bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of the Hydrogen-Based Directly Reduced Iron Melting Process
Authors: Lin Xiaoping , Ni Bing , Shangguan Fangqin
Published: March 2024

In the context of carbon reduction and emission reduction, the new process of electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking based on direct hydrogen reduction is an important potential method for the green and sustainable development of the steel industry. Within an electric furnace for the hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron, after hydrogen-based directly reduced iron (HDRI) is produced through a shaft furnace, HDRI is melted or smelted in an EAF to form final products such as high-purity iron or high-end special steel. As smelting proceeds in the electric furnace, it is easy for pieces of HDRI to bond to each other and become larger pieces; they may even form an “iceberg”, and this phenomenon may then worsen the smelting working conditions. Therefore, the melting of HDRI is the key to affecting the smelting cycle and energy consumption of EAFs. In this study, based on the basic characteristics of HDRI, we established an HDRI melting model using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 and studied the HDRI melting process, utilizing pellets with a radius of 8 mm. The results of our simulation show that the HDRI melting process can be divided into three different stages: generating a solidified steel layer, melting the solidified steel layer, and melting HDRI bodies. Moreover, multiple HDRI processes are prone to bonding in the melting process. Increasing the spacing between pieces of HDRI and increasing the preheating temperature used on the HDRI can effectively reduce the aforementioned bonding phenomenon. When the melting pool temperature is 1873 K, increasing the spacing of HDRI to 10 mm and increasing the initial HDRI temperature to 973 K was shown to effectively reduce or eliminate the bonding phenomenon among pieces of HDRI. In addition, with the increase in the melting pool temperature, the time required for melting within the three stages of the HDRI melting process shortened, and the melting speed was accelerated. With the increase in the temperature used to preheat the HDRI, the duration of the solidified steel layer’s existence was also shortened, but this had no significant impact on the time required for the complete melting of HDRI. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of the HDRI process within EAFs.
Benefits of Citizen Science for Libraries
Authors: Mumelaš Dolores , Martek Alisa
Published: March 2024

Participating in collaborative scientific research through citizen science, a component of open science, holds significance for both citizen scientists and professional researchers. Yet, the advantages for those orchestrating citizen science initiatives are often overlooked. Organizers encompass a diverse range, including governmental entities, non-governmental organizations, corporations, universities, and institutions like libraries. For libraries, citizen science holds importance by fostering heightened civic and research interests, promoting scientific publishing, and contributing to overall scientific progress. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific ways in which citizen science can benefit libraries and how libraries can effectively utilize citizen science to achieve their goals. The paper is based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles that discuss the direct benefits of citizen science on libraries. A list of the main benefits of citizen science for libraries has been compiled from the literature. Additionally, the reasons why it is crucial for libraries to communicate the benefits of citizen science for their operations have been highlighted, particularly in terms of encouraging other libraries to actively engage in citizen science projects.
Analytical and Numerical Thermodynamic Equilibrium Simulations of Steam Methane Reforming: A Comparison Study
Authors: Varandas Bruno , Oliveira Miguel , Borges Amadeu
Published: March 2024

Computer simulation is a crucial element in the design of chemical processes. Although numerous commercial software options are widely recognized, the expense associated with acquiring and sustaining valid software licenses can be prohibitive. In contrast, open-source software, being freely available, provides an opportunity for individuals to study, review, and modify simulation models. This accessibility fosters technology transfer and facilitates knowledge dissemination, benefiting both academic and industrial domains. In this study, a thermodynamic equilibrium steady-state analysis of steam methane reforming using a natural-gas-like intake fuel was conducted. An analytical method was developed on the Microsoft Excel platform, utilizing the material balance equations system. The obtained results were compared to numerical methods employing the free-of-charge chemical process simulation software COCO and DWSIM. The investigation explored the influence of temperature, pressure, and steam-to-carbon ratio to determine optimal operating conditions. The findings suggest that higher temperatures and lower pressures are highly favorable for this process, considering that the choice of steam-to-carbon ratio depends on the desired conversion, with a potential disadvantage of coke formation at lower values. Consistent results were obtained through both analytical and numerical methods. Notably, simulations performed using DWSIM showed a deviation of 6.42% on average compared to COCO values. However, it was observed that the analytical method tended to overestimate the results by an average of 3.01% when compared to the simulated results from COCO, highlighting the limitations of this analytical approach.
Inculturation at Home: The Belgian Catholic Project for Chinese Students (1920–1930s)
Authors: Pan Zhiyuan
Published: March 2024

