bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Social Aspects of Sexual Health: A Twitter-Based Analysis of Valentine’s Day Perception
Authors: Sansone Andrea , Cignarelli Angelo , Mollaioli Daniele , Ciocca Giacomo , Limoncin Erika , Romanelli Francesco , Balercia Giancarlo , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: January 2021

Sentiment analysis (SA) is a technique aimed at extracting opinions and sentiments through the analysis of text, often used in healthcare research to understand patients’ needs and interests. Data from social networks, such as Twitter, can provide useful insights on sexual behavior. We aimed to assess the perception of Valentine’s Day by performing SA on tweets we collected between 28 January and 13 February 2019. Analysis was done using ad hoc software. A total of 883,615 unique tweets containing the word “valentine” in their text were collected. Geo-localization was available for 48,918 tweets; most the tweets came from the US (36,889, 75.41%), the UK (2605, 5.33%) and Canada (1661, 3.4%). The number of tweets increased approaching February 14. “Love” was the most recurring word, appearing in 111,981 tweets, followed by “gift” (55,136), “special” (34,518) and “happy” (33,913). Overall, 7318 tweets mentioned “sex”: among these tweets, the most recurring words were “sexy” (2317 tweets), “love” (1394) and “gift” (679); words pertaining to intimacy and sexual activity, such as “lingerie”, “porn”, and “date” were less common. In conclusion, tweets about Valentine’s Day mostly focus on the emotions, or on the material aspect of the celebration, and the sexual aspect of Valentine’s Day is rarely mentioned.
Ultrasonic Guided Wave Signal Based Nondestructive Testing of a Bonded Composite Structure Using Piezoelectric Transducers
Authors: Balasubramaniam Kaleeswaran , Sikdar Shirsendu , Fiborek Piotr , Malinowski Pawel H.
Published: January 2021

This paper presents ultrasonic guided wave (UGW) propagation-based nondestructive testing (NDT) of an adhesively bonded composite structure (ACS). In the process, a series of scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (SLDV)-based laboratory experiments and time-domain spectral element method (SEM)-based numerical simulations were carried out on an ACS with barely visible impact damage (BVID) and a hole. A good agreement was observed between the numerical and experimental UGW signals in the cases studied. Finally, a full-field and elliptical signal processing method-based NDT strategy was proposed that uses differential damage features of the registered UGW signals to identify different types of BVIDs in the ACS.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Signals in 2020
Authors:   Signals Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Signals maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Information and Communication Technologies in Commercial Sex Work: A Double-Edged Sword for Occupational Health and Safety
Authors: Jiao Sunny , Bungay Vicky , Jenkins Emily
Published: January 2021

Over the previous decade, there has been a notable shift within sex work marketplaces, with many aspects of the work now facilitated via the internet. Many providers and clients are also no longer engaging in in-person negotiations, opting instead for communications via technological means, such as through mobile phones, email, and the internet. By analysing the qualitative interviews of indoor-based providers, clients, and agency managers, this paper addresses the occupational health and safety concerns that indoor sex workers experience in the digital age, as well as how technology use can both support and hinder their capacity to promote their health and safety. Using thematic analysis, we arrived at three salient and nuanced themes that pertain to the intersection of sex work, technology use, and occupational health and safety: screening; confidentiality, privacy, and disclosure; and malice. As socio-political context can affect the occupational health and safety concerns that providers experience, as well as their capacity to prevent or mitigate these concerns, we highlight our findings in light of prevailing societal stigma and a lack of legal recognition and protections for sex work in Canada.
What about the “Social Aspect of COVID”? Exploring the Determinants of Social Isolation on the Greek Population during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Anastasiou Evgenia , Duquenne Marie-Noelle
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, its duration, and its intensity are harbingers of demographic change. In the context of social demography, it is crucial to explore the social challenge emerging from the coronavirus disease. The main purpose of this study is (i) to explore the determinants that affected the population in Greece in terms of social isolation during the lockdown period and (ii) to examine possible differences in the assessment of the social isolation factors depending on whether individuals live in urban or rural areas or regions with relative geographical isolation. Field research was conducted with 4216 questionnaires during the first wave of COVID-19 (March to April 2020). Multivariate analysis methods were applied to detect the main factors that impacted the feeling of social isolation, and nonparametric tests were performed to detect possible differences between population groups. Despite the resistance shown to the spread of the disease, the Greek population totally complied with the measures of social distancing and thus was socially and psychologically affected. The results indicate that psychosomatic disorders, employment situations, changes in sleep habits, socialization on the Internet, demographic status, health concerns, and trust in government and the media response determine the Greeks’ social isolation feeling. Pandemic and confinement measures have consequences for individuals and social groups and may prejudice social cohesion at multiple levels. By understanding how the pandemic affected the societies, interventions and public policies may be implemented to ensure both social cohesion and populations’ wellbeing by addressing the social isolation feeling.
Effectiveness of Regulation of Educational Requirements for Non-Bank Credit Providers in Czech Republic
Authors: Soukal Ivan , Hamplová Eva , Haviger Jiri
Published: January 2021

