bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Detection of Fe3+ Ions in Aqueous Solution with High Selectivity and Sensitivity by Using Sulfasalazine Functionalized Microgels
Authors: Ji Weiming , Zhu Zumei , Dong Shunni , Nie Jingjing , Du Binyang
Published: September 2019

A highly selective and sensitive optical sensor was developed to colorimetric detect trace Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution. The sensor was the sulfasalazine (SSZ) functionalized microgels (SSZ-MGs), which were fabricated via in-situ quaternization reaction. The obtained SSZ-MGs had hydrodynamic radius of about 259 ± 24 nm with uniform size distribution at 25 °C. The SSZ-MG aqueous suspensions can selectively and sensitively response to Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution at 25 °C and pH of 5.6, which can be quantified by UV-visible spectroscopy and also easily distinguished by the naked eye. Job’s plot indicated that the molar binding ratio of SSZ moiety in SSZ-MGs to Fe3+ was close to 1:1 with an apparent association constant of 1.72 × 104 M−1. A linear range of 0–12 μM with the detection limit of 0.110 μM (0.006 mg/L) was found. The obtained detection limit was much lower than the maximum allowance level of Fe3+ ions in drinking water (0.3 mg/L) regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States. The existence of 19 other species of metal ions, namely, Ag+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Cr3+, Yb3+, La3+, Gd3+, Ce3+, and Bi3+, did not interfere with the detection of Fe3+ ions.
Strategies for Surface Modification with Ag-Shaped Nanoparticles: Electrocatalytic Enhancement of Screen-Printed Electrodes for the Detection of Heavy Metals
Authors: Torres-Rivero Karina , Torralba-Cadena Lourdes , Espriu-Gascon Alexandra , Casas Ignasi , Bastos-Arrieta Julio , Florido Antonio
Published: September 2019

Screen-printed carbon nanofiber electrodes (SPCNFEs) represent an alternative with great acceptance due to their results, as well as their low impact on the environment. In order to improve their performance, in the present work they were modified with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and electrochemically characterized by using anodic stripping voltammetry. From the Ag-NP synthesis, silver seeds (Ag-NS) and silver nanoprisms (Ag-NPr) were obtained. The Ag-NP formation was confirmed by micrographs, where Ag-NPs with diameters of 12.20 ± 0.04 nm for Ag-NS and 20.40 ± 0.09 nm for Ag-NPr were observed. The electrodes were modified by using three different deposition methods—drop-casting, spin-coating, and in situ approaches—that offer different nanoparticle distribution and electrode modification times. It was observed that the last methodology showed a low amount of Ag-NS deposited on the electrode surface and deep alteration of this surface. Those facts suggest that the in situ synthesis methodology was not appropriate for the determination of heavy metals, and it was discarded. The incorporation of the nanoparticles by spin-coating and drop-casting strategies showed different spatial distribution on the electrode surface, as proved by scanning electron microscopy. The electrodes modified by these strategies were evaluated for the cadmium(II) and lead(II) detection using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, obtaining detection limit values of 2.1 and 2.8 µg·L−1, respectively. The overall results showed that the incorporation route does not directly change the electrocatalytic effect of the nanoparticles, but the shape of these nanoparticles (spherical for seeds and triangular for prisms) has preferential electrocatalytic enhancement over Cd(II) or Pb(II).
A Comparison of Machine versus Free-Weight Squats for the Enhancement of Lower-Body Power, Speed, and Change-of-Direction Ability during an Initial Training Phase of Recreationally-Active Women
Authors: Schwarz Neil , Harper Sean , Waldhelm Andy , McKinley-Barnard Sarah , Holden Shelley , Kovaleski John
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine differences between a free-weight squat (FWS) and machine squat (MS) during an initial resistance training phase for augmentation of performance tests in recreationally active women. Twenty-seven women (22.7 ± 3.5 years) were block-randomized to three groups: FWS, MS, or control (CON) and completed pre- and post-testing sessions consisting of the squat one-repetition maximum (1-RM), vertical jump, pro-agility test, zig-zag change-of-direction (COD) test, and 30-meter sprint. Participants trained two sessions per week for six weeks by performing jumping, sprinting, and COD drills followed by FWS, MS, or no squats (CON). Peak jump power increased for CON (p = 0.03) and MS (p < 0.01) groups. Change in peak jump power was greater for the MS group compared with the FWS group (p = 0.05). Average jump power increased for the MS group (p < 0.01). Change in average jump power was greater for the MS group compared with the CON group (p = 0.04). Vertical jump height, pro-agility, 30-meter sprint, and zig-zag COD tests improved over time (p < 0.01), with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). Machine squat training maximized jumping power compared with FWS training and CON. Both resistance training groups and the CON group improved equally in the pro-agility, 30-meter sprint, and zig-zag COD tests. Machine squat training may provide performance-enhancing benefits of equal or superior value to those obtained with free-weight squat training in recreationally active women during an initial training mesocycle. These findings also stress the importance of task-specific training in this population of untrained women, as the control group improved in terms of performance to the same degree as both resistance training groups.
Linear Regression with Optimal Rotation
Authors: Livadiotis George
Published: September 2019

