bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification Method for Internal Forces of Segmental Tunnel Linings via the Combination of Laser Scanning and Hybrid Structural Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yumeng , Karlovšek Jurij , Liu Xian
Published: March 2022

This paper provides a new solution to identify the internal forces of segmental tunnel linings by combining laser scanning and hybrid structural analysis. First, a hybrid structural analysis method for quantifying the internal forces based on displacement monitoring is established, which requires comprehensive displacement monitoring with high precision and a complete trace history. Motivated by the development of laser scanning, two remedial solutions are proposed for typically insufficient engineering conditions, i.e., lack of displacement developing process and poor accuracy of measurements, which is highlighted in this paper. Therefore, with the help of remedial solutions, the structural analysis is able to be adopted with the application of laser scanning. The tool for developing remedial solutions is the first-order theory of slender circular arches. Virtual tests, based on a calibrated finite element model, were performed to verify the feasibility of the presented hybrid analysis and remedial solutions. In addition, parametric analyses were conducted to study the error propagation from laser scanning to the results of hybrid analysis. The resolution and measurement noise of laser scanning were investigated and discussed. On this basis, advice on combining laser scanning and hybrid structural analysis is proposed. Finally, on-site application of the hybrid analysis on an actual tunnel is presented and discussed.
Statistical Analysis of the Consistency of HRV Analysis Using BCG or Pulse Wave Signals
Authors: Cui Huiying , Wang Zhongyi , Yu Bin , Jiang Fangfang , Geng Ning , Li Yongchun , Xu Lisheng , Zheng Dingchang , Zhang Biyong , Lu Peilin , Greenwald Stephen E.
Published: March 2022

Ballistocardiography (BCG) is considered a good alternative to HRV analysis with its non-contact and unobtrusive acquisition characteristics. However, consensus about its validity has not yet been established. In this study, 50 healthy subjects (26.2 ± 5.5 years old, 22 females, 28 males) were invited. Comprehensive statistical analysis, including Coefficients of Variation (CV), Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (LCCC), and Bland-Altman analysis (BA ratio), were utilized to analyze the consistency of BCG and ECG signals in HRV analysis. If the methods gave different answers, the worst case was taken as the result. Measures of consistency such as Mean, SDNN, LF gave good agreement (the absolute value of CV difference < 2%, LCCC > 0.99, BA ratio < 0.1) between J-J (BCG) and R-R intervals (ECG). pNN50 showed moderate agreement (the absolute value of CV difference < 5%, LCCC > 0.95, BA ratio < 0.2), while RMSSD, HF, LF/HF indicated poor agreement (the absolute value of CV difference ≥ 5% or LCCC ≤ 0.95 or BA ratio ≥ 0.2). Additionally, the R-R intervals were compared with P-P intervals extracted from the pulse wave (PW). Except for pNN50, which exhibited poor agreement in this comparison, the performances of the HRV indices estimated from the PW and the BCG signals were similar.
Temperature and pH-Dependent Behaviors of mAb Drugs: A Case Study for Trastuzumab
Authors: Sert Fatma , Hız Defne , Gülmez Mert , Cankurtaran Selen Ezgi , Kayalan Cemre Irmak , Kurt Hasan , Yüce Meral
Published: March 2022

The distortions in the high-order structure of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) under different environmental conditions acutely affect mAb stability, resulting in altered safety, efficacy, and shelf-life profiles. The overall stability of mAbs depends on many factors, and it requires complementary techniques for an in-depth analysis. The stability of mAbs can be characterized by differential centrifugal sedimentation (DCS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) techniques. In this report, temperature-ramped dynamic light scattering (DLS), and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were employed as complementary tools to show how temperature and pH affect the aggregation of a model mAb, trastuzumab, in solution. The results showed that the aggregation onset temperature of trastuzumab defined by DLS was 75 °C, which decreases the amount of β-sheets and causes a slight increase in helix structures. Moreover, the melting temperature of trastuzumab was determined to be between 80–83 °C by temperature-ramped CD spectrophotometry, which is in line with the Tm of trastuzumab’s Fab region tested with DSC. Thus, unfolding and aggregation of trastuzumab start simultaneously at 75 °C, and unfolding triggers the aggregation. The temperature-ramped CD and DLS methods are robust tools to determine the thermal behavior of biosimilars in various solution conditions. Their complementary usage provides solid scientific background for regulatory applications and a better understanding of mAb instability and its relationship with structural changes.
Optimization and Validation of a Method Based on QuEChERS Extraction and Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Analysis for the Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Olive Fruits Irrigated with Treated Wastewaters
Authors: Bruzzoniti Maria Concetta , Rivoira Luca , Castiglioni Michele , Cagno Enrico , Kettab Ahmed , Fibbi Donatella , Del Bubba Massimo
Published: March 2022

