bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance, Integrated Reporting and Environmental Disclosure: Evidence from the South African Context
Authors: Corvino Antonio , Doni Federica , Bianchi Martini Silvio
Published: June 2020

This research aims to investigate how the adoption of King III can affect the corporate governance model of a sample of South African listed companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Particularly, we analyzed the influence of sustainability-related issues of the board of directors (BDs) on firm environmental disclosure, after the mandatory preparation of integrated reporting (IR). In addition, we also examined indepth whether some corporate social policies are able to condition the foregoing disclosure. The empirical study covers the period from 2010 (the first-time adoption of IR in South Africa) to 2015 (the earliest year of the release process regarding King Code of Governance Principles for South Africa 2009 (i.e., King III)). Data were collected by the Bloomberg database. With reference to the BDs features, great attention was paid to both business ethics policy and CEO duality. Instead, with regard to corporate social issues, we looked into the adoption of the policies pertaining to health and safety and the respect for human rights. Following the mandatory preparation of IR, our findings show a positive relationship between business ethics policy and firm environmental disclosure. Contrarily, CEO duality does not exert any effect over the earlier type of corporate reporting. Furthermore, empirical evidence substantiates the association between health safety and human rights policies that are very crucial in an emerging economy, such as South Africa, and firm environmental disclosure. The rationale of such results arguably resides in compliance with King III. Therefore, this study can provide interesting insights, given that its mandatory adoption might reveal an important turning point in the development of corporate governance codes, as well as being a “driver” for potential enhancements of firm environmental disclosure, inter alia, in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.6.
Social Farming: Heterogeneity in Social and Agricultural Relationships
Authors: Genova Angela , Maccaroni Martina , Viganò Elena
Published: June 2020

Social farming (SF) has emerged as a social innovation practice shaping heterogeneous approaches and results. This study discusses the complexity of SF policy and practices, and it is led by the main hypothesis that the relationship between agricultural and social dimensions might be very heterogeneous, not only in different national contexts but also within the same national and local level. SF policy and practices are investigated testing the hypothesis of three main different modalities of interaction according to how the social and the agricultural perspectives interact. In the first, social target is not involved in the production system of the farm and the farm is the context where actions and measures of a social nature take place. In the second type of interaction, the farm employs the beneficiaries in some of its production activities collaborating with the social services. The third is where the farm organizes its activities to actively employ targeted people to enhance their social inclusion and integration in the community. Italian SF policy and practices are analyzed as case study, through the lens of sociological critical discourse analysis regarding the regional regulatory documents, and interviews for local case studies. The results of the study show that SF policy and practices might be very heterogeneous also within the same national and local level, outlining different hybridization of social and agriculture actions that can be properly analyzed through the three SF model proposal. This study contributes to the broader debate on the various dimensions of sustainability, suggesting the need for further research on the efficiency of SF as local development model sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms.
Urban Morphology Promotes Urban Vibrancy from the Spatiotemporal and Synergetic Perspectives: A Case Study Using Multisource Data in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Li Sijia , Wu Chao , Lin Yu , Li Zhengyang , Du Qingyun
Published: June 2020

Urban vibrancy is the key and the foundation for monitoring the status of urban spatial development, assisting in data-driven urban development planning and realizing sustainable urban development. Based on a dataset of multisource geographical big data, the understanding and analysis of urban vibrancy can be deepened with fine granularity. The working framework in this study focuses on the comprehensive perspective of urban morphology, which is decomposed into two dimensions (formality and functionality) and four elements (road, block, building, point of interest). The geographically and temporally weighted regression model was first applied to determine the spatiotemporal effect of the morphological metrics on vibrancy, and then, the geographical detector was employed from the perspective of spatially stratified heterogeneity to reveal the synergetic impacts. The following findings were revealed. (1) Dense street networks, small and medium-sized blocks, and the diversification and intensification of building and land use are beneficial to urban vibrancy. (2) Under the premise of adapting to local conditions, urban spaces combine multiple morphological metrics for the accomplishment of a full-region and all-time vibrancy. (3) The mixture of urban functions is worthy of attention for vibrancy growth because of its extraordinary synergy, not its capacity. Morphological metrics serve to foster and prolong urban vibrancy, adapt to urban sustainability, and contend against inefficient, disorderly urban sprawl. These findings provide significant implications for urban planners/designers and policymakers to optimize urban morphology, improve the vibrancy in large cities, and implement high-quality city planning.
Circular Economy Innovation and Environmental Sustainability Impact on Economic Growth: An Integrated Model for Sustainable Development
Authors: Hysa Eglantina , Kruja Alba , Rehman Naqeeb Ur , Laurenti Rafael
Published: June 2020