Initiated by Vincent Lebbe in 1920, the Belgian Catholic project for Chinese students was a harbinger of inculturation. Contrary to the impression that the Catholic Church reacted slowly to the demand of indigenisation in the early twentieth century, this article demonstrates that a project specifically designed for Chinese students had already been prepared for this purpose back in Belgium. In other words, through the fostering of intercultural understanding and personal contacts between students abroad and home communities, the Belgian Catholic project became part of the Leuven school’s missiological initiative, which was meant to realise Church implantation in mission countries. In order to maximise the contacts between young Chinese intellectuals and the Belgian Catholic milieu, Lebbe and his associates strategically anchored their cause into the allocation of the Sino-Belgian Indemnity Scholarship, despite stiff competition. The Catholic efforts to encourage a sense of unity evoked sympathy in Belgian society towards China, and in time contributed to charitable support for war victims at the beginning of the Sino-Japanese War. Though originally driven by evangelical purposes and ideological challenges, the spirit of inculturation gave rise to an awareness of human solidarity, a legacy worthy of a true apostolate.
Utilization of Biomass Waste at Water Treatment
Authors: Cansado Isabel Pestana da Paixão , Geraldo Pedro Francisco , Mourão Paulo Alexandre Mira , Castanheiro José Eduardo , Carreiro Elisabete Palma , Suhas
Published: March 2024

This work presents some preliminary results on the direct use of untreated biomass from agricultural activities as adsorbents for water treatment. Waste was also used to produce activated carbons (ACs) by chemical activation with KOH. The efficacy of agricultural waste such as stubble, sawdust from Teak (Tectona Grandis), fibers from Imbondeiro (Adansonia digitata L.), bamboo flowers, and other regional plants were tested on methylene blue (MB) removal from the aqueous phase. Adsorption studies were conducted in a batch system and the influence of kinetics, pH, and temperature was evaluated. The adsorption performance of the natural adsorbents was significantly high concerning MB. In particular, Imbondeiro presented a maximum removal capacity of 188.3 mg per gram. This amount was similar to or even higher than the values obtained on ACs produced by their predecessors at 873 K. The studies were finished by constructing slow filters containing natural adsorbents or ACs. The maximum amounts of MB removed on a continuous flux were lower than those obtained for a diversity of untreated biomass types on a batch system. However, these amounts were comparable to the published results obtained on a diversity of untreated biomasses in batch mode.
Integrating NDVI-Based Within-Wetland Vegetation Classification in a Land Surface Model Improves Methane Emission Estimations
Authors: Yazbeck Theresia , Bohrer Gil , Shchehlov Oleksandr , Ward Eric , Bordelon Robert , Villa Jorge A. , Ju Yang
Published: March 2024

Earth system models (ESMs) are a common tool for estimating local and global greenhouse gas emissions under current and projected future conditions. Efforts are underway to expand the representation of wetlands in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) Land Model (ELM) by resolving the simultaneous contributions to greenhouse gas fluxes from multiple, different, sub-grid-scale patch-types, representing different eco-hydrological patches within a wetland. However, for this effort to be effective, it should be coupled with the detection and mapping of within-wetland eco-hydrological patches in real-world wetlands, providing models with corresponding information about vegetation cover. In this short communication, we describe the application of a recently developed NDVI-based method for within-wetland vegetation classification on a coastal wetland in Louisiana and the use of the resulting yearly vegetation cover as input for ELM simulations. Processed Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) datasets were used to drive the sub-grid composition of simulated wetland vegetation each year, thus tracking the spatial heterogeneity of wetlands at sufficient spatial and temporal resolutions and providing necessary input for improving the estimation of methane emissions from wetlands. Our results show that including NDVI-based classification in an ELM reduced the uncertainty in predicted methane flux by decreasing the model’s RMSE when compared to Eddy Covariance measurements, while a minimal bias was introduced due to the resampling technique involved in processing HLS data. Our study shows promising results in integrating the remote sensing-based classification of within-wetland vegetation cover into earth system models, while improving their performances toward more accurate predictions of important greenhouse gas emissions.
A Multi-Sensor Approach to Characterize Winter Water-Level Drawdown Patterns in Lakes
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Roy Allison H. , Andreadis Konstantinos M. , He Xinchen , Butler Caitlyn
Published: March 2024

Artificial manipulation of lake water levels through practices like winter water-level drawdown (WD) is prevalent across many regions, but the spatiotemporal patterns are not well documented due to limited in situ monitoring. Multi-sensor satellite remote sensing provides an opportunity to map and analyze drawdown frequency and metrics (timing, magnitude, duration) at broad scales. This study developed a cloud computing framework to process time series of synthetic aperture radar (Sentinel 1-SAR) and optical sensor (Landsat 8, Sentinel 2) data to characterize WD in 166 lakes across Massachusetts, USA, during 2016–2021. Comparisons with in situ logger data showed that the Sentinel 1-derived surface water area captured relative water-level fluctuations indicative of WD. A machine learning approach classified lakes as WD versus non-WD based on seasonal water-level fluctuations derived from Sentinel 1-SAR data. The framework mapped WD lakes statewide, revealing prevalence throughout Massachusetts with interannual variability. Results showed WDs occurred in over 75% of lakes during the study period, with high interannual variability in the number of lakes conducting WD. Mean WD magnitude was highest in the wettest year (2018) but % lake area exposure did not show any association with precipitation and varied between 8% to 12% over the 5-year period. WD start date was later and duration was longer in wet years, indicating climate mediation of WD implementation driven by management decisions. The data and tools developed provide an objective information resource to evaluate ecological impacts and guide management of this prevalent but understudied phenomenon. Overall, the results and interactive web tool developed as part of this study provide new hydrologic intelligence to inform water management and policies related to WD practices.
A Novel Multimodal Fusion Framework Based on Point Cloud Registration for Near-Field 3D SAR Perception
Authors: Zeng Tianjiao , Zhang Wensi , Zhan Xu , Xu Xiaowo , Liu Ziyang , Wang Baoyou , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: March 2024