Educational challenges for companies are created by market regulation less frequently versus market dynamics. Yet when law-enforced educational challenges appear, they have a significant impact on companies and their employees. This empirical study focuses on a new professional qualification regulation on the market of consumer credit in the Czech Republic. We analyze how companies cope with the new law-enforced educational requirements and whether the regulation has been successful. We analyzed more than 1900 certification tests. The sample accounted for approximately 10% of all employees tested in the Czech Republic in the first year of the regulation. All test variants were found unique, the expected point score of each variant had skewed distributions with only a small number of difficult variants. A significant majority of the tests showed expected values in an interval of 60–75% with only several outliers; test difficulty was balanced. The professional qualification tests separated employees with the required knowledge from those without and excluded accidental success. We identified a successful education management system that resulted in success rates above the country average: decentralized regional managers supervision, employee financial participation, and effective e-learning. We found structural changes in the market supply structure. Companies with professionally skilled employees met the regulatory conditions. The regulation combining centrally-provided requirements and questions with the market-based method of preparing for the professional qualification test was successful.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Social Sciences in 2020
Authors:   Social Sciences Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Social Sciences maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
The Prevalence and Correlates of Labor and Sex Trafficking in a Community Sample of Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Metro-Atlanta
Authors: Wright Eric R. , LaBoy Ana , Tsukerman Kara , Forge Nicholas , Ruel Erin , Shelby Renee , Higbee Madison , Webb Zoe , Turner-Harper Melanie , Darkwa Asantewaa , Wallace Cody
Published: January 2021

Research suggests that runaway and homeless youth (RHY) in the United States are vulnerable to sex and labor trafficking. In this paper, we report and analyze estimates of sex and labor trafficking collected as part of the Atlanta Youth Count 2018, a community-based field survey of RHY between the ages of 14 and 25 in the metro-Atlanta area. A total of 564 participants were recruited and completed a survey that included questions about their backgrounds as well as the Human Trafficking Screening Tool (HTST). We found that 39.9% experienced some form of trafficking while homeless. While 15.6% of the youth reported commercial sexual exploitation while homeless, coerced labor (29.3%) or fraud (25.2%) were even more common experiences. Women, transgender, and gender nonconforming youth, as well young people who had prior system involvement and those who had been homeless for more than a year were the most likely to report having been trafficked. The significance of these findings for research and policy on RHY and trafficking are discussed.
Soil Management and Slope Impacts on Soil Properties, Hydrological Response, and Erosion in Hazelnut Orchard
Authors: Telak Leon Josip , Dugan Ivan , Bogunovic Igor
Published: January 2021

Proper soil management is crucial to mitigate soil degradation. Hazelnut orchards are often raised on slopes and intensively managed, which makes them similar to the already defined highly erodible land uses like vineyards. This research aims to assess the impacts of soil management and the slope on the soil properties, hydrological response, and erosion in the hazelnut orchard. At eastern Croatia on Cambisols, four treatments were chosen, representing two soil managements in the study area (herbicide and mulched) on two different slope inclinations (high ~9° and low ~4.5°), for rainfall simulation experiments and soil sampling. The herbicide treatments on both slopes removed soil cover and reduced (p < 0.05) soil organic matter, mean weight diameter, and water-stable aggregates. Mulched treatments recorded a lower (p < 0.05) bulk density. These soil properties affected soil hydrological response, as the reduction of infiltration in herbicide plots lead to higher water and sediment losses. The higher slope increased erosion in herbicide soil to over 2.2 t ha−1. Mulching was shown as a superior practice as it enhances soil properties and reduces soil erosion, even reducing the effect of the higher slope on erosional processes.
Effects of Physical Training on Physical and Psychological Parameters in Individuals with Patella Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Niering Marc , Muehlbauer Thomas
Published: January 2021

The effectiveness of physical training on physical and psychological parameters in individuals with patella tendinopathy has not been investigated in a systematic review and meta-analysis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of physical exercise interventions for measures of physical and psychological performance in subjects with patella tendinopathy. A computerised systematic literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science from January 1960 to July 2020. Initially, 506 articles were identified for review of which eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Our results revealed a small effect (weighted mean standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.12; nine studies) of physical training on the psychological measure Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Patellar tendon scale and a medium effect (weighted mean SMD = 0.61; five studies) on the psychological measure visual analogue scale—both in favour of the intervention group. In contrast, a small effect (weighted mean SMD = −0.05; two studies) in favour of the control group was detected for the physical measure muscle power. Compared to the control condition, physical training seems to be an effective means to improve psychological but not physical parameters in individuals with patella tendinopathy; although conclusions on the latter could have been biased by the small amount of eligible studies (n = 2). In addition, the predetermined cut-off value of ≥6 for the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale score (i.e., assessment of methodological quality) was only achieved by six out of eleven studies. Thus, further research of high methodological quality is needed to verify whether there is or is not an effect of physical training on physical parameters in persons with patella tendinopathy.
Periodization and Programming in Sports
Authors: Fisher James P. , Csapo Robert
Published: January 2021

