bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Error to Despair: Gerson’s Words of Caution about Conscience
Authors: Tjällén Biörn
Published: December 2022

Medieval theologians considered that it was a mortal sin to act against one’s conscience, even though they knew that conscience sometimes erred. This article inquires how they, as pastors, nevertheless engaged with the laity’s real-world experiences of conscience and with problems that this involved. In focus of the inquiry are pastoral tracts written by Jean Gerson (d. 1429). In these tracts, Gerson described troubling behaviour that he associated with malfunctions of conscience, and he observed how the precept that conscience obliged was a burden that some individuals could not handle. Gerson offered an analysis of these problems as well as alleviating pastoral advice. He agreed that one should obey one’s conscience, but this article argues that his analysis and advice went far towards circumscribing the force of this precept.
Art as a Medium in Heterogeneous Learning Groups: First Findings of an Empirical Study
Authors: Gärtner Claudia , Konz Britta , Hans Anna
Published: December 2022

Working with art is considered to have a special potential for heterogeneity-sensitive learning processes. It should pick up on elementary experiences, open up emotional access and diverse learning paths, and serve different learning types, strategies, and levels. In the heterogeneity-sensitive didactics of religion and art, however, these assumptions have not yet been empirically proven, and, in general, theoretical designs dominate in the heterogeneity-sensitive didactics of religion. In our contribution, we explore the question of how art processes enable heterogeneity-sensitive learning processes in religious education and help to reduce social inequality. For this purpose, we evaluate the first results of our qualitative empirical study on heterogeneity-sensitive learning processes with art in religious education (hekuru, which is based on subject didactic development research. There are initial indications that, contrary to widespread opinions, the thesis of a generally easy accessibility of art proves that needs have to be differentiated, and that special milieu sensitivity is advisable.
The Woman and the Dragon—The Formation of the Image of the Mulier Amicta Sole in the Revelation of St. John in Western Medieval Art
Authors: Doménech García Sergi
Published: December 2022

This article aims to study the visual tradition of the Woman Clothed with the Sun from chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation in medieval times, in particular the formation, continuity and variations of the various iconographic types. For this purpose, we firstly approach the main sources, both the Book of Revelation and the exegesis or interpretation of the Church Fathers. Secondly, we analyse the first preserved representations (ninth to twelfth centuries) that correspond to examples of the Italian and French tradition and the Beatus from the Iberian tradition, works that, most likely, followed original models from the first centuries of Christianity that have now disappeared. This section is followed by the study of representations from between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries and the importance of the Anglo-Norman Apocalypses. The article closes with an iconological section in which the importance of the mulier as an ecclesiological symbol and, subsequently, its Marian interpretation is pointed out.
“They Sit with the Discomfort, They Sit with the Pain Instead of Coming Forward”: Muslim Students’ Awareness, Attitudes, and Challenges Mobilizing Sexual Violence Education on Campus
Authors: Azmat Alia , Khayr Yasmeen , Mohajir Nadiah , Reyna Monica , Spitz Gina
Published: December 2022

There is limited literature on anti-sexual violence programming on college campuses for historically underrepresented groups in the United States, including, and especially, for Muslim students. This study will explore the following questions: (a) What is Muslim students’ awareness of sexual violence on college campuses? (b) What are Muslim students’ attitudes towards sexual violence?, and (c) What challenges do Muslim survivors and allies of sexual violence face on college campuses? A mixed methods analysis of quantitative (n = 91) and qualitative data (n = 8) was utilized to understand the impact of anti-sexual violence advocacy programming on college campuses. Results demonstrate that Muslim women reported knowing more survivors of sexual assault than Muslim men. Women also reported significantly higher levels of disagreement with victim-blaming statements compared to men. Qualitative interviews with eight student leaders demonstrated challenges to sexual assault programming on campus, include Islamophobia, power struggles between student groups, denial that sexual violence is a problem, and a lack of engagement from men. Results from this study highlight several key findings including (1) rape culture attitudes vary significantly between Muslim men and Muslim women, (2) barriers to facilitating sexual violence programming include several systems of oppression, and (3) the urgent need to provide nuanced programming to support minoritized youth communities on college campuses.
Risk Factors and Prediction of the Probability of Wildfire Occurrence in the China–Mongolia–Russia Cross-Border Area
Authors: Li Yuheng , Xu Shuxing , Fan Zhaofei , Zhang Xiao , Yang Xiaohui , Wen Shuo , Shi Zhongjie
Published: December 2022