The paper shows how the linear regression depends on the selection of the reference frame. The slope of the fitted line and the corresponding Pearson’s correlation coefficient are expressed in terms of the rotation angle. The correlation coefficient is found to be maximized for a certain optimal angle, for which the slope attains a special optimal value. The optimal angle, the value of the optimal slope, and the corresponding maximum correlation coefficient were expressed in terms of the covariance matrix, but also in terms of the values of the slope, derived from the fitting at the nonrotated and right-angle-rotated axes. The potential of the new method is to improve the derived values of the fitting parameters by detecting the optimal rotation angle, that is, the one that maximizes the correlation coefficient. The presented analysis was applied to the linear regression of density and temperature measurements characterizing the proton plasma in the inner heliosheath, the outer region of our heliosphere.
Improving Dam and Reservoir Operation Rules Using Stochastic Dynamic Programming and Artificial Neural Network Integration Model
Authors: Fayaed Sabah Saadi , Fiyadh Seef Saadi , Khai Wong Jee , Ahmed Ali Najah , Afan Haitham Abdulmohsin , Ibrahim Rusul Khaleel , Fai Chow Ming , Koting Suhana , Mohd Nuruol Syuhadaa , Binti Jaafar Wan Zurina , Hin Lai Sai , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: September 2019

The simulation elevation-surface area-storage interrelationship of a reservoir is a crucial task in developing ideal water release policies for reservoir and dam operations. In this study, an inclusive (stochastic dynamic programming-artificial neural network (SDP-ANN)) model was established and applied to obtain an ideal reservoir operation strategy for Sg. Langat reservoir in Malaysia. The problems associated with the management of water resources mostly relate to uncertainty and the stochastic nature of the reservoir inflow, and the SDP-ANN model is meant to consider uncertainty in the input parameters such as reservoir inflow and reservoir evaporation losses. The performance of the SDP-ANN model was compared to that of the stochastic dynamic programming-autoregression (AR) model. The primary aim of the model is to decrease the squared deviation from the desired water release, which we determined by comparing the SDP-AR and SDP-ANN model performances. The results indicate that the SDP-ANN model demonstrated greater resilience and reliability with a lower supply deficit. Consequently, the case study results confirm that the SDP-ANN model performs better than the SDP-AR model in obtaining the best parameters for the reservoir operation. Specifically, a comparison of the models shows that the proposed Model 2 increased the reliability and resilience of the system by 7.5% and 6.3%, respectively.
Research on the Distribution of Pollution-Intensive Industries and Their Spatial Effects in China
Authors: Ren Mei , Huang Caihong , Wang Xiaomin , Hu Wei , Zhang Wenxin
Published: September 2019

Investigation of the spatial transfer laws and dynamic mechanisms of pollution-intensive industries (PIIs) is becoming a popular field in regional sustainable development. Based on the statistical data of 30 provinces (cities and districts) in China from 2000 to 2017, this paper applied the Gini coefficient and a redistribution index as well as spatial econometric approaches to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and spatial effects of China’s PIIs. PIIs in China have experienced two transition stages: ‘from north to south’ and ‘from east to central and west’, and the spatial distribution imbalance of PIIs has been gradually improved. In terms of industries, all PIIs in the northeast region were removed; PIIs in the eastern region not only transferred outward but also have experienced an agglomeration effect. The central and western regions were the main areas where transferring PIIs were settling. The distribution of PIIs in China showed a strong spatial correlation and a relatively stable path dependence. Through use of the spatial Dubin model, it is concluded that command-and-control environmental regulation and transportation costs had a negative impact on the distribution of PIIs in this region and a positive impact on the surrounding regions; thus, the pollution haven hypothesis was supported. Resource factors, technological innovation levels, and industrial structure—whether direct or indirect—had an inhibitory effect on the distribution of PII. Capital factors not only promoted the development of PIIs in this region, but also promoted it in other regions. Agglomeration economics had a positive impact on the distribution of PIIs in this region, and a negative impact on the surrounding regions.
Economic Efficiency and Its Influencing Factors on Urban Agglomeration—An Analysis Based on China’s Top 10 Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Ma Junwei , Wang Jianhua , Szmedra Philip
Published: September 2019