The wastewater reuse is an important measure to face water shortage, thus improving the resilience of agricultural production chains. However, treated wastewater can contain residual organic micropollutants residues that may result in crop contamination. Among edible crops, olive is the most important agricultural product in the Mediterranean region. Methods to assess the contamination of organic micropollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in olives are poorly investigated. Given the complexity of olives, this study focused on the development and validation of a method for the simultaneous extraction of PAHs and PCBs from olives, and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection. Extraction was optimized through a QuEChERS protocol, studying the effect of the extraction solvent (CH2Cl2, cyclohexane, CH3CN) and of the dispersive-solid phase extraction (d-SPE) sorbent (octadecyl silica, Florisil, primary secondary amine, Z-Sep) on the recovery of micropollutants. The best recoveries (94–122%, relative standard deviations below 5%) were obtained using CH3CN/H2O and a double purification step with Z-Sep and Florisil. The method developed for PAHs and PCBs, which showed good intra-day (<2.7%) and inter-day (<2.9%) precision and low matrix effect (|ME| < 14%), was applied to the analysis of olives grown by irrigation with reclaimed wastewaters.
Forest Resources Management: An Editorial
Authors: Martinho Vítor João Pereira Domingues
Published: March 2022

The forest plays a decisive role in terms of its potential contribution to the dimensions of sustainability and the frameworks created by climate change and global warming [...]
Street Recovery in the Age of COVID-19: Simultaneous Design for Mobility, Customer Traffic and Physical Distancing
Authors: Wen Liang , Marinova Dora , Kenworthy Jeffrey , Guo Xiumei
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the relationship between urban traffic, retail location and disease control during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and tries to find a way to simultaneously address these issues for the purpose of street recovery. Drawing on the concept of the 15 min city, the study also aims at seeking COVID-19 exit paths and next-normal operating models to support long-term business prosperity using a case study of Royal Street, East Perth in Western Australia. Nearly half of the shops became vacant or closed at the end of 2020 along the east section of Royal Street, demonstrating the fragility of small business in a car-oriented street milieu that is inadequately supported by proper physical, digital and social infrastructure. A key finding from the analysis is the formulation of the concept of the Minute City. This describes a truly proximity-centred and socially driven hyper-local city, where residents and retailers work together on the local street as a walkable public open space (other than movement space), and benefit from ameliorated traffic flow, improved business location and a safer, connected community.
How Do Italian Consumers Value Sustainable Certifications on Fish?—An Explorative Analysis
Authors: Bimbo Francesco , Viscecchia Rosaria , De Devitiis Biagia , Seccia Antonio , Roma Rocco , De Boni Annalisa
Published: March 2022

Sustainable certifications communicate the environmental benefits of food products to consumers, and allow producers to differentiate their products from conventional ones. This study expands existing knowledge on fish consumers by assessing the importance of sustainable certifications in fish selection. A best–worst analysis was applied to a convenient sample of Italian household members responsible for food shopping, segmented with a latent class clustering model based on their socio-demographic characteristics, fish purchase behaviors, as well as attitudinal features. The results show that sustainable certifications were of interest to consumers, as more than 1 out of 10 respondents valued sustainable certifications in purchasing fish. Respondents interested in sustainable certifications on fish were medium-aged consumers, with high working status, well educated, as well as living in a medium-size household without children. These consumers were more interested in organic foods and had an interest in food nutritional information; they likely have a healthy holistic lifestyle, and may purchase organic food, including fish, to improve their health by increasing their physical well-being.
Organic Waste Generation and Its Valorization Potential through Composting in Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Obsa Oukula , Tadesse Menfese , Kim Dong-Gill , Asaye Zeleke , Yimer Fantaw , Gebrehiwot Mersha , Brüggemann Nicolas , Prost Katharina
Published: March 2022

Composting organic waste and human excreta could significantly reduce the amount of waste dumped and increase soil fertility and agricultural yields. However, studies focusing on the replacement of mineral fertilizer with compost from these resources are rare. The presented study quantifies the potential of human excreta and other organic waste for compost production. During wet and dry seasons, the generation and composition of household solid waste (HSW) was measured from three wealth categories: poor, medium, and rich, as well as the organic waste generated from 20 commercial facilities. Furthermore, the amount of human excreta, when converting unimproved into ecological sanitation facilities, was assessed. The HSW generation was significantly higher in the wet (0.77 ± 0.07 kg fresh weight (FW) cap−1 day−1) compared to the dry season (0.54 ± 0.04 kg FW cap−1 day−1). Organic waste was the main component of HSW in the dry and wet seasons, accounting for 84% and 76% of the total HSW, respectively. Annually, about 6824 Mg of organic dry matter could be collected from households, 212 Mg from commercial units, and 12,472 Mg from ecological sanitation. With these resources, 11,732 Mg of compost could be produced annually and used for fertilizing 470 ha of farmland, completely replacing mineral fertilizer.
The Unintended Consequences of Urban Community Infrastructure Investment for Consumption in China
Authors: Wu Congliang , Zhang Ning
Published: March 2022

