bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Wall-to-Wall Spatial and Qualitative Dynamics of the Brazilian Pasturelands 2010–2018, Based on the Analysis of the Landsat Data Archive
Authors: Santos Claudinei Oliveira dos , Mesquita Vinícius Vieira , Parente Leandro Leal , Pinto Alexandre de Siqueira , Ferreira Laerte Guimaraes
Published: February 2022

Brazilian livestock is predominantly extensive, with approximately 90% of the production being sustained on pasture, which occupies around 20% of the territory. It is estimated that more than half of Brazilian pastures have some level of degradation. In this study, we mapped and evaluated the spatiotemporal dynamics of pasture quality in Brazil, between 2010 and 2018, considering three classes of degradation: Absent (D0), Intermediate (D1), and Severe (D2). There was no variation in the total area occupied by pastures in the evaluated period, in spite of the accentuated spatial dynamics. The percentage of non-degraded pastures increased by ~12%, due to the recovery of degraded areas and the emergence of new pasture areas. However, about 44 Mha of the pasture area is currently severely degraded. The dynamics in pasture quality were not homogeneous in property size classes. We observed that in the approximately 2.68 million properties with livestock activity, the proportion with quality gains was twice as low in small properties compared with large ones, and the proportion with losses was three times greater, showing an increase in inequality between properties with more and fewer resources (large and small properties, respectively). The areas occupied by pastures in Brazil present a unique opportunity to increase livestock production and make areas available for agriculture, without the need for new deforestation in the coming decades.
[Black] Teachers Resisting Damaged-Centered Research: Community Listening Exchanges as a Reciprocal Research Tool in a Gentrifying City
Authors: Council Thais , Earls Shaeroya , George Shakale , Graham Rebecca
Published: February 2022

Gentrification impacts many cities across the nation. Affordable housing task forces and legislation meant to address housing inequities are becoming more common, yet the authentic experiences of those affected are often unacknowledged. Absent from the discussion of gentrification are the voices of those deeply impacted, some who are at the center of the work to maintain communities: Black teachers, Black students, and Black families. In many school districts, teachers do not have the opportunity to address the systemic issues that impact their students and communities. Still, it is impossible to ignore the ways societal injustice seeps into the classroom. This article discusses our work as a teacher participatory action research collective exploring the intersection of housing and educational displacement in a rapidly gentrifying community in Southwest Atlanta, Georgia. We highlight our roles as community-centered educators and detail how we intentionally and thoughtfully worked to create a reciprocal space to engage communities in Community Listening Exchanges. We present Community Listening Exchanges as a justice-centered innovation to community-engaged research and scholarship. Our critical and collaborative approach to generating and analyzing data allowed us to uncover how housing and educational displacement relies on deficit narratives to justify the removal of marginalized people. We offer CLEs as a reciprocal research tool that deviates from traditional qualitative research and resists anti-Black, damage-centered narratives.
Environmental Sustainability of Current Waste Management Practices
Authors: Khanna Rita , Konyukhov Yuri , Burmistrov Igor
Published: February 2022

The Special Issue on ‘Environmental Sustainability of Current Waste Management Practices’ was a part of the section ‘Environmental Sustainability and Applications’ of the journal ‘Sustainability’ [...]
Design of Supply Chain Transportation Pooling Strategy for Reducing CO2 Emissions Using a Simulation-Based Methodology: A Case Study
Authors: Jerbi Abdessalem , Jribi Haifa , Aljuaid Awad M. , Hachicha Wafik , Masmoudi Faouzi
Published: February 2022

One of the main concepts for improving the sustainability of supply chains is the collaboration between stakeholders by increasing the efficiency of their shared resources. In the literature, there are many research papers related to vertical collaboration in the logistics industry. However, horizontal collaboration has not received the same degree of attention. In fact, horizontal collaboration such as shared freight carrier and freight consolidation can also be considered vital for low-carbon supply chain solutions. In this paper, the problem of the design of supply chain transportation pooling strategies (SCTPS) is studied, which considers both vertical and horizontal collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of these SCTPSs to reduce CO2 emissions using discrete-event simulation (DES)-based methodology. Using a numerical case study of two manufacturing companies and three customers, five SCTPS are studied including the following: (1) non-pooling strategy; (2) multi-pick strategy; (3) multi-drop strategy; (4) central hub strategy; and (5) combined hub and multi-drop strategy. The main result of the study is that all SCTPSs significantly reduce the CO2 emissions compared to the non-pooled supply chain. In fact, the reduction in CO2 emissions can reach 13% compared to the non-pooled strategy. Moreover, the best SCTPS that gives the minimum of CO2 is the hub strategy, followed by the multi-pick strategy and the multi-drop strategy.
Organizational Aspects of Sustainable Infrastructure Safety Planning by Means of Alert Maps
Authors: Troisi Roberta , Arena Livia
Published: February 2022

