Sustainability

14 pages, 979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Social Stability Risk of Adjusting Goods Vehicle Calculation Method Based on Optimal Combination Weighting—Cloud Model

by Pengyun Chong, Hui Yin, Chaofeng Wang, Pengcheng Wang, Linqing Li, Di Wu, Jingwei Li and Dong Ding

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17057; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417057 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1868

Abstract

In order to solve the social stability risk problem of the adjusting goods vehicle calculation method (AGVCM) in the cancellation of toll stations at expressway provincial boundaries, a social stability risk evaluation model was proposed. Firstly, based on the possible time stages of [...] Read more.

In order to solve the social stability risk problem of the adjusting goods vehicle calculation method (AGVCM) in the cancellation of toll stations at expressway provincial boundaries, a social stability risk evaluation model was proposed. Firstly, based on the possible time stages of the AGVCM, we built the social stability risk evaluation index system of the AGVCM including 4 levels, 3 grades, and 60 indicators. Secondly, we used the semantic information of cloud model to transform qualitative description and quantitative evaluation, calculated the risk level for social stability risk evaluation of AGVCM according to an integrated cloud algorithm, and proposed an optimal combination weighting—cloud model for the social stability risk evaluation of AGVCM. Finally, the feasibility of the evaluation model is verified by a case study in Yunnan province in China. The results showed that the cloud model’s numerical characteristic of social stability risk evaluation of AGVCM in Yunnan based on the optimal combination weighting—cloud model is (0.28, 0.073, 0.0008), implying the risk level is “small” and the conclusion is basically consistent with current standards. The model contains rich process information, which is helpful to better effectively eliminate the subjectivity and arbitrariness in the evaluation process of identifying the key factors affecting the project risk level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Transportation in Sustainable Development Environment: Multi-Modal Transportation and Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) Technology)

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17 pages, 7955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk of Salinization in the Agricultural Soils of Semi-Arid Regions: A Case Study from Moldavian Plain (NE Romania)

by Cristina Oana Stan, Radu Gabriel Pîrnău, Bogdan Roșca and Doina Smaranda Sirbu-Radasanu

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17056; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417056 - 19 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2081

Abstract

In the present study, the salinization trends of different soil types from a small hydrographic basin situated in NE Romania (Roșior basin) are investigated. The climatic conditions are favorable for long dry summers and intensive evaporation. The soils are developed on immature evolved [...] Read more.

In the present study, the salinization trends of different soil types from a small hydrographic basin situated in NE Romania (Roșior basin) are investigated. The climatic conditions are favorable for long dry summers and intensive evaporation. The soils are developed on immature evolved clay sediments, as revealed by geochemical analysis. The salinity varies among soil types, attaining maximum values for Solonetz with total dissolved salts (TDS) between 1165.75 to 1881.25 mg/L. The aqueous solutions are represented by natural water and soil solution. The hydrogeochemical facies of the natural waters change from HCO₃⁻—Mg²⁺ in the upper basin to SO₄²⁻—Na⁺ in the middle or lower basin. The soil solution is moderately or strongly salinized and shows anionic variations from HCO₃⁻ to SO₄²⁻ in the studied profiles, whereas Na⁺ is always the main cation. The concentrations of Na⁺ and SO₄²⁻ evolve simultaneously. Raman spectroscopic exploration of the white efflorescences, which occur on topsoil, reveals the presence of thenardite as the dominant phase. The composition of soil solution results from both the ionic exchange and evaporation processes. The nature of soil solution mineralization and summer temperatures are two main factors that interact and promote the thenardite precipitation. The soil salinization induces negative effects on crop nutrition, impacting further the crop yields. The results of this study can be extrapolated to larger areas formed on Sarmatian sedimentary deposits affected by salinization processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Monitoring of Land Degradation)

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25 pages, 11525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Transport Tweets in London, Madrid and Prague in the COVID-19 Period—Temporal and Spatial Differences in Activity Topics

by Martin Zajac, Jiří Horák, Joaquín Osorio-Arjona, Pavel Kukuliač and James Haworth

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17055; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417055 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2170

Abstract

Public transport requires constant feedback to improve and satisfy daily users. Twitter offers monitoring of user messages, discussion and emoticons addressed to official transport provider accounts. This information can be particularly useful in delicate situations such as management of transit operations during the [...] Read more.

Public transport requires constant feedback to improve and satisfy daily users. Twitter offers monitoring of user messages, discussion and emoticons addressed to official transport provider accounts. This information can be particularly useful in delicate situations such as management of transit operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The behaviour of Twitter users in Madrid, London and Prague is analysed with the goal of recognising similar patterns and detecting differences in traffic related topics and temporal cycles. Topics in transit tweets were identified using the bag of words approach and pre-processing in R. COVID-19 is a dominant topic for both London and Madrid but a minor one for Prague, where Twitter serves mainly to deliver messages from politicians and stakeholders. COVID-19 interferes with the meaning of other topics, such as overcrowding or staff. Additionally, specific topics were discovered, such as air quality in Victoria Station, London, or racism in Madrid. For all cities, transit-related tweeting activity declines over weekends. However, London shows much less decline than Prague or Madrid. Weekday daily rhythms show major tweeting activity during the morning in all cities but with different start times. The spatial distribution of tweets for the busiest stations shows that the best-balanced tweeting activity is found in Madrid metro stations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation Systems in Urban Areas: Planning, Operation, and Management)

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18 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Effect of Carbon Dioxide and Energy Reduction on Production Efficiency and Economic Growth: Application of Carbon Neutrality in Korea

by Sangmok Kang, Ziyao Li and Dasom Jeong

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17054; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417054 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1966

Abstract

Global interest in climate change and carbon neutrality is hot. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, achieving carbon neutrality is the solution to avoiding climate change. Carbon neutrality is a global challenge for sustainable economic growth. In response, Korea declared 2050 [...] Read more.

