bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Lane-Changing Decision-Making Behavior and Molecular Interaction Potential Modeling for Connected and Automated Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Kekun , Qu Dayi , Song Hui , Wang Tao , Dai Shouchen
Published: September 2022

With the technical support of an intelligent networking environment, autonomous driving technology is facing a new stage of development, and the decision-making behavior of autonomous vehicles is changing fundamentally, so it is urgent to explore the lane-changing decision-making behavior mechanism of autonomous driving. Firstly, through the analysis of system similarity, the similarity between autonomous vehicles and moving molecules is sought, and the attraction and repulsion between molecules are applied to the lane-changing process of vehicles to effectively recognize the traffic scene of lane-changing vehicles. Secondly, the molecular interaction potential is introduced to unify the attraction and repulsion, and explore the dynamic influencing factors of lane-changing behavior for vehicles. Moreover, we systematically analyze the interaction relationship in the lane-changing process of Connected and Automated Vehicles, and establish the molecular interaction potential lane-changing model to explore the lane-changing decision-making behavior mechanism. Furthermore, we study the impact of micro lane-changing behavior on macro traffic flow. Finally, the SL2015 lane-changing model and the molecular interaction potential lane-changing model are compared and analyzed by using the SUMO platform. The results show that the speed fluctuation of Connected and Automated Vehicles based on the molecular interaction potential lane-changing model is reduced by 15.5%, and the number of passed vehicles is increased by 3.26% on average, which has better safety, stability, and efficiency. The molecular interaction potential modeling of lane-changing decision-making behavior for Connected and Automated Vehicles comprehensively considers the interaction relationship of dynamic factors in the traffic environment, and scientifically shows the lane-changing decision-making mechanism of Connected and Automated Vehicles.
A Hybrid Method for Traffic State Classification Using K-Medoids Clustering and Self-Tuning Spectral Clustering
Authors: Shang Qiang , Yu Yang , Xie Tian
Published: September 2022

As an important part of intelligent transportation systems, traffic state classification plays a vital role for traffic managers when formulating measures to alleviate traffic congestion. The proliferation of traffic data brings new opportunities for traffic state classification. In this paper, we propose a hybrid new traffic state classification method based on unsupervised clustering. Firstly, the k-medoids clustering algorithm is used to cluster the daily traffic speed data from multiple detection points in the selected area, and then the cluster-center detection points of the cluster with congestion are selected for further analysis. Then, the self-tuning spectral clustering algorithm is used to cluster the speed, flow, and occupancy data of the target detection point to obtain the traffic state classification results. Finally, several state-of-the-art methods are introduced for comparison, and the results show that performance of the proposed method are superior to comparable methods.
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Yellow River Basin: Its Spatial–Temporal Distribution Characteristics and Differentiation Causes
Authors: Zhang Zhongwu , Li Qi , Hu Shixiong
Published: September 2022

Studying the spatial distribution characteristics of and factors that influence intangible cultural heritage is an important way to improve the management and protection of the heritage. On the basis of the standard deviation ellipse, point pattern analysis, kernel density analysis, spatial autocorrelation, Geodetector, and other methods, 891 national intangible cultural heritage artifacts (divided into five batches and ten categories) in the Yellow River Basin were taken as the research objects, and their spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and causes were quantitatively analyzed. As per the results, (1) the intangible cultural heritage in the Yellow River Basin shows a spatial distribution pattern that is dense in the east and sparse in the west, and there is a strong spatial dependence; (2) the intangible cultural heritage in the Yellow River Basin shows a “west first and then east” trend in time, and the quantity and type have significant differences in different time sections; (3) according to the batch analysis, the aggregation of the second batch of the intangible cultural heritage is the strongest, and the NNI value continues to increase from the second to the fifth batch of the intangible cultural heritage, indicating that the development of intangible cultural heritage is increasingly related to areas with backward economies and ethnic minorities; and (4) policy orientation, economic development, and topography are the dominant factors affecting the spatial distribution pattern of the intangible cultural heritage in the Yellow River Basin.
A Device Designed to Improve Care and Wayfinding Assistance for Elders with Dementia
Authors: Tseng Winger Seiwo , Fang Jonny
Published: September 2022