Road infrastructure safety is a key issue in urban planning for numerous agencies, authorities, central and local administrations, road operators and contractors, in addition to researchers and technology experts. The present study describes a theoretical framework and examines coordination models highlighting how the integration between agencies can be developed with a supporting methodology. By means of alert maps derived from the elaboration of DInSAR (differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar) data, the study defines the actors involved, the alert level for each road infrastructure and the rationale for centralized or flexible coordination models. The potential applications of the approach are tested on a case study in Italy, in an area with about 1600 km of roads in Rome. The study aims to promote synergy between the various agencies for more sustainable infrastructure safety planning and governance.
A Methodology for Planning and Prioritisation of Rural Roads in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md. Musleh Uddin , Quium A S M Abdul , Rahman Mashrur , Khatun Farzana , Akther Mohammad Shakil , Haque Afsana , Jahan Sarwar , Islam Ishrat , Ahmed Tanjeeb , Shubho Tanvir Hossain
Published: February 2022

Local government bodies and other concerned agencies in developing countries spend a considerable amount of money on rural road development. However, in the absence of any robust and systematic methodology, road development largely relies on ad-hoc decisions and subjective judgement of public officials. Such a decision-making process often leads to inefficient resource allocation bypassing equity and long-term societal benefits. Although there are some established methodologies for road network planning, complexities exist in applying those methods. First, most of the established methods are not suitable for rural road development, particularly regarding the volume and nature of traffic on them. Second, some methods are highly complex and lack practical applicability. Third, road development planning should not be top-down alone but ensure the participation of local stakeholders. Given these limitations, this study proposes a methodology—Rural Road Planning and Prioritisation Model (RPPM). It consists of two major components (i) developing a core network in participation with local stakeholders and (ii) prioritisation of roads based on Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA). The proposed method is piloted in one district, and a web-based software is also developed for practical implementation by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Bangladesh. The paper also discusses the results of the pilot study.
Consumer Perceptions of Wine Quality Assurance Programs: An Opportunity for Emerging Wine Markets
Authors: Rihn Alicia L. , Jensen Kimberly L. , Hughes David W.
Published: February 2022

Quality assurance programs (QAPs) may add value to wines through reassuring consumers of wine quality prior to purchase and consumption. In Tennessee, the potential to use a wine QAP is being explored as a means to improve the industry’s economic sustainability. To date, several QAPs exist, but studies directly related to their impact on consumer behavior for wines from emerging areas are scarce. We used an online survey instrument to elicit consumer perceptions of QAPs importance on wine purchasing decisions and how the presence of a QAP may impact their purchasing behavior for a wine from an emerging area (e.g., Tennessee). Wine involvement, QAP perceptions, and familiarity were also measured. A mixed-process model was used to estimate the two ordered probit models for importance of QAPs and the influence of QAPs on Tennessee wine purchases, where QAP importance was treated as a latent variable influencing Tennessee wine purchases. Ordinal probit estimates suggest that greater on-site spending and greater perceived benefits of QAPs (as indicators of quality and standardization) resulted in a higher probability of perceived QAP importance when making wine purchasing decisions. Reduced form estimates of the model of Tennessee wine purchases indicated distance to wine producing areas, female gender, and familiarity with Tennessee wines each negatively influenced the potential impact of QAPs on Tennessee wine purchases. However, on-site spending at wineries and perceived benefits of a Tennessee QAP increased likelihood of Tennessee wine purchases.
Self-Regulation and Students Well-Being: A Systematic Review 2010–2020
Authors: Rodríguez Susana , González-Suárez Rocío , Vieites Tania , Piñeiro Isabel , Díaz-Freire Fátima M.
Published: February 2022

In recent years, there has been particular interest in studying the relationship between student self-regulation and variables such as students’ well-being, satisfaction, and school engagement. Although in other fields such as healthcare, self-regulation in different areas seems to influence individuals’ well-being, this is not so well established in the educational arena. We performed a systematic search of research articles published between 2010 and 2020 which explored the relationships between self-regulation and student well-being. The present article presents a report of a systematic review of 14 research articles. The analysis showed that some executive functions and self-regulation strategies employed in the learning process, and some self-regulatory deficits are significantly associated with different dimensions of student well-being.
Rethinking the Impact of Theme Park Image on Perceived Value and Behavioral Intention: The Case of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China
Authors: Zhu Chris , Fong Lawrence Hoc Nang , Shang Ziye , Gan Manrong
Published: February 2022

