the actual irrigated area across seasons and years. This study’s main goal was to monitor seasonal irrigated cropland using multiple optical satellite images. The proposed research was performed over the Berambadi watershed, an experimental site in southern peninsular India. While cloud cover during crop growth is the greatest obstacle to optical remote sensing in tropical regions, the cloud-free images from multiple optical satellite platforms (Landsat-8 (OLI), EO1 (ALI), IRS-P6 (LISS3 and LISS4), and Spot5Take5 (HRG2)) were used to fill data gaps during crop growth periods. The seasonal cumulative normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was calculated and resampled at 5 m spatial resolution for various cropping seasons. The support vector machine (SVM) classification was applied to seasonal cumulative NDVI images for irrigated cropland area classification. Validation of the classified irrigated cropland was performed by calculating kappa coefficients for three cropping seasons (summer, kharif, and rabi) from 2014–2016 using ground observations. Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.81–0.96 for 2014–2015 and 0.62–0.89 for 2015–2016, except for summer 2016, when it was 1.00. Groundwater irrigation in the watershed ranged from 4.6% to 16.5% of total cropland during these cropping seasons. These results showed that multi-source optical satellite data are relevant for quantifying areas under groundwater irrigation in tropical regions.
Hybrid Attention Based Residual Network for Pansharpening
Authors: Liu Qin , Han Letong , Tan Rui , Fan Hongfei , Li Weiqi , Zhu Hongming , Du Bowen , Liu Sicong
Published: May 2021

Pansharpening aims at fusing the rich spectral information of multispectral (MS) images and the spatial details of panchromatic (PAN) images to generate a fused image with both high resolutions. In general, the existing pansharpening methods suffer from the problems of spectral distortion and lack of spatial detail information, which might prevent the accuracy computation for ground object identification. To alleviate these problems, we propose a Hybrid Attention mechanism-based Residual Neural Network (HARNN). In the proposed network, we develop an encoder attention module in the feature extraction part to better utilize the spectral and spatial features of MS and PAN images. Furthermore, the fusion attention module is designed to alleviate spectral distortion and improve contour details of the fused image. A series of ablation and contrast experiments are conducted on GF-1 and GF-2 datasets. The fusion results with less distorted pixels and more spatial details demonstrate that HARNN can implement the pansharpening task effectively, which outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Spring Phenological Sensitivity to Climate Change in the Northern Hemisphere: Comprehensive Evaluation and Driving Force Analysis
Authors: Li Kaiwei , Wang Chunyi , Sun Qing , Rong Guangzhi , Tong Zhijun , Liu Xingpeng , Zhang Jiquan
Published: May 2021