Periodization is a generally accepted approach to manage athletic performance by the sub-division of training programs into sequential, specifically focused training periods [...]
Impact of Different Exercise Modalities on the Human Gut Microbiome
Authors: Bycura Dierdra , Santos Anthony C. , Shiffer Arron , Kyman Shari , Winfree Kyle , Sutliffe Jay , Pearson Talima , Sonderegger Derek , Cope Emily , Caporaso J. Gregory
Published: January 2021

In this study we examined changes to the human gut microbiome resulting from an eight-week intervention of either cardiorespiratory exercise (CRE) or resistance training exercise (RTE). Twenty-eight subjects (21 F; aged 18–26) were recruited for our CRE study and 28 subjects (17 F; aged 18–33) were recruited for our RTE study. Fecal samples for gut microbiome profiling were collected twice weekly during the pre-intervention phase (three weeks), intervention phase (eight weeks), and post-intervention phase (three weeks). Pre/post VO2max, three repetition maximum (3RM), and body composition measurements were conducted. Heart rate ranges for CRE were determined by subjects’ initial VO2max test. RTE weight ranges were established by subjects’ initial 3RM testing for squat, bench press, and bent-over row. Gut microbiota were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbiome sequence data were analyzed with QIIME 2. CRE resulted in initial changes to the gut microbiome which were not sustained through or after the intervention period, while RTE resulted in no detectable changes to the gut microbiota. For both CRE and RTE, we observe some evidence that the baseline microbiome composition may be predictive of exercise gains. This work suggests that the human gut microbiome can change in response to a new exercise program, but the type of exercise likely impacts whether a change occurs. The changes observed in our CRE intervention resemble a disturbance to the microbiome, where an initial shift is observed followed by a return to the baseline state. More work is needed to understand how sustained changes to the microbiome occur, resulting in differences that have been reported in cross sectional studies of athletes and non-athletes.
Sprint Kayaking Performance Enhancement by Isometric Strength Training Inclusion: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lum Danny , Barbosa Tiago M. , Balasekaran Govindasamy
Published: January 2021

Performing isometric strength training (IST) can enhance various sports performance. This study compared the effects of including IST on sprint kayaking performance as compared to traditional strength training. Twenty sprint kayaking athletes (age 22 ± 4 year, stature 1.71 ± 0.09 m, body mass 72.0 ± 11.4 kg) performed a 200-m kayak ergometer time trial (200mTT), isometric squat (IsoSqT), isometric bench press (IsoPress) and isometric prone bench pull (IsoPull) during the pre- and post-tests. Athletes were randomly assigned to either traditional strength training (TRAD) or IST group. Both groups performed a similar strength training program twice a week for six weeks. However, half the volume for squat, bench press and prone bench pull were replaced by IsoSqT, IsoPress and IsoPull, respectively, for the IST group. IsoSqT was performed at 90° knee angle, while IsoPress and IsoPull were performed at 90° and 120° elbow angles, respectively. Each isometric contraction was performed with maximum intensity and sustained for three seconds. A significant main time effect was observed for 200mTT (p < 0.001, ƞ2p = 0.68) and all isometric strength measures (p = 0.001–0.032, ƞ2p = 0.24–0.76) except rate of force development at 0–90 ms (RFD90) obtained from IsoSqT120 and IsoPress90. A group main effect was observed in RFD90 obtained from IsoSqT120 and IsoPull120 (p = 0.003–0.004, ƞ2p = 0.37–0.39). Time x Group interaction was observed for 200mTT (p = 0.027, ƞ2p = 0.68), peak force obtained from IsoSqT90, IsoPress90, and IsoPull120 (p = 0.004–0.006, ƞ2p = 0.36–0.38) and RFD90 obtained from IsoSqT120 and IsoPull120 (p = 0.012–0.015, ƞ2p = 0.28–0.30). Inclusion of IST resulted in greater improvement for sprint kayaking and strength performances then TRAD alone.
Nutritional Practice and Nitrogen Balance in Elite Japanese Swimmers during a Training Camp
Authors: Mizugaki Ami , Kato Hiroyuki , Suzuki Haruka , Kurihara Hidefumi , Ogita Futoshi
Published: January 2021

