bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectory Determination of Chang’E-5 during Landing and Ascending
Authors: Yang Peng , Huang Yong , Li Peijia , Liu Siyu , Shan Quan , Zheng Weimin
Published: December 2021

Chang’E-5 (CE-5) is China’s first lunar sample return mission. This paper focuses on the trajectory determination of the CE-5 lander and ascender during the landing and ascending phases, and the positioning of the CE-5 lander on the Moon. Based on the kinematic statistical orbit determination method using B-spline and polynomial functions, the descent and ascent trajectories of the lander and ascender are determined by using ground-based radiometric ranging, Doppler and interferometry data. The results show that a B-spline function is suitable for a trajectory with complex maneuvers. For a smooth trajectory, B-spline and polynomial functions can reach almost the same solutions. The positioning of the CE-5 lander on the Moon is also investigated here. Using the kinematic statistical positioning method, the landing site of the lander is 43.0590°N, 51.9208°W with an elevation of −2480.26 m, which is less than 200 m different from the LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) image data.
Ship Detection via Dilated Rate Search and Attention-Guided Feature Representation
Authors: Hu Jianming , Zhi Xiyang , Shi Tianjun , Yu Lijian , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2021

Due to the complexity of scene interference and the variability of ship scale and position, automatic ship detection in remote sensing images makes for challenging research. The existing deep networks rarely design receptive fields that fit the target scale based on training data. Moreover, most of them ignore the effective retention of position information in the feature extraction process, which reduces the contribution of features to subsequent classification. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel ship detection framework combining the dilated rate selection and attention-guided feature representation strategies, which can efficiently detect ships of different scales under the interference of complex environments such as clouds, sea clutter and mist. Specifically, we present a dilated convolution parameter search strategy to adaptively select the dilated rate for the multi-branch extraction architecture, adaptively obtaining context information of different receptive fields without sacrificing the image resolution. Moreover, to enhance the spatial position information of the feature maps, we calculate the correlation of spatial points from the vertical and horizontal directions and embed it into the channel compression coding process, thus generating the multi-dimensional feature descriptors which are sensitive to direction and position characteristics of ships. Experimental results on the Airbus dataset demonstrate that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance compared with other detection models.
Combined Use of Space Borne Optical and SAR Data to Improve Knowledge about Sea Ice for Shipping
Authors: König Christine , König Thomas , Singha Suman , Frost Anja , Jacobsen Sven
Published: December 2021

As a first step towards a new combined product for sea ice classification based on optical/thermal data collected by Sentinel-3 satellites and SAR data from Sentinel-1 satellites, which can be used as an appropriate support for navigation in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, two existing classification algorithms are adapted to these data. The classification based on optical data has improved, so it is expected that the results will be ideally suited to be processed together with SAR data into significantly improved sea ice information products to support marine navigation. The usefulness of the combined processing is demonstrated by means of two simple algorithms and a more sophisticated approach is outlined, which will be realized in the future in order to form the basis for an integration into an operational service with the involvement of further partners and users.
Improving the Representation of Whitecap Fraction and Sea Salt Aerosol Emissions in the ECMWF IFS-AER
Authors: Rémy Samuel , Anguelova Magdalena D.
Published: December 2021

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) operates the Integrated Forecasting System aerosol module (IFS-AER) to provide daily global analysis and forecast of aerosols for the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). New estimates of sea salt aerosol emissions have been implemented in the IFS-AER using a new parameterization of whitecap fraction as a function of wind speed and sea surface temperature. The effect of whitecap fraction simulated by old and new parameterizations has been evaluated by comparing the IFS-AER new sea salt aerosol characteristics to those of aerosol retrievals. The new parameterization brought a significant improvement as compared to the two parameterizations of sea salt aerosol emissions previously implemented in the IFS-AER. Likewise, the simulated sea salt aerosol optical depth and surface concentration are significantly improved, as compared against ground and remote sensing products.
Improving Estimation of Woody Aboveground Biomass of Sparse Mixed Forest over Dryland Ecosystem by Combining Landsat-8, GaoFen-2, and UAV Imagery
Authors: Shi Yonglei , Wang Zhihui , Liu Liangyun , Li Chunyi , Peng Dailiang , Xiao Peiqing
Published: December 2021

