bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning of Explainable EEG Patterns as Dynamic Spatiotemporal Clusters and Rules in a Brain-Inspired Spiking Neural Network
Authors: Doborjeh Maryam , Doborjeh Zohreh , Kasabov Nikola , Barati Molood , Wang Grace Y.
Published: July 2021

The paper proposes a new method for deep learning and knowledge discovery in a brain-inspired Spiking Neural Networks (SNN) architecture that enhances the model’s explainability while learning from streaming spatiotemporal brain data (STBD) in an incremental and on-line mode of operation. This led to the extraction of spatiotemporal rules from SNN models that explain why a certain decision (output prediction) was made by the model. During the learning process, the SNN created dynamic neural clusters, captured as polygons, which evolved in time and continuously changed their size and shape. The dynamic patterns of the clusters were quantitatively analyzed to identify the important STBD features that correspond to the most activated brain regions. We studied the trend of dynamically created clusters and their spike-driven events that occur together in specific space and time. The research contributes to: (1) enhanced interpretability of SNN learning behavior through dynamic neural clustering; (2) feature selection and enhanced accuracy of classification; (3) spatiotemporal rules to support model explainability; and (4) a better understanding of the dynamics in STBD in terms of feature interaction. The clustering method was applied to a case study of Electroencephalogram (EEG) data, recorded from a healthy control group (n = 21) and opiate use (n = 18) subjects while they were performing a cognitive task. The SNN models of EEG demonstrated different trends of dynamic clusters across the groups. This suggested to select a group of marker EEG features and resulted in an improved accuracy of EEG classification to 92%, when compared with all-feature classification. During learning of EEG data, the areas of neurons in the SNN model that form adjacent clusters (corresponding to neighboring EEG channels) were detected as fuzzy boundaries that explain overlapping activity of brain regions for each group of subjects.
Study and Analysis of Interference Signals of the LTE System of the GNSS Receiver
Authors: Setlak Lucjan , Kowalik Rafał
Published: July 2021

Sometimes, it is impossible to conduct tests with the use of the GNSS system, or the obtained results of the measurements made differ significantly from the predicted accuracy. The most common cause of the problems (external factors, faulty results) are interference disturbances from other radio telecommunication systems. The subject of this paper is to conduct research, the essence of which is an in-depth analysis in the field of elimination of LTE interference signals of the GNSS receiver, that is based on the developed effective methods on counteracting the phenomenon of interference signals coming from this system and transmitted on the same frequency. Interference signals are signals transmitted in the GNSS operating band, and unwanted signals may cause incorrect processing of the information provided to the end-user about his position, speed, and current time. This article presents methods of identifying and detecting interference signals, with particular emphasis on methods based on spatial processing of signals transmitted by the LTE system. A comparative analysis of the methods of detecting an unwanted signal was made in terms of their effectiveness and complexity of their implementation. Moreover, the concept of a new comprehensive anti-interference solution was proposed. It includes, among others, information on the various stages of GNSS signal processing in the proposed system, in relation to the algorithms used in traditional GNSS receivers. The final part of the article presents the obtained research results and the resulting significant observations and practical conclusions.
Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) by Measuring Ketone Bodies in Urine
Authors: Go Anna , Park Sung Ryul , Ku Yejin , Sun Mingge , Yeon Sangho , Lee Jin-Kyun , Lee Sang Wook , Lee Min-Ho
Published: July 2021

In this report, we present an enzyme deposited Au electrode for an electrochemical measurement of acetylacetic acid (AcAc) in urine. The electrode has an immobilized layer of a mixture of D-β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) as sensing material to investigate its electroanalytical properties by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV). The modified electrodes are used for the detection of AcAc and present a linear current increase when the AcAc concentration increases. The electrode presents a limit of detection (LOD) of 6.25 mg/dL in the range of 6.25–100 mg/dL for investigation of clinical relevance. Finally, the electrode was evaluated using 20 patient samples. The measured results of urine ketone by the developed electrode were compared with the clinical results from a commercial kit, and the analysis showed good agreement. The proposed electrode was demonstrated to be a very promising platform as a miniaturized electrochemical analyzer for point-of-care monitoring of the critical biochemical parameters such as urine ketone.
Design, Ground Testing and On-Orbit Performance of a Sun Sensor Based on COTS Photodiodes for the UPMSat-2 Satellite
Authors: Porras-Hermoso Angel , Alfonso-Corcuera Daniel , Piqueras Javier , Roibás-Millán Elena , Cubas Javier , Pérez-Álvarez Javier , Pindado Santiago
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the development of the UPMSat-2 sun sensor, from the design to on-orbit operation. It also includes the testing of the instrument, one of the most important tasks that needs to be performed to operate a sensor with precision. The UPMSat-2 solar sensor has been designed, tested, and manufactured at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) using 3D printing and COTS (photodiodes). The work described in this paper was carried out by students and teachers of the Master in Space Systems (Máster Universitario en Sistemas Espaciales—MUSE). The solar sensor is composed of six photodiodes that are divided into two sets; each set is held and oriented on the satellite by its corresponding support printed in Delrin. The paper describes the choice of components, the electrical diagram, and the manufacture of the supports. The methodology followed to obtain the response curve of each photodiode is simple and inexpensive, as it requires a limited number of instruments and tools. The selected irradiance source was a set of red LEDs and halogen instead of an AM0 spectrum irradiance simulator. Some early results from the UPMSat-2 mission have been analyzed in the present paper. Data from magnetometers and the attitude control system have been used to validate the data obtained from the sun sensor. The results indicate a good performance of the sensors during flight, in accordance with the data from the ground tests.
A Real-Time Collision Avoidance Framework of MASS Based on B-Spline and Optimal Decoupling Control
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Wang Chengbo , Chui Kwok Tai , Liu Ryan Wen
Published: July 2021