Background: At a critical stage of the shift of economic growth, this work studied urban community infrastructure’s driving role in consumption, discusses the causes and action mechanisms of infrastructure in promoting residents’ consumption. Methods: Based on micro-household survey data, applying probit regression. Result: We found that community infrastructure, divided according to either its engineering or its service nature, has a great positive externality, significantly increasing the proportion of residents’ consumption, and that the driving force behind consumption in urban central areas, transportation, and environmental protection infrastructure is more obvious. Good urban community infrastructure facilitates residents’ production and promotes the efficient circulation of information, resources, and factors; improves residents’ subjective expectations; and brings more consumption opportunities so that community infrastructure significantly improves residents’ probability of consumption. Conclusion: In the context of economic transformation to a high-quality economy, we should pay attention to the key role of community infrastructure investment in structural transformation and choose urban central areas, capital-intensive industries, and transportation and environmental protection infrastructure as the investment focus so as to improve the consumption returns brought by infrastructure and achieve the transformation of the economy from an investment-driven one to an innovation-driven one.
The Development of ARIMA Models for the Clear Sky Beam and Diffuse Optical Depths for HVAC Systems Design Using RTSM: A Case Study of the Umlazi Township Area, South Africa
Authors: Mutombo Ntumba Marc-Alain , Numbi Bubele Papy
Published: March 2022

The increasing demand for energy in the building sector is mostly due to heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. In the absence of the clear sky beam optical depth (CSBOD) and clear sky diffuse optical depth (CSDOD), there is a challenge to determine the solar heat gain for different orientations of the surface areas of buildings for HAVC design. The purpose of this research is to determine CSBOD and CSDOB from the available solar radiation data for the calculation of the cooling load in buildings. The numerical values of CSBOD and CSDOD are determined from simulations using three years of measured clear sky beam and diffuse irradiance data for the Umlazi area as a case study. From these results, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) for both CSBOD and CSDOD was obtained, with ARIMA (2,1,1) (1,1,0) [12] and ARIMA (3,1,0) (1,1,0) [12] for CSBOD and CSDOD, respectively. The obtained values of 0.68073 and 2.64413 for CSBOD and CSDOD, respectively, were used to calculate the cooling load due to the solar irradiance heat gain for the hottest month of February in a newly built room in Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). The value of 1124 W was obtained using the radiant time series method (RTSM). A further study can be performed to use these models for the long-term forecasting of the solar radiation cooling load for optimal control of the HVAC systems.
Assessing Phytosanitary Application Efficiency of a Boom Sprayer Machine Using RGB Sensor in Grassy Fields
Authors: Abrougui Khaoula , Boughattas Nour , Belhaj Meriem , Buchaillot Maria , Segarra Joel , Dorbolo Stéphane , Amami Roua , Chehaibi Sayed , Tarchoun Neji , Kefauver Shawn
Published: March 2022

The systematic use of plant protection products is now being called into question with the growing awareness of the risks they can represent for the environment and human health. The application of precision agriculture technologies helps to improve agricultural production but also to rationalize input costs and improve ecological footprints. Here we present a study on fungicide application efficiency and its impact on the grass quality of a golf course green using the free open-source image analysis software FIJI (Image J) to analyze ground RGB (high-resolution digital cameras) and multispectral aerial imagery in combination with experimental data of spray pressure and hydraulic slot nozzle size of a boom sprayer machine. The multivariate regression model best explained variance in the normalized green-red difference index (NGRDI) as a relevant indicator of healthy turfgrass fields from the aerial, ground, and machine data set.
Green Biotechnology of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus L.): A Sustainable Strategy for Myco-Remediation and Bio-Fermentation
Authors: El-Ramady Hassan , Abdalla Neama , Fawzy Zakaria , Badgar Khandsuren , Llanaj Xhensila , Törős Gréta , Hajdú Peter , Eid Yahya , Prokisch József
Published: March 2022

The field of biotechnology presents us with a great chance to use many organisms, such as mushrooms, to find suitable solutions for issues that include the accumulation of agro-wastes in the environment. The green biotechnology of mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus L.) includes the myco-remediation of polluted soil and water as well as bio-fermentation. The circular economy approach could be effectively achieved by using oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus L.), of which the substrate of their cultivation is considered as a vital source for producing biofertilizers, animal feeds, bioenergy, and bio-remediators. Spent mushroom substrate is also considered a crucial source for many applications, including the production of enzymes (e.g., manganese peroxidase, laccase, and lignin peroxidase) and bioethanol. The sustainable management of agro-industrial wastes (e.g., plant-based foods, animal-based foods, and non-food industries) could reduce, reuse and recycle using oyster mushrooms. This review aims to focus on the biotechnological applications of the oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus L.) concerning the field of the myco-remediation of pollutants and the bio-fermentation of agro-industrial wastes as a sustainable approach to environmental protection. This study can open new windows onto the green synthesis of metal-nanoparticles, such as nano-silver, nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO. More investigations are needed concerning the new biotechnological approaches.
Characterization of Load Centers for Electric Vehicles Based on Simulation of Urban Vehicular Traffic Using Geo-Referenced Environments
Authors: Morán Jefferson , Inga Esteban
Published: March 2022

