bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can a Hybrid Sport Education/Teaching Games for Understanding Volleyball Unit Be More Effective in Less Motivated Students? An Examination into a Set of Motivation-Related Variables
Authors: García-González Luis , Abós Ángel , Diloy-Peña Sergio , Gil-Arias Alexander , Sevil-Serrano Javier
Published: August 2020

Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study aims to examine whether the effects of a hybrid Sport Education (SE)/Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) a volleyball teaching unit were equally effective on a set of SDT-related variables according to students’ initial motivations. A pre-experimental pre-/post-test design without a control group was conducted in a volleyball teaching unit in Physical Education. A final sample of 49 students (M = 15.50, SD = 0.57), in their fourth year of secondary education, participated in a hybrid SE/TGfU volleyball teaching unit composed of 10 lessons. The structure of this unit was designed according to the characteristics of an SE model, while learning tasks were designed using the TGfU model. Different validated questionnaires on basic psychological need (BPN) support and satisfaction, novelty and variety satisfaction, motivation, and intention to be physically active were completed by students. Three different profiles with different Relative Autonomy Index (RAI) levels (i.e., “high”, “moderate”, and “low”) were identified through cluster analysis before starting the intervention. Although the SE/TGfU of a volleyball teaching unit were effective in improving SDT-related variables in the three profiles identified, a large effect size was observed in profiles with a “moderate” or “low” RAI. The hybridization of these two pedagogical models could be a tool for improving motivational outcomes in students who are less motivated in Physical Education lessons.
Implementing Community Sustainability Plans through Partnership: Examining the Relationship between Partnership Structural Features and Climate Change Mitigation Outcomes
Authors: Sun Xinyu , Clarke Amelia , MacDonald Adriane
Published: August 2020

Addressing society’s most complex challenges, such as climate change, requires bringing together stakeholders from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors. At the municipal level, multi-stakeholder partnerships are often formed to implement community sustainability plans. However, these partnerships can create new challenges, as it is cumbersome to coordinate action among a group that is made up of such diverse stakeholders. Past research suggests that it is important for these partnerships to have the appropriate structures in place to mitigate some of the coordination challenges to which they are prone. Yet, very few studies have examined the influence that different structural features have on plan outcomes. This article seeks to address this important research gap by using quantitative methods to examine five different features that can compose partnership structures—oversight, monitoring and evaluation, partner engagement, communication, and community wide-actions and their impact on climate change mitigation outcomes. Based on data collected through a global survey and publicly available greenhouse gases emission data from 72 different partnerships that implement community sustainability plans (CSPs), this study finds that structural features related to oversight and community-wide actions are positively associated with climate change mitigation outcomes. These results indicate that certain features of partnership structures may be more important for achieving desirable climate change mitigation outcomes, and thus contribute to research on collaborative governance structures and climate action.
Seasonal Variation of Indoor Radon Concentration Levels in Different Premises of a University Building
Authors: Baltrėnas Pranas , Grubliauskas Raimondas , Danila Vaidotas
Published: August 2020

In the present study, we aimed to determine the changes of indoor radon concentrations depending on various environmental parameters, such as the outdoor temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure, in university building premises of different applications and heights. The environmental parameters and indoor radon concentrations in four different premises were measured each working day over an eight-month period. The results showed that the indoor radon levels strongly depended on the outside temperature and outside relative humidity, whereas the weakest correlations were found between the indoor radon levels and indoor and outdoor air pressures. The obtained indoor radon concentration and environmental condition correlations were different for the different premises of the building. That is, in two premises where the ventilation effect through unintentional air leakage points prevailed in winter, positive correlations between the radon concentration and outside temperature were obtained, reaching the values of 0.94 and 0.92, respectively. In premises with better airtightness, negative correlations (R = −0.96 and R = −0.62) between the radon concentrations and outside temperature were obtained. The results revealed that high quality air isolation in premises could be an important factor for higher indoor radon levels during summer compared to winter.
Economic Evaluation of Carbon Capture and Utilization Applying the Technology of Mineral Carbonation at Coal-Fired Power Plant
Authors: Lee Bong Jae , Lee Jeong Il , Yun Soo Young , Lim Cheol-Soo , Park Young-Kwon
Published: August 2020