Economic efficiency is the key issue of sustainable development in urban agglomerations. To date, more attention has been paid to the estimates of productivity gains from urban agglomerations. Differing from the previous studies, this paper focuses on the influencing factors and mechanisms of the economic efficiency of urban agglomerations, and check the effects of three different externalities (industrial specialization, industrial diversity and industrial competition) on the economic efficiency of urban agglomerations. The selected samples are multiple urban agglomerations, and the economic efficiency of urban agglomerations includes single factor productivity and total factor productivity. China’s top 10 urban agglomerations are selected as the case study and their differences in economic efficiency are portrayed comparatively. Firstly, a theoretical analysis framework for three different externalities effect mechanisms on the economic efficiency of urban agglomerations is incorporated. Secondly, economic efficiency measurement index system composes of labor productivity, capital productivity, land productivity and total factor productivity, and the impact of various factors on the economic efficiency of urban agglomerations is tested. The results confirm some phenomena (MAR externality, Jacobs externality and Porter externality) discussed or mentioned in the literature and some new findings regarding the urban agglomerations, derive policy implications for improving economic efficiency and enhancing the sustainability of urban agglomerations, and suggest some potentials for improving the limitations of the research.
An Enhanced MOPSO Algorithm for Energy-Efficient Single-Machine Production Scheduling
Authors: Liu Yueyue , Liao Xiaoya , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2019

In recent years, the concerns on energy efficiency in manufacturing systems have been growing rapidly due to the pursuit of sustainable development. Production scheduling plays a vital role in saving energy and promoting profitability for the manufacturing industry. In this paper, we are concerned with a just-in-time (JIT) single machine scheduling problem which considers the deterioration effect and the energy consumption of job processing operations. The aim is to determine an optimal sequence for processing jobs under the objective of minimizing the total earliness/tardiness cost and the total energy consumption. Since the problem is NP -hard, an improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm enhanced by a local search strategy (MOPSO-LS) is proposed. We draw on the idea of k-opt neighborhoods and modify the neighborhood operations adaptively for the production scheduling problem. We consider two types of k-opt operations and implement the one without overlap in our local search. Three different values of k have been tested. We compare the performance of MOPSO-LS and MOPSO (excluding the local search function completely). Besides, we also compare MOPSO-LS with the well-known multi-objective optimization algorithm NSGA-II. The experimental results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The work of this paper will shed some light on the fast-growing research related to sustainable production scheduling.
The Sustainable Approach to Corporate Social Responsibility: A Global Analysis and Future Trends
Authors: Abad-Segura Emilio , Cortés-García Francisco Joaquín , Belmonte-Ureña Luis J.
Published: September 2019

Due to the process of globalization, companies are obligated to observe corporate social responsibility and best practices from a sustainability approach towards their stakeholders and society. The explicit aim is to determine the relevance of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its relationship with sustainability, in order to establish trends and future lines of research. The evolution of global research on this subject has been studied from 2001 to 2018. For this purpose, a bibliometric analysis of 1832 articles has been applied, obtaining results of the scientific productivity of the journals, authors, institutions, and countries that contribute to this research. Evidence shows a growing interest in studying the relationship between socially responsible practices and the dimension of sustainability. The main category is Business, Management, and Accounting. The most productive journals are the Journal of Business Ethics and Sustainability. The authors with the most articles are García-Sánchez, Moneva, and Moratis, while Kolk is the most cited. The most prolific institution is the University of Salamanca. The United States is the country with the most publications and quotes. France and China are the countries with the largest number of international collaborations in their work. Global research has been on an upward trend with optimal publication rates in recent years.
Evaluation of the Leachability of Contaminations of Fly Ash and Bottom Ash from the Combustion of Solid Municipal Waste before and after Stabilization Process
Authors: Czop Monika , Łaźniewska-Piekarczyk Beata
Published: September 2019

The aim of this work was to check the possibility of using a concrete matrix to immobilize contaminants from ash (fly and bottom) originating from the combustion of solid municipal waste. This work presents tests of ash from a Polish incineration plant. Nowadays, the management of ash poses a big problem with respect to the high concentration of contaminants that constitutes an environmental nuisance (heavy metals, chlorides, sulfates, etc.). The excessive leaching of contaminants disqualifies ash from being deposited in landfills for hazardous wastes. Bottom ash following the combustion of solid municipal waste mainly contains calcium (23.81%), chlorine (5.44%) and heavy metal (Σ 11.27 g/kg) compounds, while fly ash is characterized by a high content of chlorine (7.22%) and heavy metals (Σ 7.83 g/kg). In the next stage, two concrete mixtures were designed and prepared, containing 30% of ash from combustion of solid municipal waste. The most advantageous physicomechanical properties had concrete mortars that contained 30% of bottom ash: compressive strength—29.48 MPa, bending strength—1678 kN. The performed tests showed that immobilization of dangerous compounds through the C-S-H phase of the concrete significantly decreases the migration of dangerous substance into the environment and minimizes its toxicity. Approximately 97% of the chloride and sulfate salt content was immobilized, and the heavy metal content was immobilized by the C-S-H phase to a degree of 90%. The results obtained provide the option of conveniently managing dangerous wastes with the use of a tight and durable concrete. In many cases, such technology may constitute the best and the cheapest long-term solution in the waste management economy. It may also fill a market gap in this field.
A Survey of the Status and Challenges of Green Building Development in Various Countries
Authors: Zhang Yinqi , Wang He , Gao Weijun , Wang Fan , Zhou Nan , Kammen Daniel M. , Ying Xiaoyu
Published: September 2019

