bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience through Soil Organic Carbon Restoration in Sub-Saharan Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Taylor Alex , Wynants Maarten , Munishi Linus , Kelly Claire , Mtei Kelvin , Mkilema Francis , Ndakidemi Patrick , Nasseri Mona , Kalnins Alice , Patrick Aloyce , Gilvear David , Blake William
Published: October 2021

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is widely recognised as pivotal in soil function, exerting important controls on soil structure, moisture retention, nutrient cycling and biodiversity, which in turn underpins a range of provisioning, supporting and regulatory ecosystem services. SOC stocks in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are threatened by changes in land practice and climatic factors, which destabilises the soil system and resilience to continued climate change. Here, we provide a review of the role of SOC in overall soil health and the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and building SOC stocks in SSA. As an exemplar national case, we focus on Tanzania where we provide context under research for the “Jali Ardhi” (Care for the Land) Project. The review details (i) the role of SOC in soil systems; (ii) sustainable land management (SLM) techniques for maintaining and building SOC; (iii) barriers (environmental, economic and social) to SLM implementation; and (iv) opportunities for overcoming barriers to SLM adoption. We provide evidence for the importance of site-specific characterisation of the biophysicochemical and socio-economic context for effective climate adaptation. In particular, we highlight the importance of SOC pools for soil function and the need for practitioners to consider the type of biomass returns to the soil to achieve healthy, balanced systems. In line with the need for local-scale site characterisation we discuss the use of established survey protocols alongside opportunities to complement these with recent technologies, such as rapid in situ scanning tools and aerial surveys. We discuss how these tools can be used to improve soil health assessments and develop critical understanding of landscape connectivity and the management of shared resources under co-design strategies.
Measuring Energy Poverty and Its Impact on Economic Growth in Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Shafqut , Khan Muhammad , Yoon Seong-Min
Published: October 2021

During the last two decades, energy poverty has captured the growing attention of researchers and policymakers due to its strong association with economic poverty and poor economic performance. This study uses a broad set of macro level indicators and makes the first attempt to measure energy poverty and its impact on economic growth of Pakistan over the period of 1990 to 2017. Our energy poverty indicator considers four main dimensions of energy poverty, namely, energy services, clean energy, energy governance and energy affordability. A composite value of the energy poverty index shows that although the overall energy poverty has reduced in Pakistan during the selected sample period, the country shows an increasing dependence on polluted energy supply to meet its growing energy demand. In the second stage of investigation, the study tests the neoclassical growth theory where we incorporate energy poverty along with human capital as a source of economic growth. The main findings show a stable short-run cointegration between energy poverty and economic growth. These strong negative linkages between energy poverty and economic growth for the sample economy complement the previous literature on the subject.
Effects of Personal Construal Levels and Team Role Ambiguity on the Group Investigation of Junior High School Students’ Programming Ability
Authors: Chuang Huan-Ming , Lee Chia-Cheng
Published: October 2021

Concerns regarding the high demand for skilled personnel in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields underline the importance of developing advanced information technology (IT) and programming skills among job candidates. In the past 10 years, computer programming has regained considerable attention because of rapid developments in computer programming technology. Advocates claim that computer programming cultivates other skills, including problem solving, logical thinking, and creativity. Education systems worldwide are developing courses to instruct students in programming and computational thinking. Although the importance of computer programming has been widely recognized, the systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching methods and conditions that promote the learning of programming knowledge and skills has received little scholarly attention. This study thus investigated the moderating roles of learners’ construal levels and their team role ambiguity in the context of group investigation in junior high school programing courses. In this study, junior high school students were divided into pairs to develop Arduino projects. Students applied programming abilities to complete a task involving the use of Arduino boards to simulate the operation of traffic lights. Major research findings indicate that construal levels play a significant role in moderating the relationship between programming ability and learning outcome; however, role ambiguity does not significantly affect this relationship. Theoretical implications are discussed, and managerial implications are suggested.
CO2 Emission Optimization of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Rectangular Stub Columns Using Metaheuristic Algorithms
Authors: Cakiroglu Celal , Islam Kamrul , Bekdaş Gebrail , Kim Sanghun , Geem Zong Woo
Published: October 2021