The protein requirement in athletes increases as a result of exercise-induced changes in protein metabolism. In addition, the frequency, quantity, and quality (i.e., leucine content) of the protein intake modulates the protein metabolism. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether nutritional practice (particularly, protein and amino acid intake at each eating occasion) meets the protein needs required to achieve zero nitrogen balance in elite swimmers during a training camp. Eight elite swimmers (age 21.9 ± 2.3 years, body weight 64.2 ± 7.1 kg, sex M:2 F:6) participated in a four-day study. The nitrogen balance was calculated from the dietary nitrogen intake and urinary nitrogen excretion. The amino acid intake was divided over six eating occasions. The nitrogen balance was found to be positive (6.7 ± 3.1 g N/day, p < 0.05) with protein intake of 2.96 ± 0.74 g/kg/day. The frequency and quantity of leucine and the protein intake were met within the recommended range established by the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Thus, a protein intake of 2.96 g/kg/day with a well-designated pattern (i.e., frequency throughout the day, as well as quantity and quality) of protein and amino acid intake may satisfy the increased need for protein in an elite swimmer.
Exercise Intensity during Olympic-Distance Triathlon in Well-Trained Age-Group Athletes: An Observational Study
Authors: Aoyagi Atsushi , Ishikura Keisuke , Nabekura Yoshiharu
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the exercise intensity during the swimming, cycling, and running legs of nondraft legal, Olympic-distance triathlons in well-trained, age-group triathletes. Seventeen male triathletes completed incremental swimming, cycling, and running tests to exhaustion. Heart rate (HR) and workload corresponding to aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, maximal workloads, and maximal HR (HRmax) in each exercise mode were analyzed. HR and workload were monitored throughout the race. The intensity distributions in three HR zones for each discipline and five workload zones in cycling and running were quantified. The subjects were then assigned to a fast or slow group based on the total race time (range, 2 h 07 min–2 h 41 min). The mean percentages of HRmax in the swimming, cycling, and running legs were 89.8% ± 3.7%, 91.1% ± 4.4%, and 90.7% ± 5.1%, respectively, for all participants. The mean percentage of HRmax and intensity distributions during the swimming and cycling legs were similar between groups. In the running leg, the faster group spent relatively more time above HR at anaerobic threshold (AnT) and between workload at AnT and maximal workload. In conclusion, well-trained male triathletes performed at very high intensity throughout a nondraft legal, Olympic-distance triathlon race, and sustaining higher intensity during running might play a role in the success of these athletes.
Insights about the Choice of Pig Manure Processing System in Three Italian Regions: Piemonte, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Veneto
Authors: De Marinis Pietro , Ferrari Omar , Allisiardi Erica , De Mattia Chiara , Caliandro Giuliana , Dinuccio Elio , Borin Maurizio , Ceccon Paolo , Sali Guido , Provolo Giorgio
Published: January 2021

The adoption of best available technologies (BATs) by the livestock sector has a fundamental role in developing a sustainable agricultural system. Italy is the EU member with the highest percentage of manure treated, but processing facilities are regionally scattered and the adoption of BATs is far from being scaled-up. The adoption is a matter of multicriteria decision-making and full knowledge on how to foster the transition is still lacking. The present research aims to deepen the available knowledge by analysing the perception of 40 pig farm managers about decision criteria behind the adopted manure management system across three different Italian regions. We assessed farms in Piemonte, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Veneto. All farms have adequate storage facilities, but 82.5% adopt no processing technique. The two most important decision criteria are economic, i.e., the minimization of treatment and spreading costs. The emerging picture allows us to conclude that BAT adoption is still adopted as a mere consequence of legal obligation. Economic constraints prevail as there is a lack of information and uncertainty. Clear perspectives and recognition of virtuous behavior prevent farmers from making decisions based on environmental or social criteria. Therefore, effective policies oriented to fill these gaps are needed to accelerate the transition towards sustainability.
Tillage Impacts on Initial Soil Erosion in Wheat and Sainfoin Fields under Simulated Extreme Rainfall Treatments
Authors: Yakupoglu Tugrul , Gundogan Recep , Dindaroglu Turgay , Kusvuran Kadir , Gokmen Veysel , Rodrigo-Comino Jesus , Gyasi-Agyei Yeboah , Cerdà Artemi
Published: January 2021

