bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling Coordination Degree between Ecological Environment Quality and Urban Development in Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle Based on the Google Earth Engine Platform
Authors: Zhang Jiajie , Zhou Tinggang
Published: March 2023

Rapid urbanization often exerts massive pressure on the resources relied upon by the ecological environment. It is necessary to quickly evaluate the interaction and mutual influence between regional urbanization and the ecological environment. This paper uses the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, integrates MODIS and night light remote sensing data sets, and computes the remote sensing-based ecological index (RSEI) and the coupling coordination degree (CCD) to measure the coupling coordination and analyze the spatiotemporal changes in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle (CCEC) for 2010, 2015, and 2020. Our results demonstrate four key findings. Firstly, the CCD varies spatially; it peaks at the Chengdu and the West Chongqing Plains, decreasing outwards along the mountains, with the lowest degree of coupling in the central, southern, and northern edge areas of the CCEC. Additionally, it has shown a trend of maintaining unchanged first and then increasing, mainly responding to policy decisions. Secondly, the changes between the different coupling levels were almost stable and mainly occurred between adjacent levels. Thirdly, the coupling level of towns spreads outwards from the centers at Chengdu and Chongqing and has an overall upward trend in time. Fourthly, in the most recent year, the coupling types present a distribution pattern of one developing axis connected with two peaks. Specifically, the environment system lagging type aggregates in Chengdu, Chongqing, and their surrounding areas, and the others mainly are economic system lagging type. The high internal coupling type also mainly occurs in the high and low coupling levels. Under this context, constructive suggestions for developmental optimization in the study area were proposed.
The Optimization of Operational Variables of Electrochemical Water Disinfection Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ditta Allah , Tabish Asif Nadeem , Farhat Iqra , Razzaq Luqman , Fouad Yasser , Miran Sajjad , Mujtaba Muhammad Abbas , Kalam Muhammad Abul
Published: March 2023

The electrochemical treatment of canal water was investigated in a batch-wise system in the presence of stainless steel 316-grade electrodes. Three effective process parameters, including current density, reaction time, and electrode spacing, were evaluated in the range of 0.25–2.5 mA/cm2, 1–10 min, and 0.5–2.5 cm, respectively. Operational variables of electrochemical disinfection are optimized in response surface methodology (RSM) using Box–Behnken design. Before electrochemical disinfection, a pretreatment process of coagulants mixing for turbidity removal was conducted. Results revealed that a 10 ppm dosage of Ferric chloride (FeCl3.6H2O) and alum (Al2(SO4)3·16H2O) at neutral pH is appropriate. Furthermore, the RSM analysis shows that interelectrode spacing is the most prominent factor affecting the disinfection performance, and increasing electrode spacing inversely affects the disinfection efficiency. Results revealed that 1.52 mA/cm2 current density, 6.35 min reaction time, and 1.13 cm of electrode spacing are the optimum conditions, resulting in a statistically 98.08% disinfection of the total coliform. The energy required for electrochemically disinfection of water at optimum conditions was 0.256 kWh/m3.
Assessment of Land Degradation at the Local Level in Response to SDG 15.3: A Case Study of the Inner Mongolia Region from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Li Zhanxing , Wang Yanhui , Dong Junwu , Luo Xiaoyue , Wu Hao , Wan Yuan
Published: March 2023

SDG15.3 aims to achieve “Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)”, but its only indicator (SDG15.3.1) is designed for national-level assessment and monitoring, and is not suitable for local-level applications. Thus, taking Inner Mongolia as the study area, this paper provides a localized reform of SDG15.3.1 based on the local context, and assesses the progress of SDG15.3 in the study area (2000-2020) at multiple levels (indicator, specific, and overall). The Moran’I and Standard Deviation Ellipse (SDE) are also utilized to analyze the spatial–temporal change of land degradation. The results show that as of 2020, the proportion of land degradation and improvement areas to the total area was 7.51% and 9.42%, respectively. Inner Mongolia had generally met the goal of SDG15.3, but on the indicator level, water erosion still falls far below the standard of SDG15.3. Additionally, at the spatial level, 3 out of 12 municipalities and 71 out of 103 counties had not achieved LDN, with a pattern of low LDN levels in the southeast and high in the northwest at the county scale. This indicates that the progress of SDG15.3 is extremely uneven both at the indicator and spatial levels. Thus, it is essential to continue to promote land degradation management in Inner Mongolia to achieve LDN in the entire area and across all aspects.
Study and Evaluation of Dynamic Carrying Capacity of Groundwater Resources in Hebei Province from 2010 to 2017
Authors: Wang Boxin , Wang Bin , Zhao Xiaobing , Li Jiao , Zhang Dasheng
Published: March 2023