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns have been assiduously investigated experimentally and numerically due to the superior structural performance they exhibit. To obtain the best possible performance from CFST columns while reducing the environmental impact, the use of optimization algorithms is indispensable. Metaheuristic optimization techniques provide the designers of CFST members with a very efficient set of tools to obtain design combinations that perform well under external loading and have a low carbon footprint at the same time. That is why metaheuristic algorithms are more applicable in civil engineering due to their high efficiency. A large number of formulas for the prediction of the axial ultimate load-carrying capacity Nu of CFST columns are available in design codes. However, a limitation of the usage of these design formulas is that most of these formulas are only applicable for narrow ranges of design variables. In this study a newly developed set of equations with a wide range of applicability that calculates Nu in case of rectangular cross-sections is applied. In order to optimize the cross-sectional dimensions, two different metaheuristic algorithms are used, and their performances are compared. The reduction in CO2 emission is demonstrated as a function of cross-sectional dimensions while considering certain structural performance requirements. The outcome of the more recently developed social spider algorithm is compared to the outcome of the well-established harmony search technique. The objective of optimization was to minimize CO2 emissions associated with the fabrication of CFST stub columns. The effects of varying the wall thickness as well as the concrete compressive strength on CO2 emissions are visualized by using two different optimization techniques.
Analyzing the Adoption Challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Smart Cities in China
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhao Yafei , Gangadhari Rajan Kumar , Li Zhixing
Published: October 2021

Smart cities play a vital role in the growth of a nation. In recent years, several countries have made huge investments in developing smart cities to offer sustainable living. However, there are some challenges to overcome in smart city development, such as traffic and transportation management, energy and water distribution and management, air quality and waste management monitoring, etc. The capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can help to achieve some goals of smart cities, and there are proven examples from some cities like Singapore, Copenhagen, etc. However, the adoption of AI and the IoT in developing countries has some challenges. The analysis of challenges hindering the adoption of AI and the IoT are very limited. This study aims to fill this research gap by analyzing the causal relationships among the challenges in smart city development, and contains several parts that conclude the previous scholars’ work, as well as independent research and investigation, such as data collection and analysis based on DEMATEL. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature to extract key challenges for the adoption of AI and the IoT. These helped us to proceed with the investigation and analyze the adoption status. Therefore, using the PRISMA method, 10 challenges were identified from the literature review. Subsequently, determination of the causal inter-relationships among the key challenges based on expert opinions using DEMATEL is performed. This study explored the driving and dependent power of the challenges, and causal relationships between the barriers were established. The results of the study indicated that “lack of infrastructure (C1)”, ”insufficient funds (C2)”, “cybersecurity risks (C3)”, and “lack of trust in AI, IoT” are the causal factors that are slowing down the adoption of AI and IoT in smart city development. The inter-relationships between the various challenges are presented using a network relationship map, cause–effect diagram. The study’s findings can help regulatory bodies, policymakers, and researchers to make better decisions to overcome the challenges for developing sustainable smart cities.
Key Success Factors That Enable IT Service Providers to Achieve Organizational Performance: Evidence from Romania
Authors: Barbu Andreea , Militaru Gheorghe , Deselnicu Dana Corina , Catană Ştefan-Alexandru
Published: October 2021

The recent preoccupations of companies are quite varied, but most of them have the same objective—the improvement of organizational performance. The service area is a very popular one among individual clients or legal entities, the latter having many more interactions with companies in the IT area following the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this paper is to determine the factors that contribute to improving the organizational performance of IT service companies. The study involves exploratory, quantitative research that analyzes the perceptions of employees in the Romanian IT sector regarding the performance of their companies, as well as the key success factors that enable its achievement. The results indicate that organizational culture, organizational innovation level, service quality, and employee skills are some of the most important variables that can influence the organizational performance of Romanian IT service providers, thus contributing to their economic sustainability. Moreover, in this field, entrepreneurs should be more concerned about developing employees’ skills and improving their satisfaction, as they are one of the key resources for a sustainable business in the IT industry.
Particulate Matter Removal of Three Woody Plant Species, Ardisia crenata, Ardisia japonica, and Maesa japonica
Authors: Kwon Kei-Jung , Kwon Hyuk-Joon , Oh Yun-Ah , Kim Soo-Young , Park Bong-Ju
Published: October 2021

In this study, we investigated the physiological responses and particulate matter (PM) abatement and adsorption of three plants: Ardisia crenata, Ardisia japonica, and Maesa japonica, to determine their effectiveness as indoor air purification. When compared to control (without plants), PM was significantly and rapidly decreased by all three plants. The reduction in PM varied by species, with A. crenata being the most effective, followed closely by A. japonica, and finally M. japonica. M. japonica showed the highest rate of photosynthesis and transpiration, generating the greatest decrease in CO2 and a large increase in relative humidity. We hypothesize that the increased relative humidity in the chamber acted in a manner similar to a chemical flocculant, increasing the weight of PM via combination with airborne water particles and the creation of larger PM aggregates, resulting in a faster sedimentation rate. A. crenata had a stomatal size of ~20 μm or larger, suggesting that the PM reduction observed in this species was the result of direct absorption. In the continuous fine dust exposure experiments, chlorophyll fluorescence values of all three species were in the normal range. In conclusion, all three species were found to be suitable indoor landscaping plants, effective at reducing indoor PM.
Effects of Film Mulching on Plant Growth and Nutrients in Artificial Soil: A Case Study on High Altitude Slopes
Authors: Wang Xing , Sun Hailong , Tan Changming , Wang Xiaowen , Xia Min
Published: October 2021