Global interest in climate change and carbon neutrality is hot. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, achieving carbon neutrality is the solution to avoiding climate change. Carbon neutrality is a global challenge for sustainable economic growth. In response, Korea declared 2050 carbon neutrality in 2021. However, for Korea to be carbon neutral, an incredible transformation in terms of an energy revolution is required. In this context, this study aims to diagnose the current situation to achieve carbon neutrality in Korea and to explore the direction of minimizing the national economic burden in the implementation process. To this end, we use the data envelopment analysis (DEA) directional distance function based on the material balance flow approach to examine changes in production efficiency and GDP due to carbon dioxide reduction and energy conversion. The empirical analysis results are as follows. First, in the analysis, according to the type of reduction, when only 1% of CO

_{2}

was reduced, GDP decreased by about 0.1%. Still, when reduced simultaneously with fossil energy, GDP fell by about 0.3% or more. Secondly, based on the scenario of the 2050 carbon-neutral plan, as a result of estimating the efficiency and GDP change caused by Korea’s energy transition, Korea is a country with a significant increase in inefficiency due to the energy transition and a substantial loss of GDP. Therefore, the government should establish a Korean carbon-neutral policy at a level that the national economy can afford. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Green Ecological Environment)

29 pages, 4448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification and Prediction of Sustainable Quality of Experience of Telecommunication Service Users Using Machine Learning Models

by Milorad K. Banjanin, Mirko Stojčić, Dejan Danilović, Zoran Ćurguz, Milan Vasiljević and Goran Puzić

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17053; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417053 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2791

Abstract

The quality of experience (QoE) of the individual user of telecommunication services is one of the most important criteria for choosing the service package of mobile providers. To evaluate the sustainability of QoE, this paper uses indicators of user satisfaction [...] Read more.

The quality of experience (QoE) of the individual user of telecommunication services is one of the most important criteria for choosing the service package of mobile providers. To evaluate the sustainability of QoE, this paper uses indicators of user satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the quality of network services (QoS), especially with conversational, streaming, interactive and background classes of traffic in networks. The importance of knowing the impact of selected combinations of paired legal–regulatory, technological–process, content-formatted and performative, contextual–relational and subjective user-influencing factors on QoE sustainability is investigated using a multiple linear regression model created in Minitab statistical software, machine learning model based on boosted decision trees created in the MATLAB software package and predictive models created by using an automatic modeling method. The classification of influence factors and their matching for the analysis of interaction fields of users and services aim to mark QoE as sustainable by determining the accuracy of the weight of subjective ratings of user satisfaction indicators as transitional variables in the predictive model of QoE. The hypothetical setting is that the individual user’s curiosity, creativity, communication, personality, courage, confidence, charisma, competence, common sense and memory are adequate transition variables in a sustainable QoE model. Using the applied methodology with an original research approach, data were collected on the evaluations of research variables from anonymous users of mobile operators in the geo-space of Republika Srpska and B&H. By treating the data with mathematical and machine learning models, the QoE assessment was performed at the level of an individual user, and after that, several models were created for the prediction and classification of QoE_i. The results show that the relative error (RE) of the predictive models, created over the collected dataset, is insufficiently low, so the improvement of the prediction performance was achieved via data augmentation (DA). In this way, the relative prediction error is reduced to a value of RE = 0.247. The DA method was also applied for the creating a classification model, which at best demonstrated an accuracy of 94.048%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industry 4.0: Quality Management and Technological Innovation)

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20 pages, 2273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Uncertainty Associated with Statistical Modeling of Precipitation Extremes for Hydrologic Engineering Applications in Amman, Jordan

by Mohamad Najib Ibrahim

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17052; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417052 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1787

Abstract

Estimates of extreme precipitation are commonly associated with different sources of uncertainty. One of the primary sources of uncertainty in the statistical modeling of precipitation extremes comes from extreme data series (i.e., sampling uncertainty). Therefore, this research aimed to quantify the sampling uncertainty [...] Read more.

Estimates of extreme precipitation are commonly associated with different sources of uncertainty. One of the primary sources of uncertainty in the statistical modeling of precipitation extremes comes from extreme data series (i.e., sampling uncertainty). Therefore, this research aimed to quantify the sampling uncertainty in terms of confidence intervals. In addition, this article examined how the data record length affects predicted extreme precipitation estimates and data set statistics. A nonparametric bootstrap resample was utilized to quantify the precipitation quantile sampling distribution at a particular non exceedance probability. This sampling distribution can provide a point estimation of the precipitation quantile and the confidence interval at a particular non exceedance probability. It has been shown that the different types of probability distributions fit the extreme precipitation data series of various weather stations. Therefore, the uncertainty analysis should be conducted using the best-fit probability distribution for extreme precipitation data series rather than a predefined single probability distribution for all stations based on modern extreme value theory. According to the 95% confidence intervals, precipitation quantiles are subject to significant uncertainty and the band of the uncertainty intervals increases with the return period. These uncertainty bounds need to be integrated into any frequency analysis from historical data. The average, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis are highly affected by the data record length. Thus, a longer record length is desirable to decrease the sampling uncertainty and, therefore, decrease the error in the predicted quantile values. Moreover, the results suggest that a series of at least 40 years of data records is needed to obtain reasonably accurate estimates of the distribution parameters and the precipitation quantiles for 100 years return periods and higher. Using only 20 to 25 years of data to obtain estimates of the higher return period quantile is risky, since it created high sampling variability relative to the full data length. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land and Water Degradation in Catchments: The Role of Remote Sensing for Assessment and Management)

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29 pages, 2579 KiB

Open AccessReview

Large-Scale Wind Turbine’s Load Characteristics Excited by the Wind and Grid in Complex Terrain: A Review

by Wei Li, Shinai Xu, Baiyun Qian, Xiaoxia Gao, Xiaoxun Zhu, Zeqi Shi, Wei Liu and Qiaoliang Hu

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17051; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417051 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2494

Abstract

With the development of wind resources under flat terrain, wind farms in extreme wind conditions are developed, and the size of the WT’s rigid-flexible coupling components increases. Therefore, accurately understanding the load characteristics and transmission mechanism of each component plays an important scientific [...] Read more.