Wildfire is essential in altering land ecosystems’ structures, processes, and functions. As a critical disturbance in the China–Mongolia–Russia cross-border area, it is vital to understand the potential drivers of wildfires and predict where wildfires are more likely to occur. This study assessed factors affecting wildfire using the Random Forest (RF) model. No single factor played a decisive role in the incidence of wildfires. However, the climatic variables were most critical, dominating the occurrence of wildfires. The probability of wildfire occurrence was simulated and predicted using the Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). The particle swarm optimization (PSO) model and genetic algorithm (GA) were used to optimize the ANFIS model. The hybrid ANFIS models performed better than single ANFIS for the training and validation datasets. The hybrid ANFIS models, such as PSO-ANFIS and GA-ANFIS, overcome the over-fitting problem of the single ANFIS model at the learning stage of the wildfire pattern. The high classification accuracy and good model performance suggest that PSO-ANFIS can be used to predict the probability of wildfire occurrence. The probability map illustrates that high-risk areas are mainly distributed in the northeast part of the study area, especially the grassland and forest area of Dornod Province of Mongolia, Buryatia, and Chita state of Russia, and the northeast part of Inner Mongolia, China. The findings can be used as reliable estimates of the relative likelihood of wildfire hazards for wildfire management in the region covered or vicinity.
Dynamics of Low-Lying Sandy Coast of the Gydan Peninsula, Kara Sea, Russia, Based on Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Belova Nataliya , Ermolov Alexander , Novikova Anna , Ogorodov Stanislav , Stanilovskaya Yulia
Published: December 2022

The retreat rates of Arctic coasts have increased in recent decades at many sites, and an essential part of coasts considered accumulative before have turned erosional due to global climate changes and construction in the coastal zone. In this paper, we study a 7 km long coastal section of the western Gydan Peninsula in a new construction area. Based on the interpretation of multi-temporal satellite imagery, we assessed coastal dynamics in distinct periods from 1972 to 2020. We analyzed the geological structure of the coast as well as changes in hydrometeorological parameters with time, and considering the human impact, we proposed the main drivers of spatial and temporal variations of coastal dynamics. The studied low-lying sandy accumulative marine terrace was more or less stable in the period before construction (1972–2014). However, with the area’s development, the coast dynamics changed drastically: in 2014–2017, three-quarters of the studied area experienced retreat, and the average retreat rate amounted to 5.8 m/yr, up to 28.5 m/yr near the construction sites. We relate this coastal erosion intensification to human impact combined with the growth of hydrometeorological forcing. Although coastal erosion slowed down after 2017, the retreat trend remained. In the coming years, with Arctic climate warming, erosion of the studied coast will continue.
Monitoring Seasonal Movement Characteristics of the Landslide Based on Time-Series InSAR Technology: The Cheyiping Landslide Case Study, China
Authors: Gou Yiting , Zhang Lu , Chen Yu , Zhou Heng , Zhu Qi , Liu Xuting , Lin Jiahui
Published: December 2022

Landslides are one of the extremely high-incidence and serious-loss geological disasters in the world, and the early monitoring and warning of landslides are of great importance. The Cheyiping landslide, located in western Yunnan Province, China, added many cracks and dislocations to the surface of the slope due to the severe seasonal rainfall and rise of the water level, which seriously threaten the safety of residents and roads located on the body and foot of the slope. To investigate the movement of the landslide, this paper used Sentinel-1A SAR data processed by time-series interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology to monitor the long-time surface deformation. The landslide boundary was defined, then the spatial distribution of landslide surface deformation from 5 January 2018 to 27 December 2021 was obtained. According to the monthly rainfall data and the temporal deformation results, the movement of the landslide was highly correlated with seasonal rainfall, and the Cheyiping landslide underwent seasonal sectional accelerated deformation. Moreover, the water level change of the Lancang River caused by the water storage of the hydropower station and seasonal rainfall accelerates the deformation of the landslide. This case study contributes to the interpretation of the slow deformation mechanism of the Cheyiping landslide and early hazard warning.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Regional Variations of Active Fires in China since 2001
Authors: Lian Chenqin , Xiao Chiwei , Feng Zhiming
Published: December 2022

Currently, fires (e.g., biomass burning and/or straw burning) are still prevailing and serious globally. However, the issue of the characteristics, types, and drives of fire occurrence is always a challenge and varies distinctively worldwide. Using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6 (C6) active fire products during 2001–2020, here, we analyzed the occurrence frequencies and spatiotemporal characteristics of active fires at the provincial and regional to national scales and at the monthly and annual scales in China. The accumulated occurrence frequencies of MODIS C6 active fires in China were up to 184.91 × 104 in the past two decades, and the average annual level was 9.25 × 104, especially in 2014 (15.20 × 104). The overall trend of active fires was rising and then falling, but with significant spatial and temporal differences in the last 20-years. Temporally, nearly 61% of active fires occurred in spring (36%) and autumn (25%), particularly in August (16%), April (14%), and October (13%). Spatially, about 90% of active fires occurred in the east of the Hu Huanyong Line, particularly in Northeast China (25%), South China (23%), and East China (20%). In China, the most active fires were concentrated in the Northeast Plain, the North China Plain, the southeast hills, and the Yunnan–Kweichow Plateau. In terms of temporal differences across regions, active fires in Northeast China, North China, and Northwest China were concentrated in spring and autumn, especially in March, April, and October; in East China, they were concentrated in summer, especially in June; and in South China and Southwest China, they were concentrated in winter and spring, especially from December to April of the following year. Our study provides a full analysis of spatio–temporal characteristics and changes of active fires in China, and it can also assist in supplying a beneficial reference for higher monitoring and controlling of fires such as straw burning.
A Full Tensor Decomposition Network for Crop Classification with Polarization Extension
Authors: Zhang Wei-Tao , Zheng Sheng-Di , Li Yi-Bang , Guo Jiao , Wang Hui
Published: December 2022