Since the energy crisis in the 1960s, crucial research and activities were spurred to improve energy efficiency and decrease environmental pollution. To deal with the various problems the construction industry are facing, the concept of green buildings (GBs) has been gradually shaped and put forward all over the world, and green building rating systems (GBRSs) have been developed. The concept of GBs covers a wide range of elements, and its definition is constantly updated as the construction industry develops. This paper compares the development of backgrounds and statuses of green building development in various countries. It also presents an overview of the green building development situation within these countries, summarizing two influences for GB development: one external and the other internal. External factors include GB development policy support, economic benefits, and certification schemes. Internal factors are the development and application of GB technology, the level of building management, and how users interact with the GB technology. Currently, 49 worldwide green building standards and application have been sorted out, including 18 standard expert appraisal systems. Moreover, it discusses the research results and lessons learned from green building projects in different countries and summarizes their achievements and challenges. To correctly understand and use green building technology, it is essential to improve the policy and incentive system, improve the professional quality and technical ability of employees and accredited consultants, constantly develop and update the evaluation system, strengthen technological innovation, and integrate design and management. This paper aims to draw a clear roadmap for national standard development, policy formulation, and construction design companies, provide solutions to remove the obstacles, and suggest research direction for future studies.
Perceptions of Cultural Ecosystem Services in Urban Parks Based on Social Network Data
Authors: Dai Peichao , Zhang Shaoliang , Chen Zanxu , Gong Yunlong , Hou Huping
Published: September 2019

The value of a cultural ecosystem service depends on the perception of different cultural service categories. However, the data sources used in research on the perception of cultural service have limitations that mainly depend on social investigation, leading to slow progress in cultural service evaluation. With the advent of the era of network big data, social media provides a new data source for the study of cultural ecosystem service perception, so that the study of these services is expected to make new breakthroughs. Using search crawler software, this paper reviewed 7257 online comments related to 19 city parks in Xuzhou City, China. With the help of Rost Content mining semantic analysis software, the comment sentences were divided into keywords, and the Delphi expert method was used to classify these keywords. Thus, a cultural service perception database was established. Through statistical analysis, with the help of ArcGIS software, various cultural services were analyzed. The results showed that (1) the cultural services of urban parks could be divided into seven types (i.e., aesthetics, recreation, sports, inspiration, education, cultural heritage, and spiritual satisfaction) using social network comment data. (2) High-frequency keywords of online comment data can serve as the core basis during an analysis of the perception of cultural services by visitors of city parks. However, a large gap exists in the number of high frequency keywords in different parks. For example, Yunlong Lake Park has 2887 keywords, while Kuaizai Ting Park has only 33. (3) Differences exist in the perception of cultural service in urban parks, the park’s scale, and characteristics determine the visitor’s cultural service perception level. The aesthetic and recreation types were the most easily perceived, and 68% and 63% parks have the above two perceptual records, respectively. Therefore, the social media comment data has the ability to document perception of each park’s cultural service type and its differences, which can serve as the cultural ecosystem service perception as well as the valuation data source, to supplement the social investigation.
Exploring the Sustainability Concepts Regarding Leather Apparel in China and South Korea
Authors: Jung Hye Jung , Oh Kyung Wha
Published: September 2019