Vegetation restoration on slopes is generally difficult, especially in high altitude areas since the environment has dramatically changing weather conditions that are not suitable for plant growth. In this study, the potential of film mulching for vegetation restoration in such environments and plant growth and nutrients in artificial soil on slopes in high altitude areas were determined. Experiments were carried out in Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan Province, to determine plant growth and nutrients in artificial soil on slopes under six different coverage rates (40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90%). Results showed that in each observation period, plant height, ground diameter and contents of EN, EP and EK in the soil of the film mulching treatment were significantly higher than those of the control, while the number of plant individuals per unit area was significantly lower than that of the control. When the coverage rate was 90%, plant height, ground diameter, biomass and nutrient contents in the soil were all higher than those under the other five treatments. Overall, our study suggested that applying film mulching technology when performing vegetation restoration on slopes in high altitude areas is promising, since it can promote plant growth and preserve soil fertility.
Effects of In Ovo Feeding of γ-Aminobutyric Acid on Growth Performances, Plasma Metabolites, and Antioxidant Status in Broilers Exposed to Cyclic Heat Stress
Authors: Ncho Chris-Major , Goel Akshat , Jeong Chae-Mi , Gupta Vaishali , Choi Yang-Ho
Published: October 2021

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid used for mitigating the detrimental effects of heat stress in broilers. In addition, a growing body of literature suggests that the in ovo feeding of various nutrients can enhance the post-hatch thermotolerance of broilers. Therefore, we hypothesized that the supplementation of GABA during incubation might have positive effects in heat-stressed broilers. Chicks hatched from eggs were divided into three groups described as follows: chicks hatched from eggs incubated at normal temperature and then raised under thermoneutral temperature (CON); chicks hatched from eggs incubated at normal temperature but raised under cyclic heat stress (HS) (CON+HS); and chicks hatched from eggs injected with 60 mg of GABA dissolved in 0.6 mL of distilled water but raised under cyclic HS (G10+HS). The HS was applied between 28 and 31 days of age with ambient temperatures raised from 22 ± 1 °C to 33 ± 1 °C for 6 h daily. Compared to the CON group, average daily weight gain was significantly lower in the CON+HS but not in the G10+HS group. Feed intake was significantly decreased in both the CON+HS and G10+HS groups. Compared to the CON group, plasma corticosterone levels were significantly increased in the CON+HS group, but not the G10+HS group. Hepatic mRNA levels of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene (ACC) were significantly reduced in the G10+HS group compared to the CON group. In addition, positive Pearson correlation coefficients were found in mRNA levels between fatty acid synthase (FAS) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 (NOX1) (r = 0.55, p < 0.05), NOX1 and NOX4 (r = 0.65, p < 0.01), and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (r = 0.62, p < 0.05). Taken together, the results suggest that this study can serve as a basis for future work focusing on the in ovo feeding of GABA as a technique to combat heat stress in broilers.
Multifunctional and Durable Coatings for Stone Protection Based on Gd-Doped Nanocomposites
Authors: Chobba Marwa Ben , Weththimuni Maduka Lankani , Messaoud Mouna , Sacchi Donatella , Bouaziz Jamel , De Leo Filomena , Urzi Clara , Licchelli Maurizio
Published: October 2021

The development of nanocomposite materials with multifunctional protective features is an urgent need in many fields. However, few works have studied the durability of these materials. Even though TiO2 nanoparticles have been extensively applied for self-cleaning effect, it displays a weak activity under visible light. Hence, in this study, pure and Gd-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (molar ratios of doping ions/Ti are 0.1 and 1) were synthesised, characterised, and then mixed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), used as a binder, in order to produce a homogenised thin film on a very porous stone substrate. To our knowledge, Gd-doped TiO2/PDMS protective coatings are studied for the first time for application on historic structures. The protective coatings developed in this work are intended to reduce the surface wettability of the stone and protect the historic stones from dye pollution and microorganism colonisation. Moreover, in this study, the durability of the developed nanocomposite was deeply studied to evaluate the stability of the coatings. Results confirmed that samples treated with the lowest concentrations of Gd ions (0.1 mol%) showed acceptable chromatic variations, a good repellent feature, acceptable water vapour permeability, good durability, the highest self-cleaning activity, and good inhibitory behaviour against microbial colonisation.
Toward Reducing Construction Project Delivery Time under Limited Resources
Authors: Mohamed Hossam H. , Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Soliman Asmaa A.
Published: October 2021