With an aging population and the rapid increase in the rate of dementia, the care of patients is a significant problem for caregivers and family members at home. Patients’ spatial and environmental cognitive impairments require caregivers to pay attention to their walking routes, walking safety, and avoiding dangerous areas. With this in mind, this study developed the Dementia Care Management and Mentoring Guarantee System (DECMGSS) to examine the accuracy and efficiency of patient wayfinding, and to reduce the stress on institutional caregivers through a wayfinding task and a caregiver stress scale (CSS). The results showed that the mean time spent with the DECMGSS on 10 subjects with mild to moderate dementia was significantly less than that without the device (t = −2.930, p = 0.017), and the number of errors was also less but not significantly different. In addition, the DECMGSS did significantly reduce the caregiver stress load. Twenty institutional caregivers were divided into experimental and control groups. There was no significant difference in the stress load scores of the control group before and after the test. However, a significant mean difference was found between the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental group (t = 3.315, p < 0.009). DECMGSS’s intervention significantly reduced the caregiver’s personal anxiety and stress in caregiving and the patient’s time dependence on the caregiver. Although this product is primarily used for patients in the Care Center, it can also be used in other home care settings.
Digital Economy, Technological Innovation and Green High-Quality Development of Industry: A Study Case of China
Authors: Liu Li , Ding Tao , Wang Hao
Published: September 2022

This research project investigates the direct and indirect influences of the digital economy in promoting the green high-quality development of industry. We analyze the baseline regression, spatial spillover effect, intermediary effect, and threshold effect of the digital economy and its technological innovation processes on the green high-quality development of industry in 31 provinces and cities in China during the period between 2012–2020. The results reveal that the digital economy generates a positive impact and nonlinear incremental character on the green high-quality development of industry, and technological innovation is the mediating factor of both. Digital economy and technological innovation have a threshold effect. When they cross the threshold value, the force will be strengthened. The econometric analysis of spatial spillover shows the green high-quality development of intra-regional and inter-regional industries is promoted by the digital economy. The dimension of regional differences in the analysis shows that the effect of the digital economy is not evident in the western region of China, while the impact is a lot more prominent in the eastern than in the middle area of the country. Study results provide measures of the green high-quality development of industry, such as the application of green scenarios, differential development, and collaborative development in the digital economy.
Determining the Factors Affecting a Career Shifter’s Use of Software Testing Tools amidst the COVID-19 Crisis in the Philippines: TTF-TAM Approach
Authors: Ong Ardvin Kester S. , Prasetyo Yogi Tri , Roque Ralph Andre C. , Garbo Jan Gabriel I. , Robas Kirstien Paola E. , Persada Satria Fadil , Nadlifatin Reny
Published: September 2022

The restrictions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the downturn of various industries and in contrast a massive growth of the information technology industry. Consequently, more Filipinos are considering career changes to earn a living. However, more people still need to be upskilled. This study combines the extended Technology Acceptance Model and Task Technology Fit framework to determine factors affecting a career shifter’s use of software testing tools and its impact on perceived performance impact amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. A total of 150 software testers voluntarily participated and accomplished an online questionnaire consisting of 39 questions. The Structural Equation Modeling and Deep Learning Neural Network indicated that Task Technology Fit had a higher effect on Perceived Performance Impact. Moreover, Task Technology Fit positively influenced Perceived Usefulness. Computer Self-Efficacy was a strong predictor of Perceived Ease of Use. Perceived Ease of Use confirmed the Technology Acceptance Model framework as a strong predictor of Actual System Use. Intention to Use, Perceived Usefulness, Actual Use, and Subjective Norm were also significant factors affecting Perceived Performance Impact. This study is the first to explore the career shifter’s use of software testing tools in the Philippines. The framework would be very valuable in enhancing government policies for workforce upskilling, improving the private sector’s training and development practices, and developing a more competitive software testing tool that would hasten users’ adaptability. Lastly, the methodology, findings, and framework could be applied and extended to evaluate other technology adoption worldwide.
Contribution of Maintenance 4.0 in Sustainable Development with an Industrial Case Study
Authors: El kihel Yousra , El kihel Ali , Bouyahrouzi El Mahdi
Published: September 2022

Digitalization and digitization are topics for researchers and manufacturers. Integrating new technologies facilitates the collection of data from a company in real-time and processing them afterwards. In this context, the design and implementation of Maintenance 4.0 have become popular in the literature. Its objective is to minimize downtime, optimize energy consumption, and increase availability, utilization rate, and useful life of machines while ensuring environmental preservation and safety of personnel. Our contribution consists of setting up a specific digitalization methodology for companies wishing to switch to Maintenance 4.0 in order to contribute to sustainable development. The information obtained will be processed to carry out effective interventions to increase the reliability and availability of equipment. A case study of an industrial company was carried out where we implemented this methodology. As a result, we were able to increase the reliability of the machines, which has an impact on the environment by reducing energy consumption and the quantity of plastic waste. On the economic level, this led to an improvement in the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and a reduction in product prices. Thanks to these technologies of digitizing maintenance documents (procedures, machine history, risk prevention) and the quick localization of machine failures, the hard work and risks are reduced.
Predicting Maximum Work Duration for Construction Workers
Authors: Yan Ran , Yi Wen , Wang Shuaian
Published: September 2022