The emergence of theme parks is enriching the tourist experience in the COVID-19 period. This study rethinks the impact of theme park image on tourist-perceived value (functional, social, and emotional value) and behavioral intention during COVID-19. Data were collected from 304 respondents who visited Chimelong Ocean Kingdom during COVID-19. This study results indicated that theme park destination image (cognitive and affective) positively predicts tourist-perceived value (functional, social, and emotional) during COVID-19. Moreover, this study also indicated that although social and emotional value positively predict tourist behavioral intention, functional value does not positively predict tourist behavioral intention during COVID-19. Theoretical and managerial implications are presented.
Multiple Melting Temperatures in Glass-Forming Melts
Authors: Tournier Robert F. , Ojovan Michael I.
Published: February 2022

All materials are vitrified by fast quenching even monoatomic substances. Second melting temperatures accompanied by weak exothermic or endothermic heat are often observed at Tn+ after remelting them above the equilibrium thermodynamic melting transition at Tm. These temperatures, Tn+, are due to the breaking of bonds (configurons formation) or antibonds depending on the thermal history, which is explained by using a nonclassical nucleation equation. Their multiple existence in monoatomic elements is now demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulations and still predicted. Proposed equations show that crystallization enthalpy is reduced at the temperature Tx due to new vitrification of noncrystallized parts and their melting at Tn+. These glassy parts, being equal above Tx to singular values or to their sum, are melted at various temperatures Tn+ and attain 100% in Cu46Zr46Al8 and 86.7% in bismuth. These first order transitions at Tn+ are either reversible or irreversible, depending on the formation of super atoms, either solid or liquid.
A Circularity Evaluation of New Feed Categories in The Netherlands—Squaring the Circle: A Review
Authors: Puente-Rodríguez Daniel , van Laar Harmen , Veraart Maayke
Published: February 2022

The concept of circularity is currently proposed to address key sustainability issues affecting and affected by livestock production. Through a desk study, this paper evaluates some feed sources that are being developed in The Netherlands as an alternative to current feeds, namely food waste; seaweed; and localized production and alternative plant-based feed sources. These feed categories are evaluated according to four circularity criteria. The first two criteria concern standard circularity principles aimed at both stopping and preventing environmental damage as well as a focus on natural resources use efficiency: (1) safeguard the health of ecosystems and (2) avoid the production of unnecessary products and use/recycle biomass effectively, as well as evaluating possible food–feed competition. In addition, two ‘people’ and ‘animal’ centred principles have been integrated: (3) fairness and accessibility and (4) animal health and wellbeing. The article concludes that people and animal centred principles are key to thinking of, developing, implementing, and evaluating circularity initiatives. Moreover, the article suggests that categories such as the local production of soya (approx. 132 ha) or seaweed (approx. 10–15 ha) are as yet irrelevant regarding production volumes within the Dutch context. However, some feed sources such as seaweed, insects, livestock leftovers produced at farms and abattoirs, and food waste might strengthen the transition towards more circular and sustainable practices.
Beef Consumers Behaviour and Preferences—The Case of Portugal
Authors: Paiva Teresa , Jacinto Telma A. , Sarraguça Mafalda Cruz , Coutinho Paula
Published: February 2022

Meat consumption is estimated to increase worldwide, mostly because of the increase in population. Further, this increase in meat consumption will ultimately affect the environment and aggravate climate change. Herein, consumers’ behaviour was studied to understand if consumers would consider a change in their dietary habits by choosing beef from the Portuguese autochthonous bovine breed or even reducing their meat intake for environmental reasons. In 2021, a survey was conducted online and in some food sales outlets in Portugal. Therefore, data collected from the 491 participants were analysed with the aim of assessing the Portuguese consumer behaviour and preferences on beef. Firstly, we conducted a descriptive analysis. Then, factor analysis was performed by principal component analysis. Finally, by cluster analysis, we attempted to identify a group of consumers with different behaviours into specific categories. Although it was not possible to segregate consumers into different categories, most of the respondents agree that meat consumption harms the environment; however, just 30.6% are willing to reduce meat consumption due to environmental reasons. As for the concerns for animal welfare, respondents between the age of 23 and 49 years seem to have a greater concern towards animal welfare. To value autochthonous bovine Jarmelista meat, it is fundamental to implement a concerted communication between suppliers and producers to value Jarmelista beef. Furthermore, it is also important that regional governmental institutions support local producers not only for financial support but also to create strategies to protect the breed from extinction.
University Accounting Students and Faculty Members Using the Blackboard Platform during COVID-19; Proposed Modification of the UTAUT Model and an Empirical Study
Authors: Mujalli Abdulwahab , Khan Tehmina , Almgrashi Ahmed
Published: February 2022