Sustainability in business and personal life has increased over the past few years and is continuing to develop. Consumption in the clothing and textiles industry causes a significant impact on the environment and utilizes unsustainable practices, from clothing production to use and disposal. With shifts toward a more sustainable future within the government, businesses, and society, the apparel industry and consumers must prepare for a sustainable future. This study examines the determinants of sustainable apparel consumption behavior in China and South Korea. Theoretical and practical evidence from the literature on sustainable consumption is applied to develop a model for investigating the consumers’ behavioral intentions to buy, use, and recommend sustainable leather apparel products. Environmental knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness, sustainable consumption beliefs, and self-enhancement are proposed as key determinants of behavioral intention to buy, use, and recommend eco-friendly faux leather apparel (E-FLA). The hypothesized antecedents of these concepts are part of the model, as modified by the theory of planned behavior, and the model is examined using structural equation modeling on data from a sample of 450 respondents collected in China and South Korea. An analysis of data is carried out to identify the underlying dimensions of sustainable consumption beliefs and behaviors including pro-environmentalism, social responsibility, and animal conservation. The results show that the key determinants of behavioral intentions to buy, use, and recommend E-FLA are pro-environmentalism and social responsibility, which are related to sustainable consumption belief dimensions and consumers’ self-enhancement. The positive determinants of sustainable consumption beliefs are found to be both environmental knowledge and perceived consumer effectiveness. These results suggest the need for greater environmental knowledge and perceived consumer efficiency in the effort to achieve more sustainable clothing consumption. The implications of the findings for public policy and recommendations for further studies are outlined and discussed.
Effectiveness of Dynamic Insertion Scheduling Strategy for Demand-Responsive Paratransit Vehicles Using Agent-Based Simulation
Authors: Torkjazi Mohammad , Huynh Nathan
Published: September 2019

This paper deals with the scheduling of paratransit vehicles. The current scheduling method utilized by paratransit providers is to provide a door-to-door ride for those customers who have made reservations. Thus, the paratransit providers know in advance the pickup and drop-off locations of each customer. Using this information, they are able to determine a route for each vehicle to minimize the total operating costs. In the current scheduling method, vehicles are not allowed to pick up unscheduled customers. This practice often leads to low seat utilization. To address this shortcoming, this paper explores the idea of allowing vehicles to pick up unscheduled customers who are in close proximity to the prescheduled stops (referred to as the dynamic response area or DRA). To this end, this paper develops an agent-based simulation model to evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy. The model was tested using the Chicago network. The results of the simulation experiments indicate that (1) the proposed strategy is able to serve more customers using the same fleet size, and (2) the proposed strategy will not significantly affect the scheduled customers’ in-vehicle travel time.
Offsetting, Insetting, or Both? Current Trends in Sustainable Palm Oil Certification
Authors: Gallemore Caleb , Jespersen Kristjan
Published: September 2019

Private environmental standards attempt, in part, to internalize environmental externalities. Offsetting firms’ environmental externalities by buying credits is one option. Another is insetting, in which firms attempt to address externalities and provide positive benefits within their own supply chain. These two approaches to internalizing externalities can be in tension, leading toward different types of sustainable markets. Firms adopting private standards as way of avoiding reputational risks may be more likely to support insetting than offsetting strategies if their primary goal is to distinguish themselves from the rest of their industry, but these strategies can also risk separating the market into niche, high-quality producers alongside a low-quality majority. These tensions play out in the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), where offsetting and insetting exist side-by-side. Strategic pressures promoting insetting strategies lead firms to exit the system’s offset market, but this comes with the cost of losing some of the flexibility and lowered entry barriers the offset approach offers. New technologies might allow standards to combine the benefits of both approaches, keeping the reputational benefits of insetting and the flexibility of offsetting.
Agglomeration, Environmental Policies and Surface Water Quality in China: A Study Based on a Quasi-Natural Experiment
Authors: Wang Junsong , Wei Yehua Dennis
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates the relationship between agglomeration and water pollution, and the effect of environment policies on water pollution reduction. The study employs a quasi-natural experimental method by coupling river water monitoring sites and development zones (DZs). We found that DZs were associated with water quality deterioration in their surrounding areas. However, the “Water Ten Plan”, which was released in 2015 and requires DZs to install water treatment facilities, effectively reduced water pollution, especially for those DZs with more polluting industries. Our findings provide evidence that agglomeration can facilitate efficient processing of wastewater by enabling its centralized treatment. The paper provides quantitative evidence for the effect of agglomeration and environmental policies from a micro point of view.
Backyard Agricultural Production as a Strategy for Strengthening Local Economy: The Case of Chontla and Tempoal, Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Galván Fabiola , Bautista-Santos Horacio , Martínez-Flores José Luis , Sánchez-Partida Diana , Ireta-Paredes Arely del Rocio , Fernández-Lambert Gregorio
Published: September 2019