The multisource data fusion technique has been proven to perform better in crop classification. However, traditional fusion methods simply stack the original source data and their corresponding features, which can be only regarded as a superficial fusion method rather than deep fusion. This paper proposes a pixel-level fusion method for multispectral data and dual polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) data based on the polarization extension, which yields synthetic quad PolSAR data. Then we can generate high-dimensional features by means of various polarization decomposition schemes. High-dimensional features usually cause the curse of the dimensionality problem. To overcome this drawback in crop classification using the end-to-end network, we propose a simple network, namely the full tensor decomposition network (FTDN), where the feature extraction in the hidden layer is accomplished by tensor transformation. The number of parameters of the FTDN is considerably fewer than that of traditional neural networks. Moreover, the FTDN admits higher classification accuracy by making full use of structural information of PolSAR data. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the fusion method and the FTDN model.
Dynamic Evaluation of Agricultural Drought Hazard in Northeast China Based on Coupled Multi-Source Data
Authors: Li Kaiwei , Wang Chunyi , Rong Guangzhi , Wei Sicheng , Liu Cong , Yang Yueting , Sudu Bilige , Guo Ying , Sun Qing , Zhang Jiquan
Published: December 2022

As the climate warms, the impact of drought on plants has increased. We aimed to construct a comprehensive drought index (CDI), coupling soil-vegetation-atmosphere drought and heat conditions based on multi-source information, and to combine it with static and dynamic drought hazard evaluation models to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of agricultural drought disasters and hazards during the growing season (May to September) in Northeast China (NEC). The results demonstrated that the CDI could combine the benefits of meteorology (standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, SPEI), vegetation (vegetation health index, VHI), and soil (standardized soil moisture condition index, SMCI) indices. This was performed using a relative weighting method based on the remote sensing data of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) to determine the weights of SPEI, VHI, and SMCI. The CDI for drought monitoring has the advantages of broad spatial range, long time range, and high accuracy, and can effectively reflect agricultural drought; the growing season in NEC showed a trend of becoming drier during 1982–2020. However, the trends of the drought index, the impact range of drought events, and the hazard of agricultural drought all turned around 2000. The drought hazard was highly significant (p < 0.001) and decreased from 2000 to 2020. The frequency of drought disasters was the highest, and the hazard was the greatest in May. The best level of climatic yield anomalies in maize were explained by drought hazard in August (R2 = 0.28). In the center and western portions of the study area, farmland and grassland areas were where higher levels of hazard were most commonly seen. The dynamic hazard index is significantly correlated with climatic yield anomalies and can reflect the actual impact of drought on crop yield. The study results serve as a scientific foundation for drought risk assessment and management, agricultural planning, and the formulation of drought adaptation policies, as well as for ensuring food security in China.
Combining Environmental, Multispectral, and LiDAR Data Improves Forest Type Classification: A Case Study on Mapping Cool Temperate Rainforests and Mixed Forests
Authors: Trouvé Raphael , Jiang Ruizhu , Fedrigo Melissa , White Matt D. , Kasel Sabine , Baker Patrick J. , Nitschke Craig R.
Published: December 2022