There is a severe issue with groundwater overuse and water scarcity in the North China Plain. The capacity of groundwater resources to promote economic development is also diminished due to the overexploitation of resources to suit the industrial needs of diverse sectors. Therefore, it is crucial to research the regional groundwater resource carrying capacity from both a temporal and spatial perspective. The relationship between water usage efficiency and groundwater availability, which was built using regional data on water supply and consumption as well as gross domestic product, is used in this study to assess the carrying capacity of Hebei’s groundwater resources through time and space. The results show that from the perspective of time, in the years when the groundwater resource exploitation degree is greater than one from 2010 to 2017, the contribution rate of the groundwater resource exploitation to economic development reaches 62.5%, indicating that the economic development of the study area is highly dependent on the groundwater resources. The exploitation degree of groundwater resources is less than one, but the degree of economic development value keeps increasing to nearly 80% and the overexploitation rate is 75% in the total time scale. In terms of spatial scale, only Hengshui City has no overexploitation index, and the overexploitation rate is 9.1%. The overload and severe overload areas account for 45.45%, respectively. Among them, the exploitation degree of groundwater has been in a state of over-saturation, and as economic development depends on groundwater resources, water efficiency needs to be improved through water saving. Optimizing and promoting industrial structures and water-saving technology to further improve water efficiency are key factors to improve the carrying capacity of groundwater resources.
Environmental Effect Evaluation: A Quantile-Type Path-Modeling Approach
Authors: Cheng Hao
Published: March 2023

The environment is a key element that affects many aspects of our society, including the economy, education and talents. In this article, the main purpose is to provide statistical models, algorithms and quantitative evidence regarding environmental effect evaluation (EEE). To accomplish this investigation, I first establish a theoretical EEE model and then apply a quantile-type path-modeling algorithm in the developed EEE model at different quantile levels. In the real-data analysis, this article investigates hypotheses regarding this theoretical EEE model and illustrates the statistical performances of quantile-type path-modeling EEE estimators through bootstraps. The results mainly illustrate that the environment has indispensable impacts on the economy, education and science and technology talent directly and has indirect effects on scientific infrastructure and science and technology output. Compared with the existing classical path-modeling algorithm, quantile-type path-modeling EEE estimators make full use of quantile regression and then overcome the classical exploration of only average effects. Both the quantile-type EEE model and quantile-type path-modeling algorithm capture changes in the relations among constructs and between the constructs and observed variables, and this helps to analyze the entire distribution of the outcome variables in this EEE model.
Perspectives on the Impact of E-Learning Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic—The Case of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Hasan Dler O. , Aladdin Aso M. , Amin Azad Arif Hama , Rashid Tarik A. , Ali Yossra H. , Al-Bahri Mahmood , Majidpour Jafar , Batrancea Ioan , Masca Ema Speranta
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected global patterns, and the period of the declared virus pandemic has had a negative influence on all aspects of life. This research focuses on categorizing and empirically investigating the role of digital platforms in learning and business processes during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent the use of electronic learning (EL) has been boosted by COVID-19’s spread, and EL’s effectiveness on the sustainable development of electronic commerce due to the demand for a variety of electronic devices. For this purpose, the information has been collected through an online questionnaire applied to 430 participants from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The results indicate that participant usage and skills with electronic devices and online software programs are increasing, as the ratio indicated a level of 68% for both genders. Thus, the significance of EL concerning electronic commercial enterprises has been openly acknowledged and influenced by numerous factors. In addition, several suggestions and steps to be undertaken by the government are highlighted. Finally, this research mentions the current limitations of EL and suggests future works to build sustainable online experiences.
Community Tourism Conditions and Sustainable Management of a Community Tourism Association: The Case of Cruz Pata, Peru
Authors: Zavaleta Chavez Arroyo Franklin Omar , Sánchez Pantaleón Alex Javier , Navarro-Mendoza Yajaira Paulina , Esparza-Huamanchumo Rosse Marie
Published: March 2023

Community tourism is generally carried out in areas and communities with a low level of development with a vast natural and cultural heritage that has the potential to attract tourists. Tourism development in these areas must take place in a planned manner, promoting economic, social and environmental development that generates decent employment that improves the quality of life of the population and guarantees the appreciation and conservation of natural and cultural heritage. This study analyzes the conditions of community tourism and the management of the Association of Tourism, Crafts, and Defense of Cultural Heritage Karajía, Amazonas, Peru. The study was descriptive, with a non-experimental cross-sectional design, using a matrix of the minimum conditions as a technique for developing community tourism and the survey of the management with a sample of 50 members of the association. The results show that it is feasible and meets the conditions of the Guidelines for the Development of Community Tourism in Peru to be part of the Community Tourism Strategy by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism with a score of 26.84, and the management of the Association of Tourism, Crafts, and Defense of Cultural Heritage Karajía presented a medium level with 72%. It was concluded that the community tourism enterprise managed by the Karajía Communal Tourism Association meets the minimum conditions for developing community tourism in Peru, however, it needs to strengthen the management of the enterprise.
Entomopathogenic Fungus and Enhanced Diatomaceous Earth: The Sustainable Lethal Combination against Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Wakil Waqas , Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Nika Erifili P. , Riasat Tahira , Ghazanfar Muhammad Usman , Rasool Khawaja G. , Husain Mureed , Aldawood Abdulrahman S.
Published: March 2023

