Neutral Perspective Research Articles

Cloud-Model-Based Feature Engineering to Analyze the Energy–Water Nexus of a Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Plant

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important and energy-intensive municipal infrastructures. High energy consumption and relatively low operating performance are major challenges from the perspective of carbon neutrality. However, water–energy nexus analysis and models for WWTPs have rarely been reported to date. In this study, a cloud-model-based energy consumption analysis (CMECA) of a WWTP was conducted to explore the relationship between influent and energy consumption by clustering its influent’s parameters. The principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering were applied to classify the influent condition using water quality and volume data. The energy consumption of the WWTP is divided into five standard evaluation levels, and its cloud digital characteristics (CDCs) were extracted according to bilateral constraints and golden ratio methods. Our results showed that the energy consumption distribution gradually dispersed and deviated from the Gaussian distribution with decreased water concentration and quantity. The days with high energy efficiency were extracted via the clustering method from the influent category of excessive energy consumption, represented by a compact-type energy consumption distribution curve to identify the influent conditions that affect the steady distribution of energy consumption. The local WWTP has high energy consumption with 0.3613 kW·h·m−3 despite low influent concentration and volumes, across four consumption levels from low (I) to relatively high (IV), showing an unsatisfactory operation and management level. The average oxygenation capacity, internal reflux ratio, and external reflux ratio during high energy efficiency days recognized by further clustering were obtained (0.2924–0.3703 kg O2·m−3, 1.9576–2.4787, and 0.6603–0.8361, respectively), which could be used as a guide for the days with low energy efficiency. Consequently, this study offers a water–energy nexus analysis method to identify influent conditions with operational management anomalies and can be used as an empirical reference for the optimized operation of WWTPs.

Feature selection based on multiview entropy measures in multiperspective rough set

The performance of the neighborhood rough set model in feature selection is limited by nonobjective parameter selection method, the uncertainty measures considered only from a single view, and high time cost caused by processing high-dimensional data. To solve the above problems, this study first defines the interclass boundary to granulate the samples in different classes, and three types of neighborhood concepts—negative perspective, neutral perspective, and positive perspective—are put forward based on different cognitive perspectives. Then, the concept of the multiperspective rough set model is developed. The most prominent feature of this model is the discovery of differences between classes from the given data, without any parameters. Second, by integrating the information theory and algebraic views under the multiperspective rough set model, multiview entropy measures are proposed to effectively measure the uncertainty in data. Moreover, a nonmonotonic feature selection algorithm based on the mutual information in the multiview entropy measures under the neutral perspective as the evaluation function of feature importance is designed to resolve the disadvantages of the algorithms based on the monotone evaluation function. Finally, Information Gain is introduced to preliminarily decrease the dimension of high-dimensional data sets to promote classification accuracy and reduce time consumption. The experimental results confirm that the proposed algorithm is efficient in eliminating noise and increasing classification accuracy.

Seascape genomics of coastal bottlenose dolphins along strong gradients of temperature and salinity.

Heterogeneous seascapes and strong environmental gradients in coastal waters are expected to influence adaptive divergence, particularly in species with large population sizes where selection is expected to be highly efficient. However, these influences might also extend to species characterized by strong social structure, natal philopatry and small home ranges. We implemented a seascape genomic study to test this hypothesis in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) distributed along the environmentally heterogeneous coast of southern Australia. The data sets included oceanographic and environmental variables thought to be good predictors of local adaptation in dolphins and 8081 filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped for individuals sampled from seven different bioregions. From a neutral perspective, population structure and connectivity of the dolphins were generally influenced by habitat type and social structuring. Genotype-environment association analysis identified 241 candidate adaptive loci and revealed that sea surface temperature and salinity gradients influenced adaptive divergence in these animals at both large- (1000km) and fine-scales (<100km). Enrichment analysis and annotation of candidate genes revealed functions related to sodium-activated ion transport, kidney development, adipogenesis and thermogenesis. The findings of spatial adaptive divergence and inferences of putative physiological adaptations challenge previous suggestions that marine megafauna is most likely to be affected by environmental and climatic changes via indirect, trophic effects. Our work contributes to conservation management of coastal bottlenose dolphins subjected to anthropogenic disturbance and to efforts of clarifying how seascape heterogeneity influences adaptive diversity and evolution in small cetaceans.