Predictive vegetation mapping is an essential tool for managing and conserving high conservation-value forests. Cool temperate rainforests (Rainforest) and cool temperate mixed forests (Mixed Forest, i.e., rainforest spp. overtopped by large remnant Eucalyptus trees) are threatened forest types in the Central Highlands of Victoria. Logging of these forest types is prohibited; however, the surrounding native Eucalyptus forests can be logged in some areas of the landscape. This requires accurate mapping and delineation of these vegetation types. In this study, we combine niche modelling, multispectral imagery, and LiDAR data to improve predictive vegetation mapping of these two threatened ecosystems in southeast Australia. We used a dataset of 1586 plots partitioned into four distinct forest types that occur in close proximity in the Central Highlands: Eucalyptus, Tree fern, Mixed Forest, and Rainforest. We calibrated our model on a training dataset and validated it on a spatially distinct testing dataset. To avoid overfitting, we used Bayesian regularized multinomial regression to relate predictors to our four forest types. We found that multispectral predictors were able to distinguish Rainforest from Eucalyptus forests due to differences in their spectral signatures. LiDAR-derived predictors were effective at discriminating Mixed Forest from Rainforest based on forest structure, particularly LiDAR predictors based on existing domain knowledge of the system. For example, the best predictor of Mixed Forest was the presence of Rainforest-type understorey overtopped by large Eucalyptus crowns, which is effectively aligned with the regulatory definition of Mixed Forest. Environmental predictors improved model performance marginally, but helped discriminate riparian forests from Rainforest. However, the best model for classifying forest types was the model that included all three classes of predictors (i.e., spectral, structural, and environmental). Using multiple data sources with differing strengths improved classification accuracy and successfully predicted the identity of 88% of the plots. Our study demonstrated that multi-source methods are important for capturing different properties of the data that discriminate ecosystems. In addition, the multi-source approach facilitated adding custom metrics based on domain knowledge which in turn improved the mapping of high conservation-value forest.
Enriching Point Clouds with Implicit Representations for 3D Classification and Segmentation
Authors: Yang Zexin , Ye Qin , Stoter Jantien , Nan Liangliang
Published: December 2022

Continuous implicit representations can flexibly describe complex 3D geometry and offer excellent potential for 3D point cloud analysis. However, it remains challenging for existing point-based deep learning architectures to leverage the implicit representations due to the discrepancy in data structures between implicit fields and point clouds. In this work, we propose a new point cloud representation by integrating the 3D Cartesian coordinates with the intrinsic geometric information encapsulated in its implicit field. Specifically, we parameterize the continuous unsigned distance field around each point into a low-dimensional feature vector that captures the local geometry. Then we concatenate the 3D Cartesian coordinates of each point with its encoded implicit feature vector as the network input. The proposed method can be plugged into an existing network architecture as a module without trainable weights. We also introduce a novel local canonicalization approach to ensure the transformation-invariance of encoded implicit features. With its local mechanism, our implicit feature encoding module can be applied to not only point clouds of single objects but also those of complex real-world scenes. We have validated the effectiveness of our approach using five well-known point-based deep networks (i.e., PointNet, SuperPoint Graph, RandLA-Net, CurveNet, and Point Structuring Net) on object-level classification and scene-level semantic segmentation tasks. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real-world datasets have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed point representation.
Elaboration of Highly Modified Stainless Steel/Lead Dioxide Anodes for Enhanced Electrochemical Degradation of Ampicillin in Water
Authors: Ben Osman Yasmine , Hajjar-Garreau Samar , Berling Dominique , Akrout Hanene
Published: December 2022

Lead dioxide-based electrodes have shown a great performance in the electrochemical treatment of organic wastewater. In the present study, modified PbO2 anodes supported on stainless steel (SS) with a titanium oxide interlayer such as SS/TiO2/PbO2 and SS/TiO2/PbO2-10% Boron (B) were prepared by the sol–gel spin-coating technique. The morphological and structural properties of the prepared electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that the SS/TiO2/PbO2-10% B anode led to a rougher active surface, larger specific surface area, and therefore stronger ability to generate powerful oxidizing agents. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements showed that the modified PbO2 anodes displayed a lower charge transfer resistance Rct. The influence of the introduction of a TiO2 intermediate layer and the boron doping of a PbO2 active surface layer on the electrochemical degradation of ampicillin (AMP) antibiotic have been investigated by chemical oxygen demand measurements and HPLC analysis. Although HPLC analysis showed that the degradation process of AMP with SS/PbO2 was slightly faster than the modified PbO2 anodes, the results revealed that SS/TiO2/PbO2-10%B was the most efficient and economical anode toward the pollutant degradation due to its physico-chemical properties. At the end of the electrolysis, the chemical oxygen demand (COD), the average current efficiency (ACE) and the energy consumption (EC) reached, respectively, 69.23%, 60.30% and 0.056 kWh (g COD)−1, making SS/TiO2/PbO2-10%B a promising anode for the degradation of ampicillin antibiotic in aqueous solutions.
Synthesis, Isolation, Identification and Characterization of a Drug-Excipient Interaction Degradation Impurity in Pramipexole by HPLC, LC/MS and NMR
Authors: Al-Rifai Nafisah , Alshishani Anas , Saad Bahruddin , Rasras Anas , Zahra Jalal , Madieh Shadi , Darras Fouad
Published: December 2022