This study determined the efficacy of the Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) alone or combined with the diatomaceous earth DEA (a mixture of DE + abamectin) against adults and larvae of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). DEA was evaluated at 50 ppm while the fungi at 1.6 × 105, 1.6 × 106, and 1.6 × 107 conidia/kg wheat). Mortalities were assessed after 7 or 14 days of exposure, while progeny reduction in adults after 30, 60, 90, or 120 days. The radial fungus growth was significantly affected by the dose of DEA. Mortalities were higher in the combined treatments compared to the application of DEA or B. bassiana alone for both larvae and adults. Larvae were more susceptible than adults in all treatments and exposure intervals. Insect survival and progeny production were recorded for four months. Significantly fewer progeny was noted on wheat treated with DEA + B. bassiana treatments compared with control. The maximum number of mycosed cadavers and the rate of sporulation were observed at the lowest dose of B. bassiana alone, followed by the higher doses gradually. These findings indicate that the DEA + B. bassiana combinations can efficiently control T. castaneum, providing long-term protection of wheat.
A Study on the Methodology for Estimating Floating Population in Microscopic Spatial Units
Authors: Jang Seongman , An Youngsoo
Published: March 2023

Estimating pedestrian volume has become an important topic in urban planning and transportation-planning research. However, current models find it difficult to predict long-term changes in pedestrians due to changes in land use and transport infrastructure. In this study, a methodology was devised to estimate the mesoscale pedestrian volume according to the results of a long-term-forecasting model integrating land use and transportation. The methodology was validated using pedestrian volume data collected from Gangnam, Seoul. The main contributions of this study are that the proposed methodology enables the long-term prediction of mesoscale pedestrian volume, which has previously been difficult to analyze, and that it considers not only pedestrians who are walking but also public transportation users moving between public transport nodes and buildings. Thus, it can accommodate long-term changes in not only land use but also in transportation infrastructure.
Reverse Logistics Network Model of Dual-Channel Recycling Boxes Based on Genetic Algorithm Optimization: A Multi-Objective and Uncertain Environment Perspective
Authors: Chen Guo , Chen Jiapeng
Published: March 2023

In the context of carbon neutrality, plastic ban, and green development, this paper aims to maximize the comprehensive interest of manufacturers in building a sustainable logistic network. It proposes a reverse logistics network model of a dual-channel model with multiple objectives and a random environment for the construction of recycling boxes projects and uses a Stackelberg game to develop pricing strategies for dual-channel recyclers and a genetic algorithm to optimize reverse logistics networks. This paper found the following: multi-objective evaluation is more conducive to sustainable development; when consumers are price-sensitive, a stronger rebate can significantly increase revenue; online platform recyclers should invest more in marketing than traditional recyclers; retailers’ willingness to cooperate in recycling has a significant impact on the overall benefits; the impact of government subsidies is marginal and needs to be controlled to a certain extent; the impact of green credit is insignificant, and the strength of commercial banks’ scrutiny of companies has little effect; an increase in environmental uncertainty within a certain range can lead to an overall loss of benefits, and an excessive impact can be out of line with extreme values. It provides a basis for decision-making on strategies for enterprises to build a logistics network of recycling boxes, government subsidies, green credit from banks, and dual-channel recyclers.
Tetracycline Removal from Water by Adsorption on Hydrochar and Hydrochar-Derived Activated Carbon: Performance, Mechanism, and Cost Calculation
Authors: Ngoc Duong Minh , Hieu Nguyen Chi , Trung Nguyen Huy , Chien Hoang Huu , Thi Nguyen Quang , Hai Nguyen Duy , Chao Huan-Ping
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the adsorption performance and mechanisms of tetracycline (TC) on hydrochar and hydrochar-derived activated carbon. We also assessed the influence of the solution pH and ionic strength on the adsorption of these compounds and studied their removal by synthetic adsorbents. The maximum adsorption capacities of TC estimated by the Langmuir model in pH 5.5 solution at 25 °C were found to follow the order: ACZ1175 (257.28 mg/g) > MGH (207.11 mg/g) > WAC (197.52 mg/g) > MOPH (168.50 mg/g) > OPH (85.79 mg/g) > GH (75.47 mg/g). The pH value and ionic strength affected TC’s adsorption on the adsorbents. These results indicate that the electrostatic interaction plays a critical role in these adsorption processes. Moreover, adsorption kinetic curves and adsorption isotherms demonstrated that electrostatic interactions were not the only adsorption driving force. Except for electrostatic interactions, the main adsorption mechanisms involved hydrogen bonding and π-π interaction. In addition, the cost of oxidized hydrochar (USD 4.71/kg) is slightly higher than that of hydrochar-derived activated carbon (USD 3.47/kg). This production cost would be lower when it can be produced on a large scale. The outcomes of this study show that the modified-hydrochar and hydrochar-derived activated carbon had the potential for TC removal in wastewater.
Optimized Artificial Intelligent Model to Boost the Efficiency of Saline Wastewater Treatment Based on Hunger Games Search Algorithm and ANFIS
Authors: Rezk Hegazy , Olabi Abdul Ghani , Sayed Enas Taha , Alshathri Samah Ibrahim , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2023