The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed education systems in most countries: some have shut down whilst others, especially in the higher education sector, have introduced electronic/distance learning systems, such as Blackboard platforms. The current study aimed to identify and test the factors that influence accounting students’ and faculty members’ Blackboard platform use during the pandemic. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model was extended and modified by adding four new variables: perceived risk, mobility, self-efficacy and self-managed learning. This was done to generate an understanding of people’s usage traits. This is the main contribution of the article: the extension of UTAUT in this context and the consideration of online learning in a pandemic environment situation. Pandemics oppose sustainability from numerous contexts. Measures which counteract sustainability risks associated with pandemics, such as use of technology, are critical risk management instruments and are, thus, important for consideration. Through an online survey, the data was gathered from accounting students and faculty staff in an accounting department at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and examine the hypotheses. This study confirmed the hypotheses concerning the influence of the Blackboard platform on mobility, self-efficacy and self-managed learning. This article contributes to the existing UTAUT model by extending our understanding of the influence of factors to use Blackboard platforms. Moreover, the results have practical implications for policymakers, practitioners, online learning product providers and teaching staff looking to develop efficient strategies concerning learning-related information technologies.
Assessment of Disused Public Buildings: Strategies and Tools for Reuse of Healthcare Structures
Authors: Diana Lorenzo , D’Auria Saverio , Acampa Giovanna , Marino Giorgia
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper, in line with the 2030 European Agenda and 2021 Italian “Recovery and Resilience Plan” objectives, is to define an evaluation methodology and tool to support public administrations to detect buildings, currently unused or underused, that might be apt for transformation interventions. The focus is on historical Italian healthcare buildings since these show widespread decay and neglect. A five-step methodology has been developed: screening of public assets; classification, evaluation, and identification of buildings, based on the “potential index”; GIS mapping and inventory; selection of buildings for in-depth analysis; BIM digitization and definition of the “transformability index”. In the fifth phase, an evaluation tool is integrated into the BIM software to automatically calculate the transformability index of each building using six indicators: usability, fragmentation, modifiability, roof implementation, external envelope, and window-to-wall ratio. The “transformability index” helps define the most appropriate buildings to intervene with for reuse. Building transformation is connected to construction features and layout organization and it is limited by architectural, structural, and artistic constraints.
Train Operations Organization in High-Speed Railway Station Considering Variable Configuration
Authors: Xu Jingliu , Wang Zhimei , Yao Shangjun , Xue Jiarong
Published: February 2022

The train operation problem at the railway station is one of the basic scheduling problems for railway companies, and the decomposition and combination of trains in station platform tracks is an important trend in the railway operation, which further increase the complexity of train routing problem in the high-speed railway station. A reasonable train routing plan is critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of train operations within the stations. Considering the combination and decomposition process of trains at the station, a multi-objective model is constructed, which determines the receiving routes and departure routes of trains at the railway station with the limited infrastructure capacity, given the station yard layouts, train diagram and relevant technical operation time of the station. A solution framework based on the “constraint method” is designed, and software Gurobi is used to solve the problem. The Pareto optimal solution set is obtained. The results show that when making 1.9% concessions to the minimum route cost, the occupancy balance of platform tracks can be improved by 66.2%, which is taken as the comprehensive application scheme. Compared with the feasible scheme, the comprehensive operation scheme reduces the route cost by 1.9% and improves the occupation balance of platform tracks by 15.4%.
Fortuitous Alignment: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Cowell Carly R. , Bullough Leigh-Anne , Dhanda Sonia , Harrison Neves Vicki , Ikin Ed , Moore Jessica , Purdon Rachel , Williams China , Willison Julia , Willoughby Sharon J.
Published: February 2022

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are aimed at improving human well-being at a global scale, whilst enhancing and preserving global biodiversity. Recently, botanic gardens worldwide have become more conservation focused, and gardens are increasingly influential in scientific roles that address both biodiversity loss and human well-being—particularly in urban areas. As the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Kew) launched its new Manifesto for Change in 2021, this paper outlines how the organisation currently contributes to the SDGs and examines where the work of botanic gardens can have the biggest impact. This paper focuses on the use of policy engagement, education and outreach, and scientific research to document Kew’s contribution to the goals so far, both in the UK and elsewhere. The SDGs address high level global objectives, many of which are not directly relatable to the activities of a single organisation. Kew’s approach to this challenge is to seek out the intention of the Goals by interrogating their subsidiary Targets. We then translate the intention of any given SDG into actions that are meaningful to our specific practice. Many of RBG Kew’s existing projects and programmes address the SDGs and we are aligning our aims with them more closely still.
Framing Social Sustainability in Infrastructure Theory and Practice: A Review of Two Road Projects in Mexico from a Business and Human Rights Lens
Authors: Treviño-Lozano Laura
Published: February 2022