With the development of wind resources under flat terrain, wind farms in extreme wind conditions are developed, and the size of the WT’s rigid-flexible coupling components increases. Therefore, accurately understanding the load characteristics and transmission mechanism of each component plays an important scientific role in improving the reliability of WT (WT) design and operation. Through the collation and analysis of the literature, this review summarizes the research results of large-scale WT load under source–grid coupling. According to the classification of sources, the variation characteristics of different loads are analyzed, and different research methods for different loads are summarized. In addition, the relative merits of the existing improvement schemes are analyzed, and the existing problems are pointed out. Finally, a new research idea of ‘comprehensively considering the coupling effects of source and network factors, revealing WT load characteristics and transmission mechanism’ is summarized. This paper provides important implications for the safety design and reliable operation research of large WTs with complex terrain. Full article

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18 pages, 2793 KiB

Open AccessReview

Responsible Management in the Hotel Industry: An Integrative Review and Future Research Directions

by Yuan Liang, Casey Watters and Michał K. Lemański

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17050; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417050 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9931

Abstract

In this study, we map the fast-growing body of knowledge on responsible management in the hotel industry. We aimed to provide scholars with guidance on navigating the rich and diverse scholarship on this topic, and where to engage to develop it further. Using [...] Read more.

In this study, we map the fast-growing body of knowledge on responsible management in the hotel industry. We aimed to provide scholars with guidance on navigating the rich and diverse scholarship on this topic, and where to engage to develop it further. Using a mixed-method review approach encompassing quantitative and qualitative elements, we reviewed the last decade of publications in journals specializing in research on hotels. On this basis, we identify critical areas as well as potential gaps in research on responsible management in the hotel industry. By scrutinizing research contexts, methods, theoretical approaches, levels of analysis, and findings, we synthesize and profile current scholarship, identify established and emerging trends, and discuss implications for scholarship and management practice, with critical or even provocative observations to guide possible theoretical and empirical extensions as well as fruitful avenues for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Hotels and Tourism)

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20 pages, 2034 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biochar-Assisted Bioengineered Strategies for Metal Removal: Mechanisms, Key Considerations, and Perspectives for the Treatment of Solid and Liquid Matrixes

by Leonel E. Amabilis-Sosa, Edgardo I. Valenzuela, Javier A. Quezada-Renteria and Aurora M. Pat-Espadas

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17049; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417049 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2661

Abstract

Biochar has drawn the scientific community’s attention during the last few years due to its low production value and unique physicochemical properties, which are helpful for numerous applications. The development of biotechnological processes for the remediation of heavy metal environmental pollution is one [...] Read more.

Biochar has drawn the scientific community’s attention during the last few years due to its low production value and unique physicochemical properties, which are helpful for numerous applications. The development of biotechnological processes for the remediation of heavy metal environmental pollution is one central research avenue in which biochar application has shown promising results, due to its positive effect on the bacteria that catalyze these activities. Biochar stimulates bacterial activity through adsorption, adhesion, electron transport, and ion exchange. However, before biochar implementation, a complete understanding of its potential effects is necessary, considering that those interactions between biochar and bacteria may help improve the performance of biological processes designed for the remediation of environmental pollution by metals, which has been historically characterized by limitations related to the recalcitrance and toxicity of these pollutants. In this review, the key biochar–microorganism interactions and properties of unmodified biochar with the potential to improve metal bioremediation in both solid (mine tailings, polluted soils) and liquid matrixes (metal-laden wastewaters) are summarized. Knowledge gaps regarding the mechanisms involved in remediation strategies, the effect of long-term biochar use and the development of improved biochar technologies and their combination with existent remediation technologies is summarized. Additionally, an up-to-date summary of the development of biochar-assisted bioengineered strategies for metal passivation or removal from solid and liquid matrixes is presented, along with key perspectives for the application of biochar-based biotechnologies at full scale during the treatment of mining effluents in the real scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Technologies for Wastewater Treatment & Soil Remediation)

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20 pages, 8386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution of Seasonal Crop-Specific Climatic Indices under Climate Change in Greece Based on EURO-CORDEX RCM Simulations

by Theodoros Mavromatis, Aristeidis K. Georgoulias, Dimitris Akritidis, Dimitris Melas and Prodromos Zanis

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17048; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417048 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2568

Abstract

This study presents an updated assessment of the projected climate change over Greece in the near future (2021–2050) and at the end of the 21st century (2071–2100) (EOC), relative to the reference period 1971–2000, and focusing on seasonal crop-specific climatic indices. The indices [...] Read more.

This study presents an updated assessment of the projected climate change over Greece in the near future (2021–2050) and at the end of the 21st century (2071–2100) (EOC), relative to the reference period 1971–2000, and focusing on seasonal crop-specific climatic indices. The indices include days (d) with: a maximum daily near-surface temperature (TASMAX) > 30 °C in Spring, a TASMAX > 35 °C in Summer (hot days), a minimum daily near-surface temperature (TASMIN) < 0 °C (frost days) in Spring, a TASMIN > 20 °C (tropical nights) in Spring–Summer and the daily precipitation (PR) > 1 mm (wet days) in Spring and Summer covering the critical periods in which wheat, tomatoes, cotton, potato, grapes, rice and olive are more sensitive to water and/or temperature stress. The analysis is based on an ensemble of 11 EURO-CORDEX regional climate model simulations under the influence of a strong, a moderate, and a no mitigation Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively). The indices related to TASMAX are expected to increase by up to 11 days in Spring and 40 days in Summer, tropical nights to rise by up to 50 days, frost days to decrease by up to 20 days, and wet days to decline by up to 9 days in Spring and Summer, at the EOC with an RCP8.5. The increased heat stress and water deficit are expected to have negative crop impacts, in contrast to the positive effects anticipated by the decrease in frost days. This study constitutes a further step towards identifying the commodities and/or regions in Greece which, under climate change, are or will be significantly impacted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Research toward Sustainable Agriculture)

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24 pages, 6773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature on Postgraduate Teaching

by Shuai Fan, Jianfeng Jiang, Fei Li, Guoqiang Zeng, Yi Gu and Wentai Guo

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17047; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417047 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2445

Abstract

The sustainable development of human society and economy needs the support of senior talents. Postgraduate teaching is one of the crucial components of higher education, and the priority method to cultivate senior talents. The 7th United Nations STI Forum in 2022 will focus [...] Read more.