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiencies of saline wastewater treatment indicate the efficiency of the electrochemical oxidation process. Therefore, the main target of this paper is to simultaneously increase COD and TOC removal efficiencies using artificial intelligence and modern optimization. Firstly, an accurate model based on ANFIS was established to simulate the electrochemical oxidation process in terms of reaction time, pH, salt concentration, and DC applied voltage. Compared with ANOVA, thanks to ANFIS modelling, the RMSE values are decreased by 84% and 86%, respectively, for COD and TOC models. Additionally, the coefficient of determination values increased by 3.26% and 7.87% for COD and TOC models, respectively. Secondly, the optimal reaction time values, pH, salt concentration, and applied voltage were determined using the hunger games search algorithm (HGSA). To prove the effectiveness of the HGSA, a comparison with a slime mold algorithm, sine cosine algorithm, and Harris’s hawks optimization was conducted. The optimal values were found at a pH of 8, a reaction time of 36.6 min, a salt concentration of 29.7 g/L, and a DC applied voltage of 9 V. Under this condition, the maximum COD and TOC removal values were 97.6% and 69.4%, respectively. The overall efficiency increased from 76.75% to 83.5% (increased by 6.75%).
Nutritional Approaches of the Changing Consumer after the Pandemic: Sustainable Potential of Phytoene and Phytofluene for Photoprotection and Skin Health
Authors: So Bohee , Kwon Ki Han
Published: March 2023

Ascertaining sustainable endogenous nutrients for long-term healthy skin from the nutritional perspective of changing consumers, is an interesting method to prevent photoaging symptoms which are the main cause of skin aging. This narrative literature review aims to focus on the sustainable potential of phytoene (PT) and phytofluene (PTF) to engage in biological actions with photoprotection, dietary intervention, nutrition, stability, safety, and distinct structure of PT and PTF for skin health. As a result, this review demonstrates that dietary interventions of colourless carotenoids, PT and PTF, according to their distinct structural and biological actions, maximize the absorption of damaging light in the ultraviolet range unlike coloured carotenoids that have maximum absorption in the visible range. Furthermore, in addition to skin health, their distinct chemical structures and biological actions are attributed to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities and suggest the sustainable potential of PT and PTF to provide various additional health benefits, such as improving the immune system and cardiovascular health. “Healthy and beautiful skin starts from within”. It is hoped that dietary interventions of PT and PTF, along with topical photoprotection by sunscreen, will become better known to consumers as a nutritional approach to long-term basal protection/defense and complementary photoprotection and skin health strategies.
Patent-Based Analysis of China’s Emergency Logistics Industry Convergence
Authors: He Jianjia , Wang Yue
Published: March 2023

Technology and innovation have promoted industry convergence and brought new opportunities for industrial development, and a degree of convergence exists in the emergency logistics industry. The purpose of this study is to explore the convergence of the emergency logistics industry and the change in convergence degree among related industries, so as to find a solution to the lack of robustness of the emergency logistics system. This study measures the technical relationship between industries and analyzes the overall trend of emergency logistics industry convergence using the consistency between patent co-classification analysis and patent categories and technical fields. The dominance index and relative strength index are used to assess the strength of industry nodes and the convergence of the emergency logistics industry. Social network analysis is used to investigate the industries and technical fields that are important in the convergence industry. The findings indicate that there is significant convergence between the technical fields of the emergency logistics industry. Twelve industries are actively involved in the emergency logistics industry convergence, and nine industry pairs have strong convergence relationships between them. The information industry is critical to the convergence of the emergency logistics industry. Industry convergence is assisting in the coordinated growth of the emergency logistics sector, lowering informational barriers between sectors, and boosting the system’s resilience. This study contributes theoretical significance to the development of the emergency logistics industry and enriches the emergency logistics industry’s research system.
Review of Energy Portfolio Optimization in Energy Markets Considering Flexibility of Power-to-X
Authors: Lystbæk Nicolai , Gregersen Mikkel , Shaker Hamid Reza
Published: March 2023