Plant phenology depends largely on temperature, but temperature alone cannot explain the Northern Hemisphere shifts in the start of the growing season (SOS). The spatio–temporal distribution of SOS sensitivity to climate variability has also changed in recent years. We applied the partial least squares regression (PLSR) method to construct a standardized SOS sensitivity evaluation index and analyzed the combined effects of air temperature (Tem), water balance (Wbi), radiation (Srad), and previous year’s phenology on SOS. The spatial and temporal distributions of SOS sensitivity to Northern Hemisphere climate change from 1982 to 2014 were analyzed using time windows of 33 and 15 years; the dominant biological and environmental drivers were also assessed. The results showed that the combined sensitivity of SOS to climate change (SCom) is most influenced by preseason temperature sensitivity. However, because of the asymmetric response of SOS to daytime/night temperature (Tmax/Tmin) and non-negligible moderating of Wbi and Srad on SOS, SCom was more effective in expressing the effect of climate change on SOS than any single climatic factor. Vegetation cover (or type) was the dominant factor influencing the spatial pattern of SOS sensitivity, followed by spring temperature (Tmin > Tmax), and the weakest was water balance. Forests had the highest SCom absolute values. A significant decrease in the sensitivity of some vegetation (22.2%) led to a decreasing trend in sensitivity in the Northern Hemisphere. Although temperature remains the main climatic factor driving temporal changes in SCom, the temperature effects were asymmetric between spring and winter (Tems/Temw). More moisture might mitigate the asymmetric response of SCom to spring/winter warming. Vegetation adaptation has a greater influence on the temporal variability of SOS sensitivity relative to each climatic factor (Tems, Temw, Wbi, Srad). More moisture might mitigate the asymmetric response of SCom to spring/winter warming. This study provides a basis for vegetation phenology sensitivity assessment and prediction.
Review of Studies on Older Drivers’ Behavior and Stress—Methods, Results, and Outlook
Authors: Zhao Yanning , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a review on relevant studies and reports related to older drivers’ behavior and stress. Questionnaires, simulators, and on-road/in-vehicle systems are used to collect driving data in most studies. In addition, research either directly compares older drivers and the other drivers or considers participants according to various age groups. Nevertheless, the definition of ‘older driver’ varies not only across studies but also across different government reports. Although questionnaire surveys are widely used to affordably obtain massive data in a short time, they lack objectivity. In contrast, biomedical information can increase the reliability of a driving stress assessment when collected in environments such as driving simulators and on-road experiments. Various studies determined that driving behavior and stress remain stable regardless of age, whereas others reported degradation of driving abilities and increased driving stress among older drivers. Instead of age, many researchers recommended considering other influencing factors, such as gender, living area, and driving experience. To mitigate bias in findings, this literature review suggests a hybrid method by applying surveys and collecting on-road/in-vehicle data.
High-Dimensional Phase Space Reconstruction with a Convolutional Neural Network for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Chen Yen-Lin , Chiang Yuan , Chiu Pei-Hsin , Huang I-Chen , Xiao Yu-Bai , Chang Shu-Wei , Huang Chang-Wei
Published: May 2021

In order to accurately diagnose the health of high-order statically indeterminate structures, most existing structural health monitoring (SHM) methods require multiple sensors to collect enough information. However, comprehensive data collection from multiple sensors for high degree-of-freedom structures is not typically available in practice. We propose a method that reconciles the two seemingly conflicting difficulties. Takens’ embedding theorem is used to augment the dimensions of data collected from a single sensor. Taking advantage of the success of machine learning in image classification, high-dimensional reconstructed attractors were converted into images and fed into a convolutional neural network (CNN). Attractor classification was performed for 10 damage cases of a 3-story shear frame structure. Numerical results show that the inherently high dimension of the CNN model allows the handling of higher dimensional data. Information on both the level and the location of damage was successfully embedded. The same methodology will allow the extraction of data with unsupervised CNN classification to be consistent with real use cases.
Multi-Blockchain-Based IoT Data Processing Techniques to Ensure the Integrity of IoT Data in AIoT Edge Computing Environments
Authors: Sim Sung-Ho , Jeong Yoon-Su
Published: May 2021

As the development of IoT technologies has progressed rapidly recently, most IoT data are focused on monitoring and control to process IoT data, but the cost of collecting and linking various IoT data increases, requiring the ability to proactively integrate and analyze collected IoT data so that cloud servers (data centers) can process smartly. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based IoT big data integrity verification technique to ensure the safety of the Third Party Auditor (TPA), which has a role in auditing the integrity of AIoT data. The proposed technique aims to minimize IoT information loss by multiple blockchain groupings of information and signature keys from IoT devices. The proposed technique allows IoT information to be effectively guaranteed the integrity of AIoT data by linking hash values designated as arbitrary, constant-size blocks with previous blocks in hierarchical chains. The proposed technique performs synchronization using location information between the central server and IoT devices to manage the cost of the integrity of IoT information at low cost. In order to easily control a large number of locations of IoT devices, we perform cross-distributed and blockchain linkage processing under constant rules to improve the load and throughput generated by IoT devices.
CdTe X/γ-ray Detectors with Different Contact Materials
Authors: Gnatyuk Volodymyr , Maslyanchuk Olena , Solovan Mykhailo , Brus Viktor , Aoki Toru
Published: May 2021

