bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Push-Pull Factors for Joseonjok (Korean-Chinese) Students Studying in South Korea
Authors: Cai Xianghua , Zhang Donghao , Jin Yuanying
Published: December 2023

The factors motivating Joseonjok (Korean-Chinese) students to choose South Korean universities as their study abroad destination have been understudied. In this study, researchers examined the factors that affect Joseonjok students’ decision to pursue postgraduate education in South Korea by analyzing interview data collected from 15 Joseonjok graduate students studying at Korean universities using a case study approach. The study identified individual-level, family-level, and national-level push and pull factors motivating Joseonjok students to choose South Korea as their graduate study destination. At the individual level, academic achievement and educational barriers served as push factors, while emotional and ethnic solidarity with Koreans acted as pull factors. On the community level, study abroad trends and immigration patterns among the Joseonjok population were identified as push factors, and the presence of families, relatives, and friends in South Korea served as pull factors. At the national level, push factors included educational policies for minorities in China and fierce competition in higher education entrance exams and the job market. Conversely, national-level pull factors encompassed the ‘Study Korea Policy’ and policies for overseas Koreans. The current study has implications for policymakers and universities who are planning to recruit international students and educational practitioners intending to provide career counseling and guidance to minority students. Furthermore, we expect the results of the current study to contribute to the sustainable development of higher education in both China and South Korea.
Sustainability Factor for the Cost–Benefit Analysis of Building-Integrated Greenery Systems
Authors: Reyes Marcelo , Pérez Gabriel , Coma Julià
Published: December 2023

Building-integrated greenery (BIG) systems, which include green roofs and green facades, are well-established nature-based solutions (NBS) with proven scientific benefits. However, initial costs and economic apprehensions stemming from potential negative outcomes act as adoption barriers. Furthermore, the lack of standardized indicators and assessment methodologies for evaluating the city-level impacts of BIG systems presents challenges for investors and policy makers. This paper addresses these issues by presenting a comprehensive set of indicators derived from widely accepted frameworks, such as the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) and the NBS impact evaluation handbook. These indicators contribute to the creation of a ‘sustainability factor’, which facilitates cost–benefit analyses for BIG projects using locally sourced data. The practical application of this factor to a 3500 m2 green roof in Lleida, Catalonia (Spain) demonstrates that allocating space for urban horticultural production (i.e., food production), CO2 capture, and creating new recreational areas produces benefits that outweigh the costs by a factor value of nine during the operational phase of the green roof. This cost–benefit analysis provides critical insights for investment decisions and public policies, especially considering the significant benefits at the city level associated with the implementation of BIG systems.
Potential and Constraints of Use of Organic Amendments from Agricultural Residues for Improvement of Soil Properties
Authors: Paradelo Remigio , Navarro-Pedreño Jose , Glaser Bruno , Grobelak Anna , Kowalska Aneta , Singh Bal Ram
Published: December 2023

Agricultural residues are produced in large quantities and their management is an issue all over the world. Many of these residues consist of plant materials in different degrees of transformation, so returning them back to soil is a management option that closes loops in a circular economy context. The objective of this paper is to summarize current knowledge on the options and effects of reusing agricultural residues as organic soil amendments. The reuse of these residues in soil is a good solution for minimizing the problems associated with their management, while improving soil health and ecosystem functions. While some agricultural residues can be applied directly to soil, others will need previous transformations such as composting to improve their properties. This allows the recovery of plant nutrients and increase in soil organic matter contents, with many positive effects on the soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties, and ultimately, crop production, although potential risks derived from some materials must also be considered. The concept of regenerative agriculture and soil management using organic soil amendments contribute to the significant enhancement of soil biodiversity, the protection of the environment and climate goal achievement.
Identification of Priority Areas for Ecological Restoration in Coal Mining Areas with a High Groundwater Table Based on Ecological Security Pattern and Ecological Vulnerability
Authors: Du Lili , Hou Yunbing , Zhong Shuheng , Qu Kai
Published: December 2023

Resource exploitation and rapid urbanization in coal mining areas with a high groundwater table (CMA-HGT) have created double pressure on regional ecological security and increased the vulnerability of the ecological environment. Ecological restoration should be carried out to balance the relationship between economic development and ecological and environmental protection. An ecological security pattern (ESP) can identify key locations that are critical to maintaining ecosystem service stability and landscape connectivity, with territories displaying relatively high vulnerability identified as priority areas for ecological restoration. The Jining planning area (JPA), a typical representative of CMA-HGT, was taken as the study area. To construct the integrated ESP, ecological sources were identified by measuring the importance of multiple ecosystem services and landscape connectivity. Then, the ecological resistance surface was constructed, and the ecological corridors, pinch points, and barriers were determined using circuit theory. Ecological vulnerability (EV) evaluation was performed from the perspectives of natural factors and human activities. The study results showed that the spatial superposition of ESP and EV can effectively identify priority areas for ecological restoration. The ecological restoration priority areas for ecological sources, ecological corridors, and ecological pinch points were 44.56 km2, 11.7 km2, and 9.96 km2, respectively, and corresponding restoration strategies were proposed. Some valuable references were provided for the identification and restoration of priority areas for ecological restoration in CMA-HGT.
The Pathway to NDC and Carbon Neutrality: Roles of Optimum Degree between Marginal Abatement Cost and Social Cost of Carbon in the Thai Power and Industrial Sector
Authors: Muangjai Phitsinee , Wongsapai Wongkot , Jaitiang Tassawan , Ritkrerkkrai Chaichan , Daroon Sopit , Thepsaskul Waranya
Published: December 2023