Power-to-X is one of the most attention-grabbing topics in the energy sector. Researchers are exploring the potential of harnessing power from renewable technologies and converting it into fuels used in various industries and the transportation sector. With the current market and research emphasis on Power-to-X and the accompanying substantial investments, a review of Power-to-X is becoming essential. Optimization will be a crucial aspect of managing an energy portfolio that includes Power-to-X and electrolysis systems, as the electrolyzer can participate in multiple markets. Based on the current literature and published reviews, none of them adequately showcase the state-of-the-art optimization algorithms for energy portfolios focusing on Power-to-X. Therefore, this paper provides an in-depth review of the optimization algorithms applied to energy portfolios with a specific emphasis on Power-to-X, aiming to uncover the current state-of-the-art in the field.
The Impact of Market and Non-Market-Based Environmental Policy Instruments on Firms’ Sustainable Technological Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Firms
Authors: Jiang Jie , Zhang Qihang , Hui Yifan
Published: March 2023

A firm’s sustainable technological innovation (STI) is an important strategy to cope with the global challenges of the climate emergency and resource constraints. To encourage firms to pursue sustainable innovation, the government put its efforts into designing a proper environmental policy (EP). According to Porter’s hypothesis, a well-designed and flexible EP will advance the pace of a firm’s innovation. This paper argues that a flexible EP portfolio combining market and non-market-based EP instruments may affect a firm’s STI. Market-based EP instruments are cost-effective and consistent from a long-term view, whereas non-market-based EP instruments are more forceful and effective in the short term. Hence, these two kinds of EP instruments could complement each other. Furthermore, technical executives in top management teams will moderate the relationships between EP instruments and firms’ STI. Data analysis results of 618 Chinese public firms, who constantly participated in R&D activities during 2015–2019, supported these hypotheses. Contributions to EP and firm innovation theory, as well as suggestions for policymakers and firms’ top management teams, are discussed.
Optimized Monitoring and Conservation of Farmland Bird Species through Bayesian Modelling: The Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus Population in Central Italy
Authors: Ferrarini Alessandro , Calevi Enzo , Brozzetti Dina , Colle Alessia , De Santis Riccardo , Laurenti Stefano , Savo Enzo , Gustin Marco
Published: March 2023

The Montagu’s harrier Circus pygargus is considered a rare species at the Italian level, and vulnerable at the European level. The main threat for these farmland birds is represented by agricultural practices; in fact, it nests on the ground in agricultural environments; therefore, at harvest time nests are often destroyed (with the eggs and chicks) by farm machinery. We examined the reproductive traits (clutch size, laying date, hatching, and fledging date and success) of the Montagu’s harrier population in central Italy (about 10% of its population in Italy) where nest protection has been implemented through electric fences and metallic meshes. By using a Bayesian probabilistic network, we modeled the sequence of events that determine its reproductive success (percentages of eggs hatched and chicks fledged) and simulated the effects of different environmental and management scenarios. Our model explained the hatching and fledging success with 90.20% and 95.12% accuracies, respectively. We found that crop type and height, laying date, type and delay of nest protection have specific effects on the reproductive success of this population. Our findings demonstrate that it is possible to optimize the monitoring of this population and significantly increase its reproductive success by acting selectively upon the environmental and management attributes of the breeding area. Our decision tool allowed us to produce several rules for the optimized monitoring and conservation of the Montagu’s harrier population in central Italy. The methodological approach proposed here is suitable for application to any farmland bird population on a local scale.
Effects of Different Silicon Sources on the Properties of Geopolymer Planting Concrete Mixed with Red Mud
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Jiusu
Published: March 2023

In order to reduce the carbon emission of planting concrete in the process of preparation, and to realize the application of large amounts of red mud in the geopolymer, in this study, high silicon source materials and blast furnace slag are added to a large content of red mud base geopolymer planting concrete, which can remove the dependence of planting concrete on ordinary Portland cement and provide a new direction for the comprehensive utilization of red mud. In the paper, the effects of different A (Alkali solid content)/P (Powder dosage) and high silica sources (silica fume and diatomite) on the microstructure and fluidity of the geopolymer, as well as the compressive strength, pore characteristics, and alkalinity of the planting concrete, are comparatively evaluated. The corresponding results showed that when A/P was 0.25, the planting performance of the planting concrete would be reduced due to its high alkalinity; when A/P was 0.15, the planting concrete would have its sedimentation and the compressive strength decreased. On the other hand, the pozzolanic reaction among the silica fume, diatomite, and Ca(OH)2 significantly weakened the alkali pan phenomenon in the later stage of planting concrete formation. The addition of an appropriate amount of silica fume and diatomite also made the structure of the geopolymer more compact with better fluidity, which yielded superior pore characteristics and planting performance for the planting concrete. For good planting concrete pore characteristics, the test results showed that the fluidity of the mortar should be 112–128 mm. Overall, the best planting concrete performance was achieved at an A/P ratio of 0.2, with the contents of silica fume and diatomite being 10% and 5%, respectively. Furthermore, the slope finite element analysis showed that planting concrete made with red mud geopolymer had better slope protection potential than ordinary Portland cement.
The Effect of Agriculture Insurance on Agricultural Carbon Emissions in China: The Mediation Role of Low-Carbon Technology Innovation
Authors: Jiang Shi-jie , Wang Lilin , Xiang Feiyun
Published: March 2023