Real-time collision-avoidance navigation of autonomous ships is required by many application scenarios, such as carriage of goods by sea, search, and rescue. The collision avoidance algorithm is the core of autonomous navigation for Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). In order to realize real-time and free-collision under the condition of multi-ship encounter in an uncertain environment, a real-time collision avoidance framework is proposed using B-spline and optimal decoupling control. This framework takes advantage to handle the uncertain environment with limited sensing MASS which plans dynamically feasible, highly reliable, and safe feasible collision avoidance. First, owing to the collision risk assessment, a B-spline-based collision avoidance trajectory search (BCATS) algorithm is proposed to generate free-collision trajectories effectively. Second, a waypoint-based collision avoidance trajectory optimization is proposed with the path-speed decoupling control. Two benefits, a reduction of control cost and an improvement in the smoothness of the collision avoidance trajectory, are delivered. Finally, we conducted an experiment using the Electronic Chart System (ECS). The results reveal the robustness and real-time collision avoidance trajectory planned by the proposed collision avoidance system.
Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Analysis: Two Under-Utilized Tools for Informing E-Waste Management
Authors: Withanage Sohani Vihanga , Habib Komal
Published: July 2021

The unprecedented technological development and economic growth over the past two decades has resulted in streams of rapidly growing electronic waste (e-waste) around the world. As the potential source of secondary raw materials including precious and critical materials, e-waste has recently gained significant attention across the board, ranging from governments and industry, to academia and civil society organizations. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the last decade of e-waste literature followed by an in-depth analysis of the application of material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), i.e., two less commonly used strategic tools to guide the relevant stakeholders in efficient management of e-waste. Through a keyword search on two main online search databases, Scopus and Web of Science, 1835 peer-reviewed publications were selected and subjected to a bibliographic network analysis to identify and visualize major research themes across the selected literature. The selected 1835 studies were classified into ten different categories based on research area, such as environmental and human health impacts, recycling and recovery technologies, associated social aspects, etc. With this selected literature in mind, the review process revealed the two least explored research areas over the past decade: MFA and LCA with 33 and 31 studies, respectively. A further in-depth analysis was conducted for these two areas regarding their application to various systems with numerous scopes and different stages of e-waste life cycle. The study provides a detailed discussion regarding their applicability, and highlights challenges and opportunities for further research.
Development of an Integrated Design Strategy for Blue-Green Architecture
Authors: Well Friederike , Ludwig Ferdinand
Published: July 2021

Blue-green architecture entails buildings that contribute to improving the urban climate through the synergetic combination of water management and vegetation. They are part of an urban blue-green infrastructure network that combines ecosystem services in a multifunctional way. Projects implemented in an interdisciplinary manner create synergies with regard to the combination of water-related and vegetation-related objectives. However, applicable design strategies for this approach are currently lacking in practice. This paper investigates the approach of a blue-green architectural project in Stuttgart (the so called “Impulse Project”) and derives insights for an integrated design strategy. The analysis and transfer of the research is carried out by using the research by design methodology. For this purpose, the interdisciplinary design process is divided into three phases (pre-design, design, post-design) and described in detail. Reflection on the documented design reveals the knowledge gained and enables the transfer of the findings to future projects by means of the integrated design strategy for blue-green architecture.
Understanding Perceived Value and Purchase Intention toward Eco-Friendly Athleisure Apparel: Insights from U.S. Millennials
Authors: Chi Ting , Ganak Jessica , Summers Lauren , Adesanya Olabisi , McCoy Lindsay , Liu Hang , Tai Yining
Published: July 2021