This study examines the link between selected indicators of a circular economy, including essential components of environmental and economic growth. Developed economies are continuously innovating to promote growth and giving governmental support to the producers to move from linear economies to circular ones. Hence, waste materials in industrial systems are recycled or re-used, improving the efficiency of using finite resources with the no-waste approach. The aim of this paper is the following: (1) to identify the main components of a circular economy, which are also supportive of sustainability and development; (2) to check the impact of these variables in the economic growth of European Union countries; (3) to find out if the three components of sustainable development adopted to circular economy (CE) indicators (environmental–social–economic) are significant to economic growth. We used a fixed effect panel data analysis to identify the circular economy’s impact on the economic growth of European countries. Additionally, to support the results of the regression analysis, we employed a second method—generalized methods of moments—computing the Arellano–Bond dynamic panel data estimation method. The model included five independent variables, such as environmental tax rate, a recycling rate of waste, private investment and jobs in a circular economy, patents related to recycling, and trade of recyclable raw materials. The identification of each variable was made based on a deep search through literature. The results of both econometric models showed a strong and positive correlation between a circular economy to economic growth, highlighting the crucial role of sustainability, innovation, and investment in no-waste initiatives to promote wealth.
Application of Time Series Models in Business Research: Correlation, Association, Causation
Authors: Rezaee Zabihollah , Aliabadi Sara , Dorestani Alireza , Rezaee Nick J.
Published: June 2020

Time series models are used to determine relationships, spot patterns, and detect abnormalities and irregularities among data. We explore the application of time series analyses in business research by discussing the differences among correlation, association, and Granger causality and providing insight into their proper use in the sustainability literature. In statistics, two correlation coefficients are typically calculated. The first one is the Pearson correlation coefficient and the second is the Spearman correlation coefficient. In the commonly used correlation analysis (the Pearson and the Spearman correlation coefficients), the focus is primarily on the changes in two variables regardless of the effects of other variables. On the contrary, in association analyses, the researcher examines the relationship between two variables while holding the effects of other related variables constant (ceteris paribus). In the study of the causation, or the cause–effect relationship between two variables, researchers are concerned about the effect of variable X on variable Y. The difficulty of achieving the third condition of causation is believed to be the main reason that in business literature causations are rarely used. The difficulty of achieving a causal relationship between two variables has moved researchers toward a special form of causation called “Granger causality”. We offer practical examples for correlation, association, causation, and the Granger causality and discuss their main differences and show how the use of a linear regression is inappropriate when the true relationship is non-linear. Finally, we discuss the policy, practical, and educational implications of our study.
A Meta-Analytic Approach to Predict Methane Emissions from Dairy Goats Using Milk Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: Requena Francisco , Peña Francisco , Agüera Estrella , Marín Andrés Martínez
Published: June 2020

The aim of this work was to develop an equation to predict methane yield (CH4, g/kg dry matter intake) from dairy goats using milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Data from 12 research papers (30 treatments and 223 individual observations) were used in a meta-regression. Since most of the selected studies did not extensively report milk fat composition, palmitic acid (C16:0) was selected as a potential predictor. The obtained equation was: CH4 (g/kg dry matter intake) = 0.525 × C16:0 (% in milk fat). The coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.46), the root mean square error of prediction (RMSPE = 3.16 g/kg dry matter intake), and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC = 0.65) indicated that the precision, accuracy and reproducibility of the model were moderate. The relationship between CH4 yield and C16:0 content in milk fat would be supported by the fact that diet characteristics that increase the amount of available hydrogen in the rumen for archaea to produce CH4, simultaneously favor the conditions for the synthesis of C16:0 in the mammary gland. The obtained equation might be useful, along with previous published equations based on diet characteristics, to evaluate the environmental impact of dairy goat farming.
Sustainability Living Labs as a Methodological Approach to Research on the Cultural Drivers of Sustainable Development
Authors: Baran Grzegorz , Berkowicz Aleksandra
Published: June 2020

Given that culture-driven processes cannot be researched and designed if taken out from the real-life environment, an appropriate methodology to study the impact of culture on sustainable development is needed. The aim of the research was to develop a model of a sustainability living lab as a methodological approach based on the living lab concept and its capabilities to study the cultural drivers of sustainable development. The research was carried out with use of the conceptual research framework based on analyzing existing knowledge on cognitive processes within living laboratories and their interpretation in the light of the relationship between culture and sustainable development. First, the results of the analysis of sustainability cultural drivers and the living lab concept are presented, which constitute the research framework of the study. Then, the main contribution as a novel theoretical concept of sustainability living lab is elaborated and discussed. The novelty of this approach to research on the cultural drivers of sustainable development is based on linking together in a coherent model the consequences of the dual nature of culture and the arguments for conducting such research beyond the limitations of closed laboratories towards the highly dynamic environment of real life.
Managing Tourist Destinations According to the Principles of the Social Economy: The Case of the Les Oiseaux de Passage Cooperative Platform
Authors: Miedes-Ugarte Blanca , Flores-Ruiz David , Wanner Prosper
Published: June 2020