One of the most common health problems that threaten the transportation infrastructure construction workers in Hong Kong is heat stress. An effective way to reduce this problem is to design a proper work–rest schedule, and the key issue is predicting the maximum working duration given the different conditions of the workers and the surrounding environment, which is the research question of this study. Air temperature, an important input feature, is also determined by the maximum working duration itself, i.e., the input feature is a function of the prediction target. Therefore, the prediction model developed is different from ordinary prediction models and is hard to solve by standard statistical or machine learning models. For the prediction process, a trial-and-error algorithm is proposed to derive a solution based on two theorems that are rigorously proved; there exists a unique solution, and the solution is within a certain range in the prediction model. The proposed model and its solution approach were constructed and validated using simulated data; temperature data were collected from Hong Kong Observatory. The results showed that the mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and R2 of the test set were 0.1378, 0.1123, and 0.8182, respectively, showing that the prediction performance was generally accurate. This study can help construction practitioners and governments to rationally design the work–rest schedules of transportation infrastructure construction workers and thus protect them from the risks brought about by heat stress.
Food Systems in Informal Urban Settlements—Exploring Differences in Livelihood Welfare Factors across Kibera, Nairobi
Authors: Soma Katrine , Cornelia Johanna Janssen Valerie , Ayuya Oscar Ingasia , Obwanga Benson
Published: September 2022

The number and sizes of informal settlements are expected to increase drastically in the future, and dramatically so in Sub-Saharan Africa, where migration from rural to urban areas is increasing, and poverty and food insecurity threaten livelihoods. Data sources explaining livelihood factors in informal settlements are scarce, and often highly disputed. In this study, Kibera is investigated, one of the largest informal settlements in Africa. The main aim is to analyze differences in livelihood factors across the villages in Kibera, and to explain some of the existing discrepancies in food security levels among its population. In particular, livelihood factors such as tribe, welfare and trust can explain some of the variation in food security across 12 of the 13 villages located in Kibera. The analyses inform of significant differences across the villages when it comes to, among others, income, food insecurity, ownership of land in rural areas, tribal background and trust levels in strangers and community leads. To reach the millions of people living in informal settlements now, and increasingly so in the future, it is advised that research and implementation go hand in hand, with enhanced understanding of the complexities within rural–urban food systems to ensure solutions that are affordable and accessible to low-income groups. On this pathway to fight poverty and hunger in the future, today’s policies and programs must take such complexities into account to positively contribute to strengthening the resiliency and sustainability of rural–urban food systems by ensuring an increase in welfare levels with zero climate impact.
A Review of Energy Efficiency and Power Control Schemes in Ultra-Dense Cell-Free Massive MIMO Systems for Sustainable 6G Wireless Communication
Authors: Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Obakhena Hope Ikoghene , Anyasi Francis Ifeanyi , Sur Samarendra Nath
Published: September 2022

The traditional multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems cannot provide very high Spectral Efficiency (SE), Energy Efficiency (EE), and link reliability, which are critical to guaranteeing the desired Quality of Experience (QoE) in 5G and beyond 5G wireless networks. To bridge this gap, ultra-dense cell-free massive MIMO (UD CF-mMIMO) systems are exploited to boost cell-edge performance and provide ultra-low latency in emerging wireless communication systems. This paper attempts to provide critical insights on high EE operation and power control schemes for maximizing the performance of UD CF-mMIMO systems. First, the recent advances in UD CF-mMIMO systems and the associated models are elaborated. The power consumption model, power consumption parts, and energy maximization techniques are discussed extensively. Further, the various power control optimization techniques are discussed comprehensively. Key findings from this study indicate an unprecedented growth in high-rate demands, leading to a significant increase in energy consumption. Additionally, substantial gains in EE require efficient utilization of optimal energy maximization techniques, green design, and dense deployment of massive antenna arrays. Overall, this review provides an elaborate discussion of the research gaps and proposes several research directions, critical challenges, and useful recommendations for future works in wireless communication systems.
Decomposition Analysis of Regional Embodied Carbon Flow and Driving Factors—Taking Shanghai as an Example
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Hanwen , Guo Mingxing , Wang Jianjun , Cai Sinan , Li Min , Sun Kaining , Wang Yukun
Published: September 2022