The main aim of this research was to determine the potential effects of different tillage systems (TT: traditional tillage and RT: reduced tillage) on runoff and erosion at two different locations (Kahramanmaras and Tarsus, Southern Turkey) under (i) fallow, (ii) wheat (Triticumaestivum L.), and (iii) sainfoin (Onobrychissativa L.) crops. Rainfall simulations with intensity of 120 mm h−1 and 30-min duration, representing a typical extreme thunderstorm in this area, were used. We quantified the elapsed time to runoff generation (ET), total runoff volume (R), soil loss (SL), sediment concentration (SC), and runoff coefficient (RC). At both locations, the fallow plots indicated the first runoff response ranging between 1.2 and 3.1 min, while the range was between 9.4 and 8.9 min for the sainfoin plots. The highest runoff coefficient was recorded for the fallow parcel in Tarsus (57.7%), and the lowest runoff coefficient was recorded for the sainfoin parcel in Kahramanmaras (4%). For both study sites, the fallow plots showed higher soil erosion rates (871 and 29.21 g m−2) compared with the wheat plots (307 and 11.25 g m−2), while sainfoin recorded the lowest soil losses (93.68 and 3.45 g m−2), for Tarsus and Kahramanmaras, respectively. Runoff and sediment yield generated from sainfoin and wheat parcels under the RT system were less than under the TT system at the Kahramanmaras location. At the Tarsus location, the effect of soil tillage on soil and water losses was insignificant on the sainfoin planted plots. The reduced tillage system was successful in reducing sediment yield and runoff generated from parcels growing wheat and sainfoin compared to traditional tillage in Tarsus location, but runoff and soil loss were found to be very high compared to parcels constructed in the Kahramanmaras location.
Sustainability in Railway Investments, a Study of Early-Phase Analyses and Perceptions
Authors: Økland Andreas , Olsson Nils O. E. , Venstad Marte
Published: January 2021

This article presents a study of sustainability in railway investment projects. The purpose of the study was to analyse how sustainability is interpreted and evaluated in the early phases of major public investment projects. These phases are characterized by potentially very influential decisions being made prior to when precise, detailed knowledge is available. The research uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative information sources and three datasets; 12 interviews, document analyses for 10 railway projects, and a case study. The qualitative data are from semi-structured interviews, while the quantitative data are based on structured document review of planning documents from ten Norwegian railway projects. In addition, a detailed case study of a major rail infrastructure project has been performed. The findings show that several aspects of sustainability are evaluated in the early phase of investment projects, but there are no explicit requirements to do an overall analysis of sustainability. Environmental aspects of sustainability are predominant in the respondents’ interpretation of the concept. Still, the structure and requirements of the early phases in the national project model ensures that the economic dimension of sustainability has the most influence in decisions regarding which project concepts that receive financing for further development.
Living Labs: From Niche to Mainstream Innovation Management
Authors: Greve Katharina , Vita Riccardo De , Leminen Seppo , Westerlund Mika
Published: January 2021

Living Labs have received increasing attention over the last decade. However, despite their growing popularity and ability to positively impact organisations’ innovation performance, mainstream innovation management literature has overlooked the diverse and promising Living Labs research landscape. In an effort to move the field forward, this study analyses extant Living Labs literature in the domain of innovation management. The study identifies conceptual bases informing Living Labs research, maps the collaboration between scholars in the field, examines prevailing themes influencing the debate and reveals the influence of Living Labs research on other domains. Bibliometric methods of co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence analysis as well as bibliographic coupling are employed on two databases. Database A includes 97 focal journal articles and Database B includes all cited sources of Database A, totalling 500 documents. This study reveals the rapid growth of the scholarly literature on Living Labs in the innovation management domain, driven by a core group of authors. However, other contributions from highly visible scholars have the potential to connect Living Lab research to mainstream innovation management studies. The study also identifies the influence of Living Labs research in different application fields and potential for its further evolution.
Biomass Waste as Sustainable Raw Material for Energy and Fuels
Authors: Clauser Nicolás M. , González Giselle , Mendieta Carolina M. , Kruyeniski Julia , Area María C. , Vallejos María E.
Published: January 2021

Sustainable development is the common goal of the current concepts of bioeconomy and circular economy. In this sense, the biorefineries platforms are a strategic factor to increase the bioeconomy in the economic balance. The incorporation of renewable sources to produce fuels, chemicals, and energy, includes sustainability, reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG), and creating more manufacturing jobs fostering the advancement of regional and social systems by implementing the comprehensive use of available biomass, due to its low costs and high availability. This paper describes the emerging biorefinery strategies to produce fuels (bio-ethanol and γ-valerolactone) and energy (pellets and steam), compared with the currently established biorefineries designed for fuels, pellets, and steam. The focus is on the state of the art of biofuels and energy production and environmental factors, as well as a discussion about the main conversion technologies, production strategies, and barriers. Through the implementation of biorefineries platforms and the evaluation of low environmental impact technologies and processes, new sustainable production strategies for biofuels and energy can be established, making these biobased industries into more competitive alternatives, and improving the economy of the current value chains.
Green Finance Development in Bangladesh: The Role of Private Commercial Banks (PCBs)
Authors: Zheng Guang-Wen , Siddik Abu Bakkar , Masukujjaman Mohammad , Fatema Nazneen , Alam Syed Shah
Published: January 2021