Different contact materials and optimization of techniques of their depositions expand the possibilities to obtain high performance room temperature CdTe-based X/γ-ray detectors. The heterostructures with ohmic (MoOx) and Schottky (MoOx, TiOx, TiN, and In) contacts, created by DC reactive magnetron sputtering and vacuum thermal evaporation, as well as In/CdTe/Au diodes with a p-n junction, formed by laser-induced doping, have been developed and investigated. Depending on the surface pre-treatment of semi-insulating p-CdTe crystals, the deposition of a MoOx film formed either ohmic or Schottky contacts. Based on the calculations and I-V characteristics of the Mo-MoOx/p-CdTe/MoOx-Mo, In/p-CdTe/MoOx-Mo, Ti-TiOx/p-CdTe/MoOx-Mo, and Ti-TiN/p-CdTe/MoOx-Mo Schottky-diode detectors, the current transport processes were described in the models of the carrier generation–recombination within the space-charge region (SCR) at low bias, and space-charge limited current incorporating the Poole–Frenkel effect at higher voltages, respectively. The energies of generation–recombination centers, density of trapping centers, and effective carrier lifetimes were determined. Nanosecond laser irradiation of the In electrode, pre-deposited on the p-CdTe crystals, resulted in extending the voltage range, corresponding to the carrier generation–recombination in the SCR in the I-V characteristics of the In/CdTe/Au diodes. Such In/CdTe/Au p-n junction diode detectors demonstrated high energy resolutions (7%@59.5 keV, 4%@122 keV, and 1.6%@662 keV).
Organizational Capabilities for Family Firm Sustainability: The Role of Knowledge Accumulation and Family Essence
Authors: Barros-Contreras Ismael , Palma-Ruiz Jesús Manuel , Torres-Toukoumidis Angel
Published: May 2021

While prior studies recognize the importance of organizational capabilities for family firm sustainability, current research has still failed to empirically identify the role of different types of knowledge accumulation with regard to these organizational capabilities. Based on the dynamic capabilities theory, the main goal of this paper is to address this research gap and to explore the relationships between both internal and external knowledge accumulation, and ordinary organizational capabilities. This research also contributes to analyzing the complex effect of the family firm essence, influenced by both family involvement and generational involvement levels, as an antecedent of internal and external knowledge accumulation. Our analysis of 102 non-listed Spanish family firms shows that the family firm essence, which is influenced by the family involvement, strengthens only the internal knowledge accumulation but not the external one. Furthermore, our study also reveals that both internal and knowledge accumulation are positively related to ordinary capabilities.
The Role of Biochar in Regulating the Carbon, Phosphorus, and Nitrogen Cycles Exemplified by Soil Systems
Authors: Pan Shu-Yuan , Dong Cheng-Di , Su Jenn-Fang , Wang Po-Yen , Chen Chiu-Wen , Chang Jo-Shu , Kim Hyunook , Huang Chin-Pao , Hung Chang-Mao
Published: May 2021

Biochar is a carbon-rich material prepared from the pyrolysis of biomass under various conditions. Recently, biochar drew great attention due to its promising potential in climate change mitigation, soil amendment, and environmental control. Obviously, biochar can be a beneficial soil amendment in several ways including preventing nutrients loss due to leaching, increasing N and P mineralization, and enabling the microbial mediation of N2O and CO2 emissions. However, there are also conflicting reports on biochar effects, such as water logging and weathering induced change of surface properties that ultimately affects microbial growth and soil fertility. Despite the voluminous reports on soil and biochar properties, few studies have systematically addressed the effects of biochar on the sequestration of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soils. Information on microbially-mediated transformation of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) species in the soil environment remains relatively uncertain. A systematic documentation of how biochar influences the fate and transport of carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen in soil is crucial to promoting biochar applications toward environmental sustainability. This report first provides an overview on the adsorption of carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen species on biochar, particularly in soil systems. Then, the biochar-mediated transformation of organic species, and the transport of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soil systems are discussed. This review also reports on the weathering process of biochar and implications in the soil environment. Lastly, the current knowledge gaps and priority research directions for the biochar-amended systems in the future are assessed. This review focuses on literatures published in the past decade (2009–2021) on the adsorption, degradation, transport, weathering, and transformation of C, N, and P species in soil systems with respect to biochar applications.
Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Approach for a Cost-Effective and Sustainable Energy System Considering Weight Assignment Analysis
Authors: Konneh Keifa Vamba , Masrur Hasan , Othman Mohammad Lutfi , Takahashi Hiroshi , Krishna Narayanan , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: May 2021