Sparse mixed forest with trees, shrubs, and green herbaceous vegetation is a typical landscape in the afforestation areas in northwestern China. It is a great challenge to accurately estimate the woody aboveground biomass (AGB) of a sparse mixed forest with heterogeneous woody vegetation types and background types. In this study, a novel woody AGB estimation methodology (VI-AGB model stratified based on herbaceous vegetation coverage) using a combination of Landsat-8, GaoFen-2, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images was developed. The results show the following: (1) the woody and herbaceous canopy can be accurately identified using the object-based support vector machine (SVM) classification method based on UAV red-green-blue (RGB) images, with an average overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of 93.44% and 0.91, respectively; (2) compared with the estimation uncertainties of the woody coverage-AGB models without considering the woody vegetation types (RMSE = 14.98 t∙ha−1 and rRMSE = 96.31%), the woody coverage-AGB models stratified based on five woody species (RMSE = 5.82 t∙ha−1 and rRMSE = 37.46%) were 61.1% lower; (3) of the six VIs used in this study, the near-infrared reflectance of pure vegetation (NIRv)-AGB model performed best (RMSE = 7.91 t∙ha−1 and rRMSE = 50.89%), but its performance was still seriously affected by the heterogeneity of the green herbaceous coverage. The normalized difference moisture index (NDMI)-AGB model was the least sensitive to the background. The stratification-based VI-AGB models considering the herbaceous vegetation coverage derived from GaoFen-2 and UAV images can significantly improve the accuracy of the woody AGB estimated using only Landsat VIs, with the RMSE and rRMSE of 6.6 t∙ha−1 and 42.43% for the stratification-based NIRv-AGB models. High spatial resolution information derived from UAV and satellite images has a great potential for improving the woody AGB estimated using only Landsat images in sparsely vegetated areas. This study presents a practical method of estimating woody AGB in sparse mixed forest in dryland areas.
Characterizing Rain Cells as Measured by a Ka-Band Nadir Radar Altimeter: First Results and Impact on Future Altimetry Missions
Authors: Picard Bruno , Picot Nicolas , Dibarboure Gérald , Steunou Nathalie
Published: December 2021

The impact of large atmospheric attenuation events on data quality and availability is a critical aspect for future altimetry missions based on Ka-band altimetry. The SARAL/AltiKa mission and its Ka-band nadir altimeter offer a unique opportunity to assess this impact. Previous publications (Tournadre et al., 2009, 2015) already analyzed the impact of rain on the waveforms at Ka-band and proposed a definition of an elaborate rain flag. This notion tends to give a simpler black and white view of the atmospheric attenuation when the effect on the altimeter measurement is intense. However, in practice, there is a continuum of measurements that may be partially distorted or corrupted by rain events. The present study proposes a wider point of view, directly using the timeseries of the Ka-band altimeter backscattering coefficient for the first time, when previous studies relied on microwave radiometer (MWR) observations or model analyses with coarser resolutions. As guidelines for future Ka-band missions concerning the impact of the atmosphere, the Attenuation CElls Characterization ALgorithm (ACECAL) approach not only provides more representative statistics on rain cells (occurrences, amplitude, size), but also describes the internal structure of the cells. The actual atmospheric attenuation retrieved with ACECAL is about four times larger than the attenuation retrieved from the MWR. At a global scale, 1% of the measurements are affected by an attenuation larger than 23 dB and 10% of the atmospheric attenuation events have a size larger than 40 km. At regional scale, some areas of particular interest for oceanography as Gulf Stream, North Pacific and Brazil currents are more systematically affected compared with global statistics, with atmospheric attenuation up to 8 dB and cell size larger than 25 km when rain occurs. This study also opens some perspectives on the benefits that the community could be drawn from the systematic distribution of the rain cells parameters as secondary products of altimetry missions.
Water Vapour Assessment Using GNSS and Radiosondes over Polar Regions and Estimation of Climatological Trends from Long-Term Time Series Analysis
Authors: Negusini Monia , Petkov Boyan H. , Tornatore Vincenza , Barindelli Stefano , Martelli Leonardo , Sarti Pierguido , Tomasi Claudio
Published: December 2021

The atmospheric humidity in the Polar Regions is an important factor for the global budget of water vapour, which is a significant indicator of Earth’s climate state and evolution. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) can make a valuable contribution in the calculation of the amount of Precipitable Water Vapour (PW). The PW values retrieved from Global Positioning System (GPS), hereafter PWGPS, refer to 20-year observations acquired by more than 40 GNSS geodetic stations located in the polar regions. For GNSS stations co-located with radio-sounding stations (RS), which operate Vaisala radiosondes, we estimated the PW from RS observations (PWRS). The PW values from the ERA-Interim global atmospheric reanalysis were used for validation and comparison of the results for all the selected GPS and RS stations. The correlation coefficients between times series are very high: 0.96 for RS and GPS, 0.98 for RS and ERA in the Arctic; 0.89 for RS and GPS, 0.97 for RS and ERA in Antarctica. The Root-Mean-Square of the Error (RMSE) is 0.9 mm on average for both RS vs. GPS and RS vs. ERA in the Arctic, and 0.6 mm for RS vs. GPS and 0.4 mm for RS vs. ERA in Antarctica. After validation, long-term trends, both for Arctic and Antarctic regions, were estimated using Hector scientific software. Positive PWGPS trends dominate at Arctic sites near the borders of the Atlantic Ocean. Sites located at higher latitudes show no significant values (at 1σ level). Negative PWGPS trends were observed in the Arctic region of Greenland and North America. A similar behaviour was found in the Arctic for PWRS trends. The stations in the West Antarctic sector show a general positive PWGPS trend, while the sites on the coastal area of East Antarctica exhibit some significant negative PWGPS trends, but in most cases, no significant PWRS trends were found. The present work confirms that GPS is able to provide reliable estimates of water vapour content in Arctic and Antarctic regions too, where data are sparse and not easy to collect. These preliminary results can give a valid contribution to climate change studies.
Mapping of Subtidal and Intertidal Seagrass Meadows via Application of the Feature Pyramid Network to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Orthophotos
Authors: Chen Jundong , Sasaki Jun
Published: December 2021