While it has been more than 30 years since sustainability appeared in the development agenda, it remains a fashionable concept with an underdeveloped social dimension and no common understanding. In infrastructure, social sustainability has been neglected or limited to positive social impacts without considering negative social impacts linked to the prevention and redress of business-related human rights abuses on workers, end-users and communities. Through a literature review, this paper explores how sustainability is framed in theory, particularly its social dimension in the context of infrastructure. Across a qualitative analysis of a socially sustainable road project—Necaxa—and a socially unsustainable—Paso Expres—it further explores the elements that frame social sustainability in Mexican practice of road infrastructure, including the role that businesses and human rights play.
Legal and Economic Prospects for the Arctic Seaport Developments of the Northern Dimension Partner Countries (Russia and the European Union)
Authors: Zadorin Maksim Y. , Zaikov Konstantin S. , Kuprikov Nikita M. , Kuprikov Mikhail Y.
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the legal and economic aspects of Arctic seaport developments, using the example of the Russian Federation and the Northern Dimension (ND) partner countries, namely, Iceland and Norway. The authors consistently reveal all the specific points related to the legal regulation of Russian seaport management (ranging from international legal cooperation to domestic strategies and national legislation), and conduct an assessment of the economic prospects for Arctic port development according to the latest data and trends in the field of logistical flows. They also provide a description of the ND countries’ seaport developments, primarily economic, taking into account the global environmental agenda. In conclusion, the authors make their constructive proposals for multilateral cooperation in this area.
Transformation of Solid Waste Management in China: Moving towards Sustainability through Digitalization-Based Circular Economy
Authors: Kurniawan Tonni Agustiono , Liang Xue , O’Callaghan Elizabeth , Goh Huihwang , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Avtar Ram , Kusworo Tutuk Djoko
Published: February 2022

In China, environmental pollution due to municipal solid waste (MSW) over-generation is one of the country’s priority concerns. The increasing volume and complexity of the waste poses serious risks to the environment and public health. Currently, the annual growth of MSW generation is estimated to be approximately 8–10% and will increase to 323 million metric tons (Mt) by 2030. Based on the secondary data collected from a literature survey, this article critically evaluates the recent progress of MSW management (MSWM) in China and offers new insights into the waste sector in the era of Industry 4.0. This helps decision makers in China to plan a smooth transition nationwide to a circular economy (CE) in the waste sector. It is evident that digitalization is a driving force for China to move towards low-carbon development strategies within the framework of CE. Through digitalization, the waste sector has promoted prevention, reduction, reuse, and recycling (3Rs) of waste before waste disposal in landfills. A proper implementation of digitalization-based waste recycling has contributed to an efficient cooperation between the government and private sector, increased job opportunities, and promoted the conservation of resources. It is anticipated that this work not only contributes to the establishment of an integrated MSWM system in China, but also improves local MSWM through digitalization in the framework of a CE.
An Empirical Comparison of the Sales Forecasting Performance for Plastic Tray Manufacturing Using Missing Data
Authors: Hung Che-Yu , Wang Chien-Chih , Lin Shi-Woei , Jiang Bernard C.
Published: February 2022

The problem of missing data is frequently met in time series analysis. If not appropriately addressed, it usually leads to failed modeling and distorted forecasting. To deal with high market uncertainty, companies need a reliable and sustainable forecasting mechanism. In this article, two propositions are presented: (1) a dedicated time series forecasting scheme, which is both accurate and sustainable, and (2) a practical observation of the data background to deal with the problem of missing data and to effectively formulate correction strategies after predictions. In the empirical study, actual tray sales data and a comparison of different models that combine missing data processing methods and forecasters are employed. The results show that a specific product needs to be represented by a dedicated model. For example, regardless of whether the last fiscal year was a growth or recession year, the results suggest that the missing data for products with a high market share should be handled by the zero-filling method, whereas the mean imputation method should be for the average market share products. Finally, the gap between forecast and actual demand is bridged by employing a validation set, and it is further used for formulating correction strategies regarding production volumes.
Surface Ozone Pollution: Trends, Meteorological Influences, and Chemical Precursors in Portugal
Authors: Silva Rafaela C. V. , Pires José C. M.
Published: February 2022