Global greenhouse gas emissions are increasing, with carbon dioxide being the most prominent. It is urgent to address and resolve the carbon emissions problem. This study investigates the mediating mechanism of agricultural insurance and low-carbon technology innovation on agricultural carbon emissions. We employed a two-way fixed effect panel model with data from 30 provinces in China from 2001–2019 to validate our hypotheses. The results demonstrate that (1) agricultural insurance can play an effective role in reducing agricultural carbon emissions, and (2) an indirect effect of agricultural insurance development on agricultural carbon emissions through low-carbon technology innovation exists. These results indicate that agricultural insurance could suppress agricultural carbon emissions indirectly through low-carbon technology innovation, thus preventing the acceleration of the greenhouse effect. This study further analyzed regional differences and discovered that the suppression effect of agricultural insurance on agricultural carbon emissions is more significant in the eastern regions and non-main grain-producing areas of China. Therefore, the analysis implies that promoting the development of agricultural insurance to encourage low-carbon technology innovation is crucial to accelerate the process of “carbon peak and neutrality”, especially for the eastern regions and non-main grain-producing areas of China.
Service Provider and “No Accident”: A Study of Teachers’ Discipline Risk from the Perspective of Risk Society
Authors: Hu Penghui , Du Shasha , Tian Guoxiu
Published: March 2023

Teachers face a high degree of risk when disciplining students in contemporary China. Under the guidance of risk society theory, based on a qualitative study of teachers at a county town high school in Southwest China, this paper finds that, in the context of shifting responsibility for education from family to school and inequal risk distribution system in school, teachers become a primary risk taker. The culture of the teacher as a service provider with unlimited responsibilities and the institution of “No Accident” in daily management supported by schools and local government is constructing the sense of risk in teachers. The consequences of risky events are unbearable for teachers in most cases, so they have to adopt limited discipline strategies with a focus on risk avoidance. Reconceptualizing cooperative family–school relations and constructing a reasonable risk allocation mechanism in school would be the keys to eliminating teachers’ conception of discipline risk.
If the Government Pays for Full Home-Charger Installation, Would Affordable-Housing and Middle-Income Residents Buy Electric Vehicles?
Authors: Lusk Anne Christine , Li Xin , Liu Qiming
Published: March 2023

With climate change and inequities, this study assessed the willingness of affordable-housing and middle-income residents to buy an electric vehicle (EV) if they had a charging station at their home, the likelihood of buying an EV in 2 years, ideal charger locations, and payment preferences for installation. The new Green Books revealed charger opportunities. Volunteers completed paper surveys in Brookline, MA, in an affordable housing complex (n = 37) and a middle-income neighborhood (n = 128) (Total n = 165). Brookline is unique because drivers cannot leave their cars curbside overnight, and local historic districts (LHDs) require aesthetic charger-installations. Descriptive statistics (yes + likely) revealed that affordable housing (70%) and middle-income (65%) respondents would lease or buy a secondhand EV if they had a charging station where they park their car at their home. Affordable housing (43%) and middle-income (38%) respondents were more neutral about buying an EV in the next 2 years. The preferred charger location was the side of the house (44%) or a post by the driveway (38%). Preferred cost-for-installation included government reimbursement (47%) and tax deduction (41%). Data analysis combined affordable housing and middle-income responses and showed no significant differences for gender, significant differences for individuals 76 years and older, and minor differences for income. To inform individuals in the pre-contemplation phase, Black-owned businesses in the new Green Books could seek government funding for off-road chargers. While EV technology will improve, land is limited, so chargers should not displace climate-responsive bicyclists in curbside protected bike lanes. Following this study, governments and academics could pilot full funding of home charger installations to involve affordable housing and middle-income residents in this climate change solution, study details of these adopters, and develop worldwide policies to lessen greenhouse gas emissions.
Evaluating the Stakeholders’ Satisfaction with Design and Construction of Resilient Houses in Vietnam
Authors: Tuan Hai Dinh , Kim Hoang Nguyen
Published: March 2023