One of the most vital construction project aspects is to complete a project in minimum time restricted to the time–cost trade-off. Overlapping activities’ planning and their impact on the project under limited resource constraints should be considered. This study aims to develop a model for optimizing the project schedule and cost regarding overlap activities and their impacts. This study reviews previous studies on changes in past activities likely to produce additional reworking of subsequent activities. In addition, an AHP model is developed to assess the reworking time of subsequent activities based on possible changes in previous activities. In addition, five realistic construction projects are applied. Finally, an optimizing model is developed for optimizing project time and cost using overlapping techniques by using the Java program. The results indicate that the proposed model can be used by project managers easily for solving time and cost optimization problems. In addition, it can be updated to continuously improve its functionality. Finally, it can be updated later to support AI for finding better solutions.
Assessment of Potential Barriers to the Implementation of an Innovative AB-FB Energy Storage System under a Sustainable Perspective
Authors: Blecua-de-Pedro María , Díaz-Ramírez Maryori C.
Published: October 2021

The novel acid–base flow battery technology stores electrical energy using pH and salinity gradients in water and is suitable for different capacities (kWh–MWh scale) because of its scalable technology. Due to the flexibility of this system, it is predicted to provide technical, economic, and environmental benefits for supporting renewable energy integration, such as wind and solar energy, within the electricity generation system. However, its level of acceptance might be affected by additional conditioning factors in terms of policies and maintenance. To elucidate the relevance of the possible barriers to the implementation of the innovative AB-FB system, this work introduces an approach based on the analytic hierarchy process developed at three levels of hierarchy under a sustainability perspective. An exhaustive literature review as well as an assessment of experts’ evaluations were performed to identify the barriers in terms of technical, economic, environmental, policy, and maintenance aspects. Based on the results, the cost parameters (mostly attributed to the stack cost), followed by technical and environmental criteria, were deemed to be of the highest priority.
Significance of Allotment Gardens in Urban Green Space Systems and Their Classification for Spatial Planning Purposes: A Case Study of Poznań, Poland
Authors: Dymek Dominika , Wilkaniec Agnieszka , Bednorz Leszek , Szczepańska Magdalena
Published: October 2021

Almost five thousand allotment gardens divided into one million plots are used by roughly 10% of Polish society. Several studies have emphasized their social importance and significance for enlargement of the area and the integrity of urban spatial greenery systems. However, the area of allotment gardens in Polish cities has been decreasing since the changes in the post-communist country in the 1990s. There is a lack of a simple method of classification and valuation of allotment gardens in relation to their significance in urban green space systems that could be used by officials and city planners. Hence, this study aims to examine the significance of allotment gardens in the spatial development of the green space system of Poznań and classify them with a simple and universal method of valuation which could be used in urban planning. The location of allotment gardens in the urban green space system in Poznań was examined with the classification method elaborated here. It was based on the valuation of several internal and external features of individual allotment gardens. The results showed that allotment gardens are important areas and spatial elements of the green space system in Poznań. Over 30% of allotment gardens are of high significance in the green space system of the city. Nevertheless, according to urban planning documentation, there are plans to reduce the area of allotments in Poznań. Even gardens indicated in the research to be of high significance to the integrity and enlargement area of the urban green space system are planned to be liquidated. Use of the developed classification could influence the decision-making process regarding the liquidation of allotment gardens and preserve the most valuable objects.
A Classification Analysis of the High and Low Levels of Global Competence of Secondary Students: Insights from 25 Countries/Regions
Authors: Hu Xiaoyue , Hu Jie
Published: October 2021

The reinforcement of global competence is vital for students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This study explores the synergistic effects of both student and school factors on the classification of secondary students with high and low levels of global competence. Data are selected based on 208,556 secondary students from 6902 schools in 25 countries/regions and extracted from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 datasets. Different from previous research, in this study, data science techniques, i.e., decision trees (DTs) and random forests (RFs), are adopted. Classification models are built to discriminate high achievers from low achievers and to discover the optimal set of factors with the most powerful impact on the discrimination of these two groups of achievers. The results show that both models have satisfactory classification abilities. According to the factor importance rankings in terms of discriminating global competence disparities, student factors play a major role. They especially emphasize students’ capacities to examine global issues, students’ awareness of intercultural communication, and teachers’ attitudes toward different cultural groups.
Progress of the Pyrolyzer Reactors and Advanced Technologies for Biomass Pyrolysis Processing
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Inayat Abrar , Ahmed Ashfaq , Jamil Farrukh , Ghenai Chaouki , Naqvi Salman R. , Shanableh Abdallah , Ayoub Muhammad , Waris Ammara , Park Young-Kwon
Published: October 2021