This study introduces a pioneering multimodal fusion framework to enhance near-field 3D Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging, crucial for applications like radar cross-section measurement and concealed object detection. Traditional near-field 3D SAR imaging struggles with issues like target–background confusion due to clutter and multipath interference, shape distortion from high sidelobes, and lack of color and texture information, all of which impede effective target recognition and scattering diagnosis. The proposed approach presents the first known application of multimodal fusion in near-field 3D SAR imaging, integrating LiDAR and optical camera data to overcome its inherent limitations. The framework comprises data preprocessing, point cloud registration, and data fusion, where registration between multi-sensor data is the core of effective integration. Recognizing the inadequacy of traditional registration methods in handling varying data formats, noise, and resolution differences, particularly between near-field 3D SAR and other sensors, this work introduces a novel three-stage registration process to effectively address these challenges. First, the approach designs a structure–intensity-constrained centroid distance detector, enabling key point extraction that reduces heterogeneity and accelerates the process. Second, a sample consensus initial alignment algorithm with SHOT features and geometric relationship constraints is proposed for enhanced coarse registration. Finally, the fine registration phase employs adaptive thresholding in the iterative closest point algorithm for precise and efficient data alignment. Both visual and quantitative analyses of measured data demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. The experimental results show significant improvements in registration accuracy and efficiency, laying the groundwork for future multimodal fusion advancements in near-field 3D SAR imaging.
Mapping Leaf Area Index at Various Rice Growth Stages in Southern India Using Airborne Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Prabhakar Mathyam , Gopinath Kodigal A. , Ravi Kumar Nakka , Thirupathi Merugu , Sai Sravan Uppu , Srasvan Kumar Golla , Samba Siva Gutti , Chandana Pebbeti , Singh Vinod Kumar
Published: March 2024

Globally, rice is one of the most important staple food crops. The most significant metric for evaluating the rice growth and productivity is the Leaf Area Index (LAI), which can be effectively monitored using remote sensing data. Hyperspectral remote sensing provides contiguous bands at narrow wavelengths for mapping LAI at various rice phenological stages, and it is functionally related to canopy spectral reflectance. Hyperspectral signatures for different phases of rice crop growth was recorded using Airborne Visible Near-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) along with corresponding ground based observations. Ground-based hyperspectral canopy spectral reflectance measurements were recorded with FieldSpec 3 Hi-Res spectroradiometer (ASD Inc., Forsyth County, GA, USA; spectral range: 350–2500 nm) and LAI data from 132 farmer’s fields in Southern India. Among 29 hyperspectral vegetation indices tested, 8 were found promising for mapping rice LAI at various phenological stages. Among all the growth stages, the elongation stage was the most accurately estimated using vegetation indices that exhibited a significant correlation with the airborne hyperspectral reflectance. The validation of hyperspectral vegetation indices revealed that the best fit model for estimating rice LAI was mND705 (red-edge, blue, and NIR bands) at seedling and elongation, SAVI (red and NIR bands) at tillering and WDRVI (red and NIR bands) at booting stage.
Granite Extraction Based on the SDGSAT-1 Satellite Thermal Infrared Spectrometer Imagery
Authors: Yuan Boqi , Wang Qinjun , Yang Jingyi , Xu Wentao , He Chaokang
Published: March 2024