The current desire for people to reduce the environmental impact of their current lifestyle, as well as the variation in the prices of fossil fuels, has materialized in a rising trend for electric vehicles (EV). These vehicles are increasingly making inroads in the automotive market and positively contributing to reducing environmental pollution by greenhouse gas emissions; therefore, they improve energy efficiency. For the success of this innovation, it is necessary to correctly identify the effective places where the charging centers for electric vehicles (CCEV) will be placed, which will contribute significantly to its development, allowing us to guarantee the autonomy of electric vehicles with a charging supply. Thus, the present work proposes a vehicle traffic simulation process using the “SUMO” simulator interface. The study’s objective is to locate sites for electric vehicle charging centers or stations, taking as the primary variable the vehicular traffic that has a strong relationship with this type of research. Consequently, the study evaluates the existing resources in geo-referenced scenarios and has analyzed the vehicular flow considering the distances of the routes. As follows, the simulation becomes a tool to recommend the location and quantity of CCEV, guaranteeing users a nearby place where they can charge their vehicle and thus achieve adequate autonomy.
The Influence of a New Food Waste Bio-Oil (FWBO) Rejuvenating Agent on Cracking Susceptibility of Aged Binder and RAP
Authors: Abdalla Ahmed , Faheem Ahmed , Ayranci Berk
Published: March 2022

This research aims to deliver a new promising asphalt binder rejuvenator developed from food waste to mitigate the effects of aging on the asphalt. The research relied on three different binders: two unmodified PG 64–22 binders and a Polymer Modified (PMA) PG 76–22 binder. Moreover, a field-extracted RAP binder is utilized in evaluating the rejuvenator’s efficiency. For this study, the proposed food waste bio-oil (FWBO) is compared against two market-available rejuvenators. The experimental program relied on aging control binder samples for each asphalt type with no rejuvenation using the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) test, followed by the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) test for 20 hours to create an Artificial RAP (ARAP) binder. Then, ARAP and RAP binders were blended with 5% by their weight with one of the two on-market rejuvenators (#1, #2) or the proposed FWBO rejuvenator. Testing results reveal that low-temperature relaxation was significantly improved for all the investigated samples after an additional PAV aging cycle, as Delta Tc values increased compared to the control binders. Further, samples’ master curves were used to calculate the Glover–Rowe (G-R) parameter, crossover frequency, and modulus (ωc, Gc*). The results clearly showed the ability of the FWBO to reduce the aging rate and improve the rheological properties of RAP binders. Further, the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) test showed that the new FWBO rejuvenator reduces the oxidation levels of the aged RAP binders, as suggested by the carbonyl index.
A Review of Medical Waste Management Systems in the Republic of Korea for Hospital and Medical Waste Generated from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yoon Cheol-Woo , Kim Min-Jung , Park Yoon-Su , Jeon Tae-Wan , Lee Min-Yong
Published: March 2022

With the increasing generation of medical waste worldwide, managing medical waste has become crucial, given its potential environmental and public health risks. Previously in the Republic of Korea, medical waste was often mixed with municipal waste and disposed of in residential landfills or unsuitable treatment facilities (e.g., improperly managed incinerators). Environmental regulators and waste producers have made extensive efforts in recent years to improve waste management at healthcare facilities. This study presents an overview of the status of medical waste management in Korea and discusses information on the generation, composition, separation, transportation, and treatment of medical waste. Incineration was confirmed to be the most preferred treatment method for medical waste and was the only one used until late 2005. Large-scale medical waste incinerators are used for treating medical waste from most medical facilities in Korea; however, with increasing regulations on toxic air emissions (e.g., dioxins and furans), air emission standards are being tightened for all existing small-scale incineration facilities without air pollution control. Since medical waste usually contains various plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride, these incinerators are highly likely to emit toxic air pollutants if improperly operated and managed. Waste minimization and recycling, control of toxic air emissions from medical waste incinerators, and alternative treatment methods to incineration are seen as major challenges. Incineration capacity cannot be expanded as quickly as the rising quantities of medical waste in Korea; thus, there is a growing need to reconsider the overall management system. Accordingly, we examined various medical waste treatment policies and methods that are being implemented in other countries, in addition to the main strategy of waste management. To determine preferable directions for the improvement of the medical waste management system, we investigated and compared the status of domestic and foreign waste management and proposed directions for improvement, focusing on several issues related to the current medical waste management system in Korea.
Investigation of Small-Scale Photovoltaic Systems for Optimum Performance under Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Youssef Mahmoud A. M. , Mohamed Abdelrahman M. , Khalaf Yaser A. , Mohamed Yehia S.
Published: March 2022