In order to define chain strategies for a backyard agricultural production system, this study identified agricultural products produced by high development priority communities with indigenous presence located in the Chontla and Tempoal municipalities in Veracruz, Mexico. The production system was integrated into a generic model decomposing the supply chain into hierarchical components. Data were collected through a face-to-face semistructured questionnaire based on statistical sampling of rural households, backyard producers, intermediaries, retailers, and wholesalers, as well as municipal authorities. The research was carried out from January 2017 to June 2018 and a computational program was designed to analyze the data. As a result, products were identified and their production destinations were quantified. Moreover, it revealed a backyard agricultural supply chain of five echelons with opportunities for improvement in areas such as unstructured agricultural processes and practices, inappropriate product storage and handling, and the lack of production records, and up to three intermediaries that sequentially drove up product cost in regional consumption centers. In this study, 20.9% of total production was destined for sale, 34.8% for self-consumption, and 44.2% was noncommercialized. Nopal, creole pumpkin, coriander, plum, passion fruit, and jobo were products with greater economic value for noncommercialized production. An improvement strategy would be to build inclusive agro-food chains through consolidated centers of backyard agricultural products.
Exploring the Topological Characteristics of Complex Public Transportation Networks: Focus on Variations in Both Single and Integrated Systems in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
Authors: Hong Jungyeol , Tamakloe Reuben , Lee Soobeom , Park Dongjoo
Published: September 2019

Many cities have integrated their public transportation modes to provide increased accessibility and reduced commute times. However, current transport network topology studies have focused on unimodal networks. Therefore, it is of significant interest for policymakers to examine the topology of integrated public transportation networks and to assess strategies for improving them. The objective of this study was to discuss a comprehensive analysis of an integrated public transportation network using graph theory, compare its characteristics to unimodal networks, and draw insights for improving their performance. Results demonstrate pertinent information concerning the structural composition of the Seoul Metropolitan Area’s (SMA) public transportation network. Despite the integration, the spatial configuration of the network was found to have low fault tolerance. However, the highly agglomerated community structure validated the robustness of integrated networks. Network centrality measures confirmed that integration improves connectivity and spatial accessibility to suburbs within the city. The study found that the SMA’s current public transportation network possesses structural defects that need to be addressed to improve its resilience and performance. Based on the outcomes of this study, the strategic creation or relocation of stations, and the construction of more links, is imperative for the enhancement of mobility.
Coastal Runoff in the United Arab Emirates—The Hazard and Opportunity
Authors: Abdouli Khameis Al , Hussein Khalid , Ghebreyesus Dawit , Sharif Hatim O.
Published: September 2019

Properly quantifying the potential exposure of hyper-arid regions to climate extremes is fundamental to developing frameworks that can be used to manage these extremes. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rapid growth may exacerbate the impacts of climate extremes through urbanization (increased runoff), population and industrial development (more water demand). Water resources management approaches such as Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) application may help mitigate both extremes by storing more water from wet periods for use during droughts. In this study, we quantified the volumes of runoff from coastal watersheds discharging to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf that could potentially be captured to replenish depleted aquifers along the coast and help reduce the adverse impacts of urban flooding. To this aim, we first downloaded and processed the Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (IMERG) rainfall data for a recent wide-spread storm event. The rainfall product was then used as input to hydrologic models of coastal watersheds for estimating the resulting runoff. A multi-criteria decision analysis technique was used to identify areas most prone to runoff accumulation. Lastly, we quantified the volumes of runoff that could potentially be captured from frequency storms of different return periods and how rapid urbanization in the region may increase these runoff volumes creating more opportunities for the replenishment of depleted aquifers. Our results indicate that the average runoff from watersheds discharging to the ocean ranges between 0.11 km3 and 0.48 km3 for the 5-year and 100-year storms, respectively. We also found that these amounts will substantially increase due to rapid urbanization in the coastal regions of the UAE. In addition to water supply augmentation during droughts, potential benefits of application of MAR techniques in the UAE coastal regions may include flood control, mitigation against sea-level rise through subsidence control, reduction of aquifer salinity, rehabilitation of ecosystems, cleansing polluted runoff and preventing excessive runoff into the Gulf that can contribute to red tide events.
Optimal Channel Choice of Firms with New and Remanufactured Products in the Contexts of E-Commerce and Carbon Tax Policy
Authors: Cao Jiajia , Xu Bing , Wang Jia
Published: September 2019

This paper is motivated by the dilemma faced by firms who sell new and remanufactured products offline that need to consider whether to enter e-commerce platforms considering that more and more consumers are shopping online on e-commerce platforms rather than shopping offline. Our paper aims to help firms with new and remanufactured products make a channel choice and determine product pricing strategies in the contexts of e-commerce and carbon tax policy. Our paper uses optimization theory, game theory, utility functions and profit-maximization models to investigate the optimal channel choice of whether a firm should enter an e-commerce platform; it also investigates the optimal prices of new and remanufactured products and referral fees in two cases—the firm does not enter the platform (N) and the firm enters the platform (Y). Some insights are presented as follows: We found that the firm should enter the platform if the annual service fee is relatively low, otherwise, the firm should not enter the platform. Interestingly, in the case of a firm with an offline store with relatively large operational costs or hassle costs, the firm is more reluctant to enter the platform. In the extension, we considered some consumers who only purchase offline products, and found that the firm considering these consumers is more likely to choose not to enter the platform. Moreover, we argue that the carbon tax policy has a positive effect on product prices but a negative effect on referral fees charged by the platform, and the choice of Y hurts the environment due to a relatively high total carbon emission.
How Green Human Resource Management Can Promote Green Employee Behavior in China: A Technology Acceptance Model Perspective
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Luo Yilin , Zhang Xinjing , Zhao Jing
Published: September 2019