The sustainable development of human society and economy needs the support of senior talents. Postgraduate teaching is one of the crucial components of higher education, and the priority method to cultivate senior talents. The 7th United Nations STI Forum in 2022 will focus on open science and postgraduate teaching; the theme of the forum is “While comprehensively implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen science, technology, and innovation, and promote the world’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”. Therefore, the analysis of the field of postgraduate teaching is of great theoretical and practical significance to the cultivation of postgraduate students, the research of researchers, and the management of postgraduate teaching by the education sector. This research has carried out a bibliometric analysis to better obtain the knowledge structure in the field of postgraduate teaching and research, and help other researchers obtain the characteristics of the field of postgraduate teaching and research. VOSviewer and CiteSpace are used to analyze 4816 scientific core collection articles related to postgraduate teaching. These publications are from the Web of Science database. The dates of the articles range from 1995–2022. This research intuitively introduces a systematic overview of postgraduate teaching literature research, covering a number of publications, major categories, the most significant nations, groups, publications, writers, significant literature, and academic trends. The goal of this article is to create a map of the postgraduate teaching knowledge structure, while also examining the research collaboration across organizations, authors, nations, and areas. For scholars and practitioners in the field of graduate education, objective advice and helpful ideas are given through the analysis and discussion of the data acquired. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)

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21 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Sustainability Practices on the Going Concern of the Travel and Tourism Industry: Evidence from Developed and Developing Countries

by Nagalingam Nagendrakumar, Kalubowilage Navodya Nilupulee Alwis, Udage Arachchige Kaveesha Eshani and Seekku Baduge Ushani Kaushalya

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17046; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417046 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3487

Abstract

Sustainability refers to the evaluation and communication of quantitative and qualitative information of the sustainability performance of a business in a balanced way regarding the environment and the society in which it operates. Companies are responsible for stakeholders’ justification and disclosure expenses consisting [...] Read more.

Sustainability refers to the evaluation and communication of quantitative and qualitative information of the sustainability performance of a business in a balanced way regarding the environment and the society in which it operates. Companies are responsible for stakeholders’ justification and disclosure expenses consisting of dedicated sustainability practices, thereby strengthening the company’s financial performance. However, due to the deficiency of consistent information and a lack of transparency in corporate reporting, tourism industries fail to realize the association between sustainability practices and financial performance. Moreover, there is a lack of literature that deals with the impact of macro-level sustainability factors on firms’ financial performances. Furthermore, linking the going concern concept and sustainable practices with financial performance through the Z-score model is not frequently done in the corporate world. Hence, this paper investigated the impact of macro-level sustainability practices on the going concern ability in developed and developing countries’ tourism industries for the 2016–2020 period, including a sample size of 138 listed companies, through panel data analysis. This study fills the empirical gap by adopting the Altman Z-score to analyze the financial performance related to sustainability practices in terms of environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The empirical results reveal that macro-level sustainability practices significantly impact the going concern from developed and developing countries’ perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism Management)

15 pages, 5682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety Analysis and Emergency Response of Suspended Oil and Gas Pipelines Triggered by Natural Disasters

by Jin Yu, Chao Chen and Changjun Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17045; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417045 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1938

Abstract

Pipelines play a dominant role in the transportation of oil and gas and the safety of pipelines is essential for the supply of energy. However, natural disasters such as floods and land subsidence may lead to suspended pipelines, resulting in pipeline failure accidents, [...] Read more.

Pipelines play a dominant role in the transportation of oil and gas and the safety of pipelines is essential for the supply of energy. However, natural disasters such as floods and land subsidence may lead to suspended pipelines, resulting in pipeline failure accidents, causing casualties and environmental pollution. To deal with the emergency caused by suspended pipelines, it is needed to identify the failure mechanisms of suspended pipelines caused by natural disasters. Therefore, this study conducts a safety analysis of suspended pipelines using a nonlinear finite element method (FEM), considering the nonlinear pipe–soil contact and plastic deformation. A case study is conducted to investigate the influencing parameters (e.g., the suspended length, the operating pressure, and the fluid mass). This work demonstrates that irreversible plastic strains occur when the suspended length exceeds 50 m, and it will reach 2% when the suspended length is 340 m. Finally, an emergency response plan based on plastic strain and suspended length is proposed to determine the emergency level of the suspended pipelines caused by natural disasters. This study can provide technical support for the emergency response of pipelines in areas with frequent natural disasters, promoting the sustainable development of oil and natural gas pipelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Accidents for Sustainable Safety)

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19 pages, 41024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Optimization of a Backup Renewable Energy Station for Photovoltaic Hybrid System in the New Jeddah Industrial City

by Ammar A. Melaibari, Abdullah M. Abdul-Aziz and Nidal H. Abu-Hamdeh

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17044; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417044 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

This study aims to design and optimize a backup renewable energy station and possibility of the grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic (PV) power system for firms in 2nd Jeddah industrial city workshops. Wind and solar energy potentials were examined, and data from a variety of [...] Read more.

This study aims to design and optimize a backup renewable energy station and possibility of the grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic (PV) power system for firms in 2nd Jeddah industrial city workshops. Wind and solar energy potentials were examined, and data from a variety of sources were obtained as part of the study process. It is important to utilize the application hybrid optimization model for electric renewables (HOMER) to evaluate relevant data as well as the suggested hybrid power system’s economic feasibility. The system’s payback is solely based on monthly grid bill savings and increased profits due to the absence of a power shortage. The most cost-effective system design is measured in terms of the original cost, ongoing cost, cost per unit, and total system net present value. As a result, fulfilling the load demand with 220 kW wind turbines and 500 kW solar PV is both cost-effective and efficient. The simulation results for the second scenario with a wind turbine show that a combination of a 500 kW PV, 300 kWh battery capacity, 22 kW wind turbine, and 315 kW converter is the most feasible solution for this case study, with SAR 4,433,658 net present cost (NPC) and SAR 0.1741 LCOE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Solar Photovoltaic Islands’ Decarbonization)

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14 pages, 2137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Analysis of Ultimate Main Span Length for Arch Bridge

by Xianxiong Zhang, Zhuozhang Deng, Genshen Fang and Yaojun Ge

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17043; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417043 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2480

Abstract

The advancement of construction techniques and high-performance sustainable materials enables the increase of span length for arch bridge. It is of great importance to study the theoretical ultimate span length of arch bridge. Based on the parabolic and catenary arch axes, the analytical [...] Read more.