Not only are small photovoltaic (PV) systems widely used in poor countries and rural areas where the electrical loads are low but they can also be integrated into the national electricity grid to save electricity costs and reduce CO2 emissions. Partial shading (PS) is one of the phenomena that leads to a sharp decrease in the performance of PV systems. This study provides a comprehensive performance investigation of small systems (consisting of ten modules or fewer) under all possible shading patterns that result from one shading level (300 W/m2 is chosen). The most common configurations are considered for which a performance comparison is presented. Five small systems of different sizes are studied under PS. A new simplifying method is proposed to identify the distinct PS patterns under study. Consequently, the number of cases to be studied is significantly reduced from 1862 to 100 cases only. The study is conducted using the MATLAB/Simulink® environment. The simulation results demonstrate the most outperformed configuration in each case of PS pattern and the amount of improvement for each configuration. The configurations include static series-parallel (SP), static total-cross-tied (TCT), dynamic switching between SP and TCT, and TCT-reconfiguration. The study provides PV systems’ owners with a set of guidelines to opt for the best configuration of their PV systems. The optimum recommended configuration is TCT reconfiguration, rather than dynamic switching between SP and TCT. The less recommended option, which enjoys simplicity but is still viable, is the static TCT. It outperforms the static SP in most cases of PS patterns.
Factors Influencing Returning Migrants’ Entrepreneurship Intentions for Rural E-Commerce: An Empirical Investigation in China
Authors: Huang Lijuan , Huang Yi , Huang Raoyi , Xie Guojie , Cai Weiwei
Published: March 2022

Many Internet users have provided a favorable atmosphere for rural e-commerce to thrive, and the return of rural inhabitants starting their own companies has had a significant impact on rural economic development. Understanding the influencing elements for returning residents to carry out rural e-commerce operations can provide suggestions for the ongoing development of the economy in rural regions and the lack of talent faced in rural areas, especially in light of the trend of people returning to their hometowns. This work offers a research model based on the push–pull–mooring (PPM) theory to explain the factors that drive returning residents to engage in rural e-commerce entrepreneurship. The empirical results determined using the PLS-SEM method and SmartPLS 3.0 software to analyze the survey data of 151 returning residents revealed that urban employment obstacles, policy support, and infrastructure are positively connected with returning residents carrying out rural e-commerce entrepreneurship. Start-up costs are negatively correlated with rural e-commerce entrepreneurship by returning residents. Policy support plays an intermediary role in the price of starting a business and in the return of rural residents starting a rural e-commerce business. We recommend that the government strengthens policy support for returning entrepreneurs, improves rural e-commerce infrastructure, assists entrepreneurs in lowering their start-up costs, and initiates activities aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial intentions and sustaining entrepreneurial activities, based on the findings of this study.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Biochar on Organic Matter Mineralization and Carbon Accretion in Soil
Authors: Hasnat Momtahina , Alam Mohammad Ashraful , Khanam Mariam , Binte Bushra Islam , Kabir Mohammad Humayun , Alam Mohammad Saiful , Kamal Mohammed Zia Uddin , Rahman Golum Kibria Muhammad Mustafizur , Haque Mohammad Manjurul , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur
Published: March 2022

Soil carbon (C) mineralization was studied in an incubation experiment comprised of two factors having six organic materials and three nitrogen (N) rates. Cow dung (CD), rice straw (RS), wood ash (WA), cow dung biochar (CB), rice straw biochar (RB) and wood biochar (WB) considering 2.5 g C kg−1 soil along with three levels of N, i.e., 0, 0.05 and 0.10 g N kg−1 soil were mixed with 400 g of soil used in each pot. The pots were placed for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of incubation, and soils were collected after each incubation and analyzed for C and N. Irrespective of treatment factors, C decreased in an irregular fashion until 180 days of incubation. From the initial level of 1.91%, C contents decreased to 1.08, 1.10, 1.06, 1.23, 1.17 and 1.12% in soil mixed with CD, RS, WA, CB, RB and WB, respectively, and to 1.28, 1.11 and 0.99% in 0, 0.05 and 0.10 g N kg−1 soil, respectively, at 180 days of incubation. The mineralization followed the order of WA > CD > RS > WB > RB > CB. Biochars could supply stable C in soil, while N enhances mineralization; optimization of N is therefore essential to ensure soil C accretion.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of the Environmental Adaptability Efficiency of the Agricultural System in China
Authors: Tang Xianglong , Lu Chenyu , Meng Peng , Cheng Wei
Published: March 2022