Green human resource management (GHRM) in the environmental management of organizations has gradually become a key issue in academic circles, and its impact on employees’ green behavior has received increasing attention. However, few studies have explored its impact from the perspective of information delivery. Based on an analysis of the literature, this research discusses the influence route of five types of GHRM practices (employee life cycle, rewards, education and training, employee empowerment, and manager involvement) on employee green behavior in the workplace and the mediating effects of information needs based on the technology acceptance model. Using cross-sectional survey data from enterprises in the People’s Republic of China, the proposed theoretical model was tested and the results showed that employee life cycle, education and training, employee empowerment, and manager involvement all significantly affect the in-role and extra-role green behavior of employees positively, while rewards only significantly predict extra-role behaviors. Information need plays a mediating role on the influence route of the employee life cycle, education and training, and manager involvement on the green behavior of the employees in the workplace.
Improving Centrifugal Compressor Performance by Optimizing the Design of Impellers Using Genetic Algorithm and Computational Fluid Dynamics Methods
Authors: Omidi Mohammad , Liu Shu-Jie , Mohtaram Soheil , Lu Hui-Tian , Zhang Hong-Chao
Published: September 2019

It has always been important to study the development and improvement of the design of turbomachines, owing to the numerous uses of turbomachines and their high energy consumption. Accordingly, optimizing turbomachine performance is crucial for sustainable development. The design of impellers significantly affects the performance of centrifugal compressors. Numerous models and design methods proposed for this subject area, however, old and based on the 1D scheme. The present article developed a hybrid optimization model based on genetic algorithms (GA) and a 3D simulation of compressors to examine the certain parameters such as blade angle at leading and trailing edges and the starting point of splitter blades. New impeller design is proposed to optimize the base compressor. The contribution of this paper includes the automatic creation of generations for achieving the optimal design and designing splitter blades using a novel method. The present study concludes with presenting a new, more efficient, and stable design.
Life Cycle Costs Analysis of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Under Future Climate
Authors: Qiao Yaning , Dave Eshan , Parry Tony , Valle Omar , Mi Lingyun , Ni Guodong , Yuan Zhenmin , Zhu Yuefeng
Published: September 2019

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has received wide application in asphalt pavement construction and maintenance and it has shown cost-effectiveness over virgin hot mix asphalt (HMA). HMA with a high content of reclaimed asphalt (RA) (e.g., 40%) is sometimes used in practice, however, it may have significant adverse effects on the life cycle performance and related costs. In particular, challenges may arise as the life cycle performance of RAP is also affected by local climatic conditions. Thus, it is important to investigate whether it is still economic to use RAP under future local climate, with consideration of life cycle performance. A case study was conducted for various road structures on Interstate 95 (I-95) in New Hampshire (NH), USA for the investigation. The case study utilized dynamic modulus testing results for local virgin HMA and HMA with 40% RA (as major material alternatives) to predict life cycle performance of the selected pavement structures, considering downscaled future climates. Then, a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was considered to estimate and compare the life cycle cash flow of the investigated road structures. Responsive maintenance (overlay) and effectiveness were also considered in this study. It was found that using 40% RA in HMA can reduce agency costs by up to approximately 18% under the 2020–2040 predicted climate and NH should consider this practice under predicted future climate to reduce agency costs.
Exploring Foreign Direct Investment–Economic Growth Nexus—Empirical Evidence from Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Gherghina Ștefan Cristian , Simionescu Liliana Nicoleta , Hudea Oana Simona
Published: September 2019