Based on the operating data of a 40 tCO2/day (2 megawatt (MW)) class carbon capture and utilization (CCU) pilot plant, the scaled-up 400 tCO2/day (20 MW) class CCU plant at 500 MW power plant was economically analyzed by applying the levelized cost of energy analysis (LCOE) and CO2 avoided cost. This study shows that the LCOE and CO2 avoided cost for 400 tCO2/day class CCU plant of mineral carbonation technology were 26 USD/MWh and 64 USD/tCO2, representing low LCOE and CO2 avoided cost, compared to other carbon capture and storage CCS and CCU plants. Based on the results of this study, the LCOE and CO2 avoided cost may become lower by the economy of scale, even if the CO2 treatment capacity of the CCU plant could be extended as much as for similar businesses. Therefore, the CCU technology by mineral carbonation has an economic advantage in energy penalty, power plant construction, and operating cost over other CCS and CCU with other technology.
Social Responsibility and University Teacher Training: Keys to Commitment and Social Justice into Schools
Authors: Martínez-Valdivia Estefanía , Pegalajar-Palomino Mª del Carmen , Burgos-García Antonio
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: International crisis situations (social, economic, health and education) need solutions. These situations need high doses of social responsibility among the population. In the educational field, different studies express that training future teachers in “Social Responsibility”, from ethics and social commitment; provides social justice and welfare in citizens. (2) Methods: This study developed a quantitative methodology; non-experimental and descriptive type. The research sample was university students registered in the Education Sciences degrees of different Spanish universities. The statistical analysis has been carried out with the SPSS software version 25 for Windows. (3) Results: The results express that the competence for social responsibility should be established in the university environment through training (university studies) contributing to the increase in the degree of social responsibility of the university student to face the changes of society (socially committed professional). (4) Conclusion: Social responsibility and university training should be key in the theoretical-practical and professional exercise of future teachers, since the quality and improvement of education will be determined by the real promotion of social responsibility as a basic competence in the curriculum of future teachers.
Climatology and Dynamical Evolution of Extreme Rainfall Events in the Sinai Peninsula—Egypt
Authors: Baldi Marina , Amin Doaa , Al Zayed Islam Sabry , Dalu Giovannangelo
Published: August 2020

The whole Mediterranean is suffering today because of climate changes, with projections of more severe impacts predicted for the coming decades. Egypt, on the southeastern flank of the Mediterranean Sea, is facing many challenges for water and food security, further exacerbated by the arid climate conditions. The Nile River represents the largest freshwater resource for the country, with a minor contribution coming from rainfall and from non-renewable groundwater aquifers. In more recent years, another important source is represented by non-conventional sources, such as treated wastewater reuse and desalination; these water resources are increasingly becoming valuable additional contributors to water availability. Moreover, although rainfall is scarce in Egypt, studies have shown that rainfall and flash floods can become an additional available source of water in the future. While presently rare, heavy rainfalls and flash floods are responsible for huge losses of lives and infrastructure especially in parts of the country, such as in the Sinai Peninsula. Despite the harsh climate, water from these events, when opportunely conveyed and treated, can represent a precious source of freshwater for small communities of Bedouins. In this work, rainfall climatology and flash flood events are presented, together with a discussion about the dynamics of some selected episodes and indications about future climate scenarios. Results can be used to evaluate the water harvesting potential in a region where water is scarce, also providing indications for improving the weather forecast. Basic information needed for identifying possible risks for population and infrastructures, when fed into hydrological models, could help to evaluate the flash flood water volumes at the outlets of the effective watershed(s). This valuable information will help policymakers and local governments to define strategies and measures for water harvesting and/or protection works.
Institutional Lens upon Industrial Symbiosis Dynamics: The case of Persian Gulf Mining and Metal Industries Special Economic Zone
Authors: Noori Shiva , Korevaar Gijsbert , Ramirez Ramirez Andrea
Published: August 2020

Industrial Symbiosis (IS) is a collaboration between nearby industrial plants to exchange waste material and energy and achieve economic and environmental benefits that cannot be obtained individually. IS emergence in a cluster requires both technical potentials for material and energy exchange and social readiness for collaboration. In this paper, to gain insight into IS dynamics in emerging industrial clusters; we investigate shared concepts governing actors’ behavior in the form of rules and regulations, and social norms and practices. We implemented the IS dynamics framework to reveal which dynamics are supported either by the legislation or actors’ preferences. The Persian Gulf Mining and Metal Industries Special Economic Zone in Iran is used as a case study. The case study revealed that previous successful collaborations in the cluster were often self-organized, but stakeholders preferred to initiate new IS collaborations if financial incentives and infrastructure are provided. Meanwhile, the institutional analysis showed that institutional arrangements (e.g., pricing and penalties) are not in favor of IS emergence. Even though stakeholders might engage in self-organized IS because of inherent problems such as resource scarcity, the lack of clear and effective institutions could hinder IS. This understanding can help both the government and stakeholders in their strategies for future collaborations under different economic and environmental policies.
How to Characterize Business Excellence and Determine the Relation between Business Excellence and Sustainability
Authors: Jankalová Miriam , Jankal Radoslav
Published: August 2020