Thailand has formulated its climate change policy and updated the relevant plans and policies to align with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study investigated the optimal level of GHG mitigation in Thailand by taking into account the marginal abatement cost (MAC) and social cost of carbon (SCC). The research also evaluated how energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies could influence GHG reduction in the power and industrial sectors and illustrate policy recommendations that could be aligned with the 2020–2050 policy and plan period. The findings indicated that there could be instances where GHG mitigation potential would be insufficient to reach the national milestone. In such cases, it would become imperative to leverage all technologies within the marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) and also utilize the SCC for policy decision-making and meeting the desired goals. In certain scenarios, the adoption of additional technologies or measures would be necessary, such as flexible power generation and deploying carbon capture and storage or hydrogen, which are high-cost technologies. Furthermore, preparations should be made for multiple levels of climate change policies and plans beyond 2030.
The Application of an Electrocoagulation Process to the Sustainable Treatment of Initial Rainwater and the Simulation of a Flow Pattern in an Experimental Device
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Wang Zhe , Fu Kai , Luo Qingda
Published: December 2023

The pollutant content in initial rainwater is very high, so the treatment and research of initial rainwater has become an engagement issue in controlling non-point source pollution and realizing sustainable development in Chinese cities. This study explores the best flow pattern suitable for treating initial rainwater by electrocoagulation (EC), and a pilot-scale experiment is conducted to analyze the effect of the EC process on the treatment of initial rainwater. The findings indicate that the latter enhances the turbulent flow effect and the EC process treatment effect better under the two flow modes of parallel perforation flow and dislocation perforation flow. For the dislocation perforated flow pattern, the removal rates of suspended matter (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and phosphorus (TP) are 94.00%, 81.95%, and 98.97%, respectively, which reach the expected treatment targets. Using the electrocoagulation–filtration (ECF) process to treat initial rainwater, the final effluent exhibits high quality and could be used as urban circulating cooling water. Specifically, SS, COD, and TP concentrations are 15.00 mg/L, 21.06 mg/L, and 0.11 mg/L, respectively. The hydraulic retention time of the process is short, only 30 min, and the energy consumption is low, 0.57 kWh. This study provides a reference for the sustainable treatment of early urban rainwater and the design of the flow pattern of the EC process.
Effects of Organic Fertilizers on the Quality, Yield, and Fatty Acids of Maize and Soybean in Southeast Kazakhstan
Authors: Toishimanov Maxat , Suleimenova Zhulduz , Myrzabayeva Nurgul , Dossimova Zhanna , Shokan Aksholpan , Kenenbayev Serik , Yessenbayeva Gulvira , Serikbayeva Assiya
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the effects of organic fertilizers on the yield, quality, and fatty acid composition of maize and soybean in 2022 in Southeast Kazakhstan. Maize and soybean yields were improved by commercial organic fertilizers. In general, the yield, quality, and fatty acid (FA) parameters of both crops were influenced by various types of organic fertilizers. The application of HansePlant fertilizer allowed for an increase in the yield of maize seed by 47% and soybean by 31%. Organic fertilizers improved the quality parameters fat, protein, fiber, and starch in maize by 35%, 22%, 14%, and 8%, respectively, compared to control samples. In soybean, the parameters fat, protein, and fiber were improved by 20%, 3%, and 11%, respectively. The FA compositions of maize and soybean were analyzed via gas chromatography and with tandem mass spectrometer using a polarity column. Compared with no fertilization conditions, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio showed the lowest value in maize (22.40–123.96) and soybean (3.26–4.07). A study of the fatty acid composition groups compared with different fertilizer treatments was performed.
Smellscape Characteristics of an Urban Park in Summer: A Case Study in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhu Ruolin , Zhong Jian , Shi Huajin , Liu Chang , Liu Huiyu , Tan Bohao , Xiang Lijuan , Xiang Ruizi , Ye Xinru , Sun Ming
Published: December 2023