Two key factors that need to be considered in the management of tourist destinations are the model of governance that is adopted and the kind of technology that is employed. Poor decisions in this regard can have serious consequences for sustainability in accordance with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This case-study analyses the outcomes of an axiological and practical application of cooperative principles, with appropriate technological support, to the territorial governance of travel and hospitality services. It focuses on the implementation of an R&D+i project to create an online cooperative platform managing 40 destinations. The practical application of these principles is seen to require a shift in perspective, not only in terms of the conception of territory, going from a space of purely capital valorisation to a commonly-held co-constructed heritage asset, but also in the approach to the use of technology, which favours peer-based collective intelligence over blind artificial intelligence. The most notable features of the model identified by the findings are increased proximity and inclusiveness on the part of users, and enhanced sustainability. With respect to the technological platform, the analysis indicates that it is scalable and replicable, as demonstrated by the growth from 7 to 40 destinations in a single year.
On the Way to Eco-Innovations in Agriculture: Concepts, Implementation and Effects at National and Local Level. The Case of Poland
Authors: Dudek Michał , Wrzaszcz Wioletta
Published: June 2020

The aim of the study was to provide the examples of eco-innovations in agriculture relating to the concept of sustainable development and the indication of their conditions. Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied to the research, namely: descriptive statistical and economic analysis of the Polish Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) data and Statistics Poland data, as well as case studies of organic food producers, covering the years 2005–2019. Indicated information sources, encompassing long time span of analysis and various data collections, allowed presenting the complementary picture of eco-innovations at the sector and farm levels. The research examined the different types of ecological innovations in Polish agriculture, including: (1) organisational innovations with an institutional background (e.g., the organic farming support and greening mechanism of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)—implemented in the family farming sector); and (2) the product, marketing, process and organisational innovations in selected organic farms that were individual farmers’ initiatives. On the one hand, the research documented the effectiveness of new agricultural policy solutions in the agricultural sector that are examples of organisational eco-innovations. During 2005–2016, the certification system, as well as policy support, contributed to the development of organic farms in Poland in terms of the growth in the share of this type of holdings in total (from 0.5% to 4.6%) and in the overall utilised agricultural area (UAA) (from 0.3% to 3.7%). Moreover, during 2014–2015, as a result of the greening in agricultural holdings, the area sown with pulses and papilionaceous, i.e., crops improving soil structure and protecting soils, rose by 174% and 161%, respectively. On the other hand, the case studies conducted showed that the food producers’ knowledge and skills combined with a favourable local economic and social situation, as well as institutional support, played a key role in the process of the emergence of eco-innovations. Among those factors, the respondents’ individual characteristics associated with attitudes towards farming and the social, human and physical capital passed on by family members should be highlighted. This paper contributes to existing literature in two ways. First, this study combines both quantitative and qualitative (including in-depth interviews) approaches to eco-innovations at the micro and macro level of analysis. Second, by differentiating two approaches to ecological innovations, namely the conventional and the sustainable, the article indicates and considers the key factors favourable to the latter.
Hydroglycerolic Solvent and Ultrasonication Pretreatment: A Green Blend for High-Efficiency Extraction of Salvia fruticosa Polyphenols
Authors: Grigorakis Spyros , Halahlah Abedalghani , Makris Dimitris P.
Published: June 2020

Salvia fruticosa Miller, also known as Cretan or Greek sage, is a medicinal plant with significant biological properties, which are largely ascribed to its polyphenolic composition, but there is to-date a scarcity of green and sustainable processes for efficient polyphenol extraction from this plant. The objective of this study was the implementation of an extraction process that would combine a green solvent based on glycerol, a biodiesel industry by-product, and ultrasonication pretreatment. Ultrasonication for 40 min followed by stirred-tank extraction was shown to provide significantly higher total polyphenol yield than mere stirred-tank extraction, while kinetics indicated 50 °C as the most favorable temperature, with the yield being 92 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g dry mass. Comparison of this method with a previously developed one that used methyl β-cyclodextrin revealed that the extracts obtained had similar antioxidant activity, and yield in major polyphenols including luteolin 7-O-glucuronide and rosmarinic acid was virtually equal. The current process is proposed as a sustainable and effective methodology for the generation of polyphenol-enriched extracts from S. fruticosa, which could be used as effective food antioxidants/antimicrobials and/or cosmetic constituents.
Artificial Intelligence in the Agri-Food System: Rethinking Sustainable Business Models in the COVID-19 Scenario
Authors: Di Vaio Assunta , Boccia Flavio , Landriani Loris , Palladino Rosa
Published: June 2020