At the end of the year 2021, all 4000 resilient houses that are under the project “Improving the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change-related impacts in Vietnam” were completed. However, the project sponsor and implementor need to be aware of the level of satisfaction of the stakeholders of these resilient houses, especially for local beneficiaries. This study is carried out to answer several practical questions such as what are the strengths and weaknesses of the project house designs, focusing on the basic needs of beneficiaries. Or, are the beneficiaries satisfied with the house constructed with support from the project, and what are their suggestions to improve either the relevant procedures and processes or future houses to be built by the project or other stakeholders. The findings show several aspects of design and construction of resilient houses such as utilization effectiveness, satisfaction of beneficiaries, and participation of local communities. However, several practical limitations of this phase have been identified, namely, the approved designs do not fully reflect the needs of beneficiaries, the designs lack some essential and basic functionalities, some technical shortcomings exist in design drawings, and support funding is limited. On the basis of that, the authors recommended several valuable measures for effective and sustainable designing and constructing resilient houses.
An Analytical Framework for Formulating Conservation and Development Measures for Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
Authors: Jiao Wenjun , Yu Zhounan , Sun Yehong , Liu Yang
Published: March 2023

Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) are complex adaptive systems that are multidimensional and exhibit strategic values of sustainability. In the context of modernization, IAHS have been increasingly challenged. Thus, the heritage sites must explore dynamic conservation approaches and formulate adaptive management strategies. However, few studies have provided either theoretical methods or practical cases as support. In this study, we put forward an analytical framework for IAHS conservation and development measure formulation based on the Driver –Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) model and applied it to the Shexian Dryland Stone Terraced System (SDSTS). With this framework, we analyzed the supportive mechanisms for the stable state of the SDSTS, diagnosed the threats and challenges it faces, and then formulated 34 conservation and development measures from six aspects, namely management mechanism construction, ecological conservation, cultural inheritance, green and organic product development, sustainable tourism development, and capacity building. It is demonstrated that the DPSIR-based analytical framework can provide both theoretical and technical support for the formulation of IAHS conservation and development measures, thus having the potential to become a general tool for the dynamic conservation and sustainable development of IAHS.
Preparation and Characterization of Geopolymers Based on Metakaolin with the Addition of Organic Phase PVA
Authors: Ivanović Marija , Knežević Sanja , Radović Ivona , Kljajević Ljiljana , Mirković Miljana , Nenadović Miloš , Nenadović Snežana
Published: March 2023

Geopolymers have excellent physical and mechanical properties, so they can be used as a substitute for ordinary polymers. Geopolymers are ceramic materials, which exhibit the property of brittleness, which can be a limitation in some structural applications. To overcome this shortcoming, a new group of materials (organic geopolymers) was developed. The aim of this work is the synthesis of organic (hybrid) geopolymers. A geopolymer based on metakaolin was synthesized as a reference sample, while polyvinyl alcohol was added as an organic phase for synthesizing a hybrid geopolymer. It was concluded that the systems follow the rule of behavior in liquid systems. The chemical composition of the samples was determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). Structural and phase characterization of hybrid and reference materials were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD)and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which revealed new phases in the PVA-added samples. The results show that the content of added PVA in the reaction mixture affects the phase composition of the synthesized materials. To examine the possibility of adsorption of the samples, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV/VIS) was used. The morphology was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), where efflorescence was observed and identified. After characterizing the geopolymer with the addition of PVA, we obtained a material that was far more porous than the basic sample, and we can conclude that we have synthesized a material that shows good mechanical properties.
Analysis of English Textbooks Used in Taiwan: A Perspective of English as a Lingua Franca
Authors: Luo Wen-Hsing
Published: March 2023

This study examines English textbooks used in Taiwanese junior high schools (Grades 7 to 9) from the perspective of English as a lingua franca (ELF) and with regard to the national English curriculum. In this study, English textbooks that are currently used in junior high schools in Taiwan were examined based on an analysis framework featuring ELF attributes. These ELF attributes were proposed and enumerated in light of previous studies on the analysis of English textbooks and the national English curriculum. This study revealed that the examined textbooks partially reflected an ELF perspective with the manifestation of the ELF attributes to a different extent. Moreover, it demonstrated that the ELF-oriented content was displayed in various forms of activities and exercises (e.g., listening, reading, writing, and discussion) and that the subject matter of the units covered a wide range of topics. In light of the research results, the author provides suggestions for the design of ELF-oriented textbooks at the junior high school level, such as promoting learners’ awareness of ELF, encouraging the development of intercultural communication strategies in learners, considering learners’ experiences in the learning of English, and entailing meaningful learning of English for learners.
Autobiographical Design for Emotional Durability through Digital Transformable Fashion and Textiles
Authors: Huang Xinyi , Kettley Sarah , Lycouris Sophia , Yao Yu
Published: March 2023