Earth observation by remote sensing plays a crucial role in granite extraction, and many current studies use thermal infrared data from sensors such as ASTER. The challenge lies in the low spatial resolution of these satellites, hindering precise rock type identification. A breakthrough emerges with the Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (TIS) on the Sustainable Development Science Satellite 1 (SDGSAT-1) launched by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. With an exceptional 30 m spatial resolution, SDGSAT-1 TIS opens avenues for accurate granite extraction using remote sensing. This study, exemplified in Xinjiang’s Karamay region, introduces the BR-ISauvola method, leveraging SDGSAT-1 TIS data. The approach combines band ratio with adaptive k-value selection using local grayscale statistical features for Sauvola thresholding. Focused on large-scale granite extraction, results show F1 scores above 70% for Otsu, Sauvola, and BR-ISauvola. Notably, BR-ISauvola achieves the highest accuracy at 82.11%, surpassing Otsu and Sauvola by 9.62% and 0.34%, respectively. This underscores the potential of SDGSAT-1 TIS data as a valuable resource for granite extraction. The proposed method efficiently utilizes spectral information, presenting a novel approach for rapid granite extraction using remote sensing TIS imagery, even in scenarios with low spectral resolution and a single data source.
Development and Analysis of an Origami-Based Elastomeric Actuator and Soft Gripper Control with Machine Learning and EMG Sensors
Authors: Wang Meixin , Lee Wonhyong , Shu Liqi , Kim Yong Sin , Park Chung Hyuk
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the characteristics of a novel origami-based, elastomeric actuator and a soft gripper, which are controlled by hand gestures that are recognized through machine learning algorithms. The lightweight paper–elastomer structure employed in this research exhibits distinct actuation features in four key areas: (1) It requires approximately 20% less pressure for the same bending amplitude compared to pneumatic network actuators (Pneu-Net) of equivalent weight, and even less pressure compared to other actuators with non-linear bending behavior; (2) The control of the device is examined by validating the relationship between pressure and the bending angle, as well as the interaction force and pressure at a fixed bending angle; (3) A soft robotic gripper comprising three actuators is designed. Enveloping and pinch grasping experiments are conducted on various shapes, which demonstrate the gripper’s potential in handling a wide range of objects for numerous applications; and (4) A gesture recognition algorithm is developed to control the gripper using electromyogram (EMG) signals from the user’s muscles.
A Review: High-Precision Angle Measurement Technologies
Authors: Wang Shengtong , Ma Rui , Cao Feifan , Luo Linbin , Li Xinghui
Published: March 2024

Angle measurement is an essential component of precision measurement and serves as a crucial prerequisite for high-end manufacturing. It guides the implementation of precision manufacturing and assembly. The current angle measurement methods mainly focus on multiple axes, high precision, and large measurement ranges. This article introduces the technology of angle measurement from the perspectives of single-axis and multi-axis measurement schemes. Firstly, the single-axis measurement scheme is primarily achieved through optical methods, such as encoder discs that measure energy changes and interferometric phase changes, as well as mechanical, electromagnetic, and inertial angle measurement methods, among which interferometric methods offer the highest accuracy, with high cost, and encoder discs provide the largest measurement range with an ordinary price. Secondly, in the multi-axis measurement scheme, autocollimation instruments, including plane mirrors, gratings, and self-designed targets, are the main options. Although grating encoders can achieve three degrees of freedom in angle measurement with an ordinary price, they are limited in terms of measurement range and sensitivity compared to self-designed targets. Lastly, artificial intelligence assistance precision measurement is increasingly being embraced due to significant advancements in computer performance, making it more convenient to identify the relationship between measured values and detection values. In conclusion, angle measurement plays a crucial role in precision manufacturing, and the evolving and improving technologies provide the manufacturing industry with greater choices. The purpose of this review is to help readers quickly find more suitable technical solutions according to current application requirements, such as single/multiple axes, accuracy level, measuring range, budget, etc.
Embedded Wireless Sensor for In Situ Concrete Internal Relative Humidity Monitoring
Authors: Ikumi Tai , Cairó Ignasi , Groeneveld Jan , Aguado Antonio , de la Fuente Albert
Published: March 2024

The moisture content within the concrete pore network significantly influences the mechanical, thermal, and durability characteristics of concrete structures. This paper introduces a novel fully embedded wireless temperature and relative humidity sensor connected to an automatic acquisition system designed for continuous concrete monitoring. Relative humidity measurements from this new sensor are compared with those obtained by a commercial system based on the borehole method at different depths (2.5 and 4.0 cm) and exposure conditions (oven drying and humid chamber). The results allow for proving that both systems provide consistent internal relative humidity measurements aligned with the exposure conditions and highlight the capability of fully embedded wireless sensors as a practical and reliable alternative to the conventional borehole method. Additionally, the continuous monitoring of the wireless cast-in sensor exhibits reliability during unintended temperature fluctuations, emphasizing the effectiveness of permanently installed sensors in promptly detecting unintended curing variations in real time. The continuous real-time information provided combined with the practicality of these sensors might assist construction managers to improve the quality control of the concrete curing process and shrinkage behavior, and ensure the integrity of concrete surface finishing.
Lightweight Knowledge Distillation-Based Transfer Learning Framework for Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Lu Ruijia , Liu Shuzhi , Gong Zisu , Xu Chengcheng , Ma Zonghe , Zhong Yiqi , Li Baojian
Published: March 2024