Since its emergence, the development of agriculture has always been closely related to changes in the natural environment. The productivity and development of agriculture largely depend on natural conditions and agriculture and has an important impact on the environment. The development of modern conventional agriculture has also led to a series of ecological, economic, and social problems that threaten human development and sustenance. China has historically been heavily reliant on agriculture and provides food and clothing for approximately 22% of the world’s population while only accounting for 9% of the world’s cultivated land and 6% of freshwater resources. Since the 21st century, the agricultural development of China has faced increasing resource and environmental constraints due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Based on the perspective of efficiency evolution, data envelopment analysis (DEA) and spatial autocorrelation analysis (SAA) were used to test the environment adaptability efficiency within China’s agricultural systems across 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, and explore its temporal and spatial evolution patterns and characteristics. Our study thus possesses both theoretical and practical significance. Furthermore, this study would enable the development of methods to assess China’s agricultural systems, in addition to providing a theoretical basis and guidelines for the creation of sustainable agriculture development strategies both in China and in other countries and regions. The following are the main conclusions of this study: (1) from 2000 to 2018, the overall environmental adaptability efficiency within China’s agricultural systems exhibited a gradual upward trend, achieving a transition from medium-level efficiency towards high-level efficiency, and the environmental adaptability of agricultural systems continued to increase. However, a certain gap remained between the level achieved and the DEA’s level of effectiveness, and therefore additional efforts are required to close this gap. (2) The environmental adaptability efficiency within China’s agricultural system showed a significant positive correlation in spatial distribution. Particularly, clear spatial aggregation characteristics were observed at the provincial level, which was also characterized by strong features of spatial dependence and spatial heterogeneity. Moreover, the degree of spatial aggregation increased gradually over time. High-value areas were mainly located along the southeast coastal area, whereas low-value areas were primarily located in the inland areas of the northwest. Therefore, environmental adaptability efficiency generally followed a northwest-southeast spatial distribution.
Exploring the Intersection Where Business Models, a Circular Economy and Sustainability Meet in the Waste Economy: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hoffman Marlin , Schenck Catherina J. , Herbst Frederick
Published: March 2022

The authors endeavor to investigate the intersection and relationship between sustainability, business models and a circular economy. These three concepts are believed to be at the heart of finding a solution to creating and implementing a circular economy. The three pillars of sustainability (society, environment and economics) have been identified as the golden thread when applied to developing circular economies and the business models used in these circular economies. These three pillars highlighted the areas of intersection and engagement between the circular economy and business models. The three pillars, or stakeholders, need to be considered equally and, where there is sacrifice and benefits, they need to be balanced. A scoping review was chosen, as the starting point, to ascertain the literature in the field. The results of the scoping review showed a lack of research conducted at the point of intersection between these three fields. Finding a solution by creating and implementing a circular economy will have positive effects on the economy, environment and society, as there is, proverbially, “not much time left” and everyone in the process will sacrifice and benefit. The research has highlighted the need to explore the intersection and relationship between sustainability, business models and the circular economy as a concept, and future research should develop frameworks to guide the development and implementation of this intersection to include all relevant stakeholders.
Adaptive DMA Design and Operation under Multiscenarios in Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Bui Xuan Khoa , Jeong Gimoon , Kang Doosun
Published: March 2022

Water distribution network (WDN) is a human-centered infrastructure that is indispensable for modern cities worldwide. In addition to optimizing the operation and management (O&M) of WDNs under the current state, water utilities should be able to manage uncertain and risk conditions for improving their O&M efficiency. Although the disintegration of large WDNs into permanent district metered areas (DMAs) is an O&M innovation based on water leakage monitoring and pressure management, its network redundancy and reliability diminish under anomalous conditions. Therefore, this study proposed a design and operation procedure to obtain optimal, self-adaptive DMA configurations for various plausible abnormal scenarios. The proposed method is based on multiscenario simulation and optimization, comprising two phases: (1) design of optimal DMA layout for each scenario using the pressure uniformity index to optimize the placement of flow meters and gate valves, and (2) dynamic transformation of the base DMA configuration into an adaptive DMA layout adapting to abnormal conditions and optimization of the locations and statuses of the control valves. Moreover, we used a real-world WDN to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, and the obtained results revealed the efficiency and appropriate performance of the adaptive DMA layouts for sustainable adaptation of WDNs under anomalous conditions.
Government Intervention, Human Mobility, and COVID-19: A Causal Pathway Analysis from 121 Countries
Authors: Wang Feng , Ge Xing , Huang Danwen
Published: March 2022

Based on data from 121 countries, the study assesses the dynamic effect and causality path of the government epidemic prevention policies and human mobility behaviors on the growth rates of COVID-19 new cases and deaths. Our results find that both policies and behaviors influenced COVID-19 cases and deaths. The direct effect of policies on COVID-19 was more than the indirect effect. Policies influence behaviors, and behaviors react spontaneously to information. Further, masks give people a false sense of security and increase mobility. The close public transport policy increased COVID-19 new cases. We also conducted sensitivity analysis and found that some policies hold robustly, such as the policies of school closing, restrictions on gatherings, stay-at-home requirements, international travel controls, facial coverings, and vaccination. The counterfactual tests suggest that, as of early March 2021, if governments had mandated masking policies early in the epidemic, the cases and deaths would have been reduced by 18% and 14% separately. If governments had implemented vaccination policies early in the pandemic, the cases and deaths would have been reduced by 93% and 62%, respectively. Without public transportation closures, cases and deaths would have been reduced by 40% and 10%, respectively.
Citizen Participation and Climate Change within an Urban Community Context: Insights for Policy Development for Bottom-Up Climate Action Engagement
Authors: Chitsa Mufaro , Sivapalan Subarna , Singh Balbir Singh Mahinder , Lee Khai Ern
Published: March 2022