The aim of the paper is to investigate the artificial intelligence (AI) function in agri-food industry, as well as the role of stakeholders in its supply chain. Above all, from the beginning of the new millennium, scholars and practitioners have paid an increasing attention to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in operational processes management and challenges for new business models, in a sustainable and socially responsible perspective. Thus, the stakeholders can assume a proactive or marginal role in the value creation for business, according to their own environmental awareness. These issues appear still “open” in some industries, such as the agri-food system, where the adoption of new technologies requires rethinking and redesigning the whole business model. Methodologically, we brought forward an in-depth review of the literature about major articles in this field. Especially, the study has been conducted following two phases: firstly, we extracted from scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) and studied relevant articles; secondly, we analyzed the selected articles. The findings highlight interesting issues about AI towards a “space economy” to achieve sustainable and responsible business models, also in the perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Financial Sustainability of Selected Rain Water Harvesting Systems for Single-Family House under Conditions of Eastern Poland
Authors: Musz-Pomorska Anna , Widomski Marcin K. , Gołębiowska Justyna
Published: June 2020

Recent climate changes limiting the available water resources require careful sustainable water management in the cities, the locations of highest drinking water consumption and sanitary sewage and stormwater generation. Over 50% of water demand in the residential areas of cities cover activities in which non-potable water could be used, e.g., toilets and laundry facilities, cleaning, garden irrigation and washing vehicles. Thus, rain water harvesting (RWH) systems are the sustainable alternative water supply, lowering drinking water consumption, by the usage of non-potable harvested water, and limiting the anthropopressure on natural water reservoirs. However, in many cases the social acceptance of RWH and willingness to pay may be affected by financial sustainability, including the affordability and profitability of the investment. This paper presents a case study concerning the financial sustainability of thirteen designs of RWH systems for a single-family house under the climatic and economic conditions of Eastern Poland, one of the poorest regions of the European Union. The financial sustainability of the tested RWH designs were based on indictors of cost-efficiency: dynamic generation cost, payback period, net present value and benefit–cost ratio. The performed analyses showed the limited profitability of the studied RWH designs and the insufficient governmental financial support which may significantly affect the social sustainability of the designs under the local conditions.
Innovations in Agritourism: Evidence from a Region in Poland
Authors: Roman Michał , Roman Monika , Prus Piotr
Published: June 2020

The objective of the article is to present the study of agritourism innovativeness. The analysis covers agritourism farms in Poland. It is also essential to identify the factors affecting the process of implementing innovation in agritourism. The objective of the article is to formulate conclusions on the impact of innovations on the development of agritourism and the competitiveness of agritourism farms that can be used by representatives of various agritourism-supporting institutions and organizations. A diagnostic survey–study was conducted in 2018, applying a survey questionnaire with a sample of 81 self-employed agritourism farm owners. Ward’s hierarchical clustering method was applied to group the counties in terms of innovativeness. For this purpose, the data provided by the central statistics authority (GUS) and the authors’ own survey study were used. The study confirms, e.g., the key significance of innovation for the development of agritourism in the counties analyzed. Additionally, in the article there is developed an original farm’s competitive positioning index and gaining a competitive advantage on the agritourism services market, with three farms in Germany, France and Poland, respectively as an example.
Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: M. Tahat Monther , M. Alananbeh Kholoud , A. Othman Yahia , I. Leskovar Daniel
Published: June 2020

A healthy soil acts as a dynamic living system that delivers multiple ecosystem services, such as sustaining water quality and plant productivity, controlling soil nutrient recycling decomposition, and removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Soil health is closely associated with sustainable agriculture, because soil microorganism diversity and activity are the main components of soil health. Agricultural sustainability is defined as the ability of a crop production system to continuously produce food without environmental degradation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), cyanobacteria, and beneficial nematodes enhance water use efficiency and nutrient availability to plants, phytohormones production, soil nutrient cycling, and plant resistance to environmental stresses. Farming practices have shown that organic farming and tillage improve soil health by increasing the abundance, diversity, and activity of microorganisms. Conservation tillage can potentially increase grower’s profitability by reducing inputs and labor costs as compared to conventional tillage while organic farming might add extra management costs due to high labor demands for weeding and pest control, and for fertilizer inputs (particularly N-based), which typically have less consistent uniformity and stability than synthetic fertilizers. This review will discuss the external factors controlling the abundance of rhizosphere microbiota and the impact of crop management practices on soil health and their role in sustainable crop production.
Job Satisfaction and Problems among Academic Staff in Higher Education
Authors: Szromek Adam R. , Wolniak Radosław
Published: June 2020