Compared to fault diagnosis across operating conditions, the differences in data distribution between devices are more pronounced and better aligned with practical application needs. However, current research on transfer learning inadequately addresses fault diagnosis issues across devices. To better balance the relationship between computational resources and diagnostic accuracy, a knowledge distillation-based lightweight transfer learning framework for rolling bearing diagnosis is proposed in this study. Specifically, a deep teacher–student model based on variable-scale residual networks is constructed to learn domain-invariant features relevant to fault classification within both the source and target domain data. Subsequently, a knowledge distillation framework incorporating a temperature factor is established to transfer fault features learned by the large teacher model in the source domain to the smaller student model, thereby reducing computational and parameter overhead. Finally, a multi-kernel domain adaptation method is employed to capture the feature probability distribution distance of fault characteristics between the source and target domains in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS), and domain-invariant features are learned by minimizing the distribution distance between them. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method in situations of incomplete data across device types were validated through two engineering cases, spanning device models and transitioning from laboratory equipment to real-world operational devices.
Polar Decomposition of Jones Matrix and Mueller Matrix of Coherent Rayleigh Backscattering in Single-Mode Fibers
Authors: Dong Hui , Zhang Hailiang , Hu Dora Juan Juan
Published: March 2024

The Jones matrix and the Mueller matrix of the coherent Rayleigh backscattering (RB) in single-mode fibers (SMFs) have been derived recently. It has been shown that both matrices depict two polarization effects—birefringence and polarization-dependent loss (PDL)—although the SMF under investigation is purely birefringent, having no PDL. In this paper, we aim to perform a theoretical analysis of both matrices using polar decomposition. The derived sub-Jones/Mueller matrices, representing birefringence and PDL, respectively, can be used to investigate the polarization properties of the coherent RB. As an application of the theoretical results, we use the derived formulas to investigate the polarization properties of the optical signals in phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (φ-OTDR). For the first time, to our knowledge, by using the derived birefringence–Jones matrix, the common optical phase of the optical signal in φ-OTDR is obtained as the function of the forward phase and birefringence distributions. By using the derived PDL–Mueller matrix, the optical intensity of the optical signal in φ-OTDR is obtained as the function of the forward phase and birefringence distributions as well as the input state of polarization (SOP). Further theoretical predictions show that, in φ-OTDR, the common optical phase depends on only the local birefringence in the first half of the fiber section, which is occupied by the sensing pulse, irrelevant of the input SOP. However, the intensity of the φ-OTDR signal is not a local parameter, which depends on the input SOP and the birefringence distribution along the entire fiber section before the optical pulse. Moreover, the PDL measured in φ-OTDR is theoretically proven to be a local parameter, which is determined by the local birefringence and local optical phase distributions.
A Multi-Agent System for Service Provisioning in an Internet-of-Things Smart Space Based on User Preferences
Authors: Mandaric Katarina , Keselj Dilberovic Ana , Jezic Gordan
Published: March 2024

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) is critical to the advancement of ambient intelligence (AmI), as it enables systems to understand contextual information and react accordingly. While many solutions focus on user-centric services that provide enhanced comfort and support, few expand on scenarios in which multiple users are present simultaneously, leaving a significant gap in service provisioning. To address this problem, this paper presents a multi-agent system in which software agents, aware of context, advocate for their users’ preferences and negotiate service settings to achieve solutions that satisfy everyone, taking into account users’ flexibility. The proposed negotiation algorithm is illustrated through a smart lighting use case, and the results are analyzed in terms of the concrete preferences defined by the user and the selected settings resulting from the negotiation in regard to user flexibility.
Examining Financial Hardship and Caregiver Subgroups in Kinship Foster Placements: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Johnson Imani Careese , Achulo Solomon Hadi , Brevard Kanisha Coleman , Ansong David
Published: March 2024

Children placed with kinship foster parents can experience less disruption and stronger family ties than children in non-kinship placements. However, financial hardship can restrict kinship caregivers from taking in relatives’ children. This study investigated (1) kinship caregivers’ financial standing compared to a national subsample of caregivers and (2) whether certain factors moderate the likelihood that a kinship caregiver will be able to provide care for additional non-relative children without additional financial assistance from the Department of Social Services (DSS). This study utilized primary data from 345 relatives across North Carolina and nationally representative secondary data on 6394 individuals’ financial circumstances. One-sample t-tests and chi-square goodness-of-fit tests revealed that caregivers who participated in our study generally fared better financially than caregivers at the national level. Model-based recursive partitioning results showed that if an additional child is placed in the home, the caregiver’s perceived capacity to provide care without extra DSS support decreased by approximately 19%, with a greater decrease (35%) among a subgroup of caregivers with low financial well-being status. The heterogeneity in caregivers’ experiences, capacities, and financial needs buttresses the need for nuanced interventions and programs targeting these caregivers, enabling them to provide more stable care for children placed in their homes.
The Risk of Eating Disorders in Adolescent Athletes: How We Might Address This Phenomenon?
Authors: Rojas-Padilla Isabel Cristina , Portela-Pino Iago , Martínez-Patiño María José
Published: March 2024