The construction of urban green spaces is a pivotal aspect of sustainable urban development. As societal preferences evolve, a shift from visually oriented landscapes to multi-sensory landscapes has emerged. However, scant attention has been given to the olfactory dimension of urban green spaces. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship between odor perception and park visit experiences, employing a combination of smellwalks and questionnaire surveys conducted in Purple Bamboo Park in Beijing. Natural odors, with most perception frequencies above 60%, are the most dominant odors in Purple Bamboo Park during the summer, including plant, water, and soil smells. The questionnaire survey results revealed a positive correlation between the perception of natural odors and tour experience. Notably, floral fragrances emerged as the predominant olfactory stimulus influencing the park’s olfactory ambiance. Furthermore, a remarkably strong association was observed between the degrees of olfactory, visual, and overall experiential satisfaction, which indicates that multi-sensory experiences in urban parks work as an organic whole. By recognizing the pivotal role of smell in shaping perceptions, urban planners and designers can now integrate olfactory considerations into their work, thereby elevating the overall quality and sustainability of urban green spaces.
Multi-Site and Multi-Pollutant Air Quality Data Modeling
Authors: Hu Min , Liu Bin , Yin Guosheng
Published: December 2023

This study proposes a new method for predicting air quality in major industrialized cities around the world. In some big cities, multiple air quality measurement stations are deployed at different locations to monitor air pollutants, such as NO2, CO, PM 2.5, and PM 10, over time. At every monitoring timestamp t, we observe one station × feature matrix xt of the pollutant data, which represents a spatio-temporal process. Traditional methods of prediction of air quality typically use data from one station or can only predict a single pollutant (such as PM 2.5) at a time, which ignores the spatial correlation among different stations. Moreover, the air pollution data are typically highly non-stationary. This study has explicitly overcome the limitations of these two aspects, forming its unique contributions. Specifically, we propose a de-trending graph convolutional LSTM (long short-term memory) to continuously predict the whole station × feature matrix in the next 1 to 48 h, which not only captures the spatial dependency among multiple stations by replacing an inner product with convolution, but also incorporates the de-trending signals (transforms a non-stationary process to a stationary one by differencing the data) into our model. Experiments on the air quality data of the city of Chengdu and multiple major cities in China demonstrate the feasibility of our method and show promising results.
Free Vibrations of Sustainable Laminated Veneer Lumber Slabs
Authors: Abramowicz Małgorzata , Chybiński Marcin , Polus Łukasz , Wróblewski Tomasz
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the results of dynamic laboratory tests of four laminated veneer lumber (LVL) slabs of different thicknesses, widths, and types were presented. In three of the tested slabs, LVL with all veneers glued lengthwise was used (LVL R). In one LVL slab, a fifth of the veneers were glued crosswise (LVL X). Laminated veneer lumber slabs are engineering wood products with several important performance characteristics, making them a sustainable and preferred solution in civil engineering. To ensure the safe operation of a building with LVL structural elements, it is important to know their dynamic properties. The basic dynamic characteristics of the slabs obtained from experimental tests made it possible to validate the numerical models of the slabs. The slab models were developed in the Abaqus program using the finite element method. The elastic and shear moduli of laminated veneer lumber used in the four slabs were identified through an optimization process in which the error between the analyzed frequencies from the laboratory tests and the numerical analyses was minimized. In the case of slabs that possess the same thickness and are composed of different LVL types, the elastic modulus of LVL R in the longitudinal direction was 1.16 times higher than the elastic modulus of LVL X in the same direction. However, the elastic moduli of LVL R in tangential and radial directions were lower than the elastic moduli of LVL X in the same directions. The above was the result of the fact that the 45 mm LVL X slab had 3 out of 15 veneers glued crosswise. In the case of slabs possessing different thicknesses but the same width and type, the elastic modulus of the thicker panel was 1.13 times higher than that of the thinner panel. After validating the models, the numerical analyses yielded results consistent with the experimental results. The numerical models of the LVL slabs will be used to develop numerical models of composite floors with LVL panels in future research. Such models will allow for the analysis of floor dynamic characteristics and user-generated vibrations, which is required when verifying the serviceability limit state.
Analysis of Typhoon-Induced Wind Fields in Ports of the Central and Northern Taiwan Strait
Authors: Lin Qiuhan , Ding Shuo
Published: December 2023