Given the recent trend of the athleisure lifestyle in the U.S., this study sought to examine female millennial consumers’ value perceptions for purchasing recycled polyester-made athleisure apparel. Using an inductive approach with grounded theory, the perceived green value (PGV) framework was applied to guide data collection through the in-depth interviews and data analysis. The findings of the study provide theoretical insights and sustainable solutions for the industry and academia. Five main values identified include functional value, social value, emotional value, conditional value, and epistemic value. Within these perceived values, 13 sub-themes emerged. Female millennials consider price and performance key deciding factors for purchasing recycled polyester-made athleisure apparel. However, this is contingent upon products being fashionable, comfortable, and versatile for numerous occasions. The perceived social value reaffirms that peers and family can strongly influence purchasing decisions. Female millennials are more likely to purchase from well-known sustainable companies whose products are aligned with their beliefs and are exempted from false advertising. Companies need to empower consumers with the necessary product information and environmental knowledge. Epistemic value relies on consumers being educated and aware of sustainable products and their benefits.
The Application of Advanced Mapping Methods and Tools for Spatial-Visual Analysis in Landscape Design Practice
Authors: Liu Mei , Nijhuis Steffen
Published: July 2021

Spatial design is at the core of landscape architecture. Mapping spatial–visual characteristics is of significance for landscape architects to interpret and talk about space. Advanced mapping methods and tools for spatial–visual analysis (i.e., mapping techniques describing landscape architectonic compositions from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives) offer great potential to increase knowledge of spatial organization and reveal design principles. Despite the availability and wide range of possibilities, the application of advanced mapping methods and tools for spatial–visual analysis is still not common in landscape architecture. The main reasons include the lack of awareness and prejudice. In order to get a more detailed understanding of the problem, this study presents the outcome of semi-structured open-ended interviews with 11 practitioners with a design background in landscape architecture. The paper discusses the relevance of advanced mapping methods and tools with practitioners in order to gain a better understanding about what methods landscape practitioners use to describe and experience space in their daily work. Findings demonstrate the critical bottlenecks of implementing advanced mapping methods in daily practices and how the practitioners think about the implementation of advanced mapping methods in the future of landscape practices.
Non-Traditional Systemic Risk Contagion within the Chinese Banking Industry
Authors: Choudhury Tonmoy , Scagnelli Simone , Yong Jaime , Zhang Zhaoyong
Published: July 2021

Systemic risk contagion is a key issue in the banking sector in maintaining financial system stability. This study is among the first few to use three different distance-to-risk measures to empirically assess the domestic interbank linkages and systemic contagion risk of the Chinese banking industry, by using bivariate dynamic conditional correlation GARCH model on data collected from eight prominent Chinese banks for the period 2006–2018. The results show a relatively high correlation among almost all the banks, suggesting an interconnectedness among the banks. We found evidence that the banking system is exposed to significant domestic contagion risks arising from systemic defaults. Given that Chinese markets deliver weak signals of forthcoming stress in banking sectors, new policy intervention is crucial to resolve the hidden stress in the system. The results have important policy implications and will provide scholars and policymakers further insight into the risk contagion originating from interbank networks.
Assessment of Landscape Character and Absorptivity Based on Digital Terrain Model Analysis—Case Study of Jelenia Góra City in Poland
Authors: Budzik Grzegorz , Krajewski Piotr
Published: July 2021

In an era of significant growth in the availability of spatial data and continued advances in computing technologies, opportunities for new interpretations and solutions to the landscape research problems posed worldwide are emerging. This paper presents different possibilities of applying digital terrain model (DTM) data in research of various aspects of landscape. For this purpose, two different methods were proposed. The first was to identify a set of components of the Jelenia Góra city landscape character on the basis of the topographic position index and spatial distribution of land cover, while the second was to assess the landscape of Jelenia Góra city in terms of the possibility of adopting new elements, using the author’s scenic absorptivity method. The results indicate the structure of the components of the landscape character of Jelenia Góra city together with its spatial distribution, which also allowed for the delineation of landscape units. The scenic absorptivity analysis showed that there are isolated areas within Jelenia Góra city that are capable of accommodating significant size elements that would not adversely affect the city landscape. In conclusion, DTM data are able to significantly improve research methods in landscape studies.
Thermal Behavior in Glass Houses through the Analysis of Scale Models
Authors: Aguilera-Benito Patricia , Varela-Lujan Sheila , Piña-Ramirez Carolina
Published: July 2021

Reducing energy expenditure in the construction sector requires the implementation of passive strategies in buildings. In Spain, consumption is centered on air conditioning systems associated with the demand for the building’s thermal envelope. A critical point of the enclosures is represented by glazed holes where much of the energy that is consumed is lost; however, homes increasingly tend to have large window openings due to the comfort and visual well-being they provide to users. In this study, we focus on an extreme case, analyzing a fully glazed house in its four orientations. It is necessary to evaluate the most energy efficient passive strategy for this type of construction. The results are based on the temperature analysis obtained during the monitoring of two scale models of a glass house. The results indicate that solar control foil glasses perform better in warmer weather stations. Regarding the cantilever installation, it influences the interior temperature and the central hours of the day, mitigating the increase in temperature as well as slowing the nighttime cooling.
Time-Based Corporate-Social-Responsibility Evaluation Model Taking Chinese Listed Forestry Companies as an Example
Authors: Li Xinfei , Cheng Baodong , Xu Heng
Published: July 2021