Developing localized climate mitigation strategies requires understanding how national consumption drives local carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from a sectoral perspective. Exploring the carbon footprint considering inter-provincial trade is vitally important; however, few studies have explored the production side of embodied carbon emissions and the drivers of embodied carbon. Here, we use the multi-regional input–output model to calculate the flow of embodied carbon between provincial departments on Shanghai’s production side in 2012, 2015, and 2017. We also establish a decomposition method for the embodied carbon index with small data demand. Our results show that from 2012 to 2017, the outflow increased and went to tertiary industries in neighboring and economically developed provinces. Among them, the activity effect drove the increase in carbon emissions, and the technique effect drove the reduction in embodied carbon. Surprisingly, we found that the low efficiency of the energy utilization of metal products and the unreasonable structure of other services increased embodied carbon emissions from 2012 to 2015. Sectors with high exogenous embodied carbon emissions are critical areas in which collaborative mitigation efforts between Shanghai and downstream provinces drive these emissions. Shanghai should avoid falling into the “low-carbon trap” of developing countries. It should continue to adjust its industrial structure and increase the use of low-carbon energy to achieve carbon reduction.
Does Integrated Reporting Affect Real Activities Manipulation?
Authors: Shirabe Yuji , Nakano Makoto
Published: September 2022

Integrated reporting (IR) by firms is intended to improve not only the quality of information available to external parties, but also internal managerial decision making. IR is considered useful to address the short-term orientation of firms caused by pressure from short-term oriented shareholders. This study examines whether the introduction of IR discourages real activities manipulation, a form of myopic behavior. Using a large sample of Japanese listed companies, the study empirically tests the effect of IR on real activities manipulation through panel data regression analysis. We find that the introduction of IR is related to higher level of abnormal cash flows from operations, lower level of abnormal production costs, and lower level of total activities manipulation. These results generally suggest that firms tend not to engage in real activities manipulation after IR is introduced. Our results also show that while there is insignificant difference in the degree of real activities manipulation between IR and non-IR firms immediately after the introduction of IR, the degree of real activities manipulation is generally smaller in IR firms than in non-IR firms after more time has passed since the introduction of IR, consistent with the view of practitioners that IR is a continuous improvement process of internal decision making. Regarding the non-financial aspects, additional analysis shows that introducing IR is positively associated with the performance of environmental, social and governance (ESG). Our findings suggest that IR could discourage companies’ short-term oriented behavior and promote long-term value creation, which is of interest to a wide range of stakeholders. Thus, our findings provide insightful evidence for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers interested in the role of IR in stakeholder-oriented corporate governance mechanisms.
Opportunities of the Technological Trends Linked to Industry 4.0 for Achieve Sustainable Manufacturing Objectives
Authors: Fuertes Guillermo , Zamorano Jorge , Alfaro Miguel , Vargas Manuel , Sabattin Jorge , Duran Claudia , Ternero Rodrigo , Rivera Ricardo
Published: September 2022

In this work, we integrate the concepts of Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, and sustainable manufacturing in a model that provides a conceptual framework for the study of long-term solutions with a high degree of specialization, according to the specific context of each investigation. This study offers a holistic analysis and evaluation of the main challenges facing the Industry 4.0 concept. We also diagnose the current methodological proposals aimed at solving the challenges of Industry 4.0 and sustainability using a systemic review of the literature from the past 5 years. Firstly, we identify 14 technological trends linked to Industry 4.0. Subsequently, the trends are integrated into the proposed model to identify opportunities, evaluating their relationship with three performance areas. This allows the identification of trends that present the greatest number of opportunities in the context of sustainability. The second stage complements the literature review with a descriptive analysis of the studies and discusses the findings. The study concludes that the identified technological trends positively impact Industry 4.0 challenges, helping to achieve sustainable manufacturing objectives.
The Compactness of Non-Compacted Urban Developments: A Critical Review on Sustainable Approaches to Automobility and Urban Sprawl
Authors: Alshammari Talal Obaid , Hassan Abbas M. , Arab Yasser , Hussein Heba , Khozaei Fatemeh , Saeed Maryam , Ahmed Basma , Zghaibeh Manaf , Beitelmal Wesam , Lee Hyowon
Published: September 2022