The winds of a typhoon are a significant meteorological hazard with substantial implications for maritime transportation and are of paramount importance. Studying wind field characteristics and establishing effective algorithms for wind correction are of significant practical and societal importance within the realm of cargo transport operations at ports and terminals, thereby guaranteeing the sustainable development of port shipping. This study investigates the influence of typhoon winds on ports in the central to northern areas of the Taiwan Strait, considering different typhoon paths, by utilizing ground automatic station observations and numerical model forecasts. Furthermore, this research examines deviations in wind field forecasts generated by the ECMWF numerical model and the subsequent correction of surface wind patterns. The results indicate that: (1) maximum wind speeds during typhoons following various paths are most notable in the proximity of coastal islands near Putian, Fujian province, predominantly due to the topographical effects of the strait. (2) Wind speeds at individual stations are contingent on the typhoon’s trajectory, while the pressure difference could serve as a reliable indicator of typhoon intensity and onset timing. (3) Following polynomial fitting correction, the forecast deviations are reduced by 37% for the u component and 40% for the v component. The score for the u component increases notably from 41.60 to 63.17 after correction, representing an improvement of 51.85%, while the v component score rises significantly from 29.33 to 48.89, showing an enhancement of 66.70%. This research has implications for future forecasts of typhoon winds that impact ports in the central and northern sections of the Taiwan Strait, meeting the meteorological service needs of cargo ships entering the port and better serving the sustainable development of the local economy and society.
A Review on Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products Residues in the Aquatic Environment and Possibilities for Their Remediation
Authors: Wydro Urszula , Wołejko Elżbieta , Luarasi Linda , Puto Klementina , Tarasevičienė Živilė , Jabłońska-Trypuć Agata
Published: December 2023

Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) are pollutants known as organic micropollutants. PPCPs belong to a group of compounds with proven biological activity used in medicine, veterinary medicine and to maintain hygiene in daily life. Their presence in the environment, even in trace concentrations, can have negative effects on living organisms, including humans. Especially relevant are the residues of pharmaceuticals such as hormonal drugs and antibiotics. PPCPs’ presence in the environment is caused by the improper production, usage and disposal of medicines. PPCPs and their residues may be introduced into the various parts of the environment such as wastewater, water and soil. Therefore, wastewater containing PPCPs, their residues and active metabolites firstly goes to a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). However, some of these compounds may also be present in sewage sludge. This article reviews the methods and technologies used in the remediation of water and wastewater containing PPCPs residues. Among them, physical, chemical and biological methods, as well as a compilation of various techniques, can be identified. Nowadays, in a time of energy crisis, it is important to emphasize that the applied methods of wastewater and water treatment are not only effective, but also have been characterized by low energy consumption or allow for the generation of energy that could be used for the needs of the wastewater treatment plant.
Application of Sustainable Blockchain Technology in the Internet of Vehicles: Innovation in Traffic Sign Detection Systems
Authors: Liu Yanli , Qian Qiang , Zhang Heng , Li Jingchao , Zhong Yikai , Xiong Neal N.
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), traffic sign detection plays an indispensable role in advancing autonomous driving and intelligent transportation. However, current road traffic sign detection technologies face challenges in terms of information privacy protection, model accuracy verification, and result sharing. To enhance system sustainability, this paper introduces blockchain technology. The decentralized, tamper-proof, and consensus-based features of blockchain ensure data privacy and security among vehicles while facilitating trustworthy validation of traffic sign detection algorithms and result sharing. Storing model training data on distributed nodes reduces the system computational resources, thereby lowering energy consumption and improving system stability, enhancing the sustainability of the model. This paper introduces an enhanced GGS-YOLO model, optimized based on YOLOv5. The model strengthens the feature extraction capability of the original network by introducing a coordinate attention mechanism and incorporates a BiFPN feature fusion network to enhance detection accuracy. Additionally, the newly designed GGS convolutional module not only improves accuracy but also makes the model more lightweight. The model achieves an enhanced detection accuracy rate of 85.6%, with a reduced parameter count of 0.34×107. In a bid to broaden its application scope, we integrate the model with blockchain technology for traffic sign detection in the IoV. This method demonstrates outstanding performance in traffic sign detection tasks within the IoV, confirming its feasibility and sustainability in practical applications.
Uncovering Sustainability Insights from Amazon’s Eco-Friendly Product Reviews for Design Optimization
Authors: Maarif Muhammad Rifqi , Syafrudin Muhammad , Fitriyani Norma Latif
Published: December 2023

This research investigates consumer reviews of eco-friendly products on Amazon to uncover valuable sustainability insights that can inform design optimization. Using natural language processing (NLP) techniques, including sentiment analysis, key terms extraction, and topic modeling, this research reveals diverse perspectives related to sustainability aspects in eco-friendly products. Innovatively, we integrate the NLP approach with correspondence analysis (CA) to understand consumer sentiments and preferences related to sustainability aspects. Leveraging CA, we visualize the interplay between eco-friendly product features and consumer sentiments, revealing underlying relationships and patterns. The CA biplot showcases the alignment of specific sustainability attributes with consumer satisfaction, highlighting which sustainability aspects hold greater influence over overall product ratings. As sustainability becomes an increasingly crucial aspect of consumer choices, our paper emphasizes the significance of a multidimensional approach that embraces both qualitative and quantitative insights. By blending CA with consumer reviews, we equip designers and stakeholders with an innovative and comprehensive toolkit to enhance sustainable design practices, paving the way for more informed and effective product development strategies in the realm of eco-friendliness.
Identifying the Social, Urban, and Environmental Co-Benefits of Coworking Spaces in Irish Towns
Authors: Wall Stephen , Crowe Philip R.
Published: December 2023