This study aims to examine the link between foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and economic growth, also considering several institutional quality variables, as well as sustainable development goals (SDGs) set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By estimating panel data regression models for a sample of 11 Central and Eastern European countries, from 2003 to 2016, the empirical outcomes provide support for a non-linear relationship between FDI and gross domestic product per capita. Regarding institutional quality, it is found that control of corruption, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and voice and accountability positively influence growth, while political stability and absence of violence/terrorism is not statistically significant. Moreover, SDGs such as poverty, income distribution, education, innovation, transport infrastructure, and information technology are noteworthy drivers of growth. The outcomes of panel fully modified and dynamic ordinary least squares partly confirm the findings. The panel vector error-correction model Granger causalities provide support for a short-run one-way causal association running from FDI to growth and a long-run two-way causal connection among FDI and growth. Furthermore, in the long run, unidirectional causal relationships running from each institutional quality indicator to economic growth and FDI are set out.
Fuzzy Similarity Used by Micro-Enterprises in Marketing Communication for Sustainable Development
Authors: Schüller David , Doubravský Karel
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this paper is to present fuzzy reasoning as a formal tool for determining the differences in perception of individual communication channels by customers. These differences in customer perception are important for micro-enterprises to develop an effective green advertising campaign. These kinds of enterprises are not able to conduct their own extensive marketing research or use the service of marketing agencies. Micro-enterprises are the cornerstone for sustainable local economic growth where the community plays an irreplaceable role for sustainable development. Marketing communication is unique and complex because it focuses on feelings, moods, and personal preferences. The main problem is the uncertainty of this input data which makes it difficult to develop effective green advertising campaigns. Fuzzy sets and fuzzy reasoning are used to make verbal descriptions suitable for computer applications. A fuzzy pairwise similarity is used in this paper. The case study has eight relevant variables/marketing communication media, e.g., e-mailing, social networks, web pages, text messaging, newspapers, phone calls, posters and radio, and five segments of respondents selected by age. Each segment is presented as a fuzzy conditional statement. A set of fuzzy pairwise similarities is generated.
Prediction Success of Machine Learning Methods for Flash Flood Susceptibility Mapping in the Tafresh Watershed, Iran
Authors: Janizadeh Saeid , Avand Mohammadtaghi , Jaafari Abolfazl , Phong Tran Van , Bayat Mahmoud , Ahmadisharaf Ebrahim , Prakash Indra , Pham Binh Thai , Lee Saro
Published: September 2019

Floods are some of the most destructive and catastrophic disasters worldwide. Development of management plans needs a deep understanding of the likelihood and magnitude of future flood events. The purpose of this research was to estimate flash flood susceptibility in the Tafresh watershed, Iran, using five machine learning methods, i.e., alternating decision tree (ADT), functional tree (FT), kernel logistic regression (KLR), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA). A geospatial database including 320 historical flood events was constructed and eight geo-environmental variables—elevation, slope, slope aspect, distance from rivers, average annual rainfall, land use, soil type, and lithology—were used as flood influencing factors. Based on a variety of performance metrics, it is revealed that the ADT method was dominant over the other methods. The FT method was ranked as the second-best method, followed by the KLR, MLP, and QDA. Given a few differences between the goodness-of-fit and prediction success of the methods, we concluded that all these five machine-learning-based models are applicable for flood susceptibility mapping in other areas to protect societies from devastating floods.
Sustainable Development of Power Retailers and Industrial Parks in China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Tang Bowen , Sun Yuanzhang , Zhou Nan , Shen Bo
Published: September 2019

Energy infrastructure construction is a top priority and focus for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and this drives dramatical demand for significant energy consumption growth and investment funds in BRI countries. In response, the concept of a regional power grid of an industrial park (RPGIP) has emerged as a new energy infrastructure, where the industrial power supply, load, and grid are integrated to form a balanced and independent regional power grid. Moreover, dramatically increased market competition on the retail side of the electricity market challenges developing countries striving to achieve sustainable development of power retailers. This paper proposes that power retailers transform into energy saving companies (ESCOs) to participate in the electricity management of an RPGIP. By using a financing scheme realized by asset securitization, power retailers can smoothly participate in the construction and operation of a power system of BRI that contributes to accelerating energy infrastructure construction, the electricity management of the RPGIP, and sustainable development of power retailers in BRI countries. Furthermore, this study provides a game analysis for achieving maximum benefits of power retailers and industrial consumers in the implementation of the financing scheme.
Anthropomorphism of Nature, Environmental Guilt, and Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Tam Kim-Pong
Published: September 2019

Feeling guilty about the occurrence of environmental problems is not uncommon; however, not everyone experiences it. Why are there such individual differences? Considering that guilt is a predominantly interpersonal phenomenon, as emotion research has demonstrated, how is it possible that some individuals feel guilty for the degradation of the non-human environment, and some others do not? The present investigation tests an integrated solution to these two questions based on the concept of anthropomorphism. In three studies, with an individual difference approach, it was observed that anthropomorphism of nature predicted the experience of environmental guilt, and this feeling in turn was associated with engagement in pro-environmental behavior. That is, it appears that individuals who view nature in anthropomorphic terms are more likely to feel guilty for environmental degradation, and they take more steps toward environmental action. This observation not only improves existing understanding of environmental guilt, but also adds evidence to the theoretical possibility of describing and understanding the human–nature relationship with reference to psychological knowledge regarding interpersonal relationships.