Seagrass meadows are one of the blue carbon ecosystems that continue to decline worldwide. Frequent mapping is essential to monitor seagrass meadows for understanding change processes including seasonal variations and influences of meteorological and oceanic events such as typhoons and cyclones. Such mapping approaches may also enhance seagrass blue carbon strategy and management practices. Although unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerial photography has been widely conducted for this purpose, there have been challenges in mapping accuracy, efficiency, and applicability to subtidal water meadows. In this study, a novel method was developed for mapping subtidal and intertidal seagrass meadows to overcome such challenges. Ground truth seagrass orthophotos in four seasons were created from the Futtsu tidal flat of Tokyo Bay, Japan, using vertical and oblique UAV photography. The feature pyramid network (FPN) was first applied for automated seagrass classification by adjusting the spatial resolution and normalization parameters and by considering the combinations of seasonal input data sets. The FPN classification results ensured high performance with the validation metrics of 0.957 overall accuracy (OA), 0.895 precision, 0.942 recall, 0.918 F1-score, and 0.848 IoU, which outperformed the conventional U-Net results. The FPN classification results highlighted seasonal variations in seagrass meadows, exhibiting an extension from winter to summer and demonstrating a decline from summer to autumn. Recovery of the meadows was also detected after the occurrence of Typhoon No. 19 in October 2019, a phenomenon which mainly happened before summer 2020.
Trichuriasis in Selected Deer (Cervidae) Species: A Geographical Perspective
Authors: Jones Kegan Romelle
Published: December 2021

Trichuris spp. are endoparasites found in a wide range of mammalian species. Some of these host species include humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats, pigs, wild ruminants and domesticated ruminants. However, it had been noted that Trichuris are host specific, therefore the parasites that infects wild ruminant species may be transmitted to domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep and goat. Thus, the aim of this review was to identify species of Trichuris that parasitise deer species and to categorise the prevalence of this disease at various geographical locations. It must be noted that the prevalence and intensity of this parasite within deer species was low and rarely showed any signs of clinical disease. However, deer can be a source of infection to domesticated ruminants that may be housed in closed proximity. The review is divided into several sections based on the geographical location of the deer species. In summary, the review shows that most of the identification of various species of Trichuris in deer is based on morphological techniques. However, the use of molecular techniques in the identification of various species of Trichuris is more accurate. In closing, there is a need for more molecular investigations to be done in identifying the species of Trichuris that are present in deer living in the neo-tropical region.
Dual-Input and Multi-Channel Convolutional Neural Network Model for Vehicle Speed Prediction
Authors: Xing Jiaming , Chu Liang , Guo Chong , Pu Shilin , Hou Zhuoran
Published: December 2021

With the development of technology, speed prediction has become an important part of intelligent vehicle control strategies. However, the time-varying and nonlinear nature of vehicle speed increases the complexity and difficulty of prediction. Therefore, a CNN-based neural network architecture with two channel input (DICNN) is proposed in this paper. With two inputs and four channels, DICNN can predict the speed changes in the next 5 s by extracting the temporal information of 10 vehicle signals and the driver’s intention. The prediction performances of DICNN are firstly examined. The best RMSE, MAE, ME and R2 are obtained compared with a Markov chain combined with Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation, a support vector machine (SVM) and a single input CNN (SICNN). Secondly, equivalent fuel consumption minimization strategies (ECMS) combining different vehicle speed prediction methods are constructed. After verification by simulation, the equivalent fuel consumption of the simulation increases by only 4.89% compared with dynamic-programming-based energy management strategy and decreased by 5.40% compared with the speed prediction method with low accuracy.
Improved Resolution and Cost Performance of Low-Cost MEMS Seismic Sensor through Parallel Acquisition
Authors: Hu Xing-Xing , Wang Xi-Zhen , Chen Bo , Li Cai-Hua , Tang Yi-Xiang , Shen Xiao-Yu , Zhong Yuan , Chen Zhuo-Lin , Teng Yun-Tian
Published: December 2021