This paper challenges the fact that the absolute freedom for residents to locate themselves wherever they want can lead to sustainable cities. Urban sprawl is the corollary to this freedom. Urban sprawl has become a controversial issue. Lines of thought among academics, practitioners, and local authorities have been diverse. Some academics advocate the compact city as an antidote to urban sprawl, some scholars doubt the ability of conventional notions of containments to create sustainability, and others are fascinated by urban technologies and believe in the feasibility of these technologies, whereas local authorities impose policies, one after the other, without effective results. The problematic point is the absence of a comprehensive approach to undermining the urban sprawl sustainably. On the other hand, the physical urban compactness alone cannot meet containment aims. The study therefore study poses a question: Is there a theory or policy that can accommodate all of these ideas? This study attempts to find a sustainable compromise through a critical review of the impact of auto-mobility on urban affairs and to solve the dialectical contradictions between the protagonists of compactness and their counterparts who advocate urban sprawl. The review ends with a comparison between urban initiatives and theories related to auto-mobilities, and highlights the approaches to sustainable urbanism. The conclusion is that all classic planning theories have neglected the sociocultural impact on the urban realm, and that the current initiatives and mutual debates consider the resident just as a physical object who cannot contribute effectively to sustainable urban syntax. The study concludes that urban sprawl can also be a compacted zone if authorities ensure the equity of loci-services. Then, the preference for housing locations will not be a challenge to urban residents’ movements to settle closer to their work. In the end, the inhabitants will share in making an integrated and real urban containment.
Evaluating Actions to Improve Air Quality at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Authors: Simpson Owain , Elliott Mark , Muller Catherine , Jones Tim , Hentsch Phillippa , Rooney Daniel , Cowell Nicole , Bloss William J. , Bartington Suzanne E.
Published: September 2022

Air pollution is the single largest environmental risk to human health in the UK, exerting a major healthcare sector burden and exacerbating health and social inequalities. The NHS Long Term Plan commits the healthcare sector to reducing emissions from all sources, however, to date few Acute NHS Trusts have implemented air quality focused sustainability plans. In this case study, we assess potential air quality improvement actions at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust’s, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, UK as a test case for NHS sustainability actions. We generate an evidenced based, prioritized shortlist of actions to mitigate emissions and protect patients, staff, and local communities from air pollution exposure. The project supports adoption of an evidence-based, contextually relevant, approach to air quality management within healthcare provision. The methodology used could be employed by organizations with similar goals to address environmental concerns.
Optimization of a Renewable Energy Source-Based Virtual Power Plant for Electrical Energy Management in an Unbalanced Distribution Network
Authors: Kesavan T. , Lakshmi K.
Published: September 2022

The virtual power plant (VPP) is a developing concept in the modern engineering field. This paper presents a local search optimization (LSO) algorithm-based virtual power plant for energy management in a distribution network. The proposed LSO algorithm is used for the optimal selection and location of the distributed energy resources (DER), the optimal regulation of load, and the optimal usage of energy storage systems in a VPP. DERs are a renewable energy sources (RES) that consist of solar PV and a wind energy source. DERs face the challenge of energy losses, voltage variations, and revenue losses in the utilization network. These problems are solved by the proposed VPP concept by reducing the acquiring of energy from the power sector. An LSO-based virtual power plant is modeled in MATLB PSCAD and verified using the IEEE-9 bus system. The results show that 81% of the purchased energy from the utility grid was reduced by the optimal placement of the DER and 86% of acquired energy from utility grid was reduced by the optimal location of the DER and optimal load control in the VPP.
Influence of Pilot-Fueling and Nozzle-Opening Pressure on Performance and Tailpipe Emissions of WCO Biodiesel in a CRDi Engine
Authors: Fernandes Lawrence Joseph , Rajashekhar C. R. , Khan T. M. Yunus , Javed Syed , Baig Rahmath Ulla
Published: September 2022

Pilot-fueling and nozzle-injection pressure are significant injection parameters, and they have significant impacts on modern vehicles for enhancing the engine output, in addition to meeting rigorous tailpipe-exhaust emission standards. In this current work, the influence of the pilot-fueling pressure and nozzle-opening pressure (NOP) on the engine performance and tailpipe outcomes from a compression-ignition (CI) engine at a higher injection pressure and varying load conditions was investigated using a waste cooking oil (WCO) biodiesel (B20). The experiments were executed in a high-pressure CRDi-fitted diesel engine at the start of pilot fueling (SOPF) (timing: 23° bTDC), and at the start of the main fueling (SOMF) (timing: 33° bTDC). The results showed that the combined influence of the pilot-fueling and nozzle-opening pressure induced a remarkable enhancement in the BTE, by 25.13%, and the BSFC decreased by 13.88%, compared with diesel at 10% pilot fueling. Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and smoke emissions were drastically reduced for the higher pilot-fueling quantity by 21.05%, 16.66%, and 33.10%, respectively, compared with the diesel at 10% pilot fueling. With the implementation of the pilot-fueling strategy, there is no effect on the NOx reduction.
Stability Analysis of a High-Steep Dump Slope under Different Rainfall Conditions
Authors: Li Shaoling , Qiu Chi , Huang Jiankun , Guo Xiaoping , Hu Yucun , Mugahed Al-Shami Qahtan , Tan Jin
Published: September 2022