Evaluation of Rural Tourism Landscape Resources in Terms of Carbon Neutrality and Rural Revitalization

Rural tourism landscape resources are important ingredients of rural revitalization and modernization in developing countries and regions. Evaluation methods play a crucial role in the planning, design, transformation, development, and protection of these resources. However, there has been a lack of research on the evaluation of rural tourism landscape resources, especially from the perspective of rural revitalization and carbon neutrality. From the perspective of carbon neutrality and rural revitalization, this article establishes an indicator system to evaluate rural tourism landscape resources based on previous evaluation methods and expert consultations on landscape planning. An evaluation model based on the intuitionistic fuzzy VIKOR method structure matching is also suggested. Some practical suggestions are put forward to promote the values of rural tourism landscape resources through empirical analyses of three regions in Changsha, Hunan, China. Our study shows that the evaluation results could objectively reflect the values and existing problems of rural tourism landscape resources, which could provide practical tools for local government departments to make decisions, and landscape architects to plan and design. Based on this model, further suggestions are provided to improve rural tourism landscape resources.

An evaluation of parapatric distributions among ecologically similar rattlesnakes (Viperidae:Crotalus) in North American warm deserts

AbstractParapatric distributions between ecologically similar species have the potential to reveal the effects of limiting similarity in large-scale patterns of species coexistence. We present a qualitative model that predicts three different types of parapatric boundaries between competing species pairs: gap parapatry, abrupt parapatry and narrow sympatry. Our model integrates both niche-based and neutral theory perspectives of coexistence in the context of climatic tolerances, species equivalence, contingencies of dispersal history, priority effects and a heterogeneous patchwork of optimal and suboptimal habitat. Using species distribution models, tests of niche overlap and phylogeographical data, we evaluated assumptions and conditions of this model for four species of mostly allopatric, rock-dwelling rattlesnakes (Viperidae: Crotalus) inhabiting arid mountain ranges of the Mohave–Sonoran desert system of western North America. Our model was adequate for predicting the different types of range boundaries observed across this guild of ecologically similar species. Where species distributions were separated by a steep climatic gradient without evidence of recent dispersal, we observed gap parapatry; where historical dispersal was asymmetric, we observed abrupt parapatry; and finally, where historical dispersal was symmetric, we observed narrow sympatry.

Group decision-making analysis with complex spherical fuzzy N-soft sets.

This paper develops the ELiminating Et Choice Translating REality (ELECTRE) method under the generalized environment of complex spherical fuzzy $ N $-soft sets ($ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f}Ss $) that have distinctive and empirical edge of non-binary parametrization and also indeed overcome the limitations and flaws of existing ELECTRE I methods. We propose an innovatory decision-making technique, namely, $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $-ELECTRE I method where the data and information are in modern modes. The proposed $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $-ELECTRE I method enjoys all the distinct and modern attributes of uncertain information which mainly comprises of parameterizations, neutral perspective, multi-valuation and two-dimensional representations. We support the proposed work by a flowchart along with an algorithm and then utilize it to solve the MAGDM problem under $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ environment. This novel technique employs the principles of $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ concordance and $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ discordance sets which are established on score and accuracy functions and engrossed to enjoin the most superior alternative. Ultimately, the decision graph and aggregated outranking Boolean matrix are formulated by merging the outcomes of $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ concordance and $ CSFN\mathcal{S}_{f} $ discordance indices which are evaluated through score function and distance measures, respectively. Moreover, linear-ranking order is evaluated which provides linear ordering of decision alternatives. A prime MAGDM problem of poverty alleviation is addressed from socio-economic field that approve the flexibility of the intended approach. We perform a sustaining comparison with another approach (CSF-ELECTRE I approach) to assure the productivity and potency of the proposed methodology. We also provide an allegorical line graph of this comparison that demonstrate the admissibility of the resulting outcomes.