Coworking spaces are shared workplaces in which desk space is available to remote workers, freelancers, and small enterprises. They offer the social, technological, and networking advantages of an office while allowing workers the freedom to reside in a location of their choice. Remote working has become a common work practice in recent years, accelerated by restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Irish Government policy strongly supports coworking spaces across the island to support employment diversity and retain populations in towns and villages. Along with the provision of viable workplaces, coworking spaces can provide a range of co-benefits to their localities, such as stimulating local economies and reducing commuting-related emissions. This paper describes a mixed-method study seeking to identify this range of co-benefits through a survey of coworking space users and semi-structured interviews with coworking space founders, managers, and coordinators. The study uses an integrative process to categorise the findings into social, urban, and environmental co-benefits. The research finds that locating a coworking space in a central rather than peripheral urban area can support and optimise many of these co-benefits.
Unintended Consequences of Antismoking Pricing Policies: Insights from Smokers’ Household Expenditure on Smoking Behavior and Public Health
Authors: Kochan Yael , Rosenzweig Stav
Published: December 2023

Despite e-cigarettes’ increasing popularity, traditional cigarette smoking, particularly with roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco, persists as the predominant form of global tobacco consumption. We examine the effect of an antismoking pricing policy on smokers’ behavior by assessing changes in their households’ consumption of tobacco products. To do so, we use a pricing policy implemented in Israel that introduced significant tax increases on RYO tobacco and factory-made cigarettes as our research setting. We analyze data compiled by a national agency on 8000 households representing the smoking population, evaluating changes in smoking behavior through their expenditures on tobacco products. Our model assesses the policy’s impact on tobacco and cigarettes consumed, as well as the probability of households consuming these products. We find that the policy reduced neither overall tobacco consumption nor cigarettes smoked, contrary to expectations. Instead, it was associated with an increased likelihood of households choosing RYO cigarettes and the number of RYO cigarettes consumed. The study emphasizes that anti-smoking pricing policies may inadvertently promote RYO tobacco use, potentially harming public health. To mitigate this, we recommend designing price policies that eliminate perceived gaps between RYO tobacco and factory-made cigarettes. This approach can discourage substitution and foster the deconsumption of both products.
Proactively Effecting Community Engagement in PPP Projects: Lessons from the Tama Plaza Redevelopment Project, Yokohama
Authors: Khan Megumi , Khan Shahed
Published: December 2023

Shrinking revenues and increasing costs of delivery for health and welfare services prompted the City of Yokohama to undertake redevelopment of Tama Plaza as a model public–private partnership (PPP) for next-generation suburban redevelopment, aligned with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Although the implementation of PPP projects is shaped by locally prevalent socio-political factors and the cultural context, a dearth of case studies describing PPP governance processes from a cultural perspective impede the development of relevant governance theories and praxis. It is contended that contextual factors could be capitalized upon to develop effective project governance mechanisms that ensure community engagement and promote sustainable lifestyles. However, as PPP redevelopment projects are a product of neoliberalization that is manifested differently from place to place due to locally prevalent socio-political contextual factors, theories about good governance of PPP projects remain rudimentary. The Tama Plaza case study thus provides empirical evidence of how the local contextual reality can shape PPP projects. Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with project staff revealed some standout governance mechanisms and community-building initiatives, such as the autonomous, jointly resourced ‘core team’ tasked with managing community engagement, and the jumin sohatsu project comprising numerous small community-building project grants. The paper describes how these successes benefited from contextual and cultural factors. Lessons drawn from the Japanese case study could have validity in countries in the Global South that share some of the major factors constituting their contextual reality.
Relationship between the Latent Profile of Online Socially Regulated Learning and Collaborative Learning Motivation
Authors: Wang Xiaodan , Wang Xin , Huang Tinghui , Liu Limin , Chen Xiaohui , Yang Xin , Lu Jia , Wang Hanxi
Published: December 2023