In the future, renewable energy technologies will have a significant role in catering to energy security concerns and a safe environment. Among the various renewable energy sources available, biomass has high accessibility and is considered a carbon-neutral source. Pyrolysis technology is a thermo-chemical route for converting biomass to many useful products (biochar, bio-oil, and combustible pyrolysis gases). The composition and relative product yield depend on the pyrolysis technology adopted. The present review paper evaluates various types of biomass pyrolysis. Fast pyrolysis, slow pyrolysis, and advanced pyrolysis techniques concerning different pyrolyzer reactors have been reviewed from the literature and are presented to broaden the scope of its selection and application for future studies and research. Slow pyrolysis can deliver superior ecological welfare because it provides additional bio-char yield using auger and rotary kiln reactors. Fast pyrolysis can produce bio-oil, primarily via bubbling and circulating fluidized bed reactors. Advanced pyrolysis processes have good potential to provide high prosperity for specific applications. The success of pyrolysis depends strongly on the selection of a specific reactor as a pyrolyzer based on the desired product and feedstock specifications.
Identification of Workplace Social Sustainability Indicators Related to Employee Ergonomics Perception in Indonesian Industry
Authors: Lin Chiuhsiang Joe , Efranto Remba Yanuar , Santoso Melina Andriani
Published: October 2021

Sustainability indicators have provided a breakthrough for companies to assess their performance in supporting corporate sustainability. There is no standard framework for these support-defining indicators to conduct a social sustainability performance assessment. There is a limitation of quantitative social sustainability indicators appropriate for performing ergonomic concept assessments. Ergonomics, as a field concerning people and their interactions with the environment, in particular, the workplace, can play a role in social sustainability, besides its conventional approach of workplace re-engineering. Three major areas of ergonomics were analyzed. The indicators were established based on a review of the literature and confirmed using a factor analysis that covered all major aspects of workplace ergonomics. The factor analysis aimed to reduce the complexity of workplace social sustainability indicators related to ergonomics. The final result integrated 73 indicators into 17 indicators based on three major areas of ergonomics. The findings showed that the best workplace social sustainability indicators were divided into five factors: employee well-being, safety concerns, workplace comfort, musculoskeletal health, and environmental concerns. It would be very beneficial for the industry and the government to support corporate social sustainability and the global sustainability index.
Morphometric and Structural Properties of a Sustainable Plant Biomass with Water Purification Potentials
Authors: Adeeyo Adeyemi O. , Odiyo John O. , Enitan Abimbola M. , Motsa Machawe M. , Msagati Titus A.M. , Mkoyi Hosana D. , Makungo Rachel
Published: October 2021

The leaf, stem, and root of wild sesame with eco-physiological functions of water and mineral sorption were targeted for water treatment. Morphometric properties of the plant sections were investigated by light microscopy. Structural and surface characteristics of pulverized samples were studied by thermogravimetry (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Scanning electron microscopy. Wettability and sorption potentials were studied by sessile drop analysis, while a methylene blue dye polluted water treated with the plant’s sorbents was assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The presence of parenchyma cells, trichomes, vessels, fibres, cellulose, lignin, and other pore-containing structures was confirmed. The stem and root biomasses possessed comparatively higher pore sizes (0.011 and 0.124 µm, respectively), surface energy (33.32 and 31.8 mN/m), and dispersive components (32.45 and 31.65 mN/m). The leaf was high in polar components and had a biomass surface area of 3.19 m2/g. Water treated with the root and stem sorbents gave the lowest dye concentration (0.19 mg/L and 0.20 mg/L, respectively) in treated effluent at 120 mins. It was noted that eco-physiological properties informed water purification potentials of the sampled biomasses and could be used for bioprospecting of useful plant materials for water purification. This study established that functional components of plants, porous characteristics, and surface properties of the materials studied are important factors when considering plant sorbents for water purification.
Microclimatic Effects on the Preservation of Finds in the Visitor Centre of the Archaeological Site 1a Imperial Palace Sirmium
Authors: Ugrinović Aleksandra , Sudimac Budimir , Savković Željko
Published: October 2021