In earthquake monitoring, an important aspect of the operational effect of earthquake intensity rapid reporting and earthquake early warning networks depends on the density and performance of the deployed seismic sensors. To improve the resolution of seismic sensors as much as possible while keeping costs low, in this article the use of multiple low-cost and low-resolution digital MEMS accelerometers is proposed to increase the resolution through the correlation average method. In addition, a cost-effective MEMS seismic sensor is developed. With ARM and Linux embedded computer technology, this instrument can cyclically store the continuous collected data on a built-in large-capacity SD card for approximately 12 months. With its real-time seismic data processing algorithm, this instrument is able to automatically identify seismic events and calculate ground motion parameters. Moreover, the instrument is easy to install in a variety of ground or building conditions. The results show that the RMS noise of the instrument is reduced from 0.096 cm/s2 with a single MEMS accelerometer to 0.034 cm/s2 in a bandwidth of 0.1–20 Hz by using the correlation average method of eight low-cost MEMS accelerometers. The dynamic range reaches more than 90 dB, the amplitude–frequency response of its input and output within −3 dB is DC −80 Hz, and the linearity is better than 0.47%. In the records from our instrument, earthquakes with magnitudes between M2.2 and M5.1 and distances from the epicenter shorter than 200 km have a relatively high SNR, and are more visible than they were prior to the joint averaging.
Enhanced Electrical Properties of Alkali-Doped ZnO Thin Films with Chemical Process
Authors: Cuadra Jaime , Porcar Samuel , Fraga Diego , Stoyanova-Lyubenova Teodora , Carda Juan
Published: December 2021

Doped ZnO are among the most attractive transparent conductive oxides for solar cells because they are relatively cheap, can be textured for light trapping, and readily produced for large-scale coatings. Here, we focus on the development of alternative Na and K-doped ZnO prepared by an easy low-cost spray pyrolysis method for conducting oxide application. To enhance the electrical properties of zinc oxide, alkali-doped Zn1−x MxO (x = 0.03) solid solutions were investigated. The resulting layers crystallize in a single hexagonal phase of wurtzite structure with preferred c-axis orientation along a (002) crystal plane. Dense, well attached to the substrate, homogeneous and highly transparent layers were obtained with great optical transmittance higher than 80%. The optical energy band gap of doped ZnO films increase from 3.27 to 3.29 eV by doping with Na and K, respectively. The electrical resistivity of the undoped ZnO could be decreased from 1.03 × 10−1 Ω.cm to 5.64 × 10−2 Ω.cm (K-doped) and 3.18 × 10−2 (Na-doped), respectively. Lastly, the carrier concentrations increased from 5.17 × 1017 (undoped ZnO) to 1 × 1018 (doped ZnO).
Sustainability in the Opera Sector: Main Drivers and Limitations to Improve the Environmental Performance of Scenography
Authors: Roca Mercè , Albertí Jaume , Bala Alba , Batlle-Bayer Laura , Ribas-Tur Joan , Fullana-i-Palmer Pere
Published: December 2021

Private and public organizations are becoming increasingly involved in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This includes organizations within the cultural sector, with a central role in the progress of society. This study presents a state-of-the-art analysis of actions towards sustainability of the opera sector with a life cycle perspective and focusing on the impact of opera sets’ scenery. Our research is based on a review of literature and experiences, the results of interviews, a survey, and an experts’ forum to analyze the related systems, standards, and practices. The study contributes with novel research that provides an understanding of the factors that determine the environmental performance which are synthesized with a sustainability SWOT analysis. Findings are relevant for academic researchers analyzing the potential conflicts among organizational strategic goals and sustainability and for scenic arts’ practitioners and managers who aim to develop a roadmap towards improving the sustainability of their sector.
A Comparison of Vulnerability Risks and Conservation Perceptions between Mariculture, Fishery and Ecotourism Livelihood Groups in a Multi-Use MPA in Indonesia
Authors: Albasri Hatim , Sammut Jesmond
Published: December 2021