Surface ozone (O3) is a secondary air pollutant, harmful to human health and vegetation. To provide a long-term study of O3 concentrations in Portugal (study period: 2009–2019), a statistical analysis of ozone trends in rural stations (where the highest concentrations can be found) was first performed. Additionally, the effect of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and meteorological variables on O3 concentrations were evaluated in different environments in northern Portugal. A decreasing trend of O3 concentrations was observed in almost all monitoring stations. However, several exceedances to the standard values legislated for human health and vegetation protection were recorded. Daily and seasonal O3 profiles showed high concentrations in the afternoon and summer (for all inland rural stations) or spring (for Portuguese islands). The high number of groups obtained from the cluster analysis showed the difference of ozone behaviour amongst the existent rural stations, highlighting the effectiveness of the current geographical distribution of monitoring stations. Stronger correlations between O3, NO, and NO2 were detected at the urban site, indicating that the O3 concentration was more NOx-sensitive in urban environments. Solar radiation showed a higher correlation with O3 concentration regarding the meteorological influence. The wind and pollutants transport must also be considered in air quality studies. The presented results enable the definition of air quality policies to prevent and/or mitigate unfavourable outcomes from O3 pollution.
Analysis of the Growth in the Number of Patents Granted and Its Effect over the Level of Growth of the Countries: An Econometric Estimation of the Mixed Model Approach
Authors: Rubilar-Torrealba Rolando , Chahuán-Jiménez Karime , de la Fuente-Mella Hanns
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is to identify and measure the impact of the variables affecting the increase in the number of patents as a way to advance the development of policies in countries in terms of sustainable development based on innovation. An econometric estimation of a mixed model was used to measure the impact of patent development on the countries analyzed in this research. The findings suggest that economies that have some relevance in research and development have increasing numbers of patents. Thus, the empirical findings relate to the theoretical models that state that comparative advantages may be dynamic due to technological innovation. Finally, this paper shows that innovation is a central parameter to engage in research and develop a knowledge-based economy.
Meeting Consumers’ Expectations: Exploring Corporate Social Advocacy Communication in China
Authors: Song Baobao , Lan Xiaomeng
Published: February 2022

Unlike Western corporations, Chinese companies have yet to widely adopt corporate social advocacy (CSA) as a proactive strategy for corporate communication due to the different cultures and business environments. With only a handful of Chinese companies committing to CSA communication, the consequences of such practice on consumer relationship building and maintenance remain elusive. In light of expectancy violations theory (EVT), this study explores Chinese consumers’ expectations of domestic CSA on the issue of same-sex marriage and the effects of proactive corporate social advocacy communication. Through structure equation modeling of 418 survey responses, this study examines the relationship between the violation of Chinese consumers’ expectations of CSA and the quality of consumer relationships through the mediation of violation valence, violation expectedness, and relationship certainty.
Enhancing Governance Capacity to Ensure a Long-Term Water Supply: The Case of Windhoek, Namibia
Authors: Olivieri Flavia , Koop Steven Hendrik Andreas , Van Leeuwen Kees , Hofman Jan
Published: February 2022

Windhoek, Namibia, faces water stress, urbanisation, climate change and governance challenges; these issues are constraining water provision and underpinning the urgency to implement an integrated water resource management plan. Windhoek has provided access to water during droughts by relying on multiple water resources including treated wastewater. However, significant infrastructure investments are required to ensure continued water security. Through applying the City Blueprint Approach—an indicator assessment aiming to provide a holistic understanding of water management and governance—we substantiate how Namibia can enhance the capacity to implement legislation, with long-term focus and collaboration with experts and stakeholders.
Ecosystem Services and Urban Planning: A Review of the Contribution of the Concept to Adaptation in Urban Areas
Authors: Marques Andresa Ledo , Alvim Angélica Tanus Benatti , Schröder Jörg
Published: February 2022

The effects of climate change have a negative impact on urban areas and projections indicate these impacts will worsen in the coming years. In this context, cities need to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. Potential solutions proposed in the literature for this adaptation include the use of Ecosystem Services. However, of the large volume of publications, few articles provide a structured analysis of the contribution and use of the concept in urban planning and adaptation to climate change. The objective of the present study was to review the literature on the subject and provide a structured analysis of the state of the art, main authors, countries, and references addressing the topic, together with key concepts emerging from this research, and challenges for future studies. Thus, a hybrid method of bibliometric analysis and in-depth reading of key articles held on the Web of Science electronic database was applied. The results revealed a growing scientific interest in the subject, a trend of greater interdisciplinarity in research, use of different evaluation methods, both economic and non-economic, and a systemic perspective that approaches sustainability not only as an environmental problem, but as a complex phenomenon.
Digital Technology and Services for Sustainable Agriculture in Tanzania: A Literature Review
Authors: Mushi Gilbert E. , Di Marzo Serugendo Giovanna , Burgi Pierre-Yves
Published: February 2022

Digital technology has the potential to eradicate extreme poverty and food insecurity to the majority of smallholder farmers in the world. This paper aims to identify knowledge gaps on digital technology for sustainable agriculture and assess their availability to smallholder farmers worldwide. The particular case of Tanzania receives special attention. We conducted an extensive literature search from relevant databases for review. The advanced digital technology in agriculture, mostly used by large scale farmers, significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture. However, the existing digital services for smallholder farmers lack sustainability in the agriculture context and hardly meet the needs for a comprehensive set of services in a complete farming cycle. In most developing countries, Tanzania case included, digital technology and services respond to a challenge at a particular stage of the farming process or to a specific value chain. Based on this literature review, we identify inequalities among large and small farmers, as well as environmental challenges caused by ICT itself. To conclude we provide suggestions for improvements for smallholder farmers: developing a digital platform that addresses smallholder farmers’ challenges in a complete farming cycle, bringing together the stakeholders at a country level, in order to achieve sustainable agriculture and support adoption of cutting-edge digital technology. These suggestions will be the starting point for future research.
Strategic Study for Renewable Energy Policy, Optimizations and Sustainability in Iran
Authors: Zahedi Rahim , Zahedi Alireza , Ahmadi Abolfazl
Published: February 2022