A descriptive attribute or characteristic of an object is called dimension. In the area of Business Excellence, this concept is associated with national quality awards and Business Excellence models. The aim of the paper is to identify the Business Excellence dimensions, on the grounds of comparative analysis of selected national quality award models, including determination of relations between the Business Excellence and Sustainability. Cross-cultural comparison of Business Excellence core values in the analyzed excellence models/national quality awards will be helpful in identification of the Business Excellence dimensions. The main findings of this study are: The basis for achieving Business Excellence is to respect the core principles of TQM (Total Quality Management); Business Excellence dimensions can be identified based on core values; Business Excellence can be characterized through dimensions; there is a relationship between the Business Excellence dimensions and the Sustainability dimensions. This study is based on information that was gathered through an extensive literature review (research publications and research studies (documents) about the national quality awards and Business Excellence models using Internet and research databases (Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO) and the authors’ own experience. Methods of analysis, comparison, selection, abstraction, induction, deduction, determination, and statistics were used. The paper is organized as follows: the methodology approach; the comparative review of the secondary data on Business Excellence core values in the analyzed models; discussion about the main findings, including the link between the Business Excellence dimensions and Sustainability dimensions.
Mobile Phone Data in Urban Customized Bus: A Network-based Hierarchical Location Selection Method with an Application to System Layout Design in the Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Yu Qing , Li Weifeng , Zhang Haoran , Yang Dongyuan
Published: August 2020

Employment is one of the essential socioeconomic connections in urban agglomeration. However, both the demand and the supply of transjurisdictional public transport service are unevenly distributed in such area. Customized bus has a high potential of serving transjurisdictional and long-distance commuting demand. This study proposes a network-based layout design method to generate hierarchical service scopes and stations for customized bus system. First, the home and the workplace of residents are identified using mobile phone data, to construct a jobs-housing relationship network. Then, an iterative algorithm based on network community detection and density-based spatial clustering is applied to the jobs-housing relationship network to hierarchically segment the urban agglomeration area into communities. Three methods are proposed for location selection of customized bus stations. A case study is conducted using the mobile phone dataset from nine cities in the Yangtze River Urban Agglomeration in China. A four-level hierarchical customized bus system layout is generated and both the spatial properties and network properties of service scopes are analyzed. The proposed three methods of customized bus station location selection are compared based on the average travel distance and the rationality of the resulted customized bus station location.
Improved Predictive Control for an Asymmetric Multilevel Converter for Photovoltaic Energy
Authors: Gaisse Patricio , Muñoz Javier , Villalón Ariel , Aliaga Rodrigo
Published: August 2020

This article proposes a 27-level asymmetric cascade H-bridge multilevel topology for photovoltaic applications, which considers a predictive control strategy that allows minimization of the commutations of the converter. This proposal ensures a highly sinusoidal and stable photovoltaic injection when there are solar irradiance disturbances, generating a low distortion in the current waveform and low switching losses. To validate the performance of the control and the proposed topology, the dynamic model of the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) side system is first obtained, which is checked by computational simulations. Subsequently, the implementation of a master–slave control is carried out, focused on the control of DC voltage and AC current. The proposal is simulated, and the total harmonic distortion (THD) is obtained in the voltage and current waveforms. Undesired commutations, typical of the predictive control, are eliminated in the AC voltage waveform, and a proper DC voltage tracking is achieved for the high-power cell. In order to demonstrate the performance of the proposed control strategy, a low-power proof-of-concept prototype is implemented, in which the energy is injected to the grid, under the event of solar irradiance disturbances (with DC control).Then, the undesired switching in the main cell is eliminated, generating THDs in the voltage and current signal of 7.76% and 2.65%, respectively.
Ten Years of Airbnb Phenomenon Research: A Bibliometric Approach (2010–2019)
Authors: Núñez-Tabales Julia M. , Solano-Sánchez Miguel Ángel , Caridad-y-López-del-Río Lorena
Published: August 2020