The existing slope stability research, which is based on the fluid–solid coupling theory, is mainly focused on the slopes of central and eastern China. The impact of rainfall on the stability of the dump slope has often been ignored. It is worthwhile to reveal the mechanism of the fluid–solid coupling mechanics of dump slopes in the arid desertification area of northwest China under the maximum precipitation. The method of combining the seepage mechanics theory with the geomechanics theory was adopted. Darcy’s law and the mass conservation law were introduced to derive and establish the fluid–solid coupling analysis method. Taking the Xinxing Coal Mine in Wuhai City, China, as an example, the finite element software ABAQUS was used to construct the fluid–solid coupling model for slope stability analysis with unsaturated soil. The equivalent rainfall intensity of 68 mm/h for 1 h and 18 mm/h for 24 h was designed in the simulation, respectively. Four different types of initial water content (i.e., 1.72%, 7.34%, 14.69%, and 22.03%) of the dump slopes were defined as the initial conditions. The high-steep slope was compared to the standard slope. Therefore, a set of sixteen rainfall schemes was proposed. The variation regularity of slope stability was thoroughly discussed in regards to four areas: vertical deformation, pore water pressure distribution, equivalent plastic strain, and safety factor. As was expected, the research showed that the slope height and angle have a significant effect on the slope stability. When high-intensity rainfall occurs for a short duration, the slope tends to be more stable as the initial water content increases on the slope. When low-intensity rainfall occurs over a long period, the slope stability reduces if the initial water content is too high or too low in the slope.
The Impact of Land Fragmentation in Rice Production on Household Food Insecurity in Vietnam
Authors: Phan Nguyen Thai , Lee Ji-Yong , Kien Nguyen Duc
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of land fragmentation in rice production on household food insecurity in Vietnam. This study provides the first evidence on the effect of land fragmentation on household food insecurity in rice production. This study uses a relatively rich panel dataset of rice farming households across different regions from the Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS) 2012, 2014, and 2016. The research applies the ordered probit model to identify land fragmentation and other factors affecting household food insecurity at different food insecurity levels. Findings indicate that land fragmentation and rice seed types are positively correlated with household food insecurity. Importantly, the odds of an increase of 1% fragmentation land index increase the probability of household food insecurity at a very high level of 4.79% after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. Other factors such as total cultivated area, access to credit, and household savings help reduce household food insecurity. These findings suggest that the government needs to foster the process of consolidating fragmented rice plots to help households produce efficiently and reduce food insecurity for their families. In addition, other approaches such as increasing farm size for each rice farmer and access to credit can increase the probability of food security for rural households in Vietnam.
Acceleration and Deceleration Rates in Interrupted Flow Based on Empirical Digital Tachograph Data
Authors: Lee Junhyung
Published: September 2022

The acceleration and deceleration rates are crucial road design reference values in terms of traffic safety. The purpose of acceleration and deceleration lanes is to reduce the speed difference between the mainline and ramp to minimize rear-end collision. Thus, in traffic safety and traffic flow operational aspects, the acceleration and deceleration lane lengths need to be long. Moreover, excessively long minimum acceleration or deceleration lane length regulations may cause hesitancy to connect new facilities with the road. Despite their relevance, acceleration and deceleration rates have not been updated for many decades. In this study, we analyze the digital tachograph data of vehicles stopped at signalized intersections at red lights and empirically deduce the acceleration and deceleration rates that reflect recent vehicle performance and driver behavior. Finally, we suggest a new corner clearance distance to safely connect the new road near a signalized intersection in urban and rural areas derived from our empirical acceleration and deceleration rates.
Do Changes in Prey Community in the Environment Affect the Feeding Selectivity of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in the Pearl River, China?
Authors: Xia Yuguo , Liu Qianfu , Zhu Shuli , Li Yuefei , Li Xinhui , Li Jie
Published: September 2022

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a world-wide species and its ecosystem level influence is controversial. Therefore, understanding the feeding behaviour of silver carp is important for assessing ecosystem functioning in many freshwater habitats. In this study, we used 18S rRNA sequencing to identify the spatiotemporal taxonomic composition of water and fish gut samples. Significant seasonal and spatial variations were observed in the taxonomic compositions of water and fish gut samples (p < 0.05). Five selected environmental factors (temperature, total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, ammonia, and distance from the first dam downstream) significantly affected the taxonomic composition of water (p < 0.05). Additionally, the temperature was the most important factor affecting seasonal (winter and summer) variations in the prey community composition of water, whereas the distance from the dam was the key factor contributing to spatial differences in the community. Significant differences were observed in the taxonomic composition between the water and fish gut samples (p < 0.05). Feeding selectivity analysis revealed that the selection ratios of the top 20 prey taxa underwent slight spatial and temporal changes, but silver carp always preferred to feed on Peridiniales, unidentified Streptophyta, unidentified Trebouxiophyceae, and unidentified Chlorophyceae. These results indicate that changes in the prey community in the environment affect the taxonomic composition of the fish gut but do not affect feeding preferences.
Wood from Forest Residues: Technological Properties and Potential Uses of Branches of Three Species from Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Moreira Letícia da Silva , Andrade Fernando Wallase Carvalho , Balboni Bruno Monteiro , Moutinho Victor Hugo Pereira
Published: September 2022