Eating disorders are psychiatric and behavioral health pathologies of high complexity and different etiology, which can affect age groups, sexes, and ethnicities indistinctly. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of eating disorders and the possible relation with the sports profile of Colombian adolescent athletes. This was an exploratory cross-sectional quantitative study that used an online form designed with a sociodemographic questionnaire and the EAT-26 scale to determine the eating disorder risk of the object population. A total of 354 adolescent athletes participated. There were 182 men and 172 women and the mean age was 15.59 (range: 10–19 years, SD = 1.938). The participants presented a significantly low risk of eating disorders (21.2%) with no differences in prevalence between both sexes. The risk of eating disorder was related to the result of the last competition (p = 0.01), the type of sport (p = 0.032), the years of sports practice (p = 0.004), and the number of training hours a day (p = 0.011). It is relevant to recognize that adolescents and athletes are vulnerable populations regarding eating disorders. In conclusion, adolescent athletes should be the object of special attention to prevent eating disorders and their consequences on health and sports performance.
Save the Day: How the Dissemination of Tourism Crises Can Reinvigorate a Tourism Destination Image after the Seoul Halloween Crowd Crush
Authors: Xu Xiaojun , Cheng Guanghui
Published: March 2024

For tourism crises, social media present a double-edged sword: while disseminating the damage caused by tourism crises, it also has the potential to enhance the destination’s visibility and serve as a promotional tool. So, we cannot entirely negate the dissemination of tourism crises but rather proactively utilize its positive aspects to promote the sustainable development of the tourism destination image (TDI). Crisis events caused by management mistakes can be particularly damaging to people’s trust in destination management organizations (DMOs), and a crowd crush is a common and highly damaging type of tourism crisis caused by public management mistakes. Thus, the purpose of this study is to summarize the factors that may positively influence TDI in the dissemination of tourism crises such as the Seoul Halloween crowd crush. This study takes the Seoul Halloween crowd crush as an example and constructs a theoretical model based on information ecology theory. The relationships of variables in the model were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The results show that information transparency, subject authority, and social media interactivity positively influence an organic cognitive image. Social connection and social media interactivity positively influence this organic affective image. Finally, this study provides targeted recommendations for DMOs, which is important for the restoration of TDI after crises.
Online, Experiential Sustainability Education Can Improve Students’ Self-Reported Environmental Attitudes, Behaviours and Wellbeing
Authors: Douglas Francesca , Beasy Kim , Sollis Kate , Flies Emily J.
Published: March 2024

Educating for sustainability is a critical step in moving towards a more sustainable future for humanity. As higher education moves into the online space, education for sustainability can reach larger and more diverse audiences; the University of Tasmania’s Diploma of Sustainable Living is one such example. However, while sustainability education has the potential to impact student attitudes and behaviours about sustainability, these impacts are rarely evaluated. Here, we present the outcome of a study evaluating the impacts of taking a fully online unit, Backyard Biodiversity (KPZ006), part of the Diploma of Sustainable Living. In this study, we analyse 265 paired, before-after surveys to examine changes in student biodiversity knowledge, attitudes (including connectedness to nature), pro-environmental behaviours, and wellbeing. We found statistically significant increases in students’ subjective knowledge and agency around biodiversity management and sustainability attitudes, including the perceived importance of biodiversity and nature connectedness. Students also reported more pro-environmental behaviours after taking the unit and many believed that taking the unit improved their wellbeing. We attribute these impacts to the unit design, which emphasised nature-based experiential learning designed to facilitate wellbeing benefits. While this study is specific to our online unit and the students who completed the survey, the results suggest that sustainability education—even fully online units—if carefully designed can create real-world impacts for sustainability and student wellbeing.
Fintech Service Quality of Saudi Banks: Digital Transformation and Awareness in Satisfaction, Re-Use Intentions, and the Sustainable Performance of Firms
Authors: Aldaarmi Abdulaziz Adel
Published: March 2024

The present study examined the effects of the service quality regarding fintech and customer satisfaction on the sustainable bank performance, with digital transformation and digital awareness as the mediator and moderator in the Saudi Arabian banks. Using an online survey questionnaire, data were collected from 306 customers and an equal number of customer care officers, resulting in a 62.58% response rate. The findings revealed that the tangibles, reliability, and empathy about the fintech services significantly influence customer satisfaction. However, assurance and responsiveness did not significantly influence customer satisfaction. The results also showed that customer satisfaction regarding fintech services significantly and positively influences the intention to re-use fintech services, indicating the centrality of maintaining a high customer satisfaction for retention. Interestingly, while the intention to re-use fintech was directly linked to the sustainable performance of banks, the direct impact of digital transformation on the performance was not significant. Additionally, digital awareness about using fintech services significantly and positively influences the sustainable bank performance. The study also tested the moderating effect of digital awareness between customer satisfaction and sustainable performance, but the relationship was not significant. By offering the study’s novel findings, this research underscores the implications of fintech adoption and its quality dimensions on bank performances in the Saudi context.
Evaluating Drivers and Barriers of Integrated Waste Management System Implementation in Indonesian Construction Industry: A DEMATEL-Based Analytical Network Process
Authors: Izzati Savina Nur , Ardi Romadhani , Kim Sunkuk , Putri Shafira Arindra
Published: March 2024