The role of a scientist in society is undoubtedly extremely important. This thesis was particularly confirmed by the global events of the beginning of the third decade of the 21st century, when the spread of the COVID-19 virus revealed the helplessness of humanity in the face of a pandemic. Only intensive scientific work, having an interdisciplinary character, gives hope to stop the development of the spread of the virus. It turned out that it is scientists who are necessary to reduce mortality and morbidity, as well as the negative effects of a pandemic on the economy and public health. In this regard, it is worth discussing whether the scientific work of scientists is satisfying for them? Nowadays, the scientist is demanded for immediate effects of scientific research, implementation of inventions tailored to the emerging needs, and quick solutions to the problems of a dynamically changing society. However, along with the growing social expectations towards researchers, is their work increasingly appreciated? The aim of this article is getting to assess the level of satisfaction with scientific work among researchers and to identify the factors that influence its level. The article presents the results of research conducted on a random sample of 763 academics from Poland. The conducted scientific studies have established that: (1) The level of satisfaction of researchers concerning their own scientific work depends on employment conditions, as well as the social significance of the research carried out, (2) the level of satisfaction from work is closely correlated with the scientific opportunities of researchers (that is, the possibility of academic and didactic work, contact with students and co-workers) and negatively correlated with the necessity to carry out administrative work, and (3) the majority of Polish researchers are proud of their scientific achievements and treat their profession as a passion or vocation.
Influence of Aged Biochar Modified by Cd2+ on Soil Properties and Microbial Community
Authors: Li Kun , Yin Guangcai , Xu Qiuyuan , Yan Junhua , Hseu Zeng-Yei , Zhu Liwei , Lin Qintie
Published: June 2020

Biochar is a promising addition for cadmium-contaminated soil in-situ remediation, but its surface properties change after aging, cadmium adsorption is not well-documented, and subsequent environmental effects are still unknown. In this study, wood-derived (Eucalyptus saligna Sm.) biochar was pre-treated to simulate aging and the cadmium sorption process. We then analyzed the resulting physicochemical characteristics. We conducted comparative incubation studies on three age stages of biochar under cadmium adsorption or no cadmium adsorption and then measured soil properties and microbial communities after incubation. Biochar addition raised soil organic carbon (SOC), and aging significantly increased C/N ratios. Aged biochar promoted higher microbial abundance. Aged biochar treatments possessed different microflora with more gram-positive bacteria, significantly altering gram-positive/gram-negative bacteria ratios. Aging significantly increased the oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs) and surface area (SA) of biochar. Thus, aged biochar adsorbed more cadmium. Cadmium-binding biochar increased the proportion of gram-negative bacteria and decreased the proportions of gram-positive bacteria and fungi. Similar patterns in phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) across adsorption treatments indicated that changes in microbial communities due to the effects of cadmium were confined. The results reveal that biochar aging altered microbial community structure and function more than cadmium binding.
Sustainable Use of Waste Polypropylene Fibers and Palm Oil Fuel Ash in the Production of Novel Prepacked Aggregate Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Alrshoudi Fahed , Mohammadhosseini Hossein , Md. Tahir Mahmood , Alyousef Rayed , Alghamdi Hussam , Alharbi Yousef R. , Alsaif Abdulaziz
Published: June 2020

This study proposed the prepacked aggregates fiber-reinforced concrete (PAFRC), which is a newly developed concrete, with a unique combination of coarse aggregate and short polypropylene (PP) fiber that is premixed and placed in the formworks. This study aims to investigate the potential use of waste polypropylene fibers and palm oil fuel ash (POFA) in the production of PAFRC to enhance the strength and deformation properties. The compressive strength, impact-resistant, drying shrinkage, and microstructural analysis of PAFRC were investigated experimentally. Six mixes comprising fiber volume fractions from 0–1.25% with a length of 30 mm were cast by gravity technique. Another six mixtures with the same fiber volume fractions were cast using a pump to inject the grout into the formwork. The experimental outcomes exposed that with the addition of PP carpet fiber, the compressive strength of PAFRC decreased. Nevertheless, PAFRC mixes shown a remarkable improvement in the tensile strength. The combination of POFA and PP fibers in PAFRC specimens led to higher impact strength and increasing the ductility of concrete. In addition, the drying shrinkage of PAFRC reduced significantly with the addition of waste PP fibers. It can be concluded that due to the adequate strength and deformation properties, PAFRC is the potential to be used as innovative fiber reinforced concrete in several applications.
Capturing Transgressive Learning in Communities Spiraling towards Sustainability
Authors: Macintyre Thomas , Tassone Valentina C. , Wals Arjen E. J.
Published: June 2020