Branch wood presents potential volumetry that may have several applications, and its use may improve forest management efficiency in the Amazon. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the properties of branch wood when compared to the stem or what its potential applications might be, considering the possible variability of wood formation in branches. This study aimed to characterize physically and mechanically the branch wood of Dipteryx odorata, Hymenolobium petraeum and Hymenaea courbaril and to compare them with their respective stems. No significant statistical differences were observed for the basic density between the branch and stem woods. The branch wood of Dipteryx odorata and Hymenaea courbaril showed a lower coefficient of anisotropy (1.23 and 1.99, respectively) than the stem wood (1.62 and 2.49, respectively). D. odorata showed similar mechanical properties between the branch and stem, except for hardness, while H. petraeum and H. courbaril branch wood showed lower strengths when compared to the stem wood for all mechanical tests, except for the shear strength test. Branch wood has similar potential uses to stem wood and can be used for non-structural purposes such as small artifacts, decorative items, furniture, tools and panels composed of short, glued pieces.
Green Software Process Factors: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ahmad Ibrahim Siti Rohana , Yahaya Jamaiah , Sallehudin Hasimi
Published: September 2022

In the twenty-first century, the use of software is growing due to many applications requiring large and complex software. Many people do not realise that the use of software has influenced the operation of computer hardware to move indirectly as it affects the hardware’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. Previous studies focused more on models and tools to measure the impact of power consumption and energy efficiency from hardware than on software development studies. Energy consumption can be optimised by the greening software process throughout all phases of development activity. Besides, the current green software process models are more focused on environmental and economic elements and do not integrate with the waste elements in the development phase. Integrating sustainability and waste elements is essential to ensure that the development process complies with green process standards. A qualitative method is used through interviews involving eight informants from Malaysia’s public and private sectors. The objectives of the empirical study are to reveal the current practices of the green software process in industry, identify software process waste and determine green factors associated with the software process. The analysis is guided by a thematic approach using Atlas.ti 8 software. This paper describes the results from the qualitative study that consists of three main themes: best practices of a software process, nine software wastes (building the wrong feature, rework, unnecessarily complex solutions, extraneous cognitive load, psychological distress, waiting, knowledge loss, ineffective communication, delay), and six green factors (resources, people, organisational, technical, environmental, technology). The analysis findings indicate that the software industry needs elements of best practices, green practices, and software technologies in each development phase to produce a green and sustainable software process. The advancement of computing today presents technology as an essential factor in green elements to ensure that the software process is constantly updated and always green.
Designing a Board Game about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Chen Fong-Han , Ho Shin-Jia
Published: September 2022

Game-based learning has been regarded as one of the best ways to raise public awareness of important issues. It is also a feasible strategy. The promotion of sustainable development education is not limited to schools as the issue of sustainability is related to everyone. The learning of sustainable development goals through games can extend to public sectors, companies, and private units so that more people understand the sustainable development concepts and the content of sustainable development goals. This study aimed to develop and design a board game aiming to acquaint learners with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and to add fun to the serious issue and make it closer to life while maintaining knowledge. The result indicates that the “SDGs Board Game” designed by this study has an inspiring effect on learning the meaning and goals of sustainable development. When used in class, it can enhance learners’ knowledge and reflection on sustainable development goals. When used out of class, according to the feedback, learners can establish the basic concepts of the Sustainable Development Goals after playing the game. The experts suggest that in the future, slight improvements of the SDGs game mechanism should be carried out. By working with art editors and manufacturers, it can be commodified and promoted to be used in different units as an important tool to promote sustainable development education in Taiwan.
Conceptualising Drivers of Illegal Hunting by Local Hunters Living in or Adjacent to African Protected Areas: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zyambo Paul , Kalaba Felix K. , Nyirenda Vincent R. , Mwitwa Jacob
Published: September 2022

Illegal hunting of wildlife by community members abutting African protected areas contributes to unsustainable use of wildlife, resulting in significant declines in wildlife populations. Contemporary intervention measures have largely been ineffective, leading to pervasive and persistent illegal hunting. Such illegal hunting of wildlife is partly exacerbated by poor understanding of what motivates people to hunt illegally. Applying a scoping review approach, this study aims at developing concepts for drivers of illegal hunting and how they influence illegal hunting behaviour by local hunters living in or adjacent to African protected areas. A total of 30 publications were included for review analysis from 1014 publications retrieved using data base searches on Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. The study identified 12 proximate and five underlying drivers, which were categorised into 10 thematic drivers of illegal hunting by local hunters. The need for survival and sustaining livelihoods was conceptualised as the key thematic driver of illegal hunting by local hunters. The study represents a novel work of conceptualising drivers of illegal hunting by local hunters with implications on the persistence of illegal hunting in Africa.
The Role of Participative Leadership in Empowerment and Resident Participation
Authors: Ahn Young-joo , Bessiere Jeanne
Published: September 2022