The growth of construction industries in Indonesia creates an increasing level of generated construction waste. The limited implementation of ISO 14001 in the Indonesian construction industry might indicate the limited implementation of waste management based on sustainability principles. Therefore, this study aims to explore the drivers and barriers to implementing integrated waste management in construction industries. The Content Validity Index (CVI) and Modified Kappa methods were utilized to validate the indicators from the literature review. A total of 18 driver factors and 21 barrier factors in six dimensions were assessed by seven experts. This study then employs the decision-making evaluation and laboratory-based analytical network process (DEMATEL-based ANP) to find the weight and relation between each indicator and dimension. The results show that environmental awareness is the most important factor that drives construction industries to implement waste management in their company. In contrast, a lack of education about waste management is the most significant factor that inhibits construction industries from implementing sound waste management systems.
Forage Preference, Voluntary Intake, and In Vivo Digestibility of Six Tropical Tree Leaves by Sheep in Semi-Arid Areas in Benin Republic (West Africa)
Authors: Gninkplékpo Euvrard L. R. , Koura Bossima Ivan , Lesse Paolo D. A. , Yaoïtcha Alain , Accalogoun Jodelet , Hornick Jean-Luc , Cabaraux Jean-François , Houinato Marcel R. B.
Published: March 2024

Livestock supplementation with forage trees is becoming a sustainable alternative to traditional grazing on the open pastures during the dry season in Benin. However, little is known about the feeding preferences of sheep and the digestibility of such native tree/shrub fodder. Such knowledge could improve their use on smallholder farms. Multiple-choice feeding preference tests were conducted on six tree fodders (Annona senegalensis, Blighia sapida, Cassia sieberiana, Gmelina arborea, Khaya senegalensis, and Mangifera indica) to determine the best choice to feed the local rams and ewe Djallonke sheep. The cafeteria test involved four rams and four ewes. In addition, an in vivo trial using metabolic cages was conducted to evaluate the voluntary intake of dried woody leaves and the dry matter digestibility of diets containing these dried leaves. Preferences varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) according to the woody species. Based on relative intake values, sheep preferred, in decreasing order, the leaves of M. indica, B. sapida, K. senegalensis, G. arborea, A. senegalensis, and C. sieberiana. The apparent digestibility of dry matter was highest (p ≤ 0.01) in the G. arborea diet (86.8%); all diets presented a value higher than 70%. This study provided helpful information about better resource utilization to improve animal productivity. Further study could evaluate the growth performance of sheep supplemented with tree fodder.
Exploring the Importance of Destination Attributes of Sustainable Urban Waterfronts: Text and Data Mining of Tourists’ Online Reviews
Authors: Wang Wei-Ching , Lin Chung-Hsien
Published: March 2024

This study identifies the destination attributes of sustainable urban waterfronts that are frequently mentioned in tourists’ online reviews. We analyzed the influence of these attributes on tourists’ ratings based on stimuli–organism–response theory, and the associations between these destination attributes. The online reviews (both text reviews and star ratings) from TripAdvisor and Google Maps of the sustainable waterfront destinations of the Liuchuan and Luchuan rivers in Taichung city (Taiwan) were collected and analyzed through text and data mining. Destination attributes were grouped into two types: sustainable landscapes (aesthetics, water resource rehabilitation, sustainable lighting, emotional experiences, and low-impact development waterfronts) and sustainable recreational spaces (leisure activities, festivals, inclusive destinations, photography, and tourist experiences). Two destination attributes common to-- both types were identified: nightscapes and waterfronts. These attributes predicted tourists’ ratings through support vector machine analysis. Sensitivity analysis revealed that sustainable landscape-type attributes had a greater impact on tourists’ ratings than the sustainable recreational space type. In addition, three important association rules between twelve attributes were identified and these helped provide information pattern combination attributes from tourists’ comments with support and confidence for the destination attributes. These findings will contribute to urban planning and design in relation to sustainable waterfront destinations. They highlight the need for planners to consider both tourists’ landscapes and recreational needs in order to achieve economic and ecological sustainability.
Scientific Holism: A Synoptic (“Two-Eyed Seeing”) Approach to Science Transfer in Education for Sustainable Development, Tested with Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Zeyer Albert
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a synoptic (“Two-Eyed Seeing”) approach to science transfer in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), based on an ontological framework inspired by two related concepts from Western philosophy (Sellars’ synoptic view) and indigenous wisdom (Two-Eyed Seeing). It was tested and further developed in a participatory research process with first year student science teachers. The results show that this model can support a balanced approach between a scientific and a holistic perspective at each stage of the teaching process—preparation, implementation and assessment—and help to integrate sustainability issues consistently into science lessons. In the course of the research process, the model has developed into a viable educational tool that distinguishes between a person-oriented lifeworld image and a things-oriented scientific image and guides the systematic transfer between the two images. It promotes students’ reasoning and scientific practice as well as their identity formation and community interaction, two equally important issues in ESD of today. The pre-service teachers were careful to close the loop, as they put it, between the two images. They saw health and environmental issues as particularly helpful in realising scientific holism. The pre-service teachers interpreted the role of the teacher as a facilitator or mediator between the two images rather than as an expert and advocate of a one-sided scientific image of the world. The model may be of general interest to teachers and researchers who design, implement, evaluate and investigate ESD activities. The potential use of the scientific holism framework and the synoptic (“Two-Eyed Seeing”) tool for science transfer in public and political sustainability discourse is also discussed.
Supply Chain Leadership in a Developing Economy for Sustainable Innovation and Competitiveness: The Case of Johannesburg Stock Exchange-Listed Companies
Authors: Manchidi Ntise Hendrick
Published: March 2024