This empirical paper addresses the need for more in depth understanding of signs and characteristics of transgressive learning in a context of runaway climate change. In a world characterized by systemic global dysfunction, there is an urgency to foster rapid systemic change which can steer our paths towards meeting the SDG goals. The contention of this paper is that, although there is a need for rapid change, it is fundamental to understand how such change can come about, so as to co-create and investigate learning environments and forms of learning that can lead to a systemic change towards sustainability. Anchored in the emerging concept of transgressive learning, this article employs the innovative Living Spiral model to track critical learning moments by facilitators and participants in multi-stakeholder Transformation Labs (T-Labs), which took place in 2017/2018 in various grassroots sustainability initiatives in Colombia and The Netherlands. The results of the analysis highlight the importance of the values of “acknowledging uncertainty”, “community”, and “relationality” in disrupting world-views through promoting reflexivity in participants and facilitators. This paper concludes that more research on the power dynamics of “absences” in transformative research is needed to better capture the challenges of overcoming sustainability challenges.
mD-Resilience: A Multi-Dimensional Approach for Resilience-Based Performance Assessment in Urban Transportation
Authors: Khaghani Farnaz , Jazizadeh Farrokh
Published: June 2020

As demonstrated for extreme events, the resilience concept is used to evaluate the ability of a transportation system to resist and recover from disturbances. Motivated by the high cumulative impact of recurrent perturbations on transportation systems, we have investigated resilience quantification as a performance assessment method for high-probability low-impact (HPLI) disturbances such as traffic congestions. Resilience-based metrics are supplementary to conventional travel-time-based indices in literature. However, resilience is commonly quantified as a scalar variable despite its multi-dimensional nature. Accordingly, by hypothesizing increased information gain in performance assessment, we have investigated a multi-dimensional approach (mD-Resilience) for resilience quantification. Examining roadways’ resilience to recurrent congestions as a contributor to sustainable mobility, we proposed to measure resilience with several attributes that characterize the degradation stage, the recovery stage, and possible recovery paths. These attributes were integrated into a performance index by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) as a non-parametric method. We demonstrated the increased information gain by quantifying the performance of major freeways in Los Angeles, California using Performance Measurement System (PeMS) data. The comparison of mD-Resilience approach with the method based on area under resilience curves showed its potential in distinguishing the severity of congestions. Furthermore, we showed that mD-Resilience also characterizes performance from the lens of delay and bottleneck severities.
The Adsorption of Ammonium Nitrogen from Milking Parlor Wastewater Using Pomegranate Peel Powder for Sustainable Water, Resources, and Waste Management
Authors: Hodúr Cecilia , Bellahsen Naoufal , Mikó Edit , Nagypál Virág , Šereš Zita , Kertész Szabolcs
Published: June 2020

Agricultural wastewater poses serious risks to the environment due to how it is injudiciously used and managed. We investigated the use of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) to adsorb ammonium ions from milking parlor wastewater, which is applied as a nitrogen source for cropland fertilization despite its environmental ramifications. As a valueless by-product of juice and jam industries, PPP shows promising features and characteristics as a potential bio-adsorbent for ammonium nitrogen removal and recovery. The surface characterization of PPP was performed by zeta potential measurement and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis. The adsorption studies were carried out by batch experiments where the initial ammonium nitrogen (NH4–N) concentration of studied wastewater was 80 mg/L. The effects of different operational parameters, such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, stirring speed, and temperature, were investigated. From kinetic studies, the equilibrium time was found to be 120 min, achieving an 81.8% removal synonym of ~2.5 mg/g NH4–N uptake. The adsorption isotherm data fitted well with Langmuir model with correlation (R2) > 0.99. Meanwhile, the kinetics followed pseudo-second order model with correlation (R2) > 0.99.
Analysis of Run-Off-Road Accidents by Association Rule Mining and Geographic Information System Techniques on Imbalanced Datasets
Authors: Jiang Feifeng , Yuen Kwok Kit Richard , Lee Eric Wai Ming , Ma Jun
Published: June 2020