Repères historiques du vocabulaire affectif : de saint Augustin à William James

Human affectivity points to a very complex cultural reality in European history, as shown by three distinct paradigms: in Antiquity and in the Middle Ages, largely influenced by Plato’s vision of the soul as well as by the Christian Tradition, affects (passions, human appetites and desires) are understated, being considered perturbationes animae to be contained and repressed (St Augustine, St Thomas of Aquinas); the early modern period proposes an anthropology in which passions and emotional states are reevaluated and qualified as a natural outcome of man’s interaction with the world (Descartes, Kant); English and American naturalists and psychologists at the end of the 19th century (Darwin, James) have a scientific perspective on emotions, seen as actions of the body which exert their influence on the human brain. These paradigmatic changes are also visible in multiple semantic variations: thus, if “passion” and its equivalents (“perturbation”, “affection”, “affect”) are rather devalued in the texts of the Christian theologians in the 17th century, they are considered in a neutral perspective, next to “emotion” that ends up imposing itself in the naturalistic paradigm of thought.

Unveiling the characterization and development of prokaryotic community during the start-up and long-term operation of a pilot-scale anaerobic membrane bioreactor for the treatment of real municipal wastewater

The anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) is a promising sustainable process and technology for the treatment of municipal wastewater from the perspective of carbon neutrality. In this study, a large pilot-scale AnMBR was constructed and the microbial community development of the anaerobic digested sludge in the AnMBR was determined during the treatment of municipal wastewater. The AnMBR system was conducted for 217 days during a long-term operation with the feed of real municipal wastewater. The characterization and dynamics of the microorganisms revealed that a stable prokaryotic community was gradually achieved. In the community of methane-producing archaea (or methanogens), the acetotrophic methanogen Methanosaeta was significantly enriched at an ambient temperature of 25 °C with an overwhelming relative abundance in the entire community. The abundance of Methanosaeta was even higher than the most abundant bacterial phyla Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. This phenomenon is quite different from that found in other typical anaerobic systems. The massive enrichment of methanogens is the key to maintaining stable methane production in the treatment of municipal wastewater by the AnMBR. The interspecies cooperation of major functional bacterial groups including protein/carbohydrate/cellulose-degrading (genera Anaerovorax, Aminomonas, Levilinea, Flexilinea and Ruminococcus etc.), sulfate-reducing (Desulfovibrio and Desulfomicrobium etc.) and syntrophic (Syntrophorhabdus and Syntrophus etc.) bacteria with acetotrophic and hydrogenotrophic archaea enhances the stability of reactor operation and help to acclimate the entire prokaryotic community to the characteristics of real municipal wastewater.

Feasible Distributed Energy Supply Options for Household Energy Use in China from a Carbon Neutral Perspective.

This contribution firstly proposed the concept of annual average power generation hours and analyzed per capita energy consumption, carbon emission, and the human development index from a macro perspective. On this basis, we compared the average household electrical energy consumption of urban and rural residents based on the data from CGSS-2015 from a micro perspective. The results show the positive correlation between carbon emissions per capita and the human development index and China’s regional imbalance characteristics between household electricity consumption and renewable energy distribution. Therefore, the distributed energy supply system is proposed as an effective complement to centralized power generation systems and is the key to synergizing human development and carbon emissions in China. Moreover, we analyzed the characteristics of distributed energy supply systems in the context of existing energy supply systems, pointing out the need to fully use solar energy and natural gas. Finally, two types of typical distributed energy supply systems are proposed for satisfying the household energy requirements in remote or rural areas of western and the eastern or coastal areas of China, respectively. Two typical distributed energy systems integrate high-efficiency energy conversion, storage, and transfer devices such as electric heat pumps, photovoltaic thermal, heat and electricity storage, and fuel cells.