Different livelihoods have different vulnerability risks and influences on the management of marine protected areas (MPAs). This research aimed to compare the seasonal, trend and shock livelihood vulnerability indicators (LVIs) of three dominant livelihood groups and the groups’ perceptions towards supporting MPA conservation efforts. The Anambas Archipelago MPA was selected as the study site. A total of 66 respondents from the three major groups were selected using stratified random sampling and interviewed using a questionnaire containing 14 LVIs. The responses were standardised and aggregated using functional relationships. The groups’ perceptions were determined using frequency distribution and thematic analyses (NVIVO 10). The LVI composite values showed that fishers were the most vulnerable (0.65), followed by fish farmers (0.62) and ecotourism operators (0.47). Fishers and fish farmers expressed high vulnerability due to their dependency on the coastal resources. The ecotourism operators had low vulnerability due to their lower dependency on natural resources, smaller impacts from seasonal weather, low involvement in resource conflicts and greater political support. The three groups supported the MPA regimes despite differences in their knowledge of the MPA restrictions on their livelihood practices. The study’s findings provide key alternative strategies to address the vulnerability risks of the three major groups and to increase their support for conservation goals in similar MPAs.
Raising Climate-Resilient Embolden Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings during the Cool Season through Various Types of Nursery Bed Management
Authors: Mondal Mousumi , Biswas Benukar , Garai Sourav , Adhikary Saju , Bandyopadhyay Prasanta Kumar , Sarkar Sukamal , Banerjee Hirak , Brahmachari Koushik , Maitra Sagar , Mandal Tanuj Kumar , Gaber Ahmed , Althobaiti Yusuf S. , Raafat Bassem M. , Hossain Akbar
Published: December 2021

Facing cold stress is amajor constraint in seedling production during the winter season as, most particularly in recent times due to uncertain climatic conditions, no sustainable technology has been reported that could be easily adopted by farmers withlimited resources. Therefore, field experiments were carried out during winter 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 at the Central Research Farm of Bidhan Chandra KrishiViswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India to study the growth, survival potential, yield and nutritional and biochemical properties of boro rice seedlings as influenced by two seedbed management practices viz. conventional seedbed (farmers’ practice) and improved seedbed (polythene protected with micronutrient supplementation). The major objective was to lower the nurserybed duration without compromising seedlings’ health and to studythe economic viability during the winter season. The experiment was laid out in ten experimental units and deployed anindependent-sample t-test to compare the performance of the seedlings. The microclimatic changes were also itemized from both seedbeds. The seeds sownunder improved nursery conditions resulted in better seedling emergence (~90%) and survival percentage (~85%) as compared to the conventional seedbed (~70% and 65%). Growth attributes in terms of plant height, biomass accumulation, root characteristics, tiller count, and growth rate were observed to be better from the polythene-protected nursery bed. Theimproved nursery bed accounted for 20% higher seedling count at the time of transplantation over the conventional bed. The microclimatic situation under a polythene covering was also favorable for germination and seedling growth. Maximum nutrient (N, P, and K) concentrations, as well as chlorophyll content, wererecorded from improved seedlings. Results suggested that the improved seedbed management was apotential alternative toearly embolden seedling production during the winter to avoid climatic abnormalities. Most importantly, improved seedbeds ensured a comprehensive route from germination to healthy seedling production without any failure in thesmalltime window, which involvedless input as well as cost involvement. This technique could diffusethe problem oflate sowing conditions in the rice–rice cropping system.
REaCH-Resiliency Engagement and Care in Health; a Befriending Intervention to Address the Psycho-Social Challenges of Vulnerable Youth in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Trial in India
Authors: Devassy Saju Madavanakadu , Scaria Lorane , Shaju Kalluparambil Kesavan , Cheguvera Natania , Joseph Mannooparambil K. , Benny Anuja Maria , Joseph Binoy
Published: December 2021

The study explores the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a befriending intervention delivered by trained lay health workers to address the issues of the rural youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. We did an exploratory trial with 501 upskilled youth, where we randomly recruited 251 to the intervention group (REaCH) and 250 to the control group (General Enquiry Telephone Call-GETC). The outcome variables included in the study were depressive symptoms, wellbeing, and social support. The majority of the participants were females (64.2%), unmarried (63.55%), and hailed from economically poorer households (57.63%). The befriending intervention reduced depressive symptoms (OR: 0.95, p = 0.05) and significantly improved social support (OR: 1.03, p = 0.000) among participants in the intervention group. The participants in the intervention group had higher perceived social support from friends, families, and significant others when compared to the control group. Additionally, suicidality scores decreased for people in the intervention group from baseline to follow up; however, the results were not statistically significant. Befriending intervention is a practical, low-cost technique to sustain the youth in employment and ensure sustainable income. It inspires practitioners and policymakers to create mental health gatekeeping. The trial was registered prospectively on 27 July 2020 in Clinical Trial Registry India; ICMR-NIMS (Registration Number: CTRI/2020/07/026834).
Digital Transformation Models for the I4.0 Transition: Lessons from the Change Management Literature
Authors: Bellantuono Nicola , Nuzzi Angela , Pontrandolfo Pierpaolo , Scozzi Barbara
Published: December 2021