The advancement of construction techniques and high-performance sustainable materials enables the increase of span length for arch bridge. It is of great importance to study the theoretical ultimate span length of arch bridge. Based on the parabolic and catenary arch axes, the analytical solutions of ultimate span length of arch bridge are solved using theoretical derivation accounting for the strength, in-plane stability and out-plane stability conditions, respectively. Then, the use of high-performance concrete, reactive powder concrete and high-strength steel is considered to study the relationship between theoretical ultimate span length and rise-span ratio as well as material strength for concrete and steel arch bridges. The results show that the theoretical ultimate span length derived by catenary arch axis is smaller by about 2–6% than that obtained by parabolic arch axis, but the difference is insignificant. When the rise-span ratio is 1/5, the theoretical ultimate span length for concrete arch bridge using R200 reactive powder concrete can reach 2000 m (2161 m for catenary arch axis and 2099 m for parabolic arch axis) while the main span of steel arch bridge using Q690 high-strength steel can be longer than 2500 m (2948 m for catenary arch axis and 2865 m for parabolic arch axis). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Diagnosis and Safety Assessment of Bridge Structures under Multiple Hazards)

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18 pages, 5261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Testing of a New UWB Positioning Measurement Tool to Assist in Forest Surveys

by Ziyu Zhao, Zhongke Feng, Jiali Liu and Yuan Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417042 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1926

Abstract

Forest resource inventory is a significant part of the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Finding methods to accurately estimate the diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height and tree position is a significant part of forest resource inventory. The traditional methods of forest [...] Read more.

Forest resource inventory is a significant part of the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Finding methods to accurately estimate the diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height and tree position is a significant part of forest resource inventory. The traditional methods of forest resource inventory are expensive, difficult, laborious and time-consuming; the existing systems are not convenient to carry, resulting in low working efficiency. In addition, it is usually necessary to rely on a forest compass, DBH taper and RTK or handheld GPS to set up the plot. These instruments each have a single function and cannot achieve accurate positioning under the forest canopy. Therefore, it is necessary to update the existing equipment and technology. This study aimed to design. a multi-functional, high-precision, real-time. positioning intelligent tree-measuring instrument that integrates plot the set-up, DBH measurement, tree height measurement and tree position measurement. The instrument is based on the ultra-wideband positioning principle, sensor technology, image processing technology, trigonometric functions, tree surveying and other related theories and realizes the functions of plot set-up, tree position measurement, DBH measurement, tree height measurement and other functions. The device was tested in four square plots. The results showed that the root mean squared. error (RMSE). of the tree position estimates ranged from 0.07 m to 0.16 m, while the relative root mean squared error (rRMSE) of the DBH estimates of individual trees ranged from 3.01 to 6.43%, which is acceptable for practical applications in traditional forest inventory. The rRMSE of the tree height estimates ranged from 3.47 to 5.21%. Furthermore, the cost of this instrument is only about one-third that of traditional forestry survey tools, while the work efficiency is three times that of the traditional measurement methods. Overall, the results confirmed that the tree measuring instrument is a practical tool for obtaining. accurate measurements of the tree position, DBH and tree height for forest inventories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing Forest and Plant Resources for Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 3572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Spatial Accessibility of the Urban Stadium Emergency Response under the Flood Disaster Scenario

by Yiche Wang, Hai Li, Yong Shi and Qian Yao

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17041; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417041 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2296

Abstract

In the context of global climate change and the rapid development of the sports industry, increasingly frequent flooding has become a significant challenge for Chinese cities today and one of the hot issues in risk management for sports events. In order to reveal [...] Read more.

In the context of global climate change and the rapid development of the sports industry, increasingly frequent flooding has become a significant challenge for Chinese cities today and one of the hot issues in risk management for sports events. In order to reveal the impact of flooding on the spatial accessibility of emergency response to stadiums in the central urban area within the outer ring of Shanghai, this article evaluates the accessibility of medical emergency services in the central urban area under the impact of flooding based on flood scenario simulations and GIS network analysis. Results show that under the different flooding scenarios, as the intensity of flooding increases, urban road traffic in flood-prone areas is blocked by ponding, and some stadiums are inaccessible to emergency vehicles. The scope of emergency response services for some medical institutions along the Huangpu River is significantly reduced, while emergency response times for stadiums in the riverside area are delayed considerably. Some stadiums are unable to access emergency medical services. The study’s results can offer a case reference for upgrading the level of emergency management of stadiums under urban-scale flooding and optimizing the quality of regional medical emergency services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Climate Change, Transport Geography and Smart Cities)

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23 pages, 3867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Energy Efficiency of Buildings by Shading with PV Panels in Semi-Arid Climate Zone

by Aiman Albatayneh, Renad Albadaineh, Adel Juaidi, Ramez Abdallah, Alberto Zabalo and Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17040; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417040 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3089

Abstract

Solar energy is one of the most abundant and available forms of renewable energy. Reliance on the electricity network can be decreased and net-zero energy achieved by mounting photovoltaic power on the tops of houses. Photovoltaic arrays can also change how the roof’s [...] Read more.

Solar energy is one of the most abundant and available forms of renewable energy. Reliance on the electricity network can be decreased and net-zero energy achieved by mounting photovoltaic power on the tops of houses. Photovoltaic arrays can also change how the roof’s surface reacts to its environment. The influence of the structural system of a roof and weather on the energy consumption of a building is important. This research is concerned with focusing on the indirect effect of solar photovoltaic rooftop panels (shading effect) on the roof surface to see whether this effect is worth studying and calculating the total electrical load in the residential sector. Photovoltaic panels were modeled as a shading device, and the Integrated Environmental Solution-Virtual Environment Software was used to anticipate the monthly decline and growth in heating and cooling loads associated with the roof level. The influence of a photovoltaic system on a building’s roof-related energy load was measured concerning low-rise residential buildings in Mafraq city, which belongs to a mild dry-warm temperature zone. The findings indicated that a solar roof structure decreased heat loss by 4.85% in the summer and boosted heat transfer by 5.54% in the winter. The results highlight that renewable energy is very important in our times due to climate change and the increased demand for electricity by the residential sector, which is stimulated to find multiple ways to decrease and adapt to this change, and the aim of this paper helps to encourage to use solar energy by identifying the indirect effect of solar panels on building’s rooftops. This investigation also focuses on the value of offering essential instructions to who is concerned to the utilization of alternative energy to heat and cool structures, also will educate the public on a building’s total energy requirements, which is critical for future green structure design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Worldwide Advances in Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency)

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14 pages, 464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Online and Offline Communication Skills in Higher Education

by Cristina Cîrtiță-Buzoianu, Katerina Tzafilkou, Liliana Mâță and Brîndușa-Mariana Amălăncei

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417039 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3763

Abstract

This study explores the offline and online communication skills of students in higher education. A total of 402 bachelor’s and master’s students from different study programs participated in the survey, such as education sciences, philology, communication sciences, and public relations. The evaluation was [...] Read more.