The supply chain leadership (SCL) concept has gradually gained traction among various stakeholders such as legislators and specialists because of its dependable practices for companies in sustainable innovation and competitiveness across developing economies. The effective implementation of SCL strategic actions in a company can initiate sustainable innovation and competitiveness at each level of the company. Statistical data collection was performed for 46 of the top 100 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed companies through an online Survey Monkey questionnaire. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the SCL strategic actions that are undertaken by companies in a developing economy regarding sustainable innovation and competitiveness. The findings significantly reveal empirical insights for companies to include and leverage in SCL strategic actions that influence sustainable innovation and competitiveness in an emerging economy. The findings show that firms operating within developing economies must adopt, and recognize the importance of, sustainable innovation and competitiveness in their practices for the betterment of the goods and services provided to the market. A major contribution is offered to the literature for the assistance and planning of sustainable innovation and competitive practice in developing economies in a global environment. This study further offers a robust recognition of, and information about, the characteristics and strategies that commonly lead to SCL being prioritised by the top 100 JSE-listed companies.
Viscous Dissipation and Mixed Convection Effects on the Induced Magnetic Field for Peristaltic Flow of a Jeffrey Nanofluid
Authors: Halouani Borhen , Nowar Khalid
Published: March 2024

The issue of Jeffrey nanofluid peristaltic flow in an asymmetric channel being affected by an induced magnetic field was studied. In addition, mixed convection and viscous dissipation were considered. Under the supposition of a long wave length and a low Reynolds number, the problem was made simpler. The system and corresponding boundary conditions were solved numerically by using the built-in package NDSolve in Mathematica software. This software ensures that the boundary value problem solution is accurate when the step size is set appropriately. It computes internally using the shooting method. Axial velocity, temperature distribution, nanoparticle concentration, axial induced magnetic field, and density distribution were all calculated numerically. An analysis was conducted using graphics to show how different factors affect the flow quantities of interest. The results showed that when the Jeffrey fluid parameter is increased, the magnitude of axial velocity increases at the upper wall of the channel, while it decreases close to the lower walls. Increasing the Hartmann number lads to increases in the axial velocity near the channel walls and in the concentration of nanoparticles. Additionally, as the Brownian motion parameter is increased, both temperature and nanoparticle concentration grow.
Impact of Botulinum Toxin Injections on Quality of Life of Patients with Long-Standing Peripheral Facial Palsy
Authors: Amar Jérémy , Tankere Frédéric , Picard Diane , Alciato Lauranne , Carré Fabienne , Foirest Claire
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Sequels of facial palsy lead to major psychosocial repercussions, disrupting patients’ quality of life (QoL). Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections can permit us to treat long-standing facial palsy, improving facial symmetry and functional signs including synkinesis and contractures. (2) Methods: The main aim of this study was to assess the evolution of the QoL for patients with long-standing facial palsy before, at 1 month, and at 4 months after BoNT injections by using three questionnaires (HFS-30, FaCE, and HAD). The other goals were to find clinical factors associated with the improvement in the QoL and to assess the HFS-30 questionnaire for patients with unilateral facial palsy (3) Results: Eighty-eight patients were included in this study. There was a statistically significant improvement in QoL at 1 month after injections, assessed using the three questionnaires. This improvement was sustained at 4 months after the injections, with a statistically significant difference for the HFS-30 and FaCE questionnaires. (4) Conclusions: This study showed that the BoNT injections lead to a significant increase in the QoL of patients with unilateral facial palsy. This improvement is sustained 4 months after the injections.