Green finance (GF) has been gaining significant attention in recent literature, owing to the rise in global actions against the climate change. It is conceptually ambiguous, with no conclusive agreement among researchers on its meaning. Therefore, the main purpose of the study is to identify the bankers’ perception of various dimensions of GF, and identify the major challenges affecting its implementation in Bangladesh. Besides, this study also reveals the status of GF in Bangladesh’s banks and non-bank financial institutions from 2014 to 2019. In order to define the key aspects of GF through the data obtained from 296 banking staffs of private commercial banks (PCBs) in Bangladesh, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used. The study also used descriptive statistics to identify the major challenges hindering the development of GF in Bangladesh. The findings of this study show that, in comparison with other banks and non-bank financial institutions, the PCBs are the largest contributors to direct GF, accounting for 74.2% of the total GF in Bangladesh. The outcomes of the study also identify the “economic dimension” as the most significant dimension affecting the level of bankers’ perceptions of GF. Moreover, the bankers perceived the “social and environmental dimensions” as being the second and third most crucial factors influencing GF, followed by sources of green financing. The empirical findings indicate that bankers of PCBs deemed the level of awareness, beliefs and understanding of the major dimensions of GF and sources of green financing to be satisfactory for the implementation of GF in Bangladesh. In addition, the study also shows that high transaction costs, heavy default culture, operational self-insufficiency, improper appraisal of loan applications, and the absence of adequate accountability and transparency are the major barriers to the development of GF in Bangladesh. Therefore, major policy implications are further discussed.
Reuse of Filtering Facepiece Respirators in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Van Loon Joren , Veelaert Lore , Van Goethem Sander , Watts Regan , Verwulgen Stijn , Verlinden Jouke C. , Du Bois Els
Published: January 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an immense and unforeseen increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers worldwide. Amongst other products, respirator masks are crucial to protect the users against transmission of the virus. Decontamination and reuse of the existing stock could be a solution to the shortage of new respirators. Based upon existing studies, it was found that (I) a solid quality control method is essential to test product reuse, (II) in-depth evaluation of the different parts of the filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) should be considered, and (III) communication of the reuse cycle is essential to take track of the amount of reuse, as this is limited to ensure quality. The goal of this paper is two-fold. First, we identify the impact of decontamination on the different parts of the FFRs and how the quality control should be performed. Two different types of FFRs are analysed within this paper, resulting in the recommendation of combining quantitative respirator mask fit testing with a thorough sensory evaluation of decontaminated FFRs to qualify them for reuse. Secondly, the possibilities of communication of this reuse to the eventual user are mapped through in-depth reasoning.
Exploring the Preferences of Iranian Geotourists: Case Study of Shadows Canyon and Canyon of Jinns
Authors: Tomić Nemanja , Sepehriannasab Babak , Marković Slobodan B. , Hao Qingzhen , Lobo Heros Augusto Santos
Published: January 2021

Compared to other parts of the country, the region of Central Iran still remains mainly outside of major tourism flows even though there are significant geosites with great value for geotourism development. Two of those sites, the Shadow Canyon and the Canyon of Jinns, have excellent qualities for the development of this form of tourism in the future. The goal of this research is to gain information about the preferences of Iranian geotourists and to determine the current state and geotourism potential of Shadows Canyon and Jinn Canyon located in Central Iran by applying the modified geosite assessment model (M-GAM). The results indicate that Iranian geotourists consider rarity and the number of viewpoints the most important when choosing which geosite to visit, while the least important are tour guide service as well as hostelry and restaurant service. The results also show that more attention should primarily be concentrated toward promotional activities and basic tourist infrastructure construction in the future to attract even more tourists to these and other geosites in Iran.
Artificial Intelligence and Reflections from Educational Landscape: A Review of AI Studies in Half a Century
Authors: Bozkurt Aras , Karadeniz Abdulkadir , Baneres David , Guerrero-Roldán Ana Elena , Rodríguez M. Elena
Published: January 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) has penetrated every layer of our lives, and education is not immune to the effects of AI. In this regard, this study examines AI studies in education in half a century (1970–2020) through a systematic review approach and benefits from social network analysis and text-mining approaches. Accordingly, the research identifies three research clusters (1) artificial intelligence, (2) pedagogical, and (3) technological issues, and suggests five broad research themes which are (1) adaptive learning and personalization of education through AI-based practices, (2) deep learning and machine Learning algorithms for online learning processes, (3) Educational human-AI interaction, (4) educational use of AI-generated data, and (5) AI in higher education. The study also highlights that ethics in AI studies is an ignored research area.
Advanced Ultra-Supercritical Coal-Fired Power Plant with Post-Combustion Carbon Capture: Analysis of Electricity Penalty and CO2 Emission Reduction
Authors: Tramošljika Branimir , Blecich Paolo , Bonefačić Igor , Glažar Vladimir
Published: January 2021