Citizen-led mitigation and adaptation are key to climate policy advancement and acceleration, particularly within an urban development context. The top-down approach requires the development of clear action plans for the involvement and engagement of citizens to accelerate bottom-up climate mitigation and adaptation efforts within the urban context. In Malaysia, there are national policy strategies such as the 12th Malaysia Plan, the National Urban Wellbeing Blueprint, the National Climate Change Policy, and the Malaysian New Urban Agenda. However, a successful implementation of climate policies can only be achieved when citizens are adequately socialized to policy impacts. This paper explores citizen perceptions and attitudes toward participation in mitigation and adaptation efforts for climate action within an urban context. Underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Transtheoretical Theory, this study explored the approach of citizen participation as a possible tool for assessing climate policy effectiveness for bottom-up climate mitigation and adaptation efforts within an urban context. The study was set within the Malaysian urban context, given the limited empirical evidence in the area. The findings of the study suggest that a bottom-up approach to citizen participation through education, awareness, and inclusive climate policy formulation procedures will result in positive attitudes toward citizen participation.
Production and Characterization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Wastewater via Mixed Microbial Cultures and Microalgae
Authors: Bagatella Simone , Ciapponi Riccardo , Ficara Elena , Frison Nicola , Turri Stefano
Published: March 2022

In the context of circular economy and sustainable production of materials, this project investigated the feasibility of producing sustainable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from microalgae and sludge used in the treatment of municipal wastewater. The overall process was studied looking at the main steps: microalgae production, fermentation of the biomass, production and characterization of the PHAs. It was possible to obtain blends of hydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers with high molecular weights and different compositions depending on the nature of the feedstock (mixed volatile fatty acids). In some cases, almost completely amorphous PHA materials were obtained, suggesting a potential diversification of uses and applications.
Investigation on Human Development Needs, Challenges, and Drivers for Transition to Sustainable Development: The Case of Qatar
Authors: Mohamed Btool H. , Disli Mustafa , Al-Sada Mohammed bin Saleh , Koç Muammer
Published: March 2022

Human development has been widely accepted as both the primary goal and driver of sustainable development. Human development is critically important for countries attempting a radical transformation from a resource-based economy to knowledge-based, sustainable development, like Qatar. This paper examines Qatar’s human development needs and challenges with respect to its economic, demographic, and educational development goals. Following a comprehensive literature review, domain-specific documentary information and data were collected and analyzed, along with qualitative insights and data obtained through semi-structured interviews with local professionals from various sectors, to gather opinions about the needs, challenges, drivers, and recommendations for human development. A preliminary integrated policy framework and set of recommendations for human development planning are proposed as a guide, for Qatar and similar countries, for transitioning from a resource-based economy to knowledge-based sustainable development. This framework and the understanding of the needs, challenges, and drivers based on the qualitative research, in conjunction and in comparison with the literature analysis, are expected to assist decision-makers in devising, and more importantly implementing, tailored policies and roadmaps focused on four key dimensions: skills (education), citizenship, leadership, and health.
A Study on the Optimization of In-Process Inspection Procedure for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Manufacturing Process
Authors: Yang Taho , Lin Shin-Yi , Hung Yu-Hsiu , Hong Chung-Chien
Published: March 2022

The in-process inspection procedure is one of the critical operations in the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing process. This study aims to improve the performance of the IPI service system in terms of three main criteria, namely service level, cycle time, and maximum tardy time. In solving this multiple-criteria decision-making problem, the proposed study seeks to redesign three process control factors, namely the service configuration, the dispatching rule, and the scheduling rule. The problem is solved using the Taguchi robust design methodology. Since the Taguchi method handles parameter design problems with only one criterion, Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution, a multiple-criteria decision-making method, is used to provide a surrogate response to the Taguchi method. The numerical results show that the redesigned IPI system improves the service level by 28.75%, the cycle time by 18.32%, and the maximum tardy time by 22.22%.
Quantum Circuits for the Preparation of Spin Eigenfunctions on Quantum Computers
Authors: Carbone Alessandro , Galli Davide Emilio , Motta Mario , Jones Barbara
Published: March 2022