Traditional tourism development has adopted a top-down approach, and the role of government has primarily been decision making and regulation in regard to tourism development. There has been growing interest in residents’ participation in tourism destination development and management. The study aims provide empirical evidence by examining the relationship between participative leadership, empowerment, and tourism participation among residents living in the provinces near the borders in Korea. We examine the economic benefits derived from tourists as a moderator. A total of 758 questionnaires were used. This study performed descriptive analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). This study examined the effects of participative leadership and empowerment on three categories of residents’ participation in tourism in DMZ areas in South Korea. This present study tests the relationships between and evaluated the effects of participatory leadership and resident empowerment on three types of resident participation. Participative leadership positively influences empowerment and resident participation. In addition, a positive effect of psychological empowerment between participative leadership and participation as a mediator was found. Participative leadership affects motivational processes, and psychological empowerment leads to participation. The results found that residents perceive their participation as important, and there is no difference based on the additional income they derive from tourism. The study contributes to the enhancement of sustainable development and a deeper understanding of how residents act. Furthermore, the results can provide direction for the creation of participative approaches in tourism development.
Impact of Land Use Type on Macrophyte Occurrence in Ponds in a Changing Climate
Authors: Świerk Dariusz , Krzyżaniak Michał , Antoszewski Patryk , Choryński Adam
Published: September 2022

Small ponds are essential environmental elements that perform many ecological functions. We tried to answer whether the macrophytes in ponds may be influenced by environmental factors and the neighboring areas’ land-use type. We also tried to determine the trend of changes in the ponds’ depth and size over the decade (2008–2018). The research was carried out on eight ponds in four types of land use (agricultural, horticultural, urban, and industrial areas). The study covered ponds’ morphometric parameters, macrophytes’ occurrence, and physicochemical water parameters. All data collected were statistically processed using CCA, linear regression, and Pearson’s correlation. The results indicated a continuous tendency for the ponds’ size and depth to decrease, particularly in urbanized areas. During the study, most macrophytes’ genera increased their area. Our research allowed us to separate two homogeneous groups of ponds in terms of environmental conditions. The first was horticultural area ponds, for which higher nutrient concentrations in water were determined. Those ponds were inhabited by Ceratophyllum and Sparganium genera. The second was urban and industrial area ponds characterized by higher water temperature, transparency, pH, and were richer in Mg and Ca. Carex, Potamogeton, and Schoenoplectus genera preferred such conditions.
Research on Dynamic Characteristics of Joint of RC Frame Structure with NES
Authors: Yang Haixu , Yang Baolei , Wang Haibiao , Zhang Maohua , Ni Songyuan
Published: September 2022

The NES (nonlinear energy sink) is a new type of nonlinear tuned mass damper that is connected to the shock-absorbing main structure through strong nonlinear stiffness and viscous damping. The vibrational energy in the main structure is transferred to the NES oscillator by means of target energy transfer. A shaking table test of a 1:4 scaled RC (Reinforced Concrete) frame structure model with a new type of NES shock absorber was conducted to study the damping effect of the NES shock absorber, especially for the influence of joint strength and deformation. The NES used in this experiment has a relatively large nonlinear stiffness and a wide vibration absorption frequency band. The variation of reinforcement strains, node failure mode, and structural natural frequency of 1 story and two-layer joints of the model frame structure with NES were studied. The test results showed that NES could effectively reduce the strains of longitudinal reinforcement and stirrup in beams and columns and delay the plastic hinge development at the bottom and the top of the column. The frame model with NES installed has failures at the beam ends and shear failures at the nodes, realizing the seismic mechanism of solid columns and weak beams. Compared with ordinary seismic structures, the NES can effectively reduce the shear stress of concrete at the joints and alleviate the shear failure of joints. The final failure of the NES shock absorbing structure was the yielding of the steel bars at the bottom of the column and the crushing of the concrete at the foot of the column, and the connection between the column foot and the backplane became loose simultaneously. The decreasing rate of the vibration frequency declined due to the NES with varied broadband absorbing capability. It can be seen that the NES shock absorber not only has a good effect on reducing the seismic response of the structure, but more importantly, the damage of the structural nodes is greatly reduced, and therefore, the seismic capacity of the structure improved.