This article presents the performance analysis of a 700 MW future planned advanced ultra-supercritical (A-USC) coal-fired power plant fitted with post-combustion carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The reference A-USC unit without CCS achieves a net efficiency of 47.6% with CO2 emissions of 700 kgCO2/MWh. Relatively to subcritical units, the net efficiency of the A-USC is 8%-pts higher while CO2 emissions are 16.5% lower. For a CO2 removal rate of 90%, the net efficiency of the CCS integrated A-USC unit is 36.8%. The resulting net efficiency loss is 10.8%-pts and the electricity output penalty is 362.3 kWhel/tCO2 for present state CCS technology. The study continues with the assessment of interface quantities between the capture unit and the steam cycle affecting the performance of the A-USC. Improved CO2 absorbents could alleviate the net efficiency loss by 2–3%-pts, and enhanced CO2 compression strategies and advanced heat integration could further reduce the efficiency loss by 0.5–1.2%-pts and 0.4–0.6%-pts, respectively. The total efficiency gain from CCS technology upgrades is estimated at 3.6%-pts, thus bringing down the net efficiency loss to 7.2%-pts and the electricity output penalty to 241.7 kWhel/tCO2.
Sustainable Consumption Behaviour in Colombia: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Guzmán Rincón Alfredo , Carrillo Barbosa Ruby Lorena , Martín-Caro Álamo Ester , Rodríguez-Cánovas Belén
Published: January 2021

Sustainable consumption has positioned itself as an alternative for economic growth and social development because of its ability to deal with the future scarcity of natural resources and the prevention and mitigation of climate change, among other things. In this sense, the role of the consumer is preponderant, due to the fact their consumption behaviour has a direct effect on the environment; hence the importance of analysing their habits from different perspectives and social realities. Accordingly, the aim of this work is to explore the low-impact sustainable consumption behaviour in Colombia and the convergence and divergence of this type of consumer behaviour in the country. To achieve this, an exploratory, quantitative, and transversal methodology was used. The latter was based on a sample of 393 consumers to whom a self-report scale was applied in order to evaluate behaviours linked to quality of life, care for the environment, and resources for future generations. With the data collected, the following step to follow was to identify how consumers are grouped (hierarchical cluster analysis), what the differences are (single-factor ANOVA), the behaviours (descriptive statistics), as well as the relationship among them (Pearson correlation statistics). Results show that there are two consumer profiles with different levels of awareness of sustainable consumption behaviour. The principal outcome of the study was that Colombian consumers have embraced the behaviour of quality of life and resources for future generations; however, those consumers related to environmental care have been less involved, especially due to the influence of economic variables as such the cost of products and speculation in the prices of environmentally friendly products.
A Typology of Winery SME Brand Strategies with Implications for Sustainability Communication and Co-Creation
Authors: Dressler Marc , Paunovic Ivan
Published: January 2021

The article explores SME (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) brand strategies as a means to position and successfully engage in competitive markets. A derived typology of brand strategy types deals with social profiling and sheds light on brand strategy internalization of two current managerial paradigms—sustainability and co-creation. N = 895 German SME wineries were examined, leaning on a netnographic analysis of predominantly websites and social media interactions. A two-step clustering method thereby identified eight winery SME brand strategy types. The importance of sustainability across the identified eight brand strategy types is significant. Co-creation turned out to be a key profiling trait characterizing one brand strategy type. The typology illustrates strategic richness, with brand strategies leaning predominantly on traditional values, on sustainability, on external reputation, or on more innovative customer centric concepts such as co-creation. Hereby, the typology and the identified brand levers invite to strategically design brand management, governance, and sustainability. Wineries which focus on traditional positioning and legitimacy were found to be cautious in deploying co-creation through social media. Winery brands that are characterized by engagement in digital co-creation apparently either tend to expand their scope or partially combine it with traditional values, making them the most diverse type identified. Sustainability obviously needs to be addressed by all brand strategies. Despite industry and country focus, the analyses illustrate the relevance of socially-oriented profiling and highlights that sustainability has reached a status of a fundamental business approach still allowing to differentiate thereon. Furthermore, the business models of the SMEs need to deliver communicated values.
Does VR Tourism Enhance Users’ Experience?
Authors: Lee Won-jun , Kim Yong Hee
Published: January 2021

The importance of non-face-to-face tourism is growing due to the impact of COVID-19, and VR (virtual reality) is attracting attention as a solution to this need. This research investigates the antecedents of utilitarian and hedonic values based on the experience of VR tourism and identifies the relations between values and user visit intention. We performed an empirical study with data collected from 207 respondents from major VR online user communities. The results of the research show the antecedents of utilitarian value to be information access, flow, and interactivity; whereas the antecedents of hedonic value are flow, interactivity, and telepresence. Utilitarian and hedonic values both positively affect user visit intention. The results also show group differences in the relationship between research variables according to the personal degree of extraversion. These results provide key understandings to enable the adoption of the VR technology in tourism.
Efficacy of Social Networking Sites for Sustainable Education in the Era of COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cavus Nadire , Sani Abdullahi S. , Haruna Yusuf , Lawan Abdulmalik A.
Published: January 2021