Run-off-road (ROR) accidents cause a large proportion of fatalities on roads. Exploring key factors is an effective method to reduce fatalities and improve safety sustainability. However, some limitations exist in current studies: (1) Datasets of ROR accidents have imbalance problems, in which the samples of fatal accidents (FA) are much less than non-fatal accidents (NFA). Data mining methods on such imbalanced datasets make the results biased. (2) Few studies conducted spatial analysis of ROR accidents in visualization. Therefore, this study proposes an association rule mining (ARM)-based framework to analyze ROR accidents on imbalanced datasets. A novel method is proposed to address the imbalance problem and ARM is applied to analyze accident severity. Geographic information system (GIS) is adopted for spatial analysis of ROR accidents. The proposed framework is applied to ROR accidents in Victoria, Australia. Six FA factors and seven NFA factors are identified from two-item rules. The results of three-item rules indicate factors acting interactively increase the likelihood of FA or NFA. Hot spots of ROR accidents are presented by GIS maps. Effective measures are accordingly proposed to improve road safety. Compared with traditional data-balancing methods, the proposed framework has been validated to provide more robust and reliable results on imbalanced datasets.
Dynamic Convergence of Green Total Factor Productivity in Chinese Cities
Authors: Peng Yuanxin , Chen Zhuo , Lee Jay
Published: June 2020

China’s energy consumption in urban areas accounts for a large proportion of total energy consumption, and many pollutants are emitted with the energy consumption. Considering the requirement for green development of economy, it is necessary to study the green total factor productivity (GTFP) in cities. In this study, the Malmquist index, spatial autocorrelation analysis and convergence analysis are used to analyze the GTFP for 263 prefectural or higher-level cities in China. The results show a growing trend of values measured by the GTFP in Chinese cities, indicating an increase in efficiency. In addition. the eastern region has the highest efficiency, followed by the central region while the lowest being the western region. The calculated values of GTFP show a relatively strong overall spatial clustering with some local high-high clusters of high index values. GTFP also shows relatively weak divergence and no sign of convergence. Thus, we propose that, to improve GTFP and narrow the gap between regions, it would be necessary to enhance technological progress and restructuring industrial productivity in cities.
Research Progress on Soil Seed Bank: A Bibliometrics Analysis
Authors: Shi Zhaoji , Zhang Jiaen , Wei Hui
Published: June 2020

The soil seed bank (SSB) is a natural bank of viable seeds in the soil or on its surface. Researches on SSB have accumulated extensively worldwide, but have seldom been visualized and quantitatively analyzed. In this paper, publications related to SSB from 1900 to 2019 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database, and reviewed and analyzed using CiteSpace. Annual publications distribution, co-occurrence analysis, collaboration network analysis, co-citation analysis and burst detection were all conducted. The results showed that (1) the number of SSB publications had increased rapidly and is still a hotspot; (2) SSB study is an interdisciplinary field mainly concentrated in ecology, environmental science, and plant science; (3) close research cooperation occurred among European countries which were more influential, whereas the USA was the most active country; (4) soil seed genetic diversity, seed persistence, seed trait, restoration potential and restoration projects, and spatial and temporal variation were the main research areas. (5) R language and linear mixed effects models are currently popular in SSB research. Invasive species, weed control, restoration potential and restoration projects, seed traits (especially seed longevity and dormancy), and SSB responses to environment changes (especially climate change and fire) are newly emerging trends in the research.
Place-Based Pathways to Sustainability: Exploring Alignment between Geographical Indications and the Concept of Agroecology Territories in Wales
Authors: Owen Luke , Udall Donna , Franklin Alex , Kneafsey Moya
Published: June 2020

Geographical Indications (GIs) are regarded as important endogenous rural development mechanisms by the European Union. GIs have proven successful for some producers in some regions, delivering higher added value and safeguarding a product’s identity and heritage through the notion of terroir. Within the context of a gradual “greening” of GIs, this paper opens up questions about what potential they might have for transitions to agroecology territories, which are spaces engaged in a transition process towards sustainable agri-food systems. Using the Food and Agricultural Organization’s 10 elements of agroecology as a lens, we discuss whether GIs can serve as levers in delivering sustainable agri-food transitions, drawing on the case of the devolved nation of Wales. We base our narrative on a content analysis of GI product specification documents and data from interviews with GI stakeholders. Our case study illustrates that the discourse within the regulatory framework of some Welsh GIs has shifted from one of technicality towards the integration of some agroecology elements in more recent GI product specifications. In this respect, we argue that there is evidence of a “first generation” and “second generation” assortment of GIs in Wales. However, any potential for levering an overall transition within this scheme towards an agroecology territory remains constrained by the piecemeal embedding of agroecology. The incorporation of agroecology is emerging primarily from the ground-up—driven by independent organizational and place-based collective action, but unaccompanied, as yet, by any parallel shift amongst supporting administrative and regulatory authorities. We also discuss the importance of reflexive governance if GIs are to be viable pathways for sustainability transitions. As such, the capacity for GIs to facilitate quality-led place-based food systems that enhance increasingly threatened environmental resources is contingent upon stakeholders adopting a territorial, reflexive governance approach.
A Complex Systems Analysis of the Water-Energy Nexus in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Andrew Huey Ping , Yap Eng Hwa , Abakr Yousif Abdalla
Published: June 2020

