bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-ecological Interactions in a Changing Climate: A Review of the Mongolian Pastoral System
Authors: Kakinuma Kaoru , Yanagawa Aki , Sasaki Takehiro , Rao Mukund Palat , Kanae Shinjiro
Published: October 2019

Coping with climate change in socio-ecological systems is one of the most urgent issues facing the world. This is particularly true in socio-ecological systems, where climate not only influences social and ecosystem dynamics, but also modulates their interaction. In this paper, we presented a conceptual framework through a literature review and a trend analysis for assessing the impact of climate change that incorporates socio-ecological interactions. In particular, we focused on the Mongolian pastoral system, which has tightly coupled socio-ecological interactions, as a model for describing the framework. Our framework suggests that the flexibility in mobility of herders is the principal factor in determining the vulnerability of the socio-ecological system to climate change. The flexibility varies along a climatic gradient and socio-ecological interactions in each region have evolved to be suited to its local climate regime. Herders in northern and central regions of Mongolia move shorter distances, and less flexible, than those in southern (Gobi) region. Climatic hazards, on the other hand have been increasing across Mongolia with a trend toward warmer and drier conditions since the 1960s. We suggest that further warming and drying would have the greatest impact on northern and central regions due to lower flexibility in mobility among herders there coupled with the much higher livestock density in the regions. The findings support that maintaining flexibility of mobile herding will likely be crucial to reducing the vulnerability of the Mongolian pastoral system to climate change.
Transportation Equity in China: Does Commuting Time Matter?
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Chen Hongsheng , Shi Yu , Shi Feng
Published: October 2019

Urban commuting, a facet of transportation equity, is an important factor that shapes social equity. Little is known about how commuting practices shape individuals’ perceptions of social equity. To fill this gap, we conducted a multilevel regression using data from the China Labour-force Dynamics Survey 2016. We found that commuters who used private cars had the highest level of perceived social equity, while those who used bicycles had the lowest. Commuting time had a significant negative effect on respondents’ perceived social equity. This study verifies the “commuting paradox” to some extent, as income had no moderating effect on the relationship between commuting time and perceived social equity, which suggests that the social inequity caused by long commutes is not alleviated by higher wages. We also found that the perceived social equity of respondents who commuted on foot or by motorcycle was significantly negatively affected by commuting time. Based on our findings, we propose four ways to alleviate social inequity caused by commuting inequities: consider the commuting time sensitivity of different types of commuters, pay attention to the social equity issues caused by different transportation modes, provide more equitable commuting ways for low-income people, and prioritise public transportation.
Temporal Indices of Landscape Change: A Proposal to Measure Variations in the Conservation Status of Vegetation at Fine Resolution
Authors: Cantoral Alberto Luis , Alfaro Estrella , Alonso-Redondo Raquel , García-González Marta Eva
Published: October 2019

The goal of this study was to propose scientific and objective indices capable of measuring the changes that occur in the conservation status of the vegetation of a particular area over a period of time. To this end, phytosociologically-based vegetation cartography at a detailed scale was used, carried out at two different times, and the distance from the climax stage of the territory was calculated for each time. Three temporal indices of landscape change are proposed: Conservation Status Variation Index (ConSVI), Conservation Status Variation Velocity Index (ConSVVe) and Change Ratio (ChanRat). These enable the intensity, velocity, and percentage of change to be measured, and to determine whether this change is progressive or regressive—in other words, whether it is approaching or receding from the climax. To test the proposal, it was applied to a territory in Northwest Spain. The proposed indices are universally applicable to any territory and are the first of their kind to operate at a detailed scale with a phytosociological basis. They also enable an objective measurement to be made of the landscape change that has occurred, meaning that they have immense practical utility in studies of managing and planning territorial resources.
Assessing the Impacts of Urban Expansion on Bundles of Ecosystem Services by Dmsp-Ols Nighttime Light Data
Authors: Gu Yangyang , Qiao Xuning , Xu Mengjia , Zou Changxin , Liu Dong , Wu Dan , Wang Yan
Published: October 2019