Developing an effective strategy to implement non‐pharmaceutical interventions amongst residents with dementia in residential care facilities: Caregivers’ perspectives

AbstractBackgroundNon‐pharmaceutical interventions based on unfulfilled needs amongst residents with dementia reduce symptoms of agitation, aggression and depression. However, to implement these interventions in daily practice in residential care facilities, caregivers need to (a) analyse resident’s behaviour, (b) recognize unfulfilled needs and (c) apply an individualized non‐pharmaceutical intervention.ObjectivesTo develop an effective strategy for the implementation of such complex approach, insights in caregivers’ perception of barriers and facilitating factors are needed.MethodsA total of thirteen focus group interviews with fifty‐six caregivers from twelve residential care facilities was conducted between October 2019 and February 2020.ResultsDespite a person‐centred vision and culture in residential care facilities, caregivers recognize that dealing with altered behaviour amongst residents with dementia is challenging and that non‐pharmaceutical interventions are seldom used. However caregivers are willing to invest in a team‐based person‐centred approach, different perspectives on priorities in care processes seem to influence the implementation. Participants refer to the importance of an open team culture where safety is guaranteed. An open culture stimulates an attitude of reflection, which is necessary to attune person‐centred care to different perspectives. Therefore the presence of clinical and facilitating leadership is crucial to ensure motivation, a sense of competency, communication, problem‐solving competences, practical organization of non‐pharmaceutical interventions and continuity in care processes. Ward managers and clinical leaders prefer to be supported by an implementation coach who provides education and training to the team members and who facilitates from a neutral perspective moments of intervision on a regular base.ConclusionsCaregivers recognize the presence of a person‐centred vision and culture, team willingness and different perspectives on priorities in care processes as influencing factors for the implementation of non‐pharmaceutical interventions. Strong clinical and facilitating leadership and the availability of an implementation coach may support caregivers in dealing with different perspectives on priorities in care. Implications for clinical practice: An educational package, intervision sessions and a leadership trajectory are recommended elements of strategy to implement non‐pharmaceutical interventions based on unfulfilled needs amongst residents with dementia.

Implications of deep‐seabed mining on marine ecosystems—Introduction to a special series of papers

After more than 50 years of exploration and research that has intensified over the past decade, deep-seabed mining (DSM) remains a controversial subject, resulting mainly from legacy issues of other extractive industries. Moreover, our planet is environmentally challenged, with climate change as one of the major issues that we collectively face. Deep-seabed mining aims to collect metal resources lying on the deep seabed to help meet increased global demand caused by growth in population and urbanization, and clean energy, in a way that reduces pressures on land, such as deforestation and community relocation. The metals found on the seabed are those needed to address climate change through clean energy technologies. An important question facing us is: How do we, most responsibly, obtain the metals we need with the least impact on the planet we are trying to protect? DSM is one of the options to meet the demand. In this IEAM special series, we set out to present neutral and unbiased perspectives on the environmental implications of DSM. Our aim is to offer readers environmental management considerations learned by researchers around the world and working in diverse aspects of the field, including: population and community assessment, biota ecosystem services, environmental ethics, and rehabilitation and restoration. In consideration of the controversies, fundamental questions still remain: How can a new industry be given the opportunity to "do the right thing"? How do we make evidence-based decisions about where metals should come from when emotions and possibly fear often seem to drive the debate? Can we assume that decisions and policies are best achieved based on data and evidence? The papers presented in the series help address these questions and cover a range of diverse topics from ethical frameworks to biodiversity assessment to risk assessment to restoration. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:631-633. © 2021 SETAC.

Active energy-controlling windows incorporating transparent photovoltaics and an integrated transparent heater

Despite being essential interfaces between interior spaces and their surrounding environments, windows are often considered as being among the least important energy components in buildings, houses, and vehicles. The proportionally large window areas of man-made structures mean that smarter window design would lead to more efficient energy control. Here we report large-scale transparent photovoltaics and their integration with a transparent heater for an energy-efficient active window unit. The latter possesses high average visible transmittance (>60%), low transmission haze (<7%), neutral color perspective, and excellent thermal protection, and its heating function is powered by solar energy and the electric energy from the transparent photovoltaics. This active window unit may overcome some of the limitations of conventional passive windows for power consumption, with electrical power being generated from transparent solar cells and the energy flow being governed by the window’s temperature-control scheme. Active energy system incorporating transparent energy platforms for window applications High-transparency (>60%) energy windows have transparent photovoltaics and heaters Transparent heater is driven by power from TPVs for active energy platforms Despite being essential interfaces between interior spaces and their surrounding environments, windows are often considered as being among the least important energy components in buildings, houses, and vehicles. Patel et al. report large-scale transparent photovoltaics and their integration with a transparent heater for an energy-efficient active window unit.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT: IS WHAT WE LOOK AT OR THE PERSPECTIVE WE LOOK FROM MORE IMPORTANT?