This study explores the offline and online communication skills of students in higher education. A total of 402 bachelor’s and master’s students from different study programs participated in the survey, such as education sciences, philology, communication sciences, and public relations. The evaluation was based on the scale of online and offline communication skills, which included four components: sociability, emotion decoding, self-disclosure, and assertiveness. The Mann–Whitney nonparametric statistical method was applied to examine the potential differences between the online and offline communication skills of students for the assessed variables of sociability, emotion detection, self-disclosure, and assertiveness. The statistical data analysis led to the following results: significantly higher online sociability; significantly higher online assertiveness; significantly higher offline emotion detection; significantly higher offline self-disclosure; bachelor’s students had significantly higher online skills than master’s students; and there were many differences between the various fields of specialization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)

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21 pages, 3103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Widespread Use of Antibiotics, Pesticides, and Other Aqua-Chemicals in Finfish Aquaculture in Rajshahi District of Bangladesh

by Umma Salma, Md. Shafiujjaman, Md. Al Zahid, Md. Hasan Faruque, Md. Habibullah-Al-Mamun and Anwar Hossain

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17038; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417038 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3963

Abstract

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing, most dynamic, and vital food-producing sector compared to other food-producing industries. However, aquaculture production is hampered by a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases. Fish farmers routinely apply various types of aqua-chemicals, particularly antibiotics and pesticides, to [...] Read more.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing, most dynamic, and vital food-producing sector compared to other food-producing industries. However, aquaculture production is hampered by a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases. Fish farmers routinely apply various types of aqua-chemicals, particularly antibiotics and pesticides, to reduce the disease burden. Antibiotics and pesticides are widely used to increase fish production around the world, including Bangladesh. Between March 2020 and February 2021, a survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews with fish farmers in the Rajshahi district, Bangladesh, to determine the current status of the use of antibiotics, pesticides, and other aqua-chemicals in the rearing of freshwater finfishes. Nine active antibiotics ingredients belonging to 11 trade names of antibiotics, various pesticides, numerous disinfectants, and aqua-chemicals were found to be used in finfish rearing. The renamycin (active ingredient: oxytetracycline) was most commonly used antibiotics by freshwater finfish farmers in the study areas. In case of pesticides, sumithion and timsen were found to be used mostly by fish farmers. In addition, four distinct probiotics were found to be used in aquaculture in the study areas. The present study revealed several issues related to the use of aqua-drugs in the study areas. For instance, the majority of fish farmers (88%) lacked knowledge in the use of aqua-chemicals and antibiotics, and 81% of fish farmers were unaware about the effective dosages of chemicals in fish farming. Thirty seven percent of fish farmers in the study areas reported the indiscriminate use of chemicals. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of fish farmers (72%) reported ignorance about the residual effects of the aqua-chemicals on the aquatic environment and human health. As a result, this preliminary study suggests that the use of antibiotics, pesticides, and other aqua-chemicals in aquaculture should be strictly monitored and controlled by the responsible authorities of Bangladesh. Moreover, further research needs to be expanded on the detection of residues from aqua-drugs and antibiotics in the aquaculture system, and their consequences on the ecosystem and human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hazards and Sustainability)

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21 pages, 1012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influencing Factors of Usage Intention of Metaverse Education Application Platform: Empirical Evidence Based on PPM and TAM Models

by Gaofeng Wang and Changhoon Shin

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17037; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417037 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7135

Abstract

We explored the influencing factors of the usage intention of a metaverse education application platform that directly influence the optimization of its service function, improve the usage intention, and realize the promotion and application of metaverse technology in the education domain. Based on [...] Read more.

We explored the influencing factors of the usage intention of a metaverse education application platform that directly influence the optimization of its service function, improve the usage intention, and realize the promotion and application of metaverse technology in the education domain. Based on the characteristics of the metaverse education application platform, we integrated the PPM (push–pull–mooring) model and the TAM (technology acceptance model) to construct the model of influencing factors of usage intention. Ultimately, 275 valid questionnaires were collected through expert demonstration, pre-investigation, formal investigation, and other processes. In addition, our paper used the SEM (structural equation model) and fsQCA (fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis) to analyze the influencing factors of user willingness and their configuration paths. The study found that personalized learning, contextualized teaching, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social needs, and social impact play significant positive roles in the willingness to use the metaverse education platform. Meanwhile, the obtained findings show that the experience-led community-driven mode, personality-led community-driven mode, and social-led utility-driven mode serve as potential guidelines for usage intention enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virtual Reality/Metaverse Applications in STEAM Education and Creativity: Towards Student Learning Sustainability)

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21 pages, 9327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SEeD for Change: The Systemic Event Design Project Applied to Terra Madre Salone del Gusto for the Development of Food Communities

by Franco Fassio, Marcello Bogetti, Damiano Cortese and Alessandra Savina

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17036; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417036 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2005

Abstract

In the contemporary era, food plays a key role in balancing environmental, social, and economic balances, not only due to its primary identity as a resource that nourishes living beings and the planet but also through the processes triggered by stakeholders who act [...] Read more.

In the contemporary era, food plays a key role in balancing environmental, social, and economic balances, not only due to its primary identity as a resource that nourishes living beings and the planet but also through the processes triggered by stakeholders who act at the internal local food systems. In the latter, an orientation towards sustainability is increasingly urgently required, capable of achieving a widespread creation of shared value. In this scenario, the International Slow Food Association operates, which also, through the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto initiative, coordinates communities and events located throughout the world on the theme of “good, clean and fair” food. This article aims to analyze, through the lens of the systemic approach, the interesting and multifaceted impacts of this event, as an opportunity to disseminate and contagion of ideas, attitudes, and behaviors around the themes of sustainability and biodiversity, but also as a moment of consolidation and creation of relationships between and within local food systems and local communities. The research project presented, entitled “SEeD for Change”, was coordinated by the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo with the University of Turin and helped to focus on the actors, relationships and contexts that actually and virtually hosted the event: places in which through a common and shared language, change has been generated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Development and Local Food)

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24 pages, 1395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Bond Issuance and Peer Firms’ Green Innovation

by Xia Wu, Danlu Bu, Jun Lian and Yanping Bao

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17035; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417035 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3748

Abstract

Based on the realistic background of the rapid development of China’s green bond market, this paper uses the data of China’s non-financial listed companies from 2010 to 2020 to examine the impact of green bond issuance on peer firms’ green innovation. The results [...] Read more.