With the rapid development of the economy, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is receiving increasing attention from companies themselves, but also increasing attention from society as a whole. How to reasonably evaluate the performance of CSR is a current research hotspot. Existing corporate-social-responsibility evaluation methods mostly focus on the static evaluation of enterprises in the industry, and do not take the time factor into account, which cannot reflect the performance of long-term CSR. On this basis, this article proposes a time-based entropy method that can evaluate long-term changes in CSR. Studies have shown that the completion of CSR in a static state does not necessarily reflect the dynamic and increasing trend of CSR in the long term. Therefore, the assessment of CSR should consider both the static and dynamic aspects of a company. In addition, the research provides the focus of different types of forestry enterprises in fulfilling CSR in the long term, and provides a clearer information path for the standard identification and normative constraints of different types of forestry enterprises CSR.
El Niño, La Niña, and the Forecastability of the Realized Variance of Heating Oil Price Movements
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Bouri Elie , Gupta Rangan , Pierdzioch Christian
Published: July 2021

We use the heterogenous autoregressive (HAR) model to compute out-of-sample forecasts of the monthly realized variance (RV) of movements of the spot and futures price of heating oil. We extend the HAR–RV model to include the role of El Niño and La Niña episodes, as captured by the Equatorial Southern Oscillation Index (EQSOI). Using data from June 1986 to April 2021, we show evidence for several model configurations that both El Niño and La Niña phases contain information useful for forecasting subsequent to the realized variance of price movements beyond the predictive value already captured by the HAR–RV model. The predictive value of La Niña phases, however, seems to be somewhat stronger than the predictive value of El Niño phases. Our results have important implications for investors, as well as from the perspective of sustainable decisions involving the environment.
Consumer Intention to Purchase Green Consumer Chemicals
Authors: Patak Michal , Branska Lenka , Pecinova Zuzana
Published: July 2021

The article deals with consumer behaviour when purchasing green products. It develops theoretical knowledge in the field of antecedents to purchase intention with a focus on the currently neglected consumer chemicals (detergents, cleaning agents and cosmetic products). Based on previous studies, antecedents of purchase intention for green consumer chemicals are identified and the significance of their influence is subsequently verified by empirical research. Confirmatory analysis is based on structural equation modelling of data obtained from a questionnaire survey conducted among 250 consumers. The empirical findings show that the main antecedents of green purchase intention in are environmental concern, green lifestyle and product knowledge. The influence of promotion and community can be regarded as weak to insignificant. The degree of influence of all investigated antecedents depends on the gender, age and level of education of consumers. Increasing the volume of purchasing green consumer chemicals will in particular require provision of more information to consumers to increase their awareness of environmental protection and green products.
Designation as the Most Admired Firms to the Sustainable Management of Taxes: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Lee Jaehong , Kim Suyon , Kim Eunsoo
Published: July 2021

This study examines whether the designation as the most admired firms affects firms’ tax management behavior. Based on 6880 Korean firms from 2014 to 2018, we regressed to analyze the relationship between the designation as the most admired firms and tax avoidance. Designation as the most admired firm is considered to result in a high reputation, and reputation is one of the intangible assets when assessing the firm value. We found that the firms designated as the most admired firms are reluctant to avoid taxes. Reputable firms are expected to be consistent with their fame. Therefore, those firms are less engaged in unethical or immoral tax avoidance. We also found a positive effect of the index for environmental, social, and governance on the relationship between the designation as the most admired firms and tax avoidance. Environmental, social, and governance activities are the managements’ choice and are a part of corporate activities, whereas firms’ reputations result from enterprise-wide activities. The findings suggest that the designation as the most admired firms with regard to environmental, social, and governance activities is considered highly reputable and results in deciding to improve corporate sustainability in tax management. The relationship between the designation as the most admired firms and tax avoidance is strengthened in an information environment where the firms are Chaebol-affiliated and in high information asymmetry.
Exploring Servitization in Industrial Construction: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Galera-Zarco Carlos , Campos José Antonio
Published: July 2021