This study examined organizational conflict using two alternative research methods. In Study I qualitative data was raised via interviews on workplace conflicts from 40 faculty members and research assistants employed in a public university. In Study II vignettes of conflict scenarios were presented to participants and data were raised from 170 graduate and doctorate students. Vignettes differed in terms of the perspective it assumed; consisting of the subordinate, manager, and the neutral observer perspective. Participants were asked to report their affective reactions (negative and positive), conflict management style (collaborating, compromising, accomodating, avoiding and competing) and ethical evaluations (employee and manager) with regards to the vignettes. Content analysis of interviews revealed that injustice, differences of opinions and miscommunication were among the most frequently reported themes of conflict. Variance analyses were carried out for the vignette study on the above mentioned dependent variables. Main effect of perspective was found for most of the variables, such that subordinate perspective participants experienced higher levels of negative affect in reponse to the conflict; neutral perspective reported higher levels of the use of compromising strategy while subordinate perspective had significantly higher levels of avoiding, accomodating, and competing. In terms of the ethical evaluations of the subordinate and manager characters of the scenarios, each perspective perceived itself as more ethical than the other party. These findings point out the importance of perspective taking and empathy in organizational conflict. Practical implications for conflict resolution are discussed in light of the study findings. Keywords Organizational conflict, qualitative research, business ethics, affect, perspective taking

Research on Energy Saving and Emission Reduction System of Agricultural Project through Carbon Neutral Emission

The environmental challenges posed by greenhouse gas emissions from rural tourism are becoming increasingly severe. Market-based measures are one of the indispensable measures to fill the carbon emission gap of rural tourism. Scenic spots are important nodes in low-carbon or carbon-neutral tourism practices. Based on this research background, based on the perspective of carbon neutrality, the paper discusses the theoretical framework and carbon compensation mechanism for the estimation of net carbon emissions from rural tourism destinations, as well as the impact on the transportation, management and waste carbon emissions of tourist attractions and forest land, grassland, gardens, waters, and beaches. The carbon absorption of the country was measured, and the carbon source and carbon sink of the scenic area were comprehensively evaluated, and then the way to realize the carbon compensation of the traditional village-type rural tourism destination was found.

Online Learning Experience and Challenges of Undergraduate Students During COVID-19

The paper presents a comprehensive view of students' viewpoints on online learning and academic, psychological, domestic, and social problems. The study analyzed different aspects of online learning and their effects on students' lives. This research aimed to analyze the concerns of undergraduate students of the University of Central Punjab. Due to the closure of physical classes and institutes, the data collection for this study was done online through a survey questionnaire structured on google forms. A primary source of data collection was used and a sample of 100 studentsfrom different departments of the University of Central Punjab was approached. Responses to the survey questionnaire served to represent students' stance on online learning. A majority of respondents showed satisfaction over online learning and grading system. Similarly, most of the respondents had a neutral perspective on Microsoft Teams as a learning platform. Assignment submission and attempting quizzes was not a very difficult task for the university students. Poor internet connection was a major issue along with a lack of motivation for students in onlineclasses. The study addressed major issues faced by students during online classes and learning feedback on the shifted system of online classes due to COVID-19.