The need for inexpensive and sustainable electricity has become an exciting adventure due to the recent rise in the local population and the number of visitors visiting the Banana Islands. Banana Islands is a grid-isolated environment with abundant renewable energy, establishing a hybrid renewable energy-based power system may be a viable solution to the high cost of diesel fuel. This paper describes a dual-flow optimization method for electrifying the Banana Islands, a remote island in Sierra Leone. The study weighs the pros and cons of maintaining the current diesel-based power setup versus introducing a hybrid renewable energy system that takes backup component analysis into account. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software is used in the first optimization to optimally design the various system configurations based on techno-economic and environmental characteristics. A Multi-Attribute Decision-Making (MADM) Model that takes into account in the second optimization, the Combinative Distance-based Assessment System (CODAS) algorithm, and various methods of assigning weights to the attributes is used to rank the best configuration. The results show that the hybrid renewable energy system is a better option for electrifying the Banana Islands than the current stand-alone system. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method of weight assignment was found to be superior to the Entropy method. Biogas generator-assisted hybrid configurations outperformed diesel generator-assisted hybrid configurations. With an optimum design of 101 kW PV, 1 wind turbine, 50 kW biogas, 86 batteries, and a 37.8 kW converter, the PV-wind-biogas-battery system is rated as the best configuration. It has a net present cost (NPC) of $487,247, a cost of energy (COE) of $0.211/kWh, and CO2 emission of 17.5 kg/year. Sensitivity analyses reveal that changes in the rate of inflation and the cost of storage have a significant effect on the overall cost of the configuration.
Mass Customisation for Zero-Energy Housing
Authors: Jimenez-Moreno Pablo
Published: May 2021

This article describes the potential that co-design and marketing strategies have on increasing the consumption of energy-efficient dwellings. It explains how Japanese housebuilders are using ‘mass customisation’—a phenomenon that mirrors the production and marketing of the automobile sector—in order to produce zero-energy houses and how this applies to the UK. The research consisted of a comparative analysis of Japanese and UK housebuilding. It identifies how mass customisation strategies are used to drive the sales of zero-energy houses in Japan and infers how to apply these in the UK context. This research found that some housebuilders in the UK are already using production strategies that resemble Japanese practices; however, the sustainable benefits observed in the Japanese context are not present in the UK because housebuilders’ mass customisation strategies are limited to construction and not used as part of the marketing, co-design, and selling processes. Production and consumption of sustainable houses would increase in the UK if housebuilders implemented full mass customisation, meaning selecting existing robust production processes, defining an appropriate space solution, and using informative navigation tools.
Blockchain Technology and Sustainable Business Models: A Case Study of Devoleum
Authors: Mercuri Francesco , della Corte Gaetano , Ricci Federica
Published: May 2021