Off-site manufacturing is emerging as an advantageous production model in the construction industry. In recent years, many tier 1 construction companies are including off-site production as part of their portfolio. Likewise, this change of model is attracting new entrants to the sector. The shift from the traditional on-site construction model to off-site manufacturing is unleashing positive impacts on projects in terms of cost, time efficiency, sustainability, and improved quality. Nonetheless, this phenomenon has yet to be analysed from the perspective of how this change in production processes influences the inclusion of services in company business models. This study explores whether and how industrialisation arises as an enabler for servitization in the construction sector. By means of an in-depth case study, our research identifies different product-service system (PSS) typologies associated with industrial construction and reveals their potential to increase additional services. Furthermore, the research sheds light on how industrial construction provides an opportunity to integrate offers and features that work towards reducing the environmental impact of construction projects and the operation and maintenance of built assets.
Do National Values of Culture and Sustainability Influence Direct Employee PDM Levels and Scope? The Search for a European Answer
Authors: Valverde-Moreno Marta , Torres-Jiménez Mercedes , Lucia-Casademunt Ana M. , Pacheco-Martínez Ana María
Published: July 2021

The dynamic development of the global economy has led to the creation of agile and innovative organizations that need to adapt rapidly to new challenges. For that reason, organizations need to make decisions that help them face uncertain situations and be successful. Research has demonstrated that employee participative decision making (PDM) promotes more innovative, flexible, and sustainable organizations. The present paper examines organizational, cultural, and sustainable factors to discover how these variables affect PDM in the European context. For this purpose, this study focuses on two main objectives: (1) analyzing the impact of a country’s cultural and institutional values (macro level), beyond individual and organizational characteristics (micro and meso levels), on the adoption of PDM in the European context and (2) differentiating among the types of decisions for which employee participation is considered (operational or organizational). To attain these goals, three hierarchical fitted regression models were fitted using data based on the Sixth European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) and complemented with information from Hofstede’s dimensions, whose scores are obtained from 2010 Hofstede database, and institutional values from the 2015 World Competitive Yearbook (WCY). Results demonstrate that some cultural values are significant for PDM and that sustainability is related to employee participation at the general and operational levels. This allows the conclusion that organizations located in countries with greater sustainability awareness are also those that promote employee participation the most.
Assessing Sustainable Consumption in Packaged Food in Indonesia: Corporate Communication Drives Consumer Perception and Behavior
Authors: Tseng Ming-Lang , Lin Chun-Wei Remen , Sujanto Raditia Yudistira , Lim Ming K. , Bui Tat-Dat
Published: July 2021

Sustainable consumption has been addressed in the literature in recent years, especially in relation to changing from a traditional consumption to sustainable consumption. Reducing environmental impacts from waste generation has been the focal point of sustainable consumption. However, a large number of attributes has caused a complexity in understanding which attributes effectively enhance the consumption. In particular, sustainable consumption has been facing a negative trend due to low levels of knowledge about packaging’s environmental impact, failed communication which leads to misperception and irresponsible behavior. This study contributes to proposing a set of attributes for enhancing sustainable consumption in the Indonesian food industry, to fulfill the lack of understanding of the attribute interrelationships using qualitative information. This study proposes a set of attributes to enhance sustainable consumption with qualitative information by assessing the interrelationships among the attributes employing the Delphi method and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method to provide causal and effect relationships. As a result, corporate communication, consumer perception, consumer behavior, and product packaging are major aspects for sustainable consumption enhancement. Corporate communication becomes a major driver to affect perception and behavior. This study proposes a managerial insight for the packaged food industry on improving several criteria including green marketing, green consumerism, verbal features, and importance of information.
Can Different Salt Formulations Revert the Depressing Effect of Salinity on Maize by Modulating Plant Biochemical Attributes and Activating Stress Regulators through Improved N Supply?
Authors: Javed Syed Ayyaz , Arif Muhammad Saleem , Shahzad Sher Muhammad , Ashraf Muhammad , Kausar Rizwana , Farooq Taimoor Hassan , Hussain M. Iftikhar , Shakoor Awais
Published: July 2021

Salinity is a major constraint in improving agricultural productivity due to its adverse impact on various physiological and biochemical attributes of plants, and its effect on reducing nitrogen (N) use efficiency due to ion toxicity. To understand the relationship between sodium chloride (NaCl) and increased N application rates, a pot study was performed in which the ammonical (NH4+) form of N was applied as urea to maize crops at different rates (control, 160, 186, 240, 267, 293, and 320 kg N ha−1) using two salinity levels (control and 10 dS m−1 NaCl). The results indicate that all biochemical and physiological attributes of the maize plant improved with increased concentration of N up to 293 kg ha−1, compared to those in the control treatment. Similarly, the optimal N concentration regulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., catalase activity (CAT), peroxidase activity (POD), and superoxide dismutases (SOD), and also increased the N use efficiencies of the maize crop up to 293 kg N ha−1. Overall, our results show that the optimum level of N (293 kg ha−1) improved the salinity tolerance in the maize plant by activating stress coping physiological and biochemical mechanisms. This may have been due to the major role of N in the metabolic activity of plants and N assimilation enzymes activity such as nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR).
Addressing Sustainable Rural Development with Shared Value: A Peruvian Model from the Cacao Industry
Authors: Borda Armando , Morales Oswaldo , Teegen Hildy , Rees Gareth H. , Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra
Published: July 2021