The growing diffusion of digital technologies, especially in production systems, is leading to a new industrial paradigm, named Industry 4.0 (I4.0), which involves disruptive changes in the way companies organize production and create value. Organizations willing to seize the opportunities of I4.0 must thus innovate their processes and business models. The challenges that companies must face for the transition towards I4.0 paradigm are not trivial. Several digital transformation models and roadmaps have been lately proposed in the literature to support companies in such a transition. The literature on change management stresses that about 70% of change initiatives—independently of the aim—fail to achieve their goals due to the implementation of transformation programs that are affected by well-known mistakes or neglect some relevant aspects, such as lack of management support, lack of clearly defined and achievable objectives and poor communication. This paper investigates whether and to what extent the existing digital transformation models (DTMs) and roadmaps for I4.0 transition consider the lessons learnt in the field of change management. To this aim, a Systematic Literature Review to identify existing models and roadmaps is carried out. The results obtained by the review are discussed under the lens of the change-management literature. Based on that, the shortcomings and weaknesses of existing DTMs are pinpointed. Extant DTMs mainly focus on digital transformation initiatives carried out in manufacturing companies; they do not cover all the phases of the digital transformation process but rather focus on the definition of the I4.0 vision, strategy and roadmap. Little attention is devoted to the implementation and consolidation of digital change. Change management lessons are considered to a limited extent, based on which, some suggestions for better dealing with digital transformation initiatives are discussed. The paper contributes to advancing knowledge on models and approaches to support organizations in managing digital transformation. The identification of change management activities that a digital transformation initiative should involve as well as the suggestions on how to effectively deal with it can be used by managers to successfully lead the I4.0 transition journey in their organizations.
Engendering a Sense of Belonging to Support Student Well-Being during COVID-19: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4
Authors: Blignaut Sylvan , Pheiffer Gary , Le Grange Lesley , Maistry Suriamurthee , Ramrathan Labby , Simmonds Shan , Visser Anja
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a plethora of inequalities in South Africa. These inequalities have had a direct impact on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 4 (quality education) were the focus of this article. This article investigated how students enrolled at a South African residential university perceived the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their well-being, their success in completing their studies and their future career prospects. A quantitative survey research design was followed. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire from 537 students in a South African university. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 27 was used to analyze the data. The results indicated direct influences on student well-being from concerns that arose from COVID-19 about future job concerns, degree completion, social support and belonging. The relationship between concerns about degree completion was moderated by a sense of belonging (social identification) but not by social support. The study has significant implications for how higher education institution governors and academics might consider reconceptualizing notions of student support, beyond the narrow, technical and basic curriculum support for degree completion, towards the affective and social as it relates to creating conditions for students to identify with and experience a profound sense of belonging.
Finding Opportunities in Uncertain Times. The Case Study of a Tourist Guides Venture in the EU
Authors: Ziółkowska Julia
Published: December 2021

In times of uncertainty, new ideas, concepts and business solutions are born. The crisis caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a wide impact on the tourism sector, from small-scale to multinational companies. Based on an explanatory case study of a tourist guides venture, the paper seeks evidence on how conditions such as social capital, the use of information technologies and the application of new organizational solutions can support entrepreneurship at times of crisis. The paper provides insight into the functioning of Guides without Borders—a venture bringing together over 50 tourist guides. The research is based on the case study methodology supported by semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Findings indicate that despite harsh times, social ties, trust and technology can leverage an organization. The research also confirms that the application of an innovative approach to the organizational structure and processes (in accordance with the concept of teal organizations) is beneficial at times of crisis. Thus, the organizational approach adapted by the studied organization can serve as an example for future tourist guides and other professionals’ undertakings in uncertain times.
Carbon Impact and Cost of Mass Timber Beam–Column Gravity Systems
Authors: Chaggaris Rachel , Pei Shiling , Kingsley Greg , Feitel Alexis
Published: December 2021

The need to lower the embodied carbon impact of the built environment and sequester carbon over the life of buildings has spurred the growth of mass timber building construction, leading to the introduction of new building types (Types IV-A, B, and C) in the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). The achievement of sustainability goals has been hindered by the perceived first cost assessment of mass timber systems. Optimizing cost is an urgent prerequisite to embodied carbon reduction. Due to a high level of prefabrication and reduction in field labor, the mass timber material volume constitutes a larger portion of total project cost when compared to buildings with traditional materials. In this study, the dollar cost, carbon emitted, and carbon sequestered of mass timber beam–column gravity system solutions with different design configurations was studied. Design parameters studied in this sensitivity analysis included viable building types, column grid dimension, and building height. A scenario study was conducted to estimate the economic viability of tall wood buildings with respect to land costs. It is concluded that, while Type III building designations are the most economical for lower building heights, the newly introduced Type IV subcategories remain competitive for taller structures while providing a potentially significant embodied carbon benefit.
Attention and Emotional States during Horticultural Activities of Adults in 20s Using Electroencephalography: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee A-Young , Kim Seon-Ok , Park Sin-Ae
Published: December 2021