Urban expansion poses severe threats to ecosystems. It is therefore important we better understand the impact of different urban expansion level on ecosystems for developing regionally differentiated ecological protection policies. Here, we proposed a conceptual framework to describe the impacts of urbanization on bundles of ecosystem services. Referred to as the concept of land use degree by nighttime light data, we put forward and verified an urban expansion level model. According to this model, study area was divided into a slow increase zone, increase zone, and rapid increase zone. Then, taking Taihu Lake Basin in China as a case, we used Zonal-statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients to reveal the impact in different zones of urban expansion level on multiple ecosystem services: crop production, freshwater supply, aquatic production, net primary productivity, soil conservation, water retention, flood regulation, and forest recreation index. Our results revealed that urban expansion levels significantly impacted all ecosystem services. In either increase zone or rapid increase zone, we found lowered values of crop production, net primary productivity, soil conservation, water retention, and flood regulation, while both aquatic production and forest recreation index increased in all zones from 1990 to 2010. Across the levels of urbanization, urban expansion level was always negatively correlated with provisioning services. This result suggests local governors should improve crop production per unit area and increase the cultivated land area to guarantee food security. In addition, urban expansion level had positive correlations with the trade-offs between flood regulation and forest recreation index, and those among crop production, freshwater supply, and net primary productivity. Therefore, policy-makers should effectively maintain the land use balance among ecological protection, agriculture development, and urban expansion to better coordinate relationships between development and protection. In acquiring quantitative knowledge of how urban expansion level drives ecosystem changes, our findings may help guide future sustainable urban planning with respect to ecosystem services, urban development, and human welfare benefits.
Improvement of MPPT Control Performance Using Fuzzy Control and VGPI in the PV System for Micro Grid
Authors: Kim Jong-Chan , Huh Jun-Ho , Ko Jae-Sub
Published: October 2019

This paper proposes the method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of the photovoltaic (PV) system. The conventional PI controller controls the system with fixed gains. Conventional PI controllers with fixed gains cannot satisfy both transient and steady-state. Therefore, to overcome the shortcomings of conventional PI controllers, this paper presents the variable gain proportional integral (VGPI) controllers that control the gain value of PI controllers using fuzzy control. Inputs of fuzzy control used in the VGPI controller are the slope from the voltage-power characteristics of the PV module. This paper designs fuzzy control’s membership functions and rule bases using the characteristics that the slope decreases in size, as it approaches the maximum power point and increases as it gets farther. In addition, the gain of the PI controller is adjusted to increase in transient-state and decrease in steady-state in order to improve the error in steady-state and the tracking speed of maximum power point of the PV system. The performance of the VGPI controller has experimented in cases where the solar radiation is constant and the solar radiation varies, to compare with the performance of the P&O method, which is traditionally used most often in MPPT, and the performance of the PI controller, which is used most commonly in the industry field. Finally, the results from the experiment are presented and the results are analyzed.
Sustainable Entrepreneurial Process: From Idea Generation to Impact Measurement
Authors: Matzembacher Daniele Eckert , Raudsaar Mervi , de Barcellos Marcia Dutra , Mets Tõnis
Published: October 2019

In order to promote sustainable entrepreneurship, it is necessary to understand the sustainable entrepreneurial process. To address this gap in the literature, this study aims to investigate how entrepreneurs generate ideas, as well as recognize, develop, and exploit opportunities in the context of sustainable development. A case study was carried out with eleven organizations in six different countries, from different sectors, including not-for-profit and for-profit businesses. The findings address a series of mechanisms that occur prior to the process of generating an idea and are relevant to the positive impact of these businesses on society. Entrepreneurs’ previous experiences and skills, as well as the knowledge of similar initiatives, strongly relate to motivation and idea generation. In the analyzed cases, prior experience seemed to be related to a sensitivity towards a social or environmental problem. Previous experience in entrepreneurship was not determinant. The quality of the initial idea was relevant, once little changes occurred throughout the entire process. In most situations both dimensions of sustainability were integrated at the same time and before venture launch. Despite this, the focus of the entrepreneurs was on only one dimension. The inclusion of positive impact measurement on society, as part of the sustainable entrepreneurial process model, is another relevant finding. First, it is necessary to differentiate the sustainable entrepreneur from the regular and the social entrepreneur. Secondly, in some situations, the dimensions of sustainability are not integrated at the same time and before venture launch, and therefore considering that the process is finished in the phase of venture launch can lead to misclassifications. The results also led to the recognition of triggers that can stimulate sustainable entrepreneurship, such as educational practices more aligned with sustainability problems faced by local communities, stronger dissemination of successful business cases related to sustainability in other countries and contexts, integration between universities and businesses, and the inclusion of practice-based learning in curricula. A contribution to the literature was achieved by providing a systemic perspective on sustainable entrepreneurial process. This study also contributes by presenting empirical evidence of the phenomenon of sustainable entrepreneurship. The holistic knowledge of this process provides new information that supports academics, policy makers, government, and individuals with a more appropriate understanding of the conditions that help to stimulate new business activities dealing with economic, social, and environmental problems faced in society, helping to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Urban Industrial Water Supply and Demand: System Dynamic Model and Simulation Based on Cobb–Douglas Function
Authors: Li Kebai , Ma Tianyi , Wei Guo , Zhang Yuqian , Feng Xueyan
Published: October 2019