Socially regulated learning (SoRL) is an important way to maintain the sustainable development of collaborative learning (CL). Usually, learners can achieve sustainable and high-quality SoRL with the intervention of teachers. To improve the appropriateness of the intervention, teachers need to clarify the profiles of SoRL to which learners belong, as well as the influence of collaborative learning motivation (CLM) and the relevant background variables. This study used three non-duplicate samples to provide evidence for the psychometric properties of the SoRL and CLM scales through item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (sample 1, n = 531), and confirmatory factor analysis (sample 2, n = 1278). The profiles of SoRL among university students were determined through latent profile analysis (sample 3, n = 909). This study identified three profiles of regulation (strong SoRL, progressive SoRL, and weak SoRL). The analysis of multivariate variance and multiple logistic regression methods further explored the differences in the dimensions of SoRL structures across different profiles and the extent to which CLM and background variables predicted profiles. The results showed that collaborative motivation (CM) and learning motivation (LM) were the predictors of learners’ transformation from a low regulation level to a medium regulation level. CM, LM, altruistic motivation, and major background were the predictors of learners’ transition from the medium regulation level to the high regulation level. Accordingly, teachers can provide learners with an appropriate external intervention to promote the improvement of SoRL. This study contributes to improving learners’ SoRL levels and promoting the sustainable development of education. In the future, the changing characteristics of learners’ SoRL profiles over time will be explored, and the application of learning process data will be strengthened.
From Investment to the Environment: Exploring the Relationship between the Coordinated Development of Two-Way FDI and Carbon Productivity under Fiscal Decentralization
Authors: Gao Xiaodan , Wang Yinhui
Published: December 2023

The governance exerted by governments plays a pivotal role not only in driving local economic advancement but also in bolstering environmental management and enhancing Carbon Productivity (CP). This paper investigates the impact of two-way Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) coordination development (DFDI) on China’s CP from the perspective of fiscal decentralization (FD). Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2006–2020, we apply a Spatial Error Model to discern that DFDI effectively elevates CP. However, an excessively high degree of FD constrains the potential environmental performance benefits that FDI might offer. Further analysis using a Dynamic Threshold Model reveals a significant dynamic non-linearity in the impact of DFDI on CP under the threshold effect of FD. In contrast to Inward FDI (IFDI), China’s Outward FDI (OFDI) actually impedes the enhancement of CP. Our results underscore that well-calibrated FD can align economic growth with environmental sustainability. This study offers insights into policy frameworks fostering sustainable development in China and similar economies. It indicates that tailored policies are essential to mitigate the diverse environmental impacts of different FDI flows, supporting sustainable investment practices.
Biochar-Assisted Phytoremediation Potential of Sewage Sludge Contaminated Soil
Authors: Anne Olga , Mockevičienė Ieva , Karčauskienė Danutė , Repšienė Regina , Šiaudinis Gintaras , Barčauskaitė Karolina , Žilė Greta
Published: December 2023

Environmental pollution caused by increasing levels of heavy metals (HM) is a pressing problem throughout the world. Phytoremediation is considered a prospective remediation approach for HM-contaminated soil, but more research is required to enhance remediation efficiency. Biochar is a promising bio-residue material that can be used for the sustainable remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar from different bio-substrates (digestate, waste of biodiesel production from rapeseed, corn stalk) on HM (Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) accumulation in buckwheat and white mustard cultivated in sewage sludge-contaminated soil. The total amount of HM in soil, plant above- and below-ground biomass, leachate, and bioconcentration and translocation factors were studied to explore the mechanism of how the different bio-substrates’ biochar affects HM accumulation in selected plants. It was observed that rapeseed biochar showed the greatest significant effect in reducing the HM content in soil, plant biomass, and lysimetric water. Meanwhile, the incorporation of digestate biochar significantly increased the HM content in all the soil-plant systems and affected the HM leaching from the soil. The concentration of HM in the leachate decreased from 2.5 to 10 times. It was determined that phytostabilization is the core process of HM accumulation in buckwheat, in contrast to mustard, where the mechanism is phytoextraction. This study confirmed that biochar addition enhances the phytoremediation efficiency in soil, which can potentially improve the development of ecofriendly in-situ bioremediation technology for HM-contaminated sites.
Quantifying Individual PM2.5 Exposure with Human Mobility Inferred from Mobile Phone Data
Authors: Hu Zhaoping , Huang Le , Zhai Xi , Yang Tao , Jin Yaohui , Xu Yanyan
Published: December 2023

Treatment of air pollution and health impacts are both crucial components of long-term sustainability. Measuring individual exposure to air pollution is significant to evaluating public health risks. In this paper, we introduce a big data analytics framework to quantify individual PM2.5 exposure by combining residents’ mobility traces and PM2.5 concentration at a 1-km grid level. Diverging from traditional approaches reliant on population data, our methodology can accurately estimate the hourly PM2.5 exposure at the individual level. Taking Shanghai as an example, we model one million anonymous users’ mobility behavior based on 60 billion Call Detail Records (CDRs) data. By integrating users’ stay locations and high-resolution PM2.5 concentration, we quantify individual PM2.5 exposure and find that the average PM2.5 exposure of residences in Shanghai is 60.37 ug·h·m−3 during the studied period. Further analysis reveals the unbalance of the spatiotemporal distribution of PM2.5 exposure in Shanghai. Our PM2.5 exposure estimation method provides a reliable evaluation of environmental hazards and public health predicaments confronted by residents, facilitating the formulation of scientific policies for environmental control, and thus advancing the realization of sustainable development.
Design of a Biogas Power Plant That Uses Olive Tree Pruning and Olive Kernels in Achaia, Western Greece
Authors: Papachristopoulos Efstathios , Tsiaras Evangelos , Papadakis Vagelis G. , Coutelieris Frank A.
Published: December 2023