Online Learning Experience and Challenges of Undergraduate Students During COVID-19

The paper presents a comprehensive view of students' viewpoints on online learning and academic, psychological, domestic, and social problems. The study analyzed different aspects of online learning and their effects on students' lives. This research aimed to analyze the concerns of undergraduate students of the University of Central Punjab. Due to the closure of physical classes and institutes, the data collection for this study was done online through a survey questionnaire structured on google forms. A primary source of data collection was used and a sample of 100 studentsfrom different departments of the University of Central Punjab was approached. Responses to the survey questionnaire served to represent students' stance on online learning. A majority of respondents showed satisfaction over online learning and grading system. Similarly, most of the respondents had a neutral perspective on Microsoft Teams as a learning platform. Assignment submission and attempting quizzes was not a very difficult task for the university students. Poor internet connection was a major issue along with a lack of motivation for students in onlineclasses. The study addressed major issues faced by students during online classes and learning feedback on the shifted system of online classes due to COVID-19.

Smart cities in Ukraine: Prerequisites, international experience and prospects for improving the quality of life

Creating smart cities in Ukraine is a pressing issue given the increasing necessity to integrate innovative methods to enhance the quality of living and establish sustainable urban development. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility of integrating smart city concepts in Ukraine, based on experience of some leading cities worldwide, with a view to improving quality of living. The study findings confirm that smart cities play a crucial role in digital transformation and are a significant aspect of contemporary urban developments. Through examining scientific publications and conducting qualitative interviews with urbanism, economics, and innovation experts, this research has identified the prospects for smart cities in both Ukraine and the global context, thereby offering a neutral perspective on the current state and future prospects of smart cities. Important information about city residents’ attitudes and expectations toward smart cities was collected through questionnaires and surveys. Big data analysis identified trends and patterns in the development of smart cities using specific data and statistics. Economic models were utilized to estimate the financial impact of implementing smart city concepts and their effects on urban community budgets. These research methods aided in comprehending crucial facets of smart cities and their influence on residents’ quality of life. The results of the study may be useful for representatives of city governments implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening the innovation potential of cities and improving the quality of life of citizens

Walzer’s Lessons in Method

Walzer’s Lessons in Method

Research on evaluation and influencing factors of regional ecological efficiency from the perspective of carbon neutrality

Carbon neutrality is an important environmental management tool to deal with the global greenhouse effect. Addressing climate change is an important starting point for promoting the high-quality development of China's economy and the construction of ecological civilization, as well as an important area for participating in global governance and adhering to multilateralism. In this paper, from the perspective of carbon neutrality, taking China's Jiangsu Province as an example, the super-efficiency DEA model is selected to measure the level of ecological efficiency in Jiangsu, and on this basis, the Tobit model is used to verify the main factors affecting regional ecological efficiency. The results are as follows: (1) The regional eco-efficiency in Jiangsu shows a trend of decreasing from south to north, with obvious phenomenon of “club convergence”, with significant spatial correlation and agglomeration. (2) The industrial structure is negatively related to the regional eco-efficiency of Jiangsu regions; Energy consumption structure has a positively impact in southern Jiangsu,but negatively in central and northern Jiangsu; FDI has a positively impact in central and northern Jiangsu, but negatively in southern Jiangsu; Regional economic development has a positively impact in southern and northern Jiangsu, but negatively in central Jiangsu; The progress in the technological level has positive effects on the eco-efficiency of all regions of Jiangsu. The final paper puts forward some suggestions based on the carbon neutral target Provide theoretical reference for achieving the goal of carbon neutrality.

Diagnostic Imaging and Radiomics for Glioma

Radiographic imaging enables minimally invasive observation of internal organs and is an indispensable medical technique for modern medicine. Just as histopathological findings reveal a lesion in the microscopic world, a radiographic image is an observation of the lesion from a macroscopic perspective. Since the discovery of X-rays, the progress of radiographic imaging technology has been remarkable. Radiographic images, which could only be expected to show structural images in the early days, are able to reveal brain functioning and are now anticipated to accomplish the qualitative diagnosis of lesions. However, clinicians will need to return to technical theory for critical evaluation from a neutral perspective. In this paper, we have summarized the "common knowledge," which is indispensable in radiographical diagnosis of glioma, emphasizing the theory of basic neuroradiography and predict the "near future" of radiological images of glioma imaging.