The present article includes studies on the importance of addressing strategic issues in the field of general policies adopted and strategies for the development of renewable energy in Iran. Considering that energy is one of the determining indicators in economic development and the development and optimization of renewable energy can play an effective role in economic growth and protection of environmental conditions, this article tries to introduce the types of renewable energy and general principles. They point to the policies that ultimately determine the priority and necessity of using some of them for the country and explain why and how to use them. The general principles discussed in this article include the advantages, disadvantages, potentials, and, most importantly, comparative comparisons with two neighboring countries. The results of these studies show that despite Iran’s diverse potentials in the field of renewable energy, wind energy has a higher priority than other cases in terms of economic justification and market competition, and domestic production rates. Other renewable energy sources for power generation and grid connection are less of a priority for short- or medium-term investment. However, for non-grid use in the country, they can also be very useful in the short term. In general, Iran can be a hub for renewable energy.
Deep Learning Method for Recognition and Classification of Images from Video Recorders in Difficult Weather Conditions
Authors: Osipov Aleksey , Pleshakova Ekaterina , Gataullin Sergey , Korchagin Sergey , Ivanov Mikhail , Finogeev Anton , Yadav Vibhash
Published: February 2022

The sustainable functioning of the transport system requires solving the problems of identifying and classifying road users in order to predict the likelihood of accidents and prevent abnormal or emergency situations. The emergence of unmanned vehicles on urban highways significantly increases the risks of such events. To improve road safety, intelligent transport systems, embedded computer vision systems, video surveillance systems, and photo radar systems are used. The main problem is the recognition and classification of objects and critical events in difficult weather conditions. For example, water drops, snow, dust, and dirt on camera lenses make images less accurate in object identification, license plate recognition, vehicle trajectory detection, etc. Part of the image is overlapped, distorted, or blurred. The article proposes a way to improve the accuracy of object identification by using the Canny operator to exclude the damaged areas of the image from consideration by capturing the clear parts of objects and ignoring the blurry ones. Only those parts of the image where this operator has detected the boundaries of the objects are subjected to further processing. To classify images by the remaining whole parts, we propose using a combined approach that includes the histogram-oriented gradient (HOG) method, a bag-of-visual-words (BoVW), and a back propagation neural network (BPNN). For the binary classification of the images of the damaged objects, this method showed a significant advantage over the classical method of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) (79 and 65% accuracies, respectively). The article also presents the results of a multiclass classification of the recognition objects on the basis of the damaged images, with an accuracy spread of 71 to 86%.
Geospatial Analysis of Geo-Ecotourism Site Suitability Using AHP and GIS for Sustainable and Resilient Tourism Planning in West Bengal, India
Authors: Acharya Aditi , Mondal Biraj Kanti , Bhadra Tuhin , Abdelrahman Kamal , Mishra Prabuddh Kumar , Tiwari Anuj , Das Rima
Published: February 2022