Here we present a model aimed at contributing to the literature around sustainable supply chains by examining a novel redesign initiative of the chocolate supply chain within the Peruvian cacao (cocoa) industry. Using the Creating Shared Value (CSV) framework, we apply the case study method in examining the Peruvian Cacao Alliance’s experience in redesigning both the stages and relationships within its supply of cacao to the world. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources and analyzed after coding from categories defined in the literature on CSV. The case demonstrates the opportunity to successfully participate in the supply chains of globally recognized, consumer-facing chocolate brands while simultaneously obtaining social, economic and environmental benefits for the rural communities that supply cacao. While addressing both social and business gains remains fairly important for supply chain members, there are several implementation challenges that need to be considered to achieve the goals of CSV strategies in a sustained way. By analyzing the experience of this particular cacao value chain, we are able to offer practical insight on how to more effectively implement the creating shared value approach, thereby illuminating that it is possible for value generated through such supply chains to be more equitably shared. As such, we provide a valuable initial step in better understanding how the CSV concept applies in practice by identifying its boundary conditions for achieving improved cacao supply chain practices and relationships.
Alleviation of Salt Stress in Wheat Seedlings via Multifunctional Bacillus aryabhattai PM34: An In-Vitro Study
Authors: Mehmood Shehzad , Khan Amir Abdullah , Shi Fuchen , Tahir Muhammad , Sultan Tariq , Munis Muhammad Farooq Hussain , Kaushik Prashant , Alyemeni Mohammed Nasser , Chaudhary Hassan Javed
Published: July 2021

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria play a substantial role in plant growth and development under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. However, understanding about the functional role of rhizobacterial strains for wheat growth under salt stress remains largely unknown. Here we investigated the antagonistic bacterial strain Bacillus aryabhattai PM34 inhabiting ACC deaminase and exopolysaccharide producing ability to ameliorate salinity stress in wheat seedlings under in vitro conditions. The strain PM34 was isolated from the potato rhizosphere and screened for different PGP traits comprising nitrogen fixation, potassium, zinc solubilization, indole acetic acid, siderophore, and ammonia production, along with various extracellular enzyme activities. The strain PM34 showed significant tolerance towards both abiotic stresses including salt stress (NaCl 2 M), heavy metal (nickel, 100 ppm, and cadmium, 300 ppm), heat stress (60 °C), and biotic stress through mycelial inhibition of Rhizoctonia solani (43%) and Fusarium solani (41%). The PCR detection of ituC, nifH, and acds genes coding for iturin, nitrogenase, and ACC deaminase enzyme indicated the potential of strain PM34 for plant growth promotion and stress tolerance. In the in vitro experiment, NaCl (2 M) decreased the wheat growth while the inoculation of strain PM34 enhanced the germination% (48%), root length (76%), shoot length (75%), fresh biomass (79%), and dry biomass (87%) over to un-inoculated control under 2M NaCl level. The results of experiments depicted the ability of antagonistic bacterial strain Bacillus aryabhattai PM34 to augment salt stress tolerance when inoculated to wheat plants under saline environment.
A Review of the Utilization of Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) in the Construction Industry
Authors: Mohammed Syakirah Afiza , Koting Suhana , Katman Herda Yati Binti , Babalghaith Ali Mohammed , Abdul Patah Muhamad Fazly , Ibrahim Mohd Rasdan , Karim Mohamed Rehan
Published: July 2021

One effective method to minimize the increasing cost in the construction industry is by using coal bottom ash waste as a substitute material. The high volume of coal bottom ash waste generated each year and the improper disposal methods have raised a grave pollution concern because of the harmful impact of the waste on the environment and human health. Recycling coal bottom ash is an effective way to reduce the problems associated with its disposal. This paper reviews the current physical and chemical and utilization of coal bottom ash as a substitute material in the construction industry. The main objective of this review is to highlight the potential of recycling bottom ash in the field of civil construction. This review encourages and promotes effective recycling of coal bottom ash and identifies the vast range of coal bottom ash applications in the construction industry.
Institutional Strategies in the Ridesharing Economy: A Content Analysis Based on Uber’s Example
Authors: Distelmans Michaël , Scheerlinck Ilse
Published: July 2021