When an archaeological site is roofed over for the better display of the finds and more comfortable experience of the audience, the intervention undoubtedly changes the microclimatic conditions in the site. Although sudden changes in microclimatic factors are known to damage and/or destroy archaeological finds, their impact and its analysis are neglected in Serbia. There is no continuous monitoring and control of microclimatic conditions or their impact on architectural remains in archaeological sites. Accordingly, the values of microclimatic parameters of temperature and relative humidity and their daily oscillations are examined in this paper through microclimatic monitoring in the Visitor Center of the Archaeological Site 1a Imperial Palace Sirmium, which is a cultural asset of exceptional importance. Moreover, microbiological analyses determine the degree of contamination of architectural findings. The aim of this paper is to determine whether the microclimatic regime in the Visitor Center of the Archaeological Site 1a Imperial Palace Sirmium is in accordance with European standards and recommendations on optimal microclimatic conditions for the presentation and preservation of cultural heritage collections. The findings showed that during the phase of microclimatic monitoring (February–April 2021), air humidity was almost constantly above the levels set by standards and recommendations for museum collections (>60%). The highest levels of air humidity, amounting to 93%, were recorded in February, with daily oscillations of up to 30%; the lowest recorded temperature was 0.3 °C, with the maximum daily oscillations of 6 °C. Microbiological analysis revealed great diversity in the deterioration level of the finds, which can be attributed to the time lapse between the last conservation and the present. The comparative analysis of the results of microclimatic monitoring and microbiological analysis identified high levels of relative air humidity as the dominant factor in the increased microbiological contamination of the finds. It is also concluded that the continuous monitoring of the microclimatic parameters of temperature and relative humidity during the usage of the facility is necessary so as to enable sustainable presentation and preservation of findings.
Number of Times Recycled and Its Effect on the Recyclability, Fluidity and Tensile Properties of Polypropylene Injection Molded Parts
Authors: Huang Po-Wei , Peng Hsin-Shu
Published: October 2021

The ease with which modern plastics can be injection molded makes them very suitable for the production of many different products and, today, plastics are often used as substitutes for metal. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics globally since it is very useful, cost-effective and flexible for molding. However, the amount of harm to the environment caused by plastic waste has become phenomenal and the recycling of plastics has become a serious aspect of environmental protection. PP, as the most commonly used plastic material, was selected for use in this study. It has a melt flow index of 15 g/min and its recyclability, fluidity, and physical properties, as well as manufacturing conditions, were explored in relation to the number of times the material could be recycled (TR). A cavity pressure sensor was used to measure the viscosity index of the recycled plastic after multiple cycles of plasticizing and injection, part molding, scrap-recycling, and crushing. A paperclip-shaped test specimen was used to determine PP fluidity and crystallinity of specimens with different TRs. Tensile tests were used to detect differences in the tensile strength between specimens made from Raw-PP and recycled PP. The results showed that PP that had been recycled several times had a higher melt flow index, material fluidity, melting peak area, crystallinity, crystallization rate, and crystallization temperature. Repeated injection and recycling of the material had reduced the length of the molecular chains and broadened the molecular weight distribution. This improved the fluidity and increased crystallinity. The increase in fluidity made cavity filling easier, reducing the cavity pressure as well as the viscosity index. The results of this study showed that the recycling of the PP could improve the physical properties of the products to a degree and also went some way to further the benefits of a circular economy. The recycling of injection-molded PP material can be added to renewable energy technologies and used in environmental impact assessment.
Does the Vision 2030 and Value Added Tax Leads to Sustainable Economic Growth: The Case of Saudi Arabia?
Authors: Sarwar Suleman , Streimikiene Dalia , Waheed Rida , Dignah Ashwag , Mikalauskiene Asta
Published: October 2021

The motivation behind the current research is to check the effect of the recent introduction of value added tax (VAT) and Vision 2030 on the economy of Saudi Arabia. To check this, those variables are added to the analysis which contribute to economic development including labor, capital, oil price, financial development, and trade openness to examine that how economic transformation affects the role of these variables in economic growth. According to the vector error correction (VEC) model, the impact of labor becomes negative after VAT, however, the impact of capital and financial development becomes significant by this transformation. The coefficients of oil prices, for positive and negative shocks, are significant and negative. Financial development and trade openness are reporting surprising results; positive shocks have shown negative coefficients. However, after Vision 2030, trade openness has a significant and positive coefficient. Policy implications include diversification of exports, reviving the private financing mechanism and restructuring the export/import policies.
Crowdfunding for Independent Print Media: E-Commerce, Marketing, and Business Development
Authors: Konhäusner Peter , Thielmann Marius , Câmpian Veronica , Dabija Dan-Cristian
Published: October 2021