Since indoor, sedentary lifestyles became prevalent in society, humans have lost a sustainable connection to nature. An intervention utilizing outdoor horticultural activities could address such a challenge, but their beneficial effects on the brain and emotions have not been characterized in a quantitative approach. We aimed to investigate brain activity and emotional changes in adults in their 20s during horticultural activity to confirm feasibility of horticultural activity to improve cognitive and emotional states. Sixty university students participated in 11 outdoor horticultural activities at 2-min intervals. We measured brain waves of participants’ prefrontal cortex using a wireless electroencephalography device while performing horticultural activities. Between activities, we evaluated emotional states of participants using questionnaires. Results showed that each horticultural activity showed promotion of brain activity and emotional changes at varying degrees. The participants during physically intensive horticultural activities—digging, raking, and pruning—showed the highest attention level. For emotional states, the participants showed the highest fatigue, tension, and vigor during digging and raking. Plant-based activities—harvesting and transplanting plants—made participants feel natural and relaxed the most. Therefore, this pilot study confirmed the possibility of horticultural activity as a short-term physical intervention to improve attention levels and emotional stability in adults.
Influence of Temperature in Degradation of Organic Pollution Using Corona Discharge Plasma
Authors: El-Tayeb A. , El-Dein Adel Z. , Elnaggar Ashraf Y. , Hussein Enas E.
Published: December 2021

Dye solution temperature influences the elimination efficiency of water-soluble and anionic acid dye. Acid Blue 25 dye, using a gas–liquid electrical discharge system, was successfully investigated. The results showed an increase in the percentage of dye decolorization from 91.16% to 96.12% when the dye solution temperature was increased from 278 K to 308 K. However, the initial dye decolorization percentage was decreased with the further increase in dye solution temperature from 318 K to 358 K. The 2D simulation model was introduced to consider the influence of temperature and the electric field generated by corona discharge plasma in air and water. Results also showed a great match between the experimental and the simulation results. The reaction rates of dye degradation were analyzed using the Arrhenius equation. Furthermore, pseudo-zero-, pseudo-first-, and pseudo-second-order models were used to determine the reaction kinetics. The best fit for the experimental data would follow the pseudo-first-order model. Finally, electrical energy per order, energy yield, and experimental degradation data were calculated to investigate the cost analysis.
An Integrated Analysis of Value-Based Adoption Model and Information Systems Success Model for PropTech Service Platform
Authors: Kim Jinmin , Kim Jaeyoung
Published: December 2021

This study develops a sustainable PropTech service model. Specifically, it analyzes the consumer-oriented and service provider-oriented service elements to build a sustainable ecosystem. This study also conducts a preliminary examination to standardize an efficient service platform reflecting the consumer and service factors. Hence, the study analyzes the service factors of users and derives a reference for the quality-of-service design using the value-based adoption model and the information systems success model, respectively. By integrating these models, we develop a tool to analyze empirically the important elements influencing PropTech users. To this end, we conducted a questionnaire survey among 530 PropTech users from 24 August 2021 to 14 September 2021. The results show that the consumer’s intention to use services is influenced by service practicability in terms of consumer value. The intention to continue using a service is influenced by user satisfaction. The results also highlight the importance of considering all the quality factors when building a user-friendly service platform. These findings have implications in that they show the importance of a sustainable PropTech service platform in resolving information asymmetry, promoting transparent transactions, and enhancing productivity in the real estate industry.
Farmer Perceptions of Agricultural Risks; Which Risk Attributes Matter Most for Men and Women
Authors: Osiemo Jamleck , Ruben Ruerd , Girvetz Evan
Published: December 2021

Analysis of farmer risk perceptions is usually limited to production risks, with risk perception as a function of likelihood and severity. Such an approach is limited in the context of the many risks and other important risk attributes. Our analysis of the risk perceptions of farmers extends beyond production risks, severity of the risks, and their likelihoods. We first characterize agricultural risks and identify their main sources and consequences. We then analyze risk perceptions as a hierarchical construct using partial least squares path modelling. We determine the most important risks and risk attributes in the perceptions of farmers, and test for differences in the perceptions between men and women. Results show that severity and ability to prevent a risk are most important in forming risk perceptions. Second, probabilities (ability to prevent) tend to matter more to men (women) for some risks; lastly, low crop yields and fluctuating input prices have greater total effects on the overall risk perception. Our results provide an impetus for risk analysis in agriculture to consider risk attributes that cause affective reactions such as severity and perceived ability to prevent the risks, the need for input price stabilization, and redress of the rampart yield gaps in small-scale agriculture.
Social Cohesion as the Missing Link between Natural Resource Management and Peacebuilding: Lessons from Cocoa Production in Côte d’Ivoire and Colombia
Authors: Löhr Katharina , Aruqaj Bujar , Baumert Daniel , Bonatti Michelle , Brüntrup Michael , Bunn Christian , Castro-Nunez Augusto , Chavez-Miguel Giovanna , Del Rio Martha Lilia , Hachmann Samyra , Morales Muñoz Héctor Camilo , Ollendorf Franziska , Rodriguez Tatiana , Rudloff Bettina , Schorling Johannes , Schuffenhauer Arne , Schulte Ingrid , Sieber Stefan , Tadesse Sophia , Ulrichs Christian , Vogel Claudia , Weinhardt Michael
Published: December 2021