Recently, scholars have paid growing attention to ridesharing economy firms’ institutional work to obtain legitimacy. More specifically, they have pinpointed the need for further research to better understand the actions of institutional entrepreneurs across geographical contexts. In this paper, we investigate Uber’s institutional strategies in the Brussels Capital Region from 2014 to 2020. Using the theoretical lens of institutional entrepreneurship, we apply content analysis of press media to analyse Uber in relation to authorities, incumbents, drivers and users. We also delve into the tactical aspects of Uber’s institutional work. The findings show that during the first years of operation, Uber predominantly used strategies of framing and lobbying. The company also made diverse articulations of theorization, collaboration, and negotiation. A more inductive reasoning reveals that market strategies also have a part in Uber’s institutional work. According to the findings, Uber’s quest for legitimacy in Brussels was not an unqualified success, due to conflicts and special interests complicating the market. We formulate recommendations on how actors may build a more sustainable market of ridesharing and provide some reflections on the theoretical framework.
Analysis of the Evolutionary Game between the Government and Urban Rail Transit Enterprises under the Loss-Subsidy Mode: A Case Study of Beijing
Authors: Yan Chen , Tong Qiong
Published: July 2021

Most of the urban rail transit enterprises in China have high construction and operation costs, while the government imposes price control on their fares, making their revenues unable to cover their costs and thus causing certain losses. In order to ensure the economic sustainability of urban rail transit enterprises, the government then subsidizes their losses. In the context of loss subsidies as the main subsidy mode for urban rail transit, the government regulates whether urban rail transit enterprises waste cost in order to protect social welfare and reduce the financial pressure of subsidies. This paper constructs an evolutionary game model between government regulators and urban rail transit enterprises, establishes replicated dynamic equations to obtain the evolutionary stabilization strategies of the government and urban rail transit enterprises under different situations, and analyzes the effects of various parameters on the cost control behaviors of urban rail transit enterprises under different loss-subsidy modes through numerical simulations. The theoretical study and simulation results show the following: When only the regulatory policy is adopted, the optimal strategy of urban rail transit enterprises may be cost saving or cost wasting under different subsidy models; if only the penalty policy is adopted, the enterprises will choose the cost wasting strategy when the penalty is small, and the enterprises will choose the cost saving strategy when the penalty is large; if only the fixed proportion subsidy model is adopted, no matter how large the proportion k of government subsidies is, the urban the optimal strategy for rail transit enterprises is cost wasting. If only the regressive loss subsidy model is adopted, the different sizes of its various parameter settings will also lead to the enterprises’ choice of cost wasting strategy or cost saving strategy. Therefore, the government should formulate corresponding policies according to different cost control objectives.
Examining Online Discourse Using the Knowledge Connection Analyzer Framework and Collaborative Tools in Knowledge Building
Authors: Yang Yuqin , van Aalst Jan , Chan Carol
Published: July 2021

This study examines the problem of the fragmentation of asynchronous online discourse by using the Knowledge Connection Analyzer (KCA) framework and tools and explores how students could use the KCA data in classroom reflections to deepen their knowledge building (KB) inquiry. We applied the KCA to nine Knowledge Forum® (KF) databases to examine the framework, identify issues with online discourse that may inform further development, and provide data on how the tools work. Our comparisons of the KCA data showed that the databases with more sophisticated teacher–researcher co-design had higher KCA indices than those with regular KF use, validating the framework. Analysis of KF discourse using the KCA helped identify several issues including limited collaboration among peers, underdeveloped practices of synthesizing and rising above of collective ideas, less analysis of conceptual development of discussion threads, and limited collaborative reflection on individual contribution and promising inquiry direction. These issues that open opportunities for further development cannot be identified by other present analytics tools. The exploratory use of the KCA in real classroom revealed that the KCA can support students’ productive reflective assessment and KB. This study discusses the implications for examining and scaffolding online discussions using the KCA assessment framework, with a focus on collective perspectives regarding community knowledge, synthesis, idea improvement, and contribution to community understanding.
Detecting Apples in the Wild: Potential for Harvest Quantity Estimation
Authors: Janowski Artur , Kaźmierczak Rafał , Kowalczyk Cezary , Szulwic Jakub
Published: July 2021

Knowing the exact number of fruits and trees helps farmers to make better decisions in their orchard production management. The current practice of crop estimation practice often involves manual counting of fruits (before harvesting), which is an extremely time-consuming and costly process. Additionally, this is not practicable for large orchards. Thanks to the changes that have taken place in recent years in the field of image analysis methods and computational performance, it is possible to create solutions for automatic fruit counting based on registered digital images. The pilot study aims to confirm the state of knowledge in the use of three methods (You Only Look Once—YOLO, Viola–Jones—a method based on the synergy of morphological operations of digital imagesand Hough transformation) of image recognition for apple detecting and counting. The study compared the results of three image analysis methods that can be used for counting apple fruits. They were validated, and their results allowed the recommendation of a method based on the YOLO algorithm for the proposed solution. It was based on the use of mass accessible devices (smartphones equipped with a camera with the required accuracy of image acquisition and accurate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning) for orchard owners to count growing apples. In our pilot study, three methods of counting apples were tested to create an automatic system for estimating apple yields in orchards. The test orchard is located at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The tests were carried out on four trees located in different parts of the orchard. For the tests used, the dataset contained 1102 apple images and 3800 background images without fruits.
Digital Economy and Environmental Quality: Evidence from 217 Cities in China
Authors: Li Zihanxin , Li Nuoyan , Wen Huwei
Published: July 2021