In Greece, agricultural residues form a significant part of available biomass resources. This study focuses on exploring energy production potential from olive tree pruning and kernels via anaerobic digestion in the Achaia region of Western Greece. It aims to address environmental challenges by analyzing anaerobic digestion of these residues. The study evaluates qualitative and quantitative attributes, including composition analysis and energy content assessment. Detailed design considerations for an anaerobic digestion system tailored for these residues are presented, laying the groundwork for practical implementation. By integrating scientific analysis with engineering principles, this research aims to optimize anaerobic digestion systems for a more sustainable agricultural landscape in Greece.
A General Framework for Material Properties Calculation and the Free Vibration Analysis of New Three-Phase Composite Cylindrical Shell Structures
Authors: Zhang Wei , Duan Jinqiu , Liu Tao , Zheng Yan , Qian Yingjing
Published: December 2023

New three-phase composite structures reinforced synergistically by nano-fillers and macroscopic fibers have great application potential. This paper presents a general framework for material properties calculation and the free vibration analysis of three-phase composite shell structures. Based on this methodological system, the free vibration characteristics of three types of nano-enhanced functionally graded three-phase composite cylindrical shells are investigated. First, the equivalent mechanical properties of these three three-phase composites were evaluated using the Halpin–Tsai and Mori–Tanaka models. The governing equations for the cylindrical shells were derived based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and Hamilton’s principle. The equations were discretized using Galerkin’s method and solved to obtain the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The finite element simulation results and existing literature verified the accuracy and reliability of the method in this paper. The synergistic effects of nano-reinforced fillers and macroscopic fibers on the free vibrations of these structures were also analyzed. Among them, the natural frequency of the three-phase composite cylindrical shells was the highest when graphene platelets (GPLs) were used as the nano-reinforced fillers, which was 150.32% higher than that of fiber-reinforced epoxy composite cylindrical shells. These studies provide theoretical guidance for the design and manufacture of such symmetric or antisymmetric structures in the future.
Deep Learning Models for the Evaluation of the Aerodynamic and Thermal Performance of Three-Dimensional Symmetric Wavy Wings
Authors: Kim Min-Il , Yoon Hyun-Sik , Seo Jang-Hoon
Published: December 2023

The present study initially evaluates the feasibility of deep learning models to predict the flow and thermal fields of a wing with a symmetric wavy disturbance as the passive flow control. The present study developed the encoder–decoder (ED) and convolutional neural network (CNN) models to predict the characteristics of flow and heat transfer on the surface of three-dimensional wavy wings in a wide range of parameters, such as the aspect ratio, wave amplitude, wave number, and the angle of attack. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to generate the dataset of the deep learning models. Various tests are carried out to examine the predictive performance of the architectures for two deep learning models. The CNN and ED models demonstrated a quantitatively predictive performance for aerodynamic coefficients and Nusselt numbers, as well as a qualitative prediction for pressure contours, limiting streamlines, and Nusselt contours. The predicted results well reconstructed the spiral vortical formation and the separation delay by the limiting streamlines. It is expected that the present established deep learning methods are useful to perform the parametric study to find the conditions to provide efficient aerodynamic and thermal performances.
The Holohedrization Effect in Ligand Field Models
Authors: Toader Ana Maria , Buta Maria Cristina , Cimpoesu Fanica , Mihai Adela
Published: December 2023

The ligand field theory is an early and yet perennial class of quantum models accounting for the optical and magnetic properties of metal ions as a function of their environment in compounds. In the context of modern quantum chemistry, in order to predict properties from first principles, the ligand field paradigm can serve to illuminate the black box of heavy calculations, extracting heuristic meaning and causal roots. The genuine ligand field models are tacitly affected by an artificial feature, so-called holohedrization. It induces an inversion symmetry, even in cases where the local geometry does not show this element. This aspect received little attention over decades of using the ligand field Hamiltonians. In this work, we systematically investigate, assisted by state-of-the-art ab initio computer experiments, whether holohedrization is a hidden drawback of early models or if it also appears in realistic modeling. We found that the holohedrization trend also appears when using data from modern ab initio calculations.
A Generalization of Secondary Characteristic Classes on Lie Pseudoalgebras
Authors: Balcerzak Bogdan
Published: December 2023

The aim of the paper is to construct a secondary characteristic homomorphism for Lie pseudoalgebras. The case of inner product modules is under consideration.
Spontaneous and Explicit Spacetime Symmetry Breaking in Einstein–Cartan Theory with Background Fields
Authors: Bluhm Robert , Zhi Yu
Published: December 2023