In order to meet the needs of water-saving society development, the system dynamics method and the Cobb–Douglas (C–D) production function were combined to build a supply and demand model for urban industrial water use. In this model, the industrial water demand function is expressed as the sum of the general industrial water demand and the power industry water demand, the urban water supply function is expressed as the Cobb–Douglas production function, investment and labor input are used as the control variables, and the difference between supply and demand in various situations is simulated by adjusting their values. In addition, the system simulation is conducted for Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, with 16 sets of different, carefully designed investment and labor input combinations for exploring a most suitable combination of industrial water supply and demand in Suzhou. We divide the results of prediction into four categories: supply less than demand, supply equals demand, supply exceeds demand, and supply much larger than demand. The balance between supply and demand is a most suitable setting for Suzhou City to develop, and the next is the type in which the supply exceeds demand. The other two types cannot meet the development requirements. We concluded that it is easier to adjust the investment than to adjust the labor input when adjusting the control variables to change the industrial water supply. While drawing the ideal combination of investment and labor input, a reasonable range of investment and labor input is also provided: the scope of investment adjustment is 0.6 I 0 − 1.1 I 0 , and the adjustment range of labor input is 0.5 P 0 − 1.2 P 0 .
Kuznets Environmental Curve for Ecuador: An Analysis of the Impact of Economic Growth on the Environment
Authors: Jimenez Carolina , Moncada Luis , Ochoa-Jimenez Diego , Ochoa-Moreno Wilman-Santiago
Published: October 2019

In the present investigation, an analysis of the impact of economic growth on the environment during the period 1971–2015 in Ecuador was made. The hypothesis of the environmental Kuznets curve was used as a study tool. We estimated this relationship in a country with strong dependence on revenues from the exploitation of natural resources and a low level of industry participation in gross domestic product (GDP). To generate empirical evidence, the methodology of the third degree Almon polynomial was applied with three lags in time. The variables were examined by informal econometric tests such as graphs of time series, stationarity, and seasonality as well as formal differences such as Dickey Fuller to check the effectiveness of their contribution in the research. Finally, the results reveal a direct, positive relationship in the short term between economic growth and CO2 emissions. The confirmation of the hypothesis opens the door to the discussion of optimal conditions of production while minimizing pollution, which is a dilemma that states face since they require a way to produce while maintaining a healthy and balanced environment.
Sequential Disaster Forensics: A Case Study on Direct and Socio-Economic Impacts
Authors: Mendoza Marina T. , Schwarze Reimund
Published: October 2019

Disaster damages and losses have been increasing in recent decades, highlighting the need to learn from past events. Only a better understanding of the fundamental causes of disasters and their impacts on society can lead to effective prevention and reduction of disaster risk. In this context, disaster forensics focuses on the analysis and interaction of risk factors (i.e., hazard, exposure and vulnerability) and the identification of underlying causes, in order to tackle them through dedicated action. In this work, we explore the results of disaster forensics through a case study of subsequent floods in 2002 and 2013 in the city of Grimma, Saxony, in Germany. Risk factors are investigated to identify their contribution in increasing or reducing disaster damage, in conjunction with socio-economic impacts in the mostly affected inner city of Grimma. In particular, we analyze (i) what data is needed to conduct a disaster forensic analysis and (ii) how much the sequential application of disaster forensics contributes to a better understanding of risk and the identification of the causes of disasters impacts. The analysis shows that the sequential approach for disaster forensics is key for understanding cause–effect relationships regarding socio-economic impacts.
Livelihood Strategies of Rural Households in Ning’er Earthquake-Stricken Areas, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Wei Benyong , Su Guiwu , Li Yingkui , Ma Yuling
Published: October 2019

Natural hazards not only cause direct losses of household income and assets but also affect the choice and outcome of livelihood strategies. Based on the questionnaire survey from 2007 on Mw 6.1 Ning’er earthquake-hit areas in Southwest China, we analyzed the relationship between livelihood assets (or capitals) and livelihood strategies of local rural households and identified the main factors influencing the choice of livelihood strategy. The results indicate that statistically significant differences exist in livelihood assets among livelihood strategies. The choice of livelihood strategies is affected significantly by the status of livelihood assets. High financial capitals enable households to engage in higher-returns or capital-intensive livelihood activities. Improving vocational education and skills training for rural residents, especially for the youth, is also important in developing new livelihood strategies beyond their traditional lifestyle. Higher social capitals provide households the opportunity to select a higher return and income livelihood strategy. In addition, as part of efforts to enhance physical capitals, housing construction planning and technical guidance are of critical importance to improve the anti-seismic performance of rural buildings and decrease their livelihood risk in earthquake-prone areas. It is important for farmers to improve and diversify their livelihood strategies according to regional geographical environment and the comparative advantages of their own livelihood assets.
Natural Heritage Reconstruction Using Full-Color 3D Printing: A Case Study of the Valley of Five Polish Ponds
Authors: Wabiński Jakub , Mościcka Albina
Published: October 2019