Crowdfunding, as an alternative method to fundraising, triggers increased awareness in society, while it is also an effective marketing tool for campaign runners. The production and release of independent print media poses significant hurdles in terms of financing. Including the community in raising funds through crowdfunding seems like a good possible alternative. This paper examines which types of crowdfunding the independent print media use, and why, and also focuses on the possible types of crowdfunding that are the best fit for organizations. The study applies a case example approach on a total of thirty independent print publications that have relied on crowdfunding. We found that independent print media focus on reward-based crowdfunding for the launch of publications, the method being not used solely for fundraising, but also specifically for community building. Practitioners benefit from the insights by being enabled to draft campaigns that are better-suited to the specific needs of the independent media target group, and to secure financing for the start of the operations. The approach of this study is of special value, as the research and empirical insights into the independent media sector are limited.
Virtual Engineering Using Realistic Virtual Models in Brownfield Factory Layout Planning
Authors: Nåfors Daniel , Johansson Björn
Published: October 2021

As more pressure is put on manufacturing companies to increase productivity and reduce waste as a means to remain competitive due to increased globalization and digitalization, many companies find themselves investing in their production systems, leading to changes in their existing factories and production systems. This process is usually performed with 2D CAD drawings and data of varying quality, leading to several challenges along the way. This longitudinal research follows up on eight years of industrial studies where researchers have applied 3D laser scanning and immersive virtual reality to improve the brownfield factory layout planning processes in real industrial scenarios, a novel approach in the research field. By interviewing key stakeholders at each company and analyzing the findings, challenges in data availability and accuracy of existing data, grasping scale and perspective, and challenges gathering input and communicating around planned changes are identified and shown to be substantially alleviated by the application of the technological tools and allowing more people to be part of the factory layout planning process. By using virtual engineering, industries can improve their brownfield factory layout planning process and take well-informed decisions leading to sustainability benefits via fewer costly mistakes, improved employee engagement, and less need for travel.
Global Maximum Power Point Tracking of Solar Photovoltaic Strings under Partial Shading Conditions Using Cat Swarm Optimization Technique
Authors: Nagadurga T. , Narasimham P. V. R. L. , Vakula V. S.
Published: October 2021

The power versus voltage curves of solar photovoltaic panels form several peaks under fractional (partial) shading conditions. Traditional maximum output power tracking (MPPT) techniques fail to achieve global peak power at the output terminals. The proposed Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO) method intends to apply MPPT techniques to extract the global maxima from the shaded photovoltaic systems. CSO is a robust and powerful metaheuristic swarm-based optimization technique that has received very positive feedback since its emergence. It has been used to solve a variety of optimization issues, and several variations have been developed. The CSO-based maximum power tracking technique can successfully tackle two major issues of the PV system during shading conditions, including random oscillations caused by conventional tracking techniques and power loss. The proposed techniques have been extensively used in comparison to conventional algorithms like the Perturb and the Observe (P and O) technique. The main objective is to achieve a tracking speed for extracting the Maximum Power Point (MPP) from the solar Photovoltaic (PV) system under fractional shading conditions by using CSO. Modeling of the solar photovoltaic array in the MATLAB/Simulink platform comprises a photovoltaic module, a switching converter (Boost Converter), and the load. The PSO and CSO techniques are applied to the PV module under different weather conditions. The PSO algorithm is compared to the CSO algorithm according to simulation results, revealing that the CSO algorithm can provide better accuracy and a faster tracking speed.
Remanufacturing in the Heavy Vehicle Industry—Case Study of a Finnish Machine Manufacturer
Authors: Rönkkö Pasi , Ayati Sayed Mohammad , Majava Jukka
Published: October 2021

This study analyses remanufacturing operations of a Finnish heavy vehicle manufacturer with global operations. The company has remanufactured and refurbished certain components for a decade in a centralised remanufacturing and recycling centre in Finland, but it has encountered significant challenges, especially in reverse logistics. The company considers regional remanufacturing to decrease these disadvantages. The purpose of this study is to analyse the characteristics, challenges and benefits of regional remanufacturing by reviewing the relevant literature and analysing the empirical data, including a survey for international subsidiaries of the case company to determine regional needs. As a result, we have identified significant benefits, especially related to minimised logistics costs and better availability of the components, but also challenges, such as lack of resources, and insufficient economies of scale.
Methodologies for the Sustainability Assessment of Agricultural Production Systems, with a Focus on Rice: A Review
Authors: Gharsallah Olfa , Gandolfi Claudio , Facchi Arianna
Published: October 2021