The sudden advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated containment measures require educational institutions of all sizes to adopt eLearning as the only option for sustainable education. Despite the numerous Learning Management Systems, the rapid migration to eLearning posed numerous challenges that negatively affect the effectiveness and sustainability of the educational activities. The current study systematically reviewed recent articles that recognized the value and feasibility of using Social Networking Sites (SNSs) in education. The study highlighted the current eLearning challenges and illustrated effective strategies for the sustainable educational use of SNSs by both institutions, teachers, and students. Thus, solutions to the problems experienced in education during the COVID-19 period were highlighted based on SNS-supported strategies.
Relationship between Land Use Mix and Walking Choice in High-Density Cities: A Review of Walking in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Seong Eun Yeong , Lee Nam Hwi , Choi Chang Gyu
Published: January 2021

This study confirmed the general belief of urban planners that mixed land use promotes walking in Seoul, a metropolis in East Asia, by analyzing the effect of mixed land use on the travel mode choice of housewives and unemployed people who make non-commuting trips on weekdays. Using binomial logistic regression of commuting data, it was found that the more mixed a neighborhood environment’s uses are, the more the pedestrians prefer to walk rather than drive. The nonlinear relationship between the land use mix index and the choice to walk was also confirmed. Although mixed land use in neighborhoods increased the probability of residents choosing walking over using cars, when the degree of complexity increased above a certain level, the opposite effect was observed. As the density of commercial areas increased, the probability of selecting walking increased. In addition to locational characteristics, income and housing type were also major factors affecting the choice to walk; i.e., when the residents’ neighborhood environment was controlled for higher income and living in an apartment rather than multi-family or single-family housing, they were more likely to choose driving over walking.
A Pilot Project to Limit the Human Impacts on the Fragile Antarctic Biota: Mitigation of a Runway through Vegetation Transplantation
Authors: Cannone Nicoletta , Ponti Stefano , Malfasi Francesco
Published: January 2021

Background: Antarctica is among the world’s last great wildernesses, but the anthropogenic activities and associated infrastructures threaten its fragile biota. We quantify the impact of the construction of a 2200 m long gravel runway airstrip for airfreight operations of the Italian research station on vegetation ecosystems at Boulder Clay (continental Antarctica). We propose a pilot project to mitigate this impact through the transplantation of vegetation from the runway to safe sites. Methods: A vegetation field survey was performed through phytosociological relevés and vegetation mapping and data were analyzed through multivariate analysis. Results: We quantify the destructive impact of the runway construction on the flora and vegetation of Boulder Clay. Based on vegetation characteristics, 28 priority areas were transplanted from the runway to safe sites, with 89% of survival. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first time that vegetation transplantation was performed in Antarctica to mitigate the consequences of human actions, as formerly it was used only for scientific experiments. This pilot project provides a tool to support management decisions, involving the quantitative evaluation of the infrastructure impacts and showing the suitability of practical mitigation actions. This pilot project proposes a practical tool exportable to all Antarctica and beyond and suggests to link the permissions’ release for the new infrastructures in Antarctica to the realization of specific conservation and mitigation actions.
Go/No-Go Decision Model for Owners Using Exhaustive CHAID and QUEST Decision Tree Algorithms
Authors: Gunduz Murat , Lutfi Hamza M. A.
Published: January 2021

Go/no-go execution decisions are one of the most important strategic decisions for owners during the early stages of construction projects. Restructuring the process of decision-making during these early stages may have sustainable results in the long run. The purpose of this paper is to establish proper go/no-go decision-tree models for owners. The decision-tree models were developed using Exhaustive Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (Exhaustive CHAID) and Quick, Unbiased, Efficient Statistical Tree (QUEST) algorithms. Twenty-three go/no-go key factors were collected through an extensive literature review. These factors were divided into four main risk categories: organizational, project/technical, legal, and financial/economic. In a questionnaire distributed among the construction professionals, the go/no-go variables were asked to be ranked according to their perceived significance. Split-sample validation was applied for testing and measuring the accuracy of the Exhaustive CHAID and QUEST models. Moreover, Spearman’s rank correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were employed to identify the statistical features of the 100 responses received. The result of this study benchmarks the current assessment models and develops a simple and user-friendly decision model for owners. The model is expected to evaluate anticipated risk factors in the project and reduce the level of uncertainty. The Exhaustive CHAID and QUEST models are validated by a case study. This paper contributes to the current body of knowledge by identifying the factors that have the biggest effect on an owner’s decision and introducing Exhaustive CHAID and QUEST decision-tree models for go/no-go decisions for the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. From the “sustainability” viewpoint, this study is significant since the decisions of the owner, based on a rigorous model, will yield sustainable and efficient projects.