Based on the realistic background of the rapid development of China’s green bond market, this paper uses the data of China’s non-financial listed companies from 2010 to 2020 to examine the impact of green bond issuance on peer firms’ green innovation. The results show that the issuance of corporate green bonds can significantly promote the quantity and quality of peer firms’ green innovation, and this promotion effect is sustainable. The heterogeneity test shows that when the issuer of green bonds is an industry leader or the issuer is highly concerned by the media, the green innovation promotion effect of peer firms is more significant. Similarly, when the issuer and the peer firm are close competitors or in the same board network, the peer firm has a higher level of green innovation. It is further found that the green innovation behavior adopted by peer firms can significantly improve their environmental performance. The article indicates that the issuance of corporate green bonds can produce a good spillover effect of green innovation in the industry, which is conducive to China’s strategic goal of “carbon neutrality, carbon emission peak”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accounting, Corporate Policies and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 1469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Price Prediction and Classification of Used-Vehicles Using Supervised Machine Learning

by Lucija Bukvić, Jasmina Pašagić Škrinjar, Tomislav Fratrović and Borna Abramović

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17034; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417034 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 10836

Abstract

Due to the large growth in the number of cars being bought and sold, used-car price prediction creates a lot of interest in analysis and research. The availability of used cars in developing countries results in an increased choice of used vehicles, and [...] Read more.

Due to the large growth in the number of cars being bought and sold, used-car price prediction creates a lot of interest in analysis and research. The availability of used cars in developing countries results in an increased choice of used vehicles, and people increasingly choose used vehicles over new ones, which causes shortages. There is an important need to explore the enormous amount of valuable data generated by vehicle sellers. All sellers usually have the imminent need of finding a better way to predict the future behavior of prices, which helps in determining the best time to buy or sell, in order to achieve the best profit. This paper provides an overview of data-driven models for estimating the price of used vehicles in the Croatian market using correlated attributes, in terms of production year and kilometers traveled. In order to achieve this, the technique of data mining from the online seller “Njuškalo” was used. Redundant and missing values were removed from the data set during data processing. Using the method of supervised machine learning, with the use of a linear regression algorithm for predicting the prices of used cars and comparing the accuracy with the classification algorithm, the purpose of this paper is to describe the state of the vehicle market and predict price trends based on available attributes. Prediction accuracy increases with training the model with the second data set, where price growth is predicted by linear regression with a prediction accuracy of 95%. The experimental analysis shows that the proposed model predicts increases in vehicle prices and decreases in the value of vehicles regarding kilometers traveled, regardless of the year of production. The average value of the first data set is a personal vehicle with 130,000 km traveled and a price of EUR 10,000. The second set of data was extracted 3 months after the previously analyzed set, and the average price of used vehicles increased by EUR 1391 per vehicle. On the other hand, average kilometers traveled decreased by 8060 km, which justifies the increase in prices and validates the training models. The price and vehicle type are features that play an important role in predicting the price in a second-hand market, which seems to be given less importance in the current literature of prediction models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Data-Driven Innovations in Supply Chains)

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19 pages, 3429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Why Are You Turning a Blind Eye to Fair Trade Coffee?—Focused on the Comparison between Korea and Africa

by Mina Jo, Haggai Kennedy Ochieng and Jisong Kim

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17033; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417033 - 19 Dec 2022

Viewed by 3000

Abstract

This study examines the reasons why people turn a blind eye to fair trade coffee (FTC) and the way to revitalize the FTC market. In-depth interviews with eight Koreans and eight Africans living in Korea were conducted and analyzed qualitatively. Our thematic analysis [...] Read more.

This study examines the reasons why people turn a blind eye to fair trade coffee (FTC) and the way to revitalize the FTC market. In-depth interviews with eight Koreans and eight Africans living in Korea were conducted and analyzed qualitatively. Our thematic analysis employed NVivo Word Cloud analysis and Text Search to analyze the relationship among words. The study reveals that Koreans do not purchase FTC due to low awareness, low priority among coffee selection attributes, low accessibility and low product competitiveness. As producers, Africans do not produce FTC because of a lack of information, low returns, cultural factors, lack of interest from political leaders and corruption. African consumers do not purchase FTC due to low accessibility, low priority among coffee selection attributes, doubts about FTC and its high price. To revitalize the FTC market on the demand side, it is important to improve accessibility, promote and market the brand and pay attention to cultural constraints. Full article

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14 pages, 2715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Interactive Visualization Tool for Collaborative Construction Logistics Planning—Creating a Sustainable Project Vicinity

by Anna Fredriksson, Linnea Eriksson, Jonas Löwgren, Nina Lemon and Daniel Eriksson

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17032; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417032 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1792

Abstract

The intensity of urban development is presently high, creating a construction boom. The number of transports per project is a major consideration in urban goods transport and emissions from a project. Presently, the stakeholders take part in a “blame game” in assigning fault [...] Read more.

The intensity of urban development is presently high, creating a construction boom. The number of transports per project is a major consideration in urban goods transport and emissions from a project. Presently, the stakeholders take part in a “blame game” in assigning fault for the emissions from construction transport and the disturbances to society in the vicinity of construction sites. Incorporation of logistics into urban planning requires an increased understanding of the interaction between construction transport flows and urban land use, and the inclusion of different stakeholders. The purpose of the study is to support collaborative planning of construction transport in urban planning, and specifically to explore how a planning tool based on interactive visualization could be designed. An action research process has generated two prototypes of an interactive visualization tool for collaborative planning of construction transport. The prototype facilitates a “shared deliberation space” by identifying alternatives and assessing predicted consequences, which supports a collaborative urban planning process. Based on the research conducted, we claim that the responsibility of construction transport planning should be taken by the municipality, i.e., the urban planning and traffic planning functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

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25 pages, 352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Primary Schoolteachers’ Opinions about Gifted Education Programmes in Distance Education

by Hüseyin Uzunboylu, Gönül Akçamete, Nilgün Sarp and Mukaddes Demirok

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17031; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417031 - 19 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2413

Abstract

There is a need for scientific information obtained in scientific research environments related to the delivery of curriculum development training for gifted children by primary school teachers in distance education environments. This study aims to evaluate primary schoolteachers’ views on gifted education programmes [...] Read more.