The research presented in this paper proposes a method for the development of photorealistic, physical terrain models using full-color 3D printing, along with an efficiency assessment (i.e., cartographic correctness). The rapid development of 3D printing technology in recent years has caused a growth in the number of solutions allowing the automatic or semi-automatic generation of digital terrain representations that can be then 3D printed. Unfortunately, most of these solutions do not consider cartographic principles and their products cannot be referred to as 3D maps. The methodology proposed in this paper takes into account issues related to proper cartographic design, so that highly reliable models can be created. The main challenges identified during the research include choosing the optimal pixel size for Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation, which is used for landform representation, and integrating raster and vector data. Printing accuracy assessment is of high importance and, thus, a method for its implementation has been proposed. In order to verify the usability of the proposed methodology, the natural heritage site of the Valley of Five Polish Ponds, in the Tatra Mountains, Poland, has been chosen as the case study area. The results suggest that the proposed methodology can be successfully used for the preparation of highly accurate 3D maps that can be used for natural heritage documentation, promotion and visualization, as well as for the purposes of spatial planning and education.
Effects of Land-Use Practices on Woody Plant Cover Dynamics in Sahelian Agrosystems in Burkina Faso since the 1970s–1980s Droughts
Authors: Zida Wendpouiré Arnaud , Bationo Babou André , Waaub Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2019

The 1970s–1980s droughts in the Sahel caused a significant degradation of land and plant cover. To cope with this situation, populations have developed several biophysical and social adaptation practices. Many of these are agroforestry practices and contribute to the maintenance of agrosystems. Unfortunately, they remain insufficiently documented and their contributions to the resilience of agrosystems insufficiently evaluated. Many authors widely link the regreening in the Sahel after droughts to the resumption of rainfall. This study examines the contribution of agroforestry practices to the improvement of woody plant cover in the North of Burkina Faso after the 1970s–1980s droughts. The examination of practices is carried out by integrating the rainfall, soil, and geomorphology variables. Landsat images are used to detect changes in woody plant cover: increasing, decreasing, and no-change in the Enhanced Vegetation Index. In addition, 230 field observations, coupled with interviews conducted on the different categories of change, have allowed to characterize the biophysical environment and identify land-use practices. The results show a variability of vegetation index explained to 9% (R2 = 0.09) by rainfall. However, Chi-Squared independence tests show a strong dependence between changes in woody plant cover and geomorphology (p = 0.0018 *), land use, land cover (p = 0.0001 *), and land-use practices (p = 0.0001 *). Our results show that rainfall alone is not enough to explain the dynamics of agrosystems’ woody plant cover. Agricultural and social practices related to the dynamics of farmer perceptions play a key role.
The Tendency of Urban Stakeholders to Adopt Sustainable Logistics Measures on the Example of a Polish Metropolis
Authors: Matusiewicz Maria , Rolbiecki Ryszard , Foltyński Marcin
Published: October 2019

The scale of policies and measures for sustainable urban freight transport in European cities is still insignificant. However, the situation is changing as more and more cities are adopting sustainable urban logistics plans (SULPs). The situation in cities is extremely heterogeneous, so it would be difficult to point to one single policy that fits all. Yet the tool created with European projects constituting an instruction to prepare SULP allows us to follow the standardized steps, regardless of the conditions found in particular cities. The effectiveness of implementing sustainable measures to a large extent depends on the level of acceptability of individual urban space stakeholders. The article presents the results of a survey conducted among stakeholders of a Polish metropolis—the Gdansk–Gdynia–Sopot metropolitan area. The analysis showed that acceptability rises with the increase in the size of the surveyed entities. The most diversified acceptability ratings were obtained for the transport infrastructure solutions. Proposals for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) solutions are rated more positively by medium-sized and large enterprises. These solutions are assessed with greater caution by small and micro enterprises. The least diversified and clearly higher acceptance indicators were obtained for proposals in the scope of shaping sustainable urban transport development. The assessments obtained from the respondents should therefore constitute an important element of the works for developing the sustainable urban logistics plans starting in 2020 and also the opinions can be an important element of the future sustainable urban logistics plans, which are currently being developed in many European cities.
A Multi-Objective Optimization Model for Green Supply Chain Considering Environmental Benefits
Authors: Jian Jie , Guo Yu , Jiang Lin , An Yanyan , Su Jiafu
Published: October 2019