A drug-excipient interaction impurity associated with the degradation process of pramipexole was isolated. The impurity was detected during the stability study of pramipexole extended-release tablets. It was found at a relative retention time of 0.88 with respect to pramipexole, using the pramipexole gradient HPLC-UV detection method described in the USP. The structure of the impurity was identified and fully characterized using high resolution mass spectrometry, IR and NMR techniques, as presented herein. The degradation impurity was identified as (S)-N2-(methoxymethyl)-N6-propyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,3-benzothiazole-2,6-diamine. The drug-excipient interaction mechanism of its formation was proposed. An efficient and straightforward synthetic approach was developed to prepare the degradation impurity to confirm its proposed degradation pathway and structure.
Purification of Carrier-Free 47Sc of Biomedical Interest: Selective Separation Study from natCa(n,γ)
Authors: Shahr El-Din Ahmed , Rizk Hoda , Attallah Mohamed
Published: December 2022

47Sc for theranostic medical applications was produced from the neutron activation of a natural calcium target. Liquid–liquid extraction for separation of the 47Sc radioisotope from 47Ca was carried out with the extractant Cyanex 272 ((2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid). The effects of various extraction parameters on the extraction efficiency and separation of the two radionuclides were investigated, including the extraction time, pH, metal ion concentrations, extractant concentration, diluent type, and phase ratio. It was shown that the extraction yield of the 47Sc radioisotope with the proposed procedure is about 90%, with a fast separation time of 10 min, at pH 1.8 (0.01 M HCl), and with low E (1%) for 47Ca and high separation factors. The stripping % of the loaded 47Sc isotope was about 99.2% using 0.4 M oxalic acid solution with a purity of 99.9%.
Long-Term Effects of a U.S. University Human Sexuality Course on Use of Contraception
Authors: Sciarro Courtney E. , Mozingo Shelby L. , Rosopa Elenah B. , King Bruce M.
Published: December 2022

This study examined long-term effects of taking a university sexuality course on use of contraception. A questionnaire was given to two groups of students: 602 students enrolled in the first week of a comprehensive sexuality course, and 352 students who had completed the course 1–1.5 years earlier. A significantly smaller percentage of former students had used no contraception at last sexual intercourse (p < 0.005). Former students were less likely to have used a dual method, and favored either IUDs, implants, or birth control pills used alone. There was no notable change in the percentage of former students using withdrawal or condoms. Former students showed evidence of better communication about sex with their partners. The effect size for use of contraception was small, but if this result is true of other college sexuality courses, nationwide it translates into thousands of students who may have avoided unintentional pregnancies.
Stigmatisation of People with Deviant Sexual Interest: A Comparative Study
Authors: Combridge Kirra , Lastella Michele
Published: December 2022

Background: Pedophilia is a deviant sexual interest subject to more public stigma and punitive attitudes than others. Pedophilia has received a disproportionate amount of scholarly attention in comparison to other deviant sexual interests. To address this, the present study offers a comparison of the public stigma and punitive attitudes associated with pedophilia, fetishism, and hypersexuality. Methods: Recruited in Australia, one-hundred and twelve individuals participated in an anonymous online survey. Stigmatising and punitive attitudes toward pedophilia, fetishism, and hypersexuality were assessed via sub-scales of perceived dangerousness, deviance, intentionality, and punitive attitudes. Results: Participants held harsher punitive attitudes toward people with pedophilia and thought them to be more deviant and dangerous than people with fetishism and hypersexuality. Participants perceived hypersexuality to be more dangerous and deviant than fetishism. No consistent combination of perceived dangerousness, deviance, and intentionality predicted punitive attitudes toward all conditions. Rather, combinations of punitive attitude predictors were unique across conditions. Conclusions: This research articulates the unparalleled public stigma and punitive attitudes faced by people with pedophilia, compared to people with fetishism and hypersexuality. Findings which suggest that public stigma is stronger for hypersexuality than it is for fetishism are relatively novel, as are the observed predictors of punitive attitudes toward each condition. Knowledge produced by this study contributes to an improved conceptualisation of how the public views individuals who experience deviant sexual interests.
Interdigitated Back Contact Technology as Final Evolution for Industrial Crystalline Single-Junction Silicon Solar Cell
Authors: Kopecek Radovan , Buchholz Florian , Mihailetchi Valentin D. , Libal Joris , Lossen Jan , Chen Ning , Chu Haifeng , Peter Christoph , Timofte Tudor , Halm Andreas , Guo Yonggang , Qu Xiaoyong , Wu Xiang , Gao Jiaqing , Dong Peng
Published: December 2022