There is a need for scientific information obtained in scientific research environments related to the delivery of curriculum development training for gifted children by primary school teachers in distance education environments. This study aims to evaluate primary schoolteachers’ views on gifted education programmes that can be given through distance education. The research was carried out with 26 classroom teachers teaching in two different public schools in the spring term of the 2021–2022 academic year. The research was carried out according to the qualitative research model. A semi-structured interview form was created, consisting of interview questions about the quality and opinions of classroom teachers regarding education programmes that can be given through distance education. The validity and reliability analysis of the interview form was carried out within the framework of the opinions of field experts. Although the majority of teachers have gifted students, they need a gifted education programme, with the opinion that this training should be given in the hybrid model. When the gifted education programme for teachers is provided in the hybrid model, it is more effective than other models. Full article

17 pages, 7418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Flexural Bearing Capacity of Reinforced Hollow Slab Beams Based on Polyurethane Composite Material Positive and Negative Pouring Method

by Jin Li, Tiancheng Zhou, Xiang Li, Dalu Xiong, De Chang, Zhongmei Lu and Guanghua Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17030; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417030 - 19 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1488

Abstract

In order to explore the construction technology of prestressed steel strand–polyurethane cement composites for strengthening hollow slab beams, two reinforced test beams (L1, L2) and one unreinforced test beam (L0) were subjected to flexural static load tests. The deflection, ductility, stiffness, strain, and [...] Read more.

In order to explore the construction technology of prestressed steel strand–polyurethane cement composites for strengthening hollow slab beams, two reinforced test beams (L1, L2) and one unreinforced test beam (L0) were subjected to flexural static load tests. The deflection, ductility, stiffness, strain, and bearing capacity of each test beam were used to summarize the influence of different reinforcement techniques on the flexural performance of hollow slab beams. Research shows the prestressed steel strand–polyurethane composite material was well-bonded to the hollow slab beam, which effectively inhibits the development of concrete cracks and delays the damage process of hollow slab beams, that the reinforcement effect of the test beam L1 under the reverse pouring process was remarkable, and the bending performance of the test beam L2 under the forward pouring process of the simulated real bridge was good, which was much better than that of the unreinforced beam L0. The use of tensile prestressed steel strands and forward casting of polyurethane–cement composite materials effectively improved the flexural bearing capacity of the test beams, and this reinforcement process can be further extended to engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Materials for Sustainable Strengthening of Masonry Structures)

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10 pages, 1167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prioritisation of Charismatic Animals in Major Conservation Journals Measured by the Altmetric Attention Score

by Pavol Prokop, Rudolf Masarovič, Sandra Hajdúchová, Zuzana Ježová, Martina Zvaríková and Peter Fedor

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17029; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417029 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2705

Abstract

Large, charismatic animals trigger human emotional responses, which consequently result in taxonomic biases that have been proven in various fields. In our research, we analysed the representation of animals and plants in scientific papers published in three major conservation journals (Conservation Biology [...] Read more.

Large, charismatic animals trigger human emotional responses, which consequently result in taxonomic biases that have been proven in various fields. In our research, we analysed the representation of animals and plants in scientific papers published in three major conservation journals (Conservation Biology, Journal of Applied Ecology and Conservation Letters) between 2011 and 2020. Furthermore, we examined the Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) and each paper’s total number of citations focused exclusively on a single taxon (59% of all papers). Mammals were represented on journal cover pages significantly more frequently than other taxa, while reptiles, amphibians and fish were underrepresented. The total number of published papers and the AAS favoured mammals significantly, while reptiles, plants and amphibians received the lowest AAS. The AAS of mammals was positively influenced by the body mass and appeal score. Scientific citations showed a slight correlation with the AAS. Papers about mammals, invertebrates and amphibians received the most citations, followed by plants, fish, birds and reptiles. These results showed that there are taxonomic biases that favour large mammals over other taxa, both among scientists as well as the public. Therefore, publication policy should be changed in order to support the shift of scientists and, subsequently, public interest itself toward neglected taxa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Conservation: Managing Resources for a Sustainable World)

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22 pages, 16372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation on the Seismic Wave Propagation Characteristics Excited by Explosion Source in High-Steep Rock Slope Site Using Discrete Element Method

by Danqing Song, Xuerui Quan, Mengxin Liu, Chun Liu, Weihua Liu, Xiaoyu Wang and Dechao Han

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 17028; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142417028 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2720

Abstract

The influence of seismic waves induced by explosion sources on the dynamic response characteristics of rock slope sites is one of the most important problems affecting engineering construction. To investigate the wave propagation characteristics and attenuation law of seismic waves induced by explosive [...] Read more.

The influence of seismic waves induced by explosion sources on the dynamic response characteristics of rock slope sites is one of the most important problems affecting engineering construction. To investigate the wave propagation characteristics and attenuation law of seismic waves induced by explosive sources in rock sites from the perspective of time and frequency domains, the high-performance matrix discrete element method (MatDEM) is used to carry out numerical simulation tests on a granite rock medium site. The discrete element model of the high-steep rock slope is established by MatDEM, and the dynamic analysis of the rock medium site is conducted by loading blasting vibration load to generate seismic waves. The results show that the seismic waves in the rock site present characteristics of arc propagation attenuation. The maximum attenuation rate of the dynamic response is the fastest within 0.3 s and 25 m from the explosion source. The slope region can weaken the dynamic response of seismic waves generated by the explosion source. In particular, the high-frequency band (>20 Hz) has an obvious filtering effect. The dynamic response of the P-wave induced by the explosive source is greater than that of the S-wave in the bedrock and surface region. The dynamic amplification effect of the P-wave is greater than that of the S-wave in the slope region. The seismic waves in the slope region show an attenuation effect along the slope surface and have a typical elevation amplification effect inside the slope. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Geology and Civil Engineering)

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