Whether the upstream and downstream members in a supply chain (considering environmental objectives) simultaneously stabilize economic benefits has become an important problem in the process of green development. However, few quantitative studies on green supply chains have considered environmental and economic benefits to realize multi-objective optimization. To study operation and cooperation strategies with a consideration of the different objective on the level of supply chain, we first establish a green supply chain game model with profit and environment objectives simultaneously considered by the manufacturer. Then, we analyze the multi-objective decisions of the supply chain members under centralized control using a manufacturer-led Stackelberg game and revenue-sharing contract. Using the manufacturer’s environmental preference as a variable, the effects of environmental benefits on the supply chain are also investigated. Finally, this study determines that the manufacturer’s profit will be reduced after considering the objective of environmental benefits, while the retailer’s profit, product greenness, and environmental benefits will be improved. Meanwhile, the total profit of the green supply chain will first increase and then decrease. In particular, a revenue-sharing contract can facilitate the coordination of multiple objectives; in this way, both the manufacturer and the retailer achieve higher profits and environmental benefits compared to a decentralized control condition, which is of great significance in achieving a win–win situation for the economy and the environment.
Spatio-Temporal Variability and the Factors Influencing Soil-Available Heavy Metal Micronutrients in Different Agricultural Sub-Catchments
Authors: Zhuo Zhiqing , Xing An , Li Yong , Huang Yuanfang , Nie Chaojia
Published: October 2019

Information on the spatial variability of soil-available micronutrients is important for farming and soil management practices. As current knowledge of factors influencing soil available micro-nutrients in the long-term scales is limited, we analyzed 821 and 812 representative surface (0–20 cm) soil samples from five sub-catchments in the Ping Gu intermontane basin in Beijing, China in 2007 and 2017. The objectives of this study were to assess the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of soil-available micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) and their relationships with soil’s chemical properties. The concentration of available Cu ranged from 1–2 mg∙kg−1 distributing over a large area in 2007, but it was more than 2 mg∙kg−1 in the hilly regions in 2017. The concentration of available Zn (>5 mg∙kg−1) increased significantly from 2007 to 2017, and showed an uneven distribution. The distribution of available Fe and Mn decreased from the northeast to the southwest region of the study area between 2007 and 2017, this being consistent with the topography in this area. Soil’s available P (AP) had a higher contribution to available Cu and Zn in different sub-catchments. In addition, soil pH had a significant negative influence on available Fe in sub-catchments 1, 2 and 3, and on available Mn in all sub-catchments, except for sub-catchment 4. Moreover, the effects of soil chemical properties on soil-available micronutrients increased in each sub-catchment from 2007 to 2017. We conclude that differences in soil properties and land-use types were the main reasons for the spatial variability of soil-available micronutrients in the Ping Gu intermontane basin.
Delineation of Urban Growth Boundaries with SD and CLUE-s Models under Multi-Scenarios in Chengdu Metropolitan Area
Authors: He Xindong , Mai Xianmin , Shen Guoqiang
Published: October 2019

For megacities experiencing rapid urbanization in China, urban growth boundaries (UGBs) have been considered as a useful means to control urban sprawl and to promote sustainable urban development. However, scientific methods and tools to delineate sound UGBs by planners are few and far between. Using metropolitan Chengdu as the study area, this paper applies the system dynamics (SD) and conversion of land use and its effects at small region extent (CLUE-s) models to delineate UGBs. In this study, land use demand was simulated in the SD model temporally at a macro-level and allocated in the CLUE-s model spatially at a micro-level. Key social-economic elements and spatial pattern factors were used in the simulation process for the period of 2013–2030. The simulation results under various scenarios showed that areas along the major corridors and belt roads of the main Chengdu metropolitan area and its satellite towns have higher chances to be developed. The areas most likely to be developed were used to establish the UGBs for 2020, 2025, and 2030. This research demonstrates that the integrated framework of SD and CLUE-s models provides a feasible means of UGB delineation under different development scenarios.
Ethical Financing in Europe—Non-Parametric Assessment of Efficiency
Authors: Barbu Teodora Cristina , Boitan Iustina Alina
Published: October 2019

The research gravitates around ethical, sustainable banking activity in an attempt to measure its responsible impact, which is proxy by the efficiency of their financial intermediation function. The paper focuses on ethical banks included in the membership of the European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks. Ethical banks are in the spotlight as they are explicitly involved in channeling financial resources towards start-ups and investment projects characterized by the social, cultural and environmental value-added, by encouraging the development of responsible, durable projects. The data envelopment analysis technique was used for computing the relative efficiency score which applies a linear programming algorithm for aggregating multiple inputs and outputs specific to banking activity. The main research stages developed within the paper consist of the following: (i) Computation of efficiency scores for each ethical bank in a timeframe of four successive years; (ii) developing the efficient frontier; (iii) performing discrimination between efficient and less efficient ethical banks and making a ranking. Therefore, the results emphasize ethical banks’ comparative performance, in terms of efficiency, and allow the identification of resembling peers whose monitoring may help the bank in achieving a further efficiency status. Overall, the results show that a single ethical bank constantly fulfills its mission to be socially responsible and exhibits a persistent efficiency status while the remaining ones face heterogeneity in terms of efficient business conduct.
A Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) of the Agricultural Cooperatives from South East Region of Romania
Authors: Florea Andrei-Mirel , Bercu Florentin , Radu Riana Iren , Stanciu Silvius
Published: October 2019