Social cohesion plays a key role in processes of peacebuilding and sustainable development. Fostering social cohesion might present a potential to enhance the connection of natural resource management and peacebuilding and better functioning of sustainable land use systems. This contribution explores the nexus between social cohesion, natural resource management, and peacebuilding. We do so by (1) reviewing literature on the three concepts and (2) studying four different key action areas in the context of sustainable cocoa production for their potential to enhance social cohesion, namely (a) agroforestry; (b) cooperatives; (c) certification schemes; and (d) trade policies. Research is based on experience from cocoa production in two post-conflict countries, Côte d’Ivoire and Colombia. Our findings show that by fostering environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, these key action areas have a clear potential to foster social cohesion among cocoa producers and thus provide a valuable contribution to post-conflict peacebuilding in both countries. However, the actual effects strongly depend on a multitude of local factors which need to be carefully taken into consideration. Further, the focus in implementation of some of these approaches tends to be on increasing agricultural productivity and not directly on fostering cocoa farmers’ wellbeing and societal relations, and hence a shift toward social objectives is needed in order to strengthen these approaches as a part of overall peacebuilding strategies.
Wine as a Tourist Resource: New Manifestations and Consequences of a Quality Product from the Perspective of Sustainability. Case Analysis of the Province of Málaga
Authors: García Revilla Mercedes Raquel , Martínez Moure Olga
Published: December 2021

Wine tourism, as a model of sustainable economic development in certain areas, is able to boost the competitiveness of a territory, improve wine production, respect the environment, and improve the living conditions of citizens. In this sense, this work will present an overview of this type of tourism worldwide and nationally, focusing on the province of Malaga. The diversification of the tourist industry has promoted the appearance, or extension, of new tourist activities beyond the typical activities associated with beach or cultural tourism. This has resulted in new job creation and new income generation options. Wine tourism promises and delivers a complete sensory experience, as tourists experience the consumption of wine from all senses: taste, smell, touch, sight, and sound. This experience is not limited to the consumption of the wine, but also includes the experience of a visit to wineries or vineyards, together with the necessary lodging, depending on location. In this way, the grouping of activities and the development of tourist routes stimulate cooperation between different companies in rural areas. Thus, we propose that tourism is a means by which economic and social development can be achieved in these areas and regeneration strategies can be implemented.
Business Model of Sustainable Robo-Advisors: Empirical Insights for Practical Implementation
Authors: Au Cam-Duc , Klingenberger Lars , Svoboda Martin , Frère Eric
Published: December 2021

The given research paper examines the characteristics of German private investors regarding the probability of using robo-advisory-services. The used data set was gathered for this purpose (N = 305) to address the research question by using a logistic regression approach. The presented logit regression model results indicate that the awareness of sustainable aspects make a significant difference in the probability of using a sustainable robo-service. Additionally, our findings show that being male and cost-aware are positively associated with the use of a sustainable robo-advisor. Furthermore, the probability of use is 1.53 times higher among young and experienced investors. The findings in this paper provide relevant research findings for banks, asset managers, FinTechs, policy makers and financial practitioners to increase the adoption rate of robo-advice by introducing a sustainable offering.
Logistics 4.0 in Brazil: Critical Analysis and Relationships with SDG 9 Targets
Authors: Nobrega Julio Henrique Costa , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Sanchez-Rodrigues Vasco , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Leal Filho Walter , Serafim Milena Pavan , Anholon Rosley
Published: December 2021

The logistics sector is characterised as an important pillar of the Brazilian economy, significant regarding revenue and job creation. This study aims to critically analyse the logistical operations developed by Brazilian companies in the context of Logistics 4.0 and to structure a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) matrix from the information gathered. In addition, relationships were established between the structured SWOT matrix and the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9). The methodological approach taken by the study consisted of semi-structured interviews with ten experts and data were analysed through content analysis. Once structured the SWOT matrix, the results were related with the targets of the SDG 9. The study presented the weaknesses and threats stand out in relation to the strengths and opportunities. When compared with the targets of SDG 9, it is possible to observe that many weaknesses are related to infrastructure and innovation. The main contributions of the study are the following: it is one of the few studies which holistically examined the sector in Brazil from a Logistics 4.0 perspective and the study points out some essential needs which should be addressed. The information presented here can broaden the debates on this topic and assist companies and government in the transition to digital transformation.