With the rapid development of the digital economy, understanding the relationship between the digital economy and the environment is increasingly important for sustainable development. This study mainly studies the nexus of digital economy development and environmental quality for 217 cities in China from 2003 to 2018. Specifically, this study first evaluates the degree of coupling coordination between the digital economy system and the environmental system. Results show that the coupling coordination degree between the digital economy system and the environmental system shows a fluctuating rise from 2003 to 2018. Furthermore, this study empirically investigates the impact of digital economy development on PM2.5, which represents environmental quality, and results show that digital economy development significantly reduces PM2.5. The above finding is still valid by using the quasi-natural experiment of broadband China for the robustness test. Urbanization, population density, and economic development have caused threshold effects. When the urbanization rate and population density exceed a certain threshold, the digital economy significantly inhibits PM2.5. In contrast, when the per capita GDP exceeds a certain threshold, the digital economy significantly promotes PM2.5. The digital economy mainly affects pollutant emissions through direct and technological effects.
A Subclass of Multivalent Janowski Type q-Starlike Functions and Its Consequences
Authors: Hu Qiuxia , Srivastava Hari M. , Ahmad Bakhtiar , Khan Nazar , Khan Muhammad Ghaffar , Mashwani Wali Khan , Khan Bilal
Published: July 2021

In this article, by utilizing the theory of quantum (or q-) calculus, we define a new subclass of analytic and multivalent (or p-valent) functions class Ap, where class Ap is invariant (or symmetric) under rotations. The well-known class of Janowski functions are used with the help of the principle of subordination between analytic functions in order to define this subclass of analytic and p-valent functions. This function class generalizes various other subclasses of analytic functions, not only in classical Geometric Function Theory setting, but also some q-analogue of analytic multivalent function classes. We study and investigate some interesting properties such as sufficiency criteria, coefficient bounds, distortion problem, growth theorem, radii of starlikeness and convexity for this newly-defined class. Other properties such as those involving convex combination are also discussed for these functions. In the concluding part of the article, we have finally given the well-demonstrated fact that the results presented in this article can be obtained for the (p,q)-variations, by making some straightforward simplification and will be an inconsequential exercise simply because the additional parameter p is obviously unnecessary.
Atoms in Highly Symmetric Environments: H in Rhodium and Cobalt Cages, H in an Octahedral Hole in MgO, and Metal Atoms Ca-Zn in C20 Fullerenes
Authors: Altun Zikri , Bleda Erdi Ata , Trindle Carl
Published: July 2021

An atom trapped in a crystal vacancy, a metal cage, or a fullerene might have many immediate neighbors. Then, the familiar concept of valency or even coordination number seems inadequate to describe the environment of that atom. This difficulty in terminology is illustrated here by four systems: H atoms in tetragonal-pyramidal rhodium cages, H atom in an octahedral cobalt cage, H atom in a MgO octahedral hole, and metal atoms in C20 fullerenes. Density functional theory defines structure and energetics for the systems. Interactions of the atom with its container are characterized by the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and the theory of non-covalent interactions (NCI). We establish that H atoms in H2Rh13(CO)243− trianion cannot be considered pentavalent, H atom in HCo6(CO)151− anion cannot be considered hexavalent, and H atom in MgO cannot be considered hexavalent. Instead, one should consider the H atom to be set in an environmental field defined by its 5, 6, and 6 neighbors; with interactions described by QTAIM. This point is further illustrated by the electronic structures and QTAIM parameters of M@C20, M=Ca to Zn. The analysis describes the systematic deformation and restoration of the symmetric fullerene in that series.
Semiclassical Spectral Series Localized on a Curve for the Gross–Pitaevskii Equation with a Nonlocal Interaction
Authors: Kulagin Anton E. , Shapovalov Alexander V. , Trifonov Andrey Y.
Published: July 2021

We propose the approach to constructing semiclassical spectral series for the generalized multidimensional stationary Gross–Pitaevskii equation with a nonlocal interaction term. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions semiclassically concentrated on a curve are obtained. The curve is described by the dynamic system of moments of solutions to the nonlocal Gross–Pitaevskii equation. We solve the eigenvalue problem for the nonlocal stationary Gross–Pitaevskii equation basing on the semiclassical asymptotics found for the Cauchy problem of the parametric family of linear equations associated with the time-dependent Gross–Pitaevskii equation in the space of extended dimension. The approach proposed uses symmetries of equations in the space of extended dimension.