The need for Romanian agriculture development by efficient usage of resources and a rural environment has led to the establishment of agricultural cooperatives. Romania needs strong cooperatives and, in order to achieve this, the involvement of not only the authorities and agricultural producers, but also of each inhabitant from the rural area, is required. In the context of food market saturation with import products, it is necessary to revive the Romanian market in order to supply natural and quality products. A total of 1425 agricultural cooperatives were registered in Romania at the end of 2018, out of which 57% did not submit the Balance Sheet. The research performed within the study proposes the usage of fsQCA analysis in order to assess some conditions considered by us essential for the sustainability of the agricultural cooperatives. These conditions are represented by the initial contribution of the members, by the existence of a central collection space, by the employment of a manager, by the knowledge of the members on the development possibilities, and by the involvement of the members within the cooperative’s activity. The study highlights the fact that the absence of the conditions presented leads to the absence of a sustainable cooperative. We consider the dissolution of the cooperatives pertinent, which has not developed an activity for more than three years from their establishment and the publication on the MADR website of the National Registry of Cooperatives, which will offer a true image on the prosperity and viability of these types of entities.
A p-Robust Green Supply Chain Network Design Model under Uncertain Carbon Price and Demand
Authors: Qiu Ruozhen , Shi Shunpeng , Sun Yue
Published: October 2019

The problem of designing a multi-product, multi-period green supply chain network under uncertainties in carbon price and customer demand is studied in this paper. The purpose of this study is to develop a robust green supply chain network design model to minimize the total cost and to effectively cope with uncertainties. A scenario tree method is applied to model the uncertainty, and a green supply chain network design model is developed under the p-robustness criterion. Furthermore, the solution method for determining the lower and upper bounds of the relative regret limit is introduced, which is convenient for decision-makers to choose the corresponding supply chain network structure through the tradeoff between risk and cost performance. In particular, to overcome the large scale of the model caused by a high number of uncertain scenarios and reduce the computational difficulty, a scenario reduction technique is applied to filter the scenarios. Numerical calculations are executed to analyze the influence of relevant parameters on the performance of the designed green supply chain network. The results show that the proposed p-robust green supply chain network design model can effectively deal with carbon and demand uncertainties while ensuring cost performance, and can offer more choices for decision-makers with different risk preferences.
Sustainable Academic Motivation
Authors: Blašková Martina , Majchrzak-Lepczyk Justyna , Hriníková Dominika , Blaško Rudolf
Published: October 2019

The article examines motivation in higher education and relates it to the concept of sustainability. It consists of a theoretical examination of the terms ‘sustainable motivation’ and ‘academic motivation’, and specifically postulates and explains the concept of ‘sustainable academic motivation’. Sustainable academic motivation is defined as proactive interconnection of basic ideas of sustainability and basic characteristics of academic motivation. With primary attention on disclosing appropriate measures for building sustainable academic motivation, an empirical part presents the results of sociological questioning carried out on n = 181 teachers, administrators, and managers of Slovak and Polish universities. Higher financial evaluation and creating good relationships were found to be the most desirable motivation measures. Results also emphasized a discrepancy between opinions of university managers versus opinions of scientists and teachers regarding effective motivation. Based on the results, and with the support of other opinions, sustainable academic motivation is subsequently defined from five perspectives: (a) As the most important component of conscious behavior; (b) as the starting point of behavior; (c) as the accelerator of behavior and development; (d) as the process; and (e) as the resultative level of all motivational efforts and powers at higher-education institutions. The final part of the article contains recommendations for university management, when affecting and building sustainable academic motivation.
Following the Water: Characterising de facto Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture in the Netherlands
Authors: Beard Jack E. , Bierkens Marc F.P. , Bartholomeus Ruud P.
Published: October 2019