The lack of transparency along global supply chains poses challenges in the areas of fraud, pollution, human rights abuses, and inefficiencies. In this context, the blockchain has the potential to offer an unprecedented level of transparency, with a shared and decentralized database in which immutable and encrypted copies of information are stored on every node of the network. Using a single case study methodology, this paper investigates how blockchain technology can improve and facilitate sustainable business models. The aim of this paper is to understand how blockchain technology can drive the development of sustainable business models. Recent studies show the importance of sustainability perspectives for business models. The study was conducted by applying the CAOS (“Characteristic, Ambience, Organization, Start-up”) model to a start-up operating in the agri-food sector, not yet institutionalized, called Devoleum. The results indicate that blockchain technology can increase sustainability through realizing the traceability, security, and non-manipulability of information, which are particularly useful in the agri-food sector. Furthermore, the absence of intermediaries in blockchain technology contributes to reducing transaction costs and the time required to consolidate relations between the company and the environment. The limitations of this study must be identified in that the company is operational but not yet incorporated.
Income Heterogeneity and the Environmental Kuznets Curve Turning Points: Evidence from Africa
Authors: Tachega Mark Awe , Yao Xilong , Liu Yang , Ahmed Dulal , Ackaah Wilhermina , Gabir Mohamed , Gyimah Justice
Published: May 2021

The concept of environmental sustainability aims to achieve economic development while achieving a sustainable environment. The inverted U-shape relationship between economic growth and environmental quality, also called Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), describes the correlation between economic growth and carbon emissions. This study assesses the role of agriculture and energy-related variables while evaluating the EKC threshold in 54 African economies, and income groups, according to World Bank categorization, including low income, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income in Africa. With 1990–2015 panel data, the results are estimated using panel cointegration, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS), and granger causality tests. The results are: (1) The study validated the EKC hypothesis in the low-income, lower-, and upper-middle-income economies. However, there is no evidence of EKC in the full African and high-income panels. Furthermore, the turning points of EKC in the income group are meagerly low, showing that Africa could be turning on EKC at lower income levels. (2) The correlation between agriculture with CO2 is found positive in the high-income economy. However, agriculture has a mitigation effect on emissions in the lower-middle-income and low-income economies, and the full sample. Also, renewable energy is negatively correlated with emissions in Africa and the high-income economy. In contrast, non-renewable energy exerts a positive effect on emissions in all income groups except the low-income economies.
Mode Choice Modeling to Shift Car Travelers towards Park and Ride Service in the City Centre of Karachi
Authors: Memon Irfan Ahmed , Kalwar Saima , Sahito Noman , Talpur Mir Aftab Hussain , Chandio Imtiaz Ahmed , Napiah Madzlan , Tayyeb Hasan
Published: May 2021

Currently, congestion in Karachi’s central business district (CBD) is the result of people driving their cars to work. Consequently, a park and ride (P&R) service has proved successful in decreasing traffic congestion and the difficulty of finding parking spaces from urban centers. The travelers cannot be convinced to shift towards the P&R service without an understanding of their travel behavior. Therefore, a travel behavior survey needs to be conducted to reduce the imbalance between public and private transport. Hence, mode choice models were developed to determine the factors that influence single-occupant vehicle (SOV) travelers’ decision to adopt the P&R service. Data were collected by an adapted self-administered questionnaire. Mode choice models were developed through logistic regression modeling by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. The findings concluded that more than 70%, specifically motorbike users, to avoid mental stress, and to protect the environment are willing to adopt the P&R service. Moreover, to validate the mode choice models, logit model training and a testing approach were used. In conclusion, by overcoming these influencing factors and balancing push and pull measures of travel demand management (TDM), SOV users can be encouraged to shift towards P&R services. Thus, research outcomes can support policymakers in implementing sustainable modes of public transportation.
Using Rice Bran Hydrogel Beads to Remove Dye from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hong Gui-Bing , Yu Tzu-Jui , Lee Hsueh-Chia , Ma Chih-Ming
Published: May 2021