We present our own Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) technology, which was developed at ISC Konstanz and implemented in mass production with and at SPIC Solar in Xining, China, with production efficiencies of over 24%. To our knowledge, this is the highest efficiency achieved in the mass production of crystalline silicon solar cells without the use of charge-carrier-selective contacts. With an adapted screen-printing sequence, it is possible to achieve open-circuit voltages of over 700 mV. Advanced module technology has been developed for the IBC interconnection, which is ultimately simpler than for conventional double-sided contacted solar cells. In the next step, we will realize low-cost charge-carrier-selective contacts for both polarities in a simple sequence using processes developed and patented at ISC Konstanz. With the industrialisation of this process, it will be possible to achieve efficiencies well above 25% at low cost. We will show that with the replacement of silver screen-printed contacts by copper or aluminium metallisation, future IBC technology will be the end product for the PV market, as it is the best performing c-Si technology, leading to the lowest cost of electricity, even in utility-scale applications.
Rice Husk Ash in Concrete
Authors: Endale Solomon Asrat , Taffese Woubishet Zewdu , Vo Duy-Hai , Yehualaw Mitiku Damtie
Published: December 2022

This study conducted an extensive literature review on rice husk ash (RHA), with a focus on its particle properties and their effects on the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete when used as a partial cement replacement. The pozzolanic property of RHA is determined by its amorphous silica content, specific surface area, and particle fineness, which can be improved by using controlled combustion and grinding for use in concrete. RHA particle microstructures are typically irregular in shape, with porous structures on the surface, non-uniform in dispersion, and discrete throughout. Because RHA has a finer particle size than cement, the RHA blended cement concrete performs well in terms of fresh properties (workability, consistency, and setting time). Due to the involvement of amorphous silica reactions, the mechanical properties (compressive, tensile, and flexural strength) of RHA-containing concrete increase with increasing RHA content up to a certain optimum level. Furthermore, the use of RHA improved the durability properties of concrete (water absorption, chloride resistance, corrosion resistance, and sulphate resistance). RHA has the potential to replace cement by up to 10% to 20% without compromising the concrete performance due to its high pozzolanic properties. The use of RHA as a partial cement replacement in concrete can thus provide additional environmental benefits, such as resource conservation and agricultural waste management, while also contributing to a circular economy in the construction industry.
A Longitudinal Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Ancient Village Tourism Development in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Bao Yafang , Jiang Hanjing , Ma Emily , Sun Zhi , Xu Lihua
Published: December 2022

The sustainable development of tourism is essential for revitalizing historically and culturally significant ancient villages in China. Despite the longstanding recognition of the relationship between the spatial distribution of village destinations and their sustainable development, there is a dearth of longitudinal studies in village tourism. Using the geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis method and the exploratory spatial data analysis model, this study explored the spatial-temporal features of ancient village tourism over three important time nodes of rural tourism development (in Zhejiang, China), as well as the contributing factors at both the provincial and prefectural city levels. The findings of this study suggested a spatial inequality in the distribution of ancient villages, in terms of tourism development over time. In particular, tourism development was clustered in the southern region, with a noticeable spillover effect. Meanwhile, transportation, source markets, and physical topography are essential factors contributing to this spatial distribution. The study contributes to ancient village tourism development literature and offers meaningful, practical implications for regional governments and business investors.
Coal Burst Prevention Technology and Engineering Practice in Ordos Deep Mining Area of China
Authors: Pan Weihui , Li Yunpeng , Zhang Chuang , Shi Xiaoshan , Cui Heng , Wang Bo , Li Yang , Wang Yue
Published: December 2022

With the coal mines in western China entering the field of deep mining, the problem of coal burst is becoming more and more serious. According to the characteristics of deep mining, it is an urgent problem that requires the development of an efficient and reasonable coal burst prevention and control plan to guide project practices. This study takes the typical deep mining area in Ordos as the research background, according to the stress state of the coal mining area and the load form of induced coal burst, which, in Ordos deep mining, is divided into the typical and atypical type. The former is caused by the superposition of high in situ stress and strong mining-induced stress, while the latter is due to the combination of high in situ stress, strong mining-induced stress, and external stress disturbances. Combined with theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field measurement, it is shown that the stress level of the Ordos deep mining area is higher than that of the shallow original rock, and the difference of the three-dimensional stress between coal and rock mass is greater. The concentration degree and influence range of mining-induced stress obviously increase. Coal and rock mass are more prone to instability and failure due to external disturbances. Based on the stress control theory, the prevention and control strategies of coal burst in different types of deep mining are put forward. In addition, the prevention and control technology system of coal burst in the Ordos deep mining area is established. The field engineering practice has been carried out to realize the efficient prevention and control of coal burst.
Households Social Vulnerability to Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies in Raya Kobo and Raya Alamata Woredas, Ethiopia
Authors: Hidaru Agezew , Tolossa Degefa , Tilahun Temesgen
Published: December 2022