De facto (or indirect) wastewater reuse is the practice of extracting from surface water bodies which are impacted by treated wastewater (TWW) for anthropogenic use. The extent to which surface water bodies in the Netherlands are impacted by TWW is poorly understood, and the distribution of de facto reuse even more so. This study addresses these knowledge gaps, with a focus on reuse for agricultural irrigation. This is achieved via a novel application of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Explorer water quality model, allowing for the distribution of different flow components—namely TWW and flow from transboundary rivers—to be discerned for the national surface water network. When paired with data on surface water extractions for irrigation, this identifies notable areas of de facto reuse. Results show that during dry conditions, TWW is a significant flow component in many surface water bodies, particularly in smaller streams located close to WWTPs. De facto reuse is indicated as widespread, with several key areas identified in which extractions are from impacted surface water bodies. This study represents a first attempt to directly link TWW emissions to agricultural irrigation, highlighting a mechanism by which wastewater-associated contaminants can propagate through the hydrological system.
The Role of Regional Determinants in the Deployment of Renewable Energy in Farms. The Case of Spain
Authors: Ruiz-Fuensanta María J. , Gutiérrez-Pedrero María-Jesús , Tarancón Miguel-Ángel
Published: October 2019

We provide a multilevel logit model based on panel data which allows a capturing of the determinants of investment in their capacity for generating renewable energy in farms. As a novelty, we focus on regional determinants in order to assess the role of the regional dimension in making decisions by farmers about whether or not to invest in renewable energy generation. The relevance of this territorial/regional dimension acquires even greater significance in countries with a high degree of administrative decentralization, as is the case in Spain; where energy legislation gives a central role to regional governments in aspects related to the promotion of renewable energy sources. Multilevel analysis allows us to evaluate together both dimensions: Individual and regional. The results highlight the importance of the R & D investment carried out in regions, as well as the fact that there is an environment that favors the diffusion of renewable energies into the territory. Other variables, such as the level of agricultural income or regional energy intensity, do not seem to have significant relevance in the light of these results.
Corporate Responsibility in India: Academic Perspectives on the Companies Act 2013
Authors: Bergman Manfred Max , Bergman Zinette , Teschemacher Yael , Arora Bimal , Jyoti Divya , Sengupta Rijit
Published: October 2019

Developing prosperous and inclusive societies requires a reformulation of the business-society nexus toward sustainability. This means that all economically motivated behaviors of firms also need to consider their social and environmental impact, and all social and environmental policies their impact on the business sector and the economy. With the Companies Act 2013, the Indian government adopted a legislative approach to reconfigure the business-society nexus. Mandating what has been considered discretionary elicited an extensive academic debate. To study this India-specific political corporate social responsibility (CSR), we employ Content Configuration Analysis on 70 local and international English-language book chapters, research articles, reports, reviews, and expert commentaries published between 2013 and 2019 to develop a typology of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the Companies Act 2013. Among a large number of positions for and against the Act, we find that arguments extolling its advantages concurrently appear as disadvantages in other texts. This paradox is indicative of the difficulties of satisfying stakeholder expectations, as well as the complexities corporate responsibility programs face in India. Nonetheless, CSR as a policy tool allows the Indian government to instrumentalize the growing success of the business sector to address local and national needs and expectations. By systematizing the opportunities and challenges associated with the Companies Act 2013, we show how, similar to China, context and culture influence India’s socioeconomic development trajectory beyond the conventional market economy canon. Our analyses reveal how advantages and disadvantages are frequently connected to multiple stakeholders, including the government, business, and society. We conclude by highlighting the contribution this study makes to the field of political CSR.
Lowering Transport Costs and Prices by Competition: Regulatory and Institutional Reforms in Low Income Countries
Authors: Wheat Phill , Stead Alexander D. , Huang Yue , Smith Andrew
Published: October 2019

High passenger and freight transport costs are a barrier to economic growth and social mobility, particularly in Low Income Countries (LICs). This paper considers the current state of knowledge regarding the barriers to achieving lower generalised transport costs. It considers both the road and railway modes across passenger and freight transport. These issues include a reform on the regulations for driver hours (preventing the road infrastructure from overloading), structuring rail concessions, increasing competition, and tackling corruption. Such reforms aim to deliver efficiency gains and service quality improvements at lower costs for users. This paper identifies the knowledge gap in previous research and concludes by setting out a research agenda that builds the evidence base for how the best practices from around the world can best be applied to the specific circumstances in Low Income Countries, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
The Influence of Confucianism on Corporate Environmental Investment: Evidence from Chinese Private Firms
Authors: Xu Xixiong , Duan Lingling , Yan Youliang
Published: October 2019