Explicit and spontaneous breaking of spacetime symmetry under diffeomorphisms, local translations, and local Lorentz transformations due to the presence of fixed background fields is examined in Einstein–Cartan theory. In particular, the roles of torsion and violation of local translation invariance are highlighted. The nature of the types of background fields that can arise and how they cause spacetime symmetry breaking is discussed. With explicit breaking, potential no-go results are known to exist, which if not evaded lead to inconsistencies between the Bianchi identities, Noether identities, and the equations of motion. These are examined in detail, and the effects of nondynamical backgrounds and explicit breaking on the energy–momentum tensor when torsion is present are discussed as well. Examples illustrating various features of both explicit and spontaneous breaking of local translations are presented and compared to the case of diffeomorphism breaking.
Dynamic Stability of Human Walking in Response to Sudden Speed Changes
Authors: Park Chaneun , Park Kiwon
Published: December 2023

Abrupt changes in gait speed can interfere with the symmetry of the overall gait apparatus and result in unstable joint movement patterns. Because unstable joint movements may cause slips, trips, and falls, it is necessary to quantitatively characterize the changes in joint movement patterns in response to sudden speed changes. The purpose of this study is to examine how abrupt changes in gait speed affect gait dynamics. Twenty-two healthy young subjects walked for four minutes, including a warm-up period, under three different speed conditions. Utilizing nonlinear dynamics tools, including the maximum Lyapunov exponent, Sample Entropy, and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, we quantitatively assessed gait dynamics for the different speed conditions. Our findings highlight how different speed change patterns impact joint instability, notably within the knee joint during gait (p < 0.05). Furthermore, introducing a resting phase during random speed changes exhibited the potential to restore gait symmetry and control movement patterns. This research offers valuable insights into human gait stability dynamics, especially concerning sudden speed changes. Understanding how controlled speed variations affect gait and joint instability informs fall prevention and rehabilitation strategies, emphasizing speed management to improve gait symmetry and reduce joint instability.
Graph Learning and Deep Neural Network Ensemble for Supporting Cognitive Decline Assessment
Authors: Antonesi Gabriel , Rancea Alexandru , Cioara Tudor , Anghel Ionut
Published: December 2023

Cognitive decline represents a significant public health concern due to its severe implications on memory and general health. Early detection is crucial to initiate timely interventions and improve patient outcomes. However, traditional diagnosis methods often rely on personal interpretations or biases, may not detect the early stages of cognitive decline, or involve invasive screening procedures; thus, there is a growing interest in developing non-invasive methods benefiting also from the technological advances. Wearable devices and Internet of Things sensors can monitor various aspects of daily life together with health parameters and can provide valuable data regarding people’s behavior. In this paper, we propose a technical solution that can be useful for potentially supporting cognitive decline assessment in early stages, by employing advanced machine learning techniques for detecting higher activity fragmentation based on daily activity monitoring using wearable devices. Our approach also considers data coming from wellbeing assessment questionnaires that can offer other important insights about a monitored person. We use deep neural network models to capture complex, non-linear relationships in the daily activities data and graph learning for the structural wellbeing information in the questionnaire answers. The proposed solution is evaluated in a simulated environment on a large synthetic dataset, the results showing that our approach can offer an alternative as a support for early detection of cognitive decline during patient-assessment processes.
Age-Dependent Changes in Effective Dose in Pediatric Brain CT: Comparisons of Estimation Methods
Authors: Inoue Yusuke , Mori Masahiro , Itoh Hiroyasu , Mitsui Kohei , Miyatake Hiroki , Yamane Takuro , Hata Hirofumi
Published: December 2023

The effective dose (ED) in computed tomography (CT) may be calculated by multiplying the dose–length product (DLP) by a conversion factor. As children grow, automatic exposure control increases the DLP, while the conversion factor decreases; these two changes affect the ED in opposite ways. The aim of this study was to investigate the methods of ED estimation according to age in pediatric brain CT. We retrospectively analyzed 980 brain CT scans performed for various clinical indications in children. The conversion factor at each age, in integer years, was determined based on the values at 0, 1, 5, and 10 years provided by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), using a curve (curve method) or lines (linear method). In the simple method, the ED was estimated using the ICRP conversion factor for the closest age. We also analyzed the ED estimated by a radiation dose management system. Although the median DLP at each age increased with age, the median ED estimated by the curve method was highest at 0 years, decreased with age, and then plateaued at 9 years. The linear method yielded mildly different results, especially at 2 and 3 years. The ED estimated by the simple method or the radiation dose management system showed inconsistent, up-and-down changes with age. In conclusion, the ED in pediatric brain CT decreases with age despite increased DLP. Determination of the conversion factor at each age using a curve is expected to contribute to estimating the ED in pediatric CT according to age.