The interest in the Airbnb phenomenon is represented in the fast growth of publications indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) since the research inception of this topic in 2010. However, there are no studies that analyze the incidence of this phenomenon from a bibliometric approach using WoS. Therefore, this paper aims to quantify the incidence and composition of the Airbnb phenomenon through bibliometrics taken it as a data source. To achieve this aim, the WoS statistical instruments and the bibliometric tool VOSviewer are used. The results obtained, such as the number of articles and citations per year, the main categories of these articles, the nationalities of the authors, the most productive institutions, the sources and authors in terms of publications, and the H-Core of the most cited articles, are presented. Finally, concept maps are exposed, representing the relatedness of co-authorship and co-citation among authors, as well as the co-occurrence of the keywords in the articles analyzed. Satisfaction, trust, and innovation appear as the main research lines. This paper can be useful for academics and professionals, giving them a holistic overview of the topic, identifying new research areas, or as an objective manner to literary review approaches.
An ANP-Balanced Scorecard Methodology to Quantify the Impact of TQM Elements on Organisational Strategic Sustainable Development: Application to an Oil Firm
Authors: Andrade Arteaga Carla , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Raúl , Alfaro-Saiz Juan-José , Verdecho María-José
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a methodology for quantifying the impact of Total Quality Management TQM elements on organisational strategic sustainable development, integrating within it the well-known strategic management tool of Balanced Scorecard to represent the strategic part of the organisations, and the multi-criteria technique Analytic Network Process (ANP) to identify and quantify the mentioned impact. Additionally, the application of TQM generates directly some organisational improvements—or outputs—which help model a decisional ANP network constituted by all three building blocks—TQM elements, strategic objectives and outputs—and their interrelationships. The application of the methodology to an oil firm carried out by an expert group offered, from a decision-making point of view, meaningful results that were developed following three different analyses: Global analysis, which identified the global weight of each variable; Analysis of Influences, which established sound cause–effect relationships between the variables to identify the elements—TQM and outputs—that are more important to achieve the strategic objectives; and the Integrated analysis, which pointed out which TQM elements should be fostered in order to achieve the most important sustainable strategic objectives. Finally, it is suggested to apply the methodology to other types of size and sector activity organisations, as well as to use other techniques that introduce fuzzy elements.
Improving Coherence in a Cross-Border Public Transport System: Lessons from the Greater Copenhagen Region
Authors: Ryan Jean , Wretstrand Anders
Published: August 2020

Greater Copenhagen is often cited as a good example of cross-border cooperation. Shared historical contexts and socio-political willingness have meant that considerable resources have been invested into the development of infrastructure in this region. The Öresund fixed link constitutes the most important element of this infrastructure, facilitating a cross-border public transport system which ties the region together. This public transport system in turn underpins the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the cross-border region. The aim of this study is to investigate the issues at play with respect to improving the coherence of this cross-border public transport system, in relation to ticketing and public transport information in particular. This study comprises the compilation and analysis of the perspectives of the actors involved in and affected by the development of the cross-border transport system. In total, twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted. Six predominant themes emerged from the analysis of the empirical material: “Focus on the customer”, “The Other Side”, “Tidying up at home first”, “Political challenges”, “Back to basics” and “The low-hanging fruits”. It became apparent that the prioritization of internal and organizational issues in the first instance could mean compromises, not only for cross-border cooperation but also for the customer’s (the passenger’s) experience. Results suggest that improvements to coherence in this transport system will most likely take the form of incremental changes and adopting common standards. This is opposed to the development of common systems, or of a significant departure from existing systems.
Evaluating the Effect of Perceived Value of Ecosystem Services on Tourists’ Behavioral Intentions for Aogu Coastal Wetland
Authors: Lee Meng-Tsung , Liu Jen-Ming , Borazon Elaine Q.
Published: August 2020

This research empirically tested the effect of perceived value of ecosystem services on tourists’ intentions to revisit the Aogu coastal wetland in Taiwan. Data were collected using a structured survey and structural equation modeling was then done to test the research hypotheses. Based on the data collected from 230 tourists in the Aogu coastal wetland, the perceived value of ecosystem services of wetland has a positive effect on tourists’ environmental concerns and friendly environmental behavior. Results also indicate that tourists’ environmental concern has a positive effect on friendly environmental behavior and tourists’ friendly environmental behavior has a positive effect on revisit intention to the Aogu coastal wetland. However, the effects of perceived value of ecosystem services and tourists’ environmental concerns on revisit intention were not found to be significant in this study. These results have implications for tourism management of coastal wetlands and the increase in revisit intentions of tourists.
The Effect of Natural Celebrity–Brand Association and Para-Social Interaction in Advertising Endorsement for Sustainable Marketing
Authors: Zhang Ke , Hung Kineta
Published: August 2020