While China’s economic development has made tremendous progress, it has also caused serious environmental pollution problems. This paper uses the date of the Chinese Private Enterprise Survey (CPES) to empirically investigate the impact of Confucianism on corporate environmental investment and its internal mechanism. The results show that: (1) Confucianism plays a significant role in corporate environmental investment. (2) In the areas where environmental regulation is relatively weak, Confucianism has a more significant effect on promoting corporate environmental investment. (3) The positive influence of Confucianism on corporate environmental investment is more obvious in heavy polluting industries. This paper’s conclusions deepen the theoretical cognition of the economic consequences of Confucianism and enrich the relevant literature on the subject of Confucianism. At the same time, this paper also expands the understanding of the determinants of corporate environmental investment from the perspective of the informal institution.
Temporal and Spatial Evolution of Carbon Emissions and Their Influencing Factors for Tourist Attractions at Heritage Tourist Destinations
Authors: Tang Chengcai , Wan Ziwei , Ng Pin , Dai Xiangyi , Sheng Qiuxiang , Chen Da
Published: October 2019

Carbon emissions play an important role in sustainable tourism development at heritage sites. The study takes the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (WSHIA) as an example, and primary and secondary data sources are used to measure and estimate the carbon emissions of tourist attractions from 1979 to 2014. The temporal and spatial evolution of carbon emissions and their influencing factors for tourist attractions at heritage tourist destinations are analyzed. The results show that there are great differences in carbon emissions per visitor across the different types of tourism attractions at the heritage tourist destination, and there are significant monthly and interannual differences in the carbon emissions of the tourism attractions in the WSHIA. The main influencing factors include tourism seasonality, the rapid growth of China’s tourism market, and the rising popularity of heritage tourism. The spatial evolution of carbon emissions of the tourist attractions can be divided into three stages, and its main influencing factors include functional zoning and environmental regulation at the heritage sites and diversified evolution of the heritage tourist attractions. The findings of this study could enrich theories of low-carbon tourism and provide the low-carbon development measures of sustainable tourism in heritage tourist destinations for policymakers.
Social Life Cycle Assessment of Brine Treatment in the Process Industry: A Consequential Approach Case Study
Authors: Tsalidis Georgios Archimidis , Korevaar Gijsbert
Published: October 2019

Social life cycle assessment (SLCA) was developed to complement the environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) and economic assessment. Contrary to LCA, SLCA is not yet standardized, and the consequential approach is little discussed in literature. This study aims to perform a consequential SLCA and investigate the applicability of the method in industrial decision making. The aforementioned assessment is done within the Zero Brine project, which works on zero liquid discharge technology for water, salt, and magnesium recovery from brine effluents. The developed SLCA systems are gate-to-gate, and the analysis is performed at two levels: Hotspot and site-specific. The system boundaries consist of a demineralized water (DW) production company, a chlor–alkali company, an electricity provider, a magnesium distributor in the Netherlands, and a Russian mining company. The latter exists only in the boundaries before the change due to the Zero Brine project, because recovered magnesium is expected to replace the Russian magnesium imported in the Netherlands. Within the system boundaries, the stakeholders contributing the most are the DW and the magnesium distributor companies. The former produces the brine and thus recovers the magnesium and salt. The latter is the exclusive distributor of Russian magnesium in the Netherlands. Overall, we find that the recovered magnesium results in improving social performance mainly in “Freedom of association and collective bargaining”, “Fair salary”, and “Health and Safety” due to decreasing the dependency of the Netherlands on Russia, while increasing operation in a country with much stronger environmental regulation and corporate commitment to sustainability issues. Modelling with SLCA may not result in the expected societal benefits, as the Russian community and workers may not benefit due to the large geographical boundaries of the system under study. Nevertheless, the application of the consequential approach can be considered suitable, yet complicated, for offering decision makers adequate social information. We recommend that decision makers in the DW company invest in magnesium recovery and that decision makers in the magnesium distributor company distribute the recovered magnesium.
Evaluating the Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions Considering Macro-Environmental Factors: A Cross-Country Study
Authors: Xu Wei , Fu Hongyong , Liu Huanpeng
Published: October 2019

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have attracted great attention, due to their significant role in poverty reduction. Given the features of MFIs, this paper proposes a novel hybrid model of soft set theory, and an improved order preference by similarity to ideal solution (HMSIT) to evaluate the sustainability of MFIs, considering accounting ratios, corporate governance factors, and macro-environmental factors, from a cross-country perspective. This setting enables the examination of the role of macro-environmental factors in the sustainability of MFIs. For this purpose, soft set theory is adopted to select optimal criteria. An improved order preference by similarity to ideal solution method, in which the weight of each criterion is determined by soft set theory, is proposed to rank the sustainability of MFIs. This algorithm enables HMSIT to make full use of various types of information. The case study uses cross-country samples. Results indicate that macro-environmental factors are significant in evaluating the sustainability of MFIs from a cross-country perspective. Particularly, they can play a key role in distinguishing MFIs with low sustainability. The results also indicate that HMSIT has strong robustness. Ranked results, produced from the proposed HMSIT are reliable enough to provide some managerial suggestions for MFIs and help stakeholders make decisions.