The intensification of agricultural production is connected to the increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation water, and energy. Among all cropping systems, rice cultivation is considered to be one of the most significant sources of environmental harm due to the flooding conditions in which rice normally grows; at the same time, rice has important economic and social implications, especially in areas where it is a staple food. In the last 20 years, sustainable development of agricultural production has become a priority for scientific research and policy programs. Several studies proposed methodological frameworks to assess the impacts of different management practices adopted in agro-ecosystems and to identify strategies to mitigate the negative effects of agricultural intensification. Such methodologies are based on the use of particular indicators, which are increasingly seen as crucial tools in impact assessment studies and for decision making. This paper aims to review and analyze the most significant methodological frameworks developed to assess the sustainability of agricultural production systems, with a particular focus on rice cultivation. The analysis includes highlighting which dimensions of sustainability (economic, environmental, social, and governance) are covered by each method and identifying which indicators are used to describe the different dimensions. The spatial scale of the application of the indicators, their typology, the data needed for their implementation, and the criteria for formulating the overall sustainability judgment were then examined. The analysis highlighted the scarce availability of clear operational data for the calculation of the indicators and the often-limited involvement of stakeholders in the development and implementation of the methodologies. The exceptions to these limitations are represented by a few methodologies developed under the umbrella of important international organizations to promote sustainability and research efficiency in specific agricultural production systems, such as the SRP (sustainable rice platform) for rice. Finally, the analysis shows that there is a need to develop methodologies that are applicable not only to an individual farm or group of farms, but also at larger spatial scales (district, watershed, region), which are often those of greatest interest to decision makers.
Sustainable Design of a Multi-Echelon Closed Loop Supply Chain under Uncertainty for Durable Products
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas , Jarrar Yasmeen , Lepkova Natalija
Published: October 2021

The increased awareness of environmental sustainability has led to increasing attention to closed loop supply chains (CLSC). The main objective of the CLSC is to capture values from end-of-life (EOL) products in a way that ensures a business to be economically and environmentally sustainable. The challenge is the complexity that occurrs due to closing the loop. At the same time, considering stochastic variables will increase the realism of the obtained results as well as the complexity of the model. This study aims to design a CLSC for durable products using a multistage stochastic model in mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) while considering uncertainty in demand, return rate, and return quality. Demand was described by a normal distribution whereas return rate and return quality were represented by a set of discrete possible outcomes with a specific probability. The objective function was to maximize the profit in a multi-period and multi-echelon CLSC. The multistage stochastic model was tested on a real case study at an air-conditioning company. The computational results identified which facilities should be opened in the reversed loop to optimize profit. The results showed that the CLSC resulted in a reduction in purchasing costs by 52%, an annual savings of 831,150 USD, and extra annual revenue of 5459 USD from selling raw material at a material market. However, the transportation cost increased by an additional annual cost of 6457 USD, and the various recovery processes costs were annually about 152,897 USD. By running the model for nine years, the breakeven point will be after three years of establishing the CLSC and after the annual profit increases by 1.92%. In conclusion, the results of this research provide valuable analysis that may support decision-makers in supply chain planning regarding the feasibility of converting the forward chain to closed loop supply chain for durable products.
Green Brand Equity—Empirical Experience from a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Górska-Warsewicz Hanna , Dębski Maciej , Fabuš Michal , Kováč Marián
Published: October 2021

Our study aims to analyze factors determining the green brand equity (GBE) based on a systematic literature review (SLR) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. We posed 3 research questions and searched five databases (Scopus, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and Elsevier) for studies containing the term ‘green brand equity’ and the combination of two terms: ‘brand equity’ and ‘green’. Additionally, the backward and forward snowballing methods were applied. In our SLR, we included empirical studies published between 2006 and 2021 as peer-reviewed papers in English. Exclusion criteria included studies with theoretical models, studies describing brand equity not related to GBE, Ph.D. thesis, short reports, workshop papers, practice guidelines, book chapters, reviews, and conference publications. Finally, 33 articles were analyzed as part of the SLR in two fields: general information (authorship, year of publication, type of study, research country or location, sample size, and product categories), and research specifications (factors or variables, number and type of hypotheses, scale or measurement items, type of statistical analysis, and selected indicators of statistical methods). Image, trust, value, satisfaction, and loyalty appeared to be the most studied determinants of GBE. Less frequently analyzed were quality, awareness, attributes, particular promotional activities, and the fact of purchase. The results obtained are important in practical terms, showing what to consider when creating GBE in different categories of products and services.