The application of quantum algorithms to the study of many-particle quantum systems requires the ability to prepare wave functions that are relevant in the behavior of the system under study. Hamiltonian symmetries are important instruments used to classify relevant many-particle wave functions and to improve the efficiency of numerical simulations. In this work, quantum circuits for the exact and approximate preparation of total spin eigenfunctions on quantum computers are presented. Two different strategies are discussed and compared: exact recursive construction of total spin eigenfunctions based on the addition theorem of angular momentum, and heuristic approximation of total spin eigenfunctions based on the variational optimization of a suitable cost function. The construction of these quantum circuits is illustrated in detail, and the preparation of total spin eigenfunctions is demonstrated on IBM quantum devices, focusing on three- and five-spin systems on graphs with triangle connectivity.
Numerical Investigation of the Two-Dimensional Fredholm Integral Equations of the Second Kind by Bernstein Operators
Authors: Iyikal Ovgu Cidar
Published: March 2022

In this study, the numerical solutions of linear two-dimensional Fredholm integral equations of the second kind via Bernstein operators are considered. The method is presented with illustrative examples for regularized-equal and Chebyshev collocation points. The obtained numerical results from illustrative examples show that the proposed numerical algorithm is accurate and efficient for solving linear two-dimensional Fredholm integral equation of the second kind.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of a Nonlinear Rotating Cantilever Plate System
Authors: Chen Shuping , Zhang Danjin , Qian Youhua
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the bifurcation behavior and the stability of the rotating cantilever rectangular plate that is subjected to varying speed and centrifugal force. The local stability of the degenerated equilibrium of nonlinear system with symmetry is observed after analyzing the corresponding characteristic equation. In addition to complex phenomena such as static bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation, the 2-D torus bifurcation is investigated in this paper. Thereafter, the steady-state solutions and stability region are obtained using the center manifold theory and normal form method. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to show the nonlinear dynamical behaviors of the rotating cantilever rectangular plate.
Frequency Up-Conversion for Vibration Energy Harvesting: A Review
Authors: Li Xin , Hu Guobiao , Guo Zhenkun , Wang Junlei , Yang Yaowen , Liang Junrui
Published: March 2022

A considerable amount of ambient vibration energy spreads over an ultra-low frequency spectrum. However, conventional resonant-type linear energy harvesters usually operate within high and narrow frequency bands, which cannot match the frequencies of many vibration sources. If the excitation frequency deviates a bit from the natural frequency of an energy harvester, the energy harvesting performance will deteriorate drastically. Because of the ultra-low frequency characteristic, it is challenging to reliably harvest energy from the ambient vibrations. To address this mismatching issue, the ultra-low frequency ambient vibrations are converted into high-frequency oscillations using certain mechanical mechanisms, which are termed frequency up-conversion techniques. This paper reviews the existing approaches that can realize frequency up-conversion for enhancing energy harvesting from low-frequency vibration sources. According to their working mechanisms, the existing methods are classified into three categories: impact-based, plucking-based, and snap-through-based approaches. The working principles of the three approaches are explained in detail. Representative designs from all categories are reviewed. This overview on the state-of-the-art frequency up-conversion technology would guide the better design of future kinetic energy harvesting systems.
Phantom Validation of a Conservation of Activity-Based Partial Volume Correction Method for Arterial Input Function in Dynamic PET Imaging
Authors: Driscoll Brandon , Shek Tina , Vines Douglass , Sun Alex , Jaffray David , Yeung Ivan
Published: March 2022

Dynamic PET (dPET) imaging can be utilized to perform kinetic modelling of various physiologic processes, which are exploited by the constantly expanding range of targeted radiopharmaceuticals. To date, dPET remains primarily in the research realm due to a number of technical challenges, not least of which is addressing partial volume effects (PVE) in the input function. We propose a series of equations for the correction of PVE in the input function and present the results of a validation study, based on a purpose built phantom. 18F-dPET experiments were performed using the phantom on a set of flow tubes representing large arteries, such as the aorta (1” 2.54 cm ID), down to smaller vessels, such as the iliac arteries and veins (1/4” 0.635 cm ID). When applied to the dPET experimental images, the PVE correction equations were able to successfully correct the image-derived input functions by as much as 59 ± 35% in the presence of background, which resulted in image-derived area under the curve (AUC) values within 8 ± 9% of ground truth AUC. The peak heights were similarly well corrected to within 9 ± 10% of the scaled DCE-CT curves. The same equations were then successfully applied to correct patient input functions in the aorta and internal iliac artery/vein. These straightforward algorithms can be applied to dPET images from any PET-CT scanner to restore the input function back to a more clinically representative value, without the need for high-end Time of Flight systems or Point Spread Function correction algorithms.
Special Issue “Endemic Arboviruses”
Authors: Musso Didier , Rousset Dominique , Peyrefitte Christophe
Published: March 2022

Arthropod-borne viruses (Arbovirus) is an ecological term defining viruses that are maintained in nature through biological transmission between a susceptible vertebrate host and a hematophagous arthropod such as a mosquito [...]