Water security plays a crucial role in maintaining livelihoods, especially emerging economies. In Malaysia, understanding the inter-relationships of water within the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus is at its infancy. This paper investigates the interactions of the water sector with energy sector in Malaysia, through the lenses of WEF nexus, using system dynamics. The first part of the research involves qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the water sectors, which provides validation for the initial causal loop relationships built and qualitative inputs of the water-energy nexus through the lenses of the water sector. The second part of the research is a quantitative simulation of stock and flow based on four carefully designed scenarios revolving around Malaysian water security. Key findings include an apparent disconnect between the states and federal governments in managing water supply, poor economic sustainability of the water supply and services industry, and significant energy use in the water sector. On the other hand, environmental impacts stemming from the water sector is minimal. Streamlining water governance and revising water tariffs have thus been suggested as policy recommendations, where their implementation could propagate into downstream benefits for the energy sector.
A Putative Role of de-Mono-ADP-Ribosylation of STAT1 by the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 Protein in the Cytokine Storm Syndrome of COVID-19
Authors: Claverie Jean-Michel
Published: June 2020

As more cases of COVID-19 are studied and treated worldwide, it had become apparent that the lethal and most severe cases of pneumonia are due to an out-of-control inflammatory response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. I explored the putative causes of this specific feature through a detailed genomic comparison with the closest SARS-CoV-2 relatives isolated from bats, as well as previous coronavirus strains responsible for the previous epidemics (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV). The high variability region of the nsp3 protein was confirmed to exhibit the most variations between closest strains. It was then studied in the context of physiological and molecular data available in the literature. A number of convergent findings suggest de-mono-ADP-ribosylation (de-MARylation) of STAT1 by the SARS-CoV-2 nsp3 as a putative cause of the cytokine storm observed in the most severe cases of COVID-19. This may suggest new therapeutic approaches and help in designing assays to predict the virulence of naturally circulating SARS-like animal coronaviruses.
Immune Response to Herpes Simplex Virus Infection and Vaccine Development
Authors: Ike Anthony C. , Onu Chisom J. , Ononugbo Chukwuebuka M. , Reward Eleazar E. , Muo Sophia O.
Published: June 2020

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are among the most common viral infections and usually last for a lifetime. The virus can potentially be controlled with vaccines since humans are the only known host. However, despite the development and trial of many vaccines, this has not yet been possible. This is normally attributed to the high latency potential of the virus. Numerous immune cells, particularly the natural killer cells and interferon gamma and pathways that are used by the body to fight HSV infections have been identified. On the other hand, the virus has developed different mechanisms, including using different microRNAs to inhibit apoptosis and autophagy to avoid clearance and aid latency induction. Both traditional and new methods of vaccine development, including the use of live attenuated vaccines, replication incompetent vaccines, subunit vaccines and recombinant DNA vaccines are now being employed to develop an effective vaccine against the virus. We conclude that this review has contributed to a better understanding of the interplay between the immune system and the virus, which is necessary for the development of an effective vaccine against HSV.
Diva
Authors: Ohlsson Hélène
Published: June 2020

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Materiality
Authors: Graham Mark
Published: June 2020

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Queer
Authors: Edenheim Sara
Published: June 2020

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Wildness
Authors: Halberstam Jack
Published: June 2020

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Collagenofibrotic Glomerulopathy: Report a Rare Case
Authors: Agarwal Rakesh , Baid Rashmi , Mukhopadhyay Jotideb
Published: June 2020

Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy is a rare clinical entity with fewer than 40 cases reported worldwide. We describe a case of adult onset nephrotic syndrome with partial villous atrophy of the intestine who was diagnosed with this rare entity. Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy is characterized by subendothelial and mesangial collagen type III deposition and increased procollagen III peptide levels. Extra renal involvement has been described in the form of hypertension, anemia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia but villous atrophy has not been associated with this condition so far, possibly reflecting the paucity of literature. We describe this case and review the condition in this report.