Appropriately disposing of and reusing waste is a major step in promoting environmentally sustainable development. Following the rise in environmental awareness, agricultural waste has been applied as a reusable organic resource and as a cost-efficient material for preparing hydrogel adsorbents. The present study combined rice bran with sodium alginate and chitosan to prepare two new types of hydrogel beads. The beads were then modified using simple methods, and their material characteristics were analyzed using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, a scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis. Specifically, the effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, adsorption time, and adsorption temperature on the performance of the hydrogel beads in the adsorption of dyes with various properties were examined. The results revealed that the optimal conditions for the rice bran/alginate hydrogel beads to adsorb crystal violet were pH 5, a dosage of 30 mg, at 30 °C, for 6 h of adsorption; furthermore, the kinetic and isothermal adsorption data were found to be consistent with the pseudo-second-order model and the Freundlich isotherm model, respectively. The optimal conditions for the rice bran/chitosan hydrogel beads to adsorb reactive blue 4 were pH 3, a dosage of 40 mg, at 50 °C, for 7 h of adsorption, and the kinetic and isothermal adsorption data were consistent with the pseudo-first-order model and the Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. This study applied natural polymers and agricultural waste to prepare cost-efficient and environmentally friendly adsorbents, which satisfy today’s environmental protection trends and economic values because of their low environmental impact and favorable adsorptive and regenerative properties. They can be prepared without high-temperature and high-pressure processing, and can be recycled through the separation of water bodies using simple filter methods, thus substantially reducing energy and monetary costs.
Sustainability and Resilience Revisited: Impact of Information Technology Disruptions on Empirical Retail Logistics Efficiency
Authors: Klumpp Matthias , Loske Dominic
Published: May 2021

The increasing use of information technology (IT) in supply chain management and logistics is connected to corporate advantages and enhanced competitiveness provided by enterprise resource planning systems and warehouse management systems. One downside of advancing digitalization is an increasing dependence on IT systems and the negative effects of technology disruption impacts on firm performance, measured by logistics efficiency, e.g., with data envelopment analysis (DEA). While the traditional DEA model cannot deconstruct production processes to find the underlying causes of inefficiencies, network DEA (NDEA) can provide insights into resource allocation at the individual stages of operations. We apply an NDEA approach to measure the impact of IT disruptions on the efficiency of operational processes in retail logistics. We compare efficiency levels during IT disruptions, as well as ripple effects throughout subsequent days. In the first stage, we evaluate the efficiency of order picking in retail logistics. After handing over the transport units to the outgoing goods department of a warehouse, we assess the subsequent process of truck loading as a second stage. The obtained results underline the analytical power of NDEA models and demonstrate that the proposed model can evaluate IT disruptions in supply chains better than traditional approaches. Insights show that efficiency reductions after IT disruptions occur at different levels and for diverse reasons, and successful preparation and contingency management can support improvements.
Perceived Social Support for a Sustainable Adolescence: A Theoretical Model of Its Sources and Types
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Arantzazu , Izar-de-la-Fuente Iker , Escalante Naiara , Azpiazu Lorea
Published: May 2021