The research was carried out in neighboring weredas in Ethiopia (Raya Alamata in the Tigray region and Raya Kobo in Amhara) and assessed reasons for differences in the food security status of households in the two areas. The objective was to examine the relationship between disparities in social vulnerability and food security among households in the two woredas. Despite their close proximity, similar work cultures, natural resource availability, and land size, there is a significant difference in food security status and social vulnerability between Raya Alamata and Raya Kobo communities, with Raya Alamata reporting 84% food insecurity and Raya Kobo reporting 24%. Using propensity score matching (PSM), the study compared the degree of social vulnerability and food security of households, and the key variables linked to differences in food security between the communities of the two weredas were differences in irrigation systems, usage of agricultural inputs, extension packages, and other support systems. In contrast to Raya Kobo, where 68% of sample HHs use a groundwater irrigation system for agriculture, Raya Alamata woreda employs just 8.2% of such systems. Similar to this, in Raya Kobo, 51%, 49%, 31%, 27%, and 18% of the sampled HHs have appropriate access to better seeds, extension services, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, soil and water conservation measures, and manure. Only 0.9% of the surveyed HHs in Raya Alamata, however, receive improved seeds; 1.8% receive extension services; 1.8% receive chemical fertilizers; 0.9% receive compost or manure; 1.8% receive water and soil conservation programs. In addition to households’ access to irrigation, extension services, and agricultural inputs being much greater in Raya Kobo compared to Raya Alamata, the notable differences in the food security status of households in Raya Alamata and in Raya Kobo are due to the varying levels of social vulnerability in terms of access to basic social services and infrastructures, such as education, rural road facilities, potable water, and health. Differences in social vulnerability and food security between the Raya Alamata and Raya Kobo districts could not be explained by differences in farmland size and fertility. The key factors determining the food security of households are the availability of irrigation systems, the provision of agricultural inputs, and the availability of extension services. To ensure food security and significantly reduce poverty in the area, the study advises the provision of irrigation infrastructure, extension services, and agricultural inputs with strong market linkages.
Smart Elderly Care Services in China: Challenges, Progress, and Policy Development
Authors: Hung Jason
Published: December 2022

In 2017, the State Council of China published an action plan for the construction of a smart and healthy elderly care industry (2017–2020). The action plan designed and implemented by the State Council of China demonstrates the Central Government’s determination to informationalise and digitalise the Chinese society. Therefore, the market of smart home care services should expectedly mushroom in the coming decades, as the demand for smart home care increase. However, there are a range of barriers to achieving the massification of smart home care services, which will be discussed in the following sections. In addition to the shortage of family care and nursing services, elders being physically and psychologically vulnerable also engenders the Central Government to accelerate the provision of smart home care services to the Chinese elderly population. Here, smart home investment and delivery are necessary when building a sustainable elderly care system. The investment in smart home elderly care can lessen the long-term burden on China’s healthcare system as more elders would be able to self-manage their everyday life and minor physical and psychological problems. In this article, the author would critically analyses China’s implementation of smart home elderly care services, particularly on the benefits and challenges of technological advancement in elderly care and the advantages and problems of relevant policy development. The author also highlights how the informationalisation and digitalisation in elderly care and policy development enhance the convenience of the elderly populations’ everyday life when family care is limited or absent. Additionally, the author assesses what the gaps are in existing smart home elderly care technologies and policy development that need to be addressed by Chinese policymakers to further advance the safety and convenience of the elderly cohorts’ living.
Investigating the Effect of Parameters on Confinement Coefficient of Reinforced Concrete Using Development of Learning Machine Models
Authors: Cheng Gege , Lai Sai Hin , Rashid Ahmad Safuan A. , Ulrikh Dmitrii Vladimirovich , Wang Bin
Published: December 2022

The current research aims to investigate the parameters’ effect on the confinement coefficient, Ks, forecast using machine learning. Because various parameters affect the Ks, a new computational model has been developed to investigate this issue. Six parameters are among the effective parameters based on previous research. Therefore, according to the dimensions of the variables in the problem, a supply–demand-based optimization (SDO) model was developed. The performance of this model is directly dependent on its main parameters, such as market size and iteration. Then, to compare the performance of the SDO model, classical models, including particle swarm size (PSO), imperialism competitive algorithm (ICA), and genetic algorithm (GA), were used. Finally, the best-developed model used different parameters to check the uncertainty obtained. For the test results, the new SDO-ANFIS model was able to obtain values of 0.9449 and 0.134 for the coefficient of determination (R2), and root mean square error (RMSE), which performed better than other models. Due to the different relationships between the parameters, different designed conditions were considered and developed based on the hybrid model and, finally, the number of longitudinal bars and diameter of lateral ties were obtained as the strongest and weakest parameters based on the developed model for this study.
A Systematic Review on Enhancement in Quality of Life through Digitalization in the Construction Industry
Authors: Musarat Muhammad Ali , Sadiq Alishba , Alaloul Wesam Salah , Abdul Wahab Mohamed Mubarak
Published: December 2022