To promote a resilient user-product relationship for sustainable fashion, design methods for emotional durability are required. Digitally transformable fashion design can be seen as a practical approach that enables dynamic, sensory, experiential, and emotional interaction. Literature shows that features of transformable fashion and textiles, such as versatility, perceived quality, biomorphic forms, and aesthetics, can induce emotional durability in users. However, mainstream works are conducted from function-oriented and technology-led perspectives, neglecting the significance of fashion design as a creative and affective role. To fill the gap, we present exhaustive accounts of two autobiographical design projects as case studies: Pneum-Muscle, a body-worn pneumatic wearable, and E-coral, an artistic interactive textile installation. We utilised the first-person soma design method to facilitate the iterative design and unfold the emotional connection between the user and the materials. We contribute technology-embedded fashion design strategies to inspire novice fashion designers, which involve dynamic draping, ambiguous cutting, and sewing technique-based pneumatic systems. Design guidelines generated can shed new light on the artistic use of technologies, somatic design, and the emotionally durable design approach.
How Does a Smart City Bridge Diversify Urban Development Trends? A systematic Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Study
Authors: Qiu Dong , Lv Binglin , Chan Calvin M. L. , Huang Yuesen , Si Kai
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the smart city concept has developed rapidly and has gradually become the most popular urban concept. However, the advent of the new century has been accompanied by the emergence of many other emerging city concepts. For these emerging urban concepts, such as a resilient city, low-carbon city, sponge city, and inclusive city, it needs to be clarified how these concepts relate to a smart city. In this paper, the scientometrics software Pajek was used to analyze the publication activities of the city concept and two-mode keywords co-occurrence network with cities. Meanwhile, the study also explores these concepts’ global development and correlation. Further, it also analyzes the core problems that each city concept addresses through a literature review. It was observed that although the research content of these four city concepts is different from that of smart cities, they are conceptually and technologically connected with them. The development of smart cities can accelerate the smart development of other city concepts. At the same time, it can acquire and absorb more advanced models from other city concepts to enrich itself. The results suggest that the development of city concepts should be more comprehensive to help cities become more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, which has important implications for urban policy and practice.
Migration and Return to Mapuche Lands in Southern Chile, 1970–2022
Authors: Almonacid Fabián
Published: March 2023

This article addresses the emerging issue of migration from cities to the countryside, a trend which increased and became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this study follows the population growth of Mapuche communities in southern Chile. It proposes that this migration pattern represents a medium-term pendular historical phenomenon; decades after the initial Mapuche exodus to cities in Chile and Argentina in the 1960s and 1970s, families and individuals have decided to return to live permanently on community lands. This study utilized official Mapuche community resources and interviews with public officials, experts, community members, and Mapuche leaders. This article highlights a very important historical phenomenon, as return migration generates changes in the communities and the southern landscape, as well as posing challenges for the rural world. In some cases, the recent return migration has generated substantial occupation changes for the migrants, resulting in a change from urban to rural activities. In other cases, individuals and families have returned to live in the community but maintained jobs in nearby cities, or have retired.
Rheological and Thermo-Oxidative Aging Properties of Asphalt Modified with a Combination of Sasobit and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene
Authors: Tembe Eugénio , Tamele Lucas , Buonocore Giovanna , Madivate Carvalho , Muiambo Herminio
Published: March 2023

Research of different asphalt modifiers has been necessary for the attempt to construct durable roads with higher standards. Fischer Tropsch-paraffin wax (Sasobit) has recently attracted considerable attention over polymer modification due to its capacity to lower the energy requirements for asphaltic mix construction. In this study, Sasobit was used to recover the performance as well as the workability of 3 wt% linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) modified asphalt. A base asphalt binder with a penetration grade of 50/70 was blended with 3 wt% LLDPE and 3 wt% Sasobit separately and then combined with different Sasobit dosages (1–3 wt%). The performance of modified asphalt binders was evaluated using conventional, rheological, and thermal tests. As a result, it was found that loading Sasobit (1–3 wt%) into LLDPE-asphalt mixture steadily decreased the penetration and ductility at 25 °C from 25 to 12 dmm and 31 to 18 cm, respectively, and softening point increased by 20% indicating improved high-temperature performance. The binder workability and mix temperature were improved since the addition of Sasobit reduced the LLDPE-asphalt viscosity from 0.292 to 0.189 Pa.s (22% less). Sasobit improved the thermo-oxidative aging resistance of the binder by showing less weight variation (less than 0.001%) after the Rolling Thin-Film Oven Test (RTFOT) and high ductility retention (65%). Thermogravimetry (TG) and kinetics analysis results indicated that Sasobit-LLDPE delayed the initial and maximum decomposition temperature by 11 °C and hence increased the thermal stability of modified binders. Thus, the proposed binders are a suitable solution for asphalt pavement construction in regions that encounter high-temperature changes.