Despite the growing interest in perceived social support as a means of achieving sustainable psychological development and well-being in the various contexts of the adolescent, its definition and composition remain unclear. The aim of this study is to test both the hierarchical order and the types and sources of a theoretical model of the social support perceived by adolescents. The model is based on the theories of Tardy and Lin, as well as on the findings of recent studies on the construct. Three theoretical models are compared using the structural equations method. The participants were 1081 randomly selected secondary school students (aged 12–18 years) from the north of Spain, who completed the APIK Perceived Social Support Questionnaire. The model positing that perceived social support comprises a hierarchical first level formed by sources of support (family, friends and teachers) and a lower second level derived from the first one, formed by types of support (emotional, material and informational), proved to be the first-choice solution. The results establish a solid theoretical base for both future studies on perceived social support during adolescence and possible educational interventions designed to improve social support for teenagers.
The Transformative Potential of Ruins: A Tool for a Nonlinear Design Perspective in Adaptive Reuse
Authors: Guidetti Elena , Robiglio Matteo
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the heritage preservation debate has seen a growing interest in emerging theories in which the concept of potential plays an essential role. Starting from the assumption that memory is an evolving mental construct, the present paper introduces the concept of “transformative potential” in existing buildings. This novel concept regards the inevitability of loss and the self-destructive potential as part of the transformation of each building. The “transformative potential” is defined here as the relationship between spatial settings and material consistency. This research hypothesizes five “transformative potential” types by analyzing five best-practices adapted ruins in the last 15 years. The analysis integrates quantitative and qualitative research methods: morphological analysis (dimensional variations, critical redrawing, configuration patterns) and decay stages evaluation (shearing layers analysis, adaptation approaches). The goal is to test the “transformative potential” effectiveness in outlining patterns between specific stages of decay and adaptive design projects. Adaptation projects may actualize this potential in a specific time through incremental and decremental phases, outlining a nonlinear relationship between decay and memory. The study provides insights for future research on adapting existing buildings in a particular decay stage.
Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Stock and Commodity Markets Performance and Sustainability: A Comparative Analysis of South Asian Countries
Authors: Ahmed Farhan , Syed Aamir Aijaz , Kamal Muhammad Abdul , de las Nieves López-García Maria , Ramos-Requena Jose Pedro , Gupta Swati
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 is certainly the first sustainability crisis of the 21st century. The paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian stock and commodity markets during the different phases of lockdown. In addition, the effect of COVID-19 on the Indian stock and commodity markets during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 spread was compared. A comparative analysis of the stock market performances and sustainability of selected South Asian countries is also included in the study, which covers the lockdown period as well as the time frame of the first and second waves of COVID-19 spread. To examine the above relationship, the conventional Welch test, heteroskedastic independent t-test, and the GMM multivariate analysis is employed, on the stock return, gold prices, and oil prices. The findings conclude that during the different phases of lockdown in India, COVID-19 has a negative and significant impact on oil prices and stock market performance. However, in terms of gold prices, the effect is positive and significant. The results of the first wave of COVID-19 infection also corroborate with the above findings. However, the results are contradictory during the second wave of coronavirus infection. Furthermore, the study also substantiates that COVID-19 has significantly affected the stock market performances of selected South Asian countries. However, the impact on the stock market performances was only for a short period and it diminished in the second wave of COVID-19 spread in all the selected South Asian countries. The findings contribute to the research on the stock and commodity market impact of a pandemic by providing empirical evidence that COVID-19 has spill-over effects on stock markets and commodity market performances. This result also helps investors in assessing the trends of the stock and commodity markets during the pandemic outbreak.
Psychological and psychiatric aspects of unusual living conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khritinin D. F. , Shamrey V. K. , Fisun A. Ya. , Kurasov E. S.
Published: May 2021

The article examines the psychological and psychiatric aspects of unusual living conditions caused by the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19. The features of the formation of psychopathological disorders in the population during an unfavorable epidemiological situation are analyzed. Five periods of their development are identified, which were characterized by their specific features depending on the influence of various factors (patterns of development of the infectious process, the nature of its information support, organizational measures taken, etc.). In the study of the psychological and pathopsychological characteristics of the response under conditions of an unfavorable epidemiological situation, it was established that their structure and clinical features had, along with the general patterns (characteristic for each of the periods of the development of the epidemic situation), a number of specific features. In the course of studying the psychological and psychiatric aspects of unusual conditions of existence (forced self-isolation), three groups of people were identified, according to their age and the nature of their professional activities. It was established that the psychological forms of response and the features of psychopathological manifestations in the conditions of an unfavorable epidemiological situation caused by COVID-19 were characterized by heterogeneity and polymorphism and were determined both by the course of the epidemic process and by the influence of various biomedical, socio-psychological, informational, and professional household pathogenic factors. Of particular importance was the fact that the degree of influence of these factors on the mental health of people was largely determined by the gradually increasing asteniс effect of each of them (the “vicious circle”), with the formation of a “favorable asthenic soil” that promotes the development of more marked and persistent mental and psychosomatic disorders.