Digitalization in the construction sector is a need of the modern world. Not only the infrastructure, but also the quality of life, is improved by the digital transformation in the construction sector. Digital technologies are being widely used in construction. The impacts of implementing digital technology on transformation in the construction industry, however, have not yet been thoroughly understood. Considering this aspect of the construction industry, this study reviews the articles in the field of digitalization of various segments in the construction industry. In this manner, the Scopus database was considered to gather the relevant articles based on the keywords (((“Digitalization” OR “Digitalisation”) OR “Reforms”) AND “Construction” AND “Energy”). These keyword combinations provided a list of 126 articles and, following the protocol of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), the number was reduced to 35. The review showed that the major targeted areas in the construction sector based on digital transformation are smart construction, optimization of energy, sustainable environment, wireless technology, and economic and architectural growth in which the role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and prefabricated construction is noteworthy. The involvement of digitalization in numerous fields has improved quality of life. It increases production and has the potential to automate the industry more effectively. This study shows how the adoption of digital technology has improved comprehension and laid the foundation for a digital transformation in the construction industry.
Application of Mobile Monitoring to Study Characteristics of Air Pollution in Typical Areas of the Yangtze River Delta Eco-Green Integration Demonstration Zone, China
Authors: Fu Xinran , Cai Qixin , Yang Yitao , Xu Yu , Zhao Fanghong , Yang Jie , Qiao Liping , Yao Lan , Li Weiyue
Published: December 2022

Mobile observation improves the accuracy and coverage of environmental monitoring, and can locate and track pollution sources. We conducted mobile monitoring to obtain real-time atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3) in typical areas, which included a country park and a tourist attraction featuring an ancient town in the Yangtze River Delta Eco-Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone (Demonstration Zone), China. Results show that the concentrations of the six key pollutants in the ancient town were usually higher than that in the country park, due to high intensity of anthropogenic emissions. Pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and CO in the ancient town during weekends were higher than that during weekdays, whereas pollutants in the country park presented no difference during weekdays and weekends. Morphology analysis of individual particles by scanning electron microscopy detected abundant soot from fresh emissions and atmospheric aging in the two areas. Agricultural irrigation, powered by diesel combustion, was identified as an emission source in the country park. Open-air cooking, coal combustion for cooking and the frequent redecoration of stores were emission sources in the ancient town. Environmentally friendly agricultural irrigation ways and cleaner cooking fuels were suggested to further improve air quality in the Demonstration Zone.
Insights and Next Challenges for the Italian Educational System to Teach Sustainability in a Global Context
Authors: Smaniotto Cecilia , Saramin Anna , Brunelli Laura , Parpinel Maria
Published: December 2022

Education is recognized as a dimension in which a more sustainable future can be promoted and supported. It is described both as a specific goal under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and as a goal within other SDGs. Since sustainability can be taught at all levels of education, students progressively acquire a variable knowledge of these issues and find academic, professional and social contexts in which they are expected to implement this knowledge. Italian universities could gradually adapt to incorporate this knowledge through specific courses, the integration of sustainability in learning programs, and the promotion of sustainable behaviors. This offers a unique opportunity to integrate sustainability in didactic activities and in the whole academic environment, presenting the university as a model for a more sustainable life. The same path can be followed by other institutions engaged in lifelong learning and improving general education and sustainability literacy. This essay presents a general diagnosis of the current situation in the global and national integration of sustainability in education, the level of knowledge of Italian students and teaching staff about sustainability, why this knowledge should be enhanced, and how lifelong learning can harmoniously continue the process to achieve such integration.
Smart Mobility and its Implications for Road Infrastructure Provision: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kussl Sebastian , Wald Andreas
Published: December 2022

Emerging smart mobility concepts suggest solutions for more effective and environmentally friendly transportation. Given their importance in enabling smart mobility, road infrastructure networks have received limited attention. Questions concerning the development of various isolated smart mobility solutions dominate the discourse, including only a few detached and unaligned implications towards road infrastructure provision. As a result, the development, operation, and functionality of road infrastructure networks are remarkably unchanged, and the deployment of smart mobility solutions remains tentative. The objective of this study was to investigate how road infrastructure must adapt to facilitate a smart mobility transition, not for a single solution but as a socio-technical system transition. As no compiled knowledge for this objective exists, a systematic literature review was performed to consolidate and inductively analyse the literature on smart mobility solutions. Based on the results, implications for road infrastructure provision were identified, and as a path forward, a conceptual model for the digital transformation of road infrastructure is presented. By using smart mobility as the antecedent for changes in road infrastructure provision, this paper contributes to an increased understanding of user-driven, industrial transformations and advances the current product/project view on digitalisation in infrastructure provision with broader value implications. The main contributions of this study are concrete pathways for road infrastructure provision that support smart mobility.