The current study intended to geospatially analyze the potentiality and site suitability of geo-ecotourism in West Bengal, India. The state of West Bengal is a great platform for diverse tourism and has enormous potential to cultivate geo-ecotourism, as has come up in recent years. The current effort throws some valuable light on the possibility of turning the many geologically, geomorphologically and ecologically significant tourist spots of West Bengal into geo-ecotourism sites, aided with geospatial techniques. The study deals with the qualitative and quantitative investigation of the potentiality of the whole state by dividing it into several geo-ecotourism zones, based on its physiographic setting and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) features, using satellite image data. The application of geospatial technology combined with Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed for this geospatial analysis to portray the potential zones using cartographic and statistical techniques. Furthermore, nine criteria were selected to run the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to determine the site suitability for geo-ecotourism. The present submission attempts to record the mapping and analysis of geo-ecotourism of West Bengal employing a secondary database, an expert’s opinions and primary observations, with the application of the AHP method and GIS. The outcomes of the study were found to be very significant, as they indicate a proviso for geo-ecotourism development in the state and will contribute to the formation of location-specific planning and the sustainable management of geo-ecotourism.
A Comparison of Recent Requirements Gathering and Management Tools in Requirements Engineering for IoT-Enabled Sustainable Cities
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Asgher , Lee Scott Uk-Jin , Younus Muhammad Usman
Published: February 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a paradigm that facilitates the proliferation of different devices such as sensors and Radio Frequency Identification (RFIDs) for real-time applications such as healthcare and sustainable cities. The growing popularity of IoT opens up new possibilities, and one of the most notable applications is related to the evolving sustainable city paradigm. A sustainable city is normally designed in such a way to consider the environmental impact and a social, economic, and resilient habitat for existing populations without compromising the ability of future generations to experience the same, while the process of managing project requirements is known as requirements management. To design a high-quality project, effective requirements management is imperative. A number of techniques are already available to perform the requirement gathering process, and software developers apply them to collect the requirements. Nevertheless, they are facing many issues in gathering requirements due to a lack of literature on the selection of appropriate methods, which affects the quality of the software. The software design quality can be improved by using requirements capture and management techniques. Some tools are used to comprehend the system accurately. In this paper, a qualitative comparison of requirements-gathering tools using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and requirements-management tools is presented for sustainable cities. With all the tools and techniques available for capturing and managing requirements, it has been proven that software developers have a wide range of alternatives for selecting the best tool that fits their needs, such as chosen by the AI agent. This effort will aid in the development of requirements for IoT-enabled sustainable cities.
Simulation Analysis of Bus Passenger Boarding and Alighting Behavior Based on Cellular Automata
Authors: Xue Yunqiang , Zhong Meng , Xue Luowei , Zhang Bing , Tu Haokai , Tan Caifeng , Kong Qifang , Guan Hongzhi
Published: February 2022

Bus passengers’ boarding and alighting behavior is important content when researching bus operation efficiency. This paper uses an improved cellular automata (CA) model and introduces four dynamic parameters to study individual behavioral characteristics of bus passengers’ boarding and alighting behavior. The research on the relationship between the macro pedestrian flow formed by the interaction between the individual passengers and the stop time of the bus station was realized. Then it was modeled for different situations, and the general update rules of CA were set based on realistic situations. The passenger boarding and alighting behaviors of the No. 245 bus route in Nanchang, China were simulated, and the simulation results of four different door layouts and passenger boarding and alighting modes were compared. It was found that when the passenger loading rate in the bus reaches 65%, the passenger boarding rate has an obvious tendency to slow down; the width of the door has a direct relationship with the passenger alighting efficiency, and the bus stopping time can be reduced by adjusting the width of the alighting door; a strategy which allows passengers board on the bus via the alighting door may effectively reduce the bus stopping time when there are many passengers boarding on the bus. Using strategy four, simulation research found that Bus No. 245 can reduce the stopping time by 40–50% in some station scenarios. Research results show that the CA model has certain practical value and can provide a theoretical reference for public transportation control and management.
Thermophysical Properties and Heat Transfer Performance of Novel Dry-Ice-Based Sustainable Hybrid Lubri-Coolant
Authors: Jamil Muhammad , Iqbal Asif , He Ning , Cheok Quentin
Published: February 2022

It is a well-known fact that the consumption of conventional cutting fluids in metalworking industries leads to severe health and environmental issues. Owing to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) increasing regulations regarding pollution and contamination, there is a dire need for a greener fluid with excellent cooling and lubrication characteristics to diminish the environmental impact of cutting fluids, as well as to improve machinability. Cryogens are greener and excellent coolants but poor lubricants, while ester oils are excellent lubricants and poor coolants. Therefore, a hybrid lubri-coolant cutting fluid with synergistic cooling and lubrication characteristics could be a desideratum to replace conventional cutting fluid. To investigate a newly proposed hybrid lubri-coolant, thermophysical properties (density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and viscosity), heat transfer properties (surface temperature, heat flux, and heat transfer coefficient), and machinability properties (tool life, etc.) are key characteristics of the fluids that decide phase change and heat dissipation capabilities during their application in machining. In the current experimental study, hybrid ethanol–ester oils with/without dry ice (−78 °C) are proposed as cutting fluids and holistically investigated in terms of thermo-physical properties, heat transfer properties, and machinability properties under different cutting conditions. Experimental findings have depicted a 20%, 10%, and 5% decrease in density, specific heat, and viscosity, respectively, with a 15% increase in the thermal conductivity of the fluid with the addition of dry ice. The dry-ice-based hybrid lubri-coolant sprayed onto a Ti-6Al-4V plate enhanced the heat transfer coefficient significantly by 17% compared to hybrid lubri-coolant without dry ice. Besides, hybrid ethanol–ester oil dry ice was treated as a trendsetter and indicated an 11% improvement of the tool life at a cutting speed of 75 m/min and a feed rate of 0.04 mm/z. Therefore, dry-ice-based hybrid lubri-coolant can be applied as a cutting fluid by practitioners in aerospace, automotive, prosthetic body parts manufacturing, and manufacturing industries.