Celebrity endorsement has been regarded as an effective strategy for enterprises to implement sustainable marketing strategies. However, frequent use of celebrity ads renders consumers skeptical of the ads’ and celebrity’s profit-making intent, which may adversely affect the sustainable marketing of the brand. This has given rise to “natural celebrity-brand association” that features celebrities using the brand in real-life settings, which is usually presented on social media rather than mass media. Using a boot-strapping approach, the study contrasts the effects of natural and commercial endorsements (i.e., natural vs. advertising, natural vs. product placement) on consumer brand responses. Results showed that natural celebrity–brand association exerts superior effects. Further, the mediating variables, para-social interaction (PSI) and its drivers (celebrity attractiveness, consumers’ perceived homophily with the celebrity), which reflect consumer’s emotional connection with a celebrity, also exert significantly stronger effects in the natural (vs. commercial) endorsement context. This research provides insights for advertisers and marketers in exploring new patterns of brand presentation forms in advertisements and gaining competitive advantage in sustainable marketing.
Research on Behavior-Based Data Leakage Incidents for the Sustainable Growth of an Organization
Authors: Kim Jawon , Kim Jaesoo , Chang Hangbae
Published: August 2020

With the continuously increasing number of data leakage security incidents caused by organization insiders, current security activities cannot predict a data leakage. Because such security incidents are extremely harmful and difficult to detect, predicting security incidents would be the most effective preventative method. However, current insider security controls and systems detect and identify unusual behaviors to prevent security incidents but produce many false-positives. To solve these problems, the present study collects and analyzes data leaks by insiders in advance, analyzes information leaks that can predict security incidents, and evaluates risk based on behavior. To this end, data leakage behaviors by insiders are analyzed through an analysis of previous studies and the implementation of an in-depth interview method. Statistical verification of the analyzed data leakage behavior is performed to determine the validity and derive the levels of leakage risk for each behavior. In addition, by applying the N-gram analysis method to derive a data leakage scenario, the levels of risk are clarified to reduce false-positives and over detection (i.e., the limitations of existing data leakage prevention systems) and make preemptive security activities possible.
A Framework for Risk Assessment in Collaborative Networks to Promote Sustainable Systems in Innovation Ecosystems
Authors: Santos Ricardo , Abreu António , Dias Ana , Calado João M.F. , Anes Vitor , Soares José
Published: August 2020

Nowadays—and due to an increasingly competitive world—organizations need to collaborate in an open innovation context to be efficient and effective by achieving high levels of innovation with their products and services. However, the existing resources—as well as the innovation achieved from the diversity of partners involved—brings challenges to the management; in particularly with risk management. To fulfill such needs, risk management frameworks have been created to support managers, on preventing threats with systems development, although without properly account the influence of each system component, on the entire system, as well as the subjectivity within human perception. To account for these issues, a framework supported by fuzzy logic is presented in this work, to evaluate the risk level on system development in open innovation environment. The approach robustness is assessed by using a case study, where the challenges and benefits found are discussed.
Clothing Lifespans: What Should Be Measured and How
Authors: Klepp Ingun Grimstad , Laitala Kirsi , Wiedemann Stephen
Published: August 2020

Increasing the use of each product, most often called longer lifespans, is an effective environmental strategy. This article discusses how garment lifespans can be described in order to be measured and compared. It answers two sub-questions: (1) what to measure (units), and (2) how to measure (methods). We introduce and define terms related to clothing lifespans and contribute to discussions about an appropriate functional unit for garments in life cycle assessments (LCA) and other environmental accounting tools. We use a global wardrobe survey to exemplify the units and methods. Clothing lifespans can be described and measured in years, the number of wears, cleaning cycles, and users. All have an independent value that show different and central aspects of clothing lifespans. A functional unit for LCAs should emphasise both the number of wears for all users as well as the service lifespan in years. Number of wears is the best measure for regular clothing, while number of years is most suited for occasion wear, because it is important to account for the need of more garments to cover all the relevant occasions during a specified time period. It is possible to study lifespan via carefully constructed surveys, providing key data relating to actual garment use.
Capital Structure, Financial Performance, and Sustainability of Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) in Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin Syeda Sonia , Hossain Belayet , Mohiuddin Muhammad , Cao Qingfeng
Published: August 2020

Capital structure plays an important role in organizational performance. Sources of funds for micro-finance institutions (MFIs) and their performance and financial sustainability become an important topic for the MFIs and poverty alleviation initiatives to achieve sustainable development goals of the UN. We explored the following question: Does the financial structure in terms of financial leverage affect the financial performance: Financial sustainability, depth, and breadth of outreach of MFIs? Our research focuses on studying the relationship between capital structure and financial performance of micro-finance institutions as well as achieving the objectives of this program by reaching out to the deserving clients without collaterals. A dataset of 187 MFIs is used to establish the relationship between the capital structure and performance of MFIs. Panel data regression analysis has been used for this study using the Random effect and Fixed effect models. Return on Asset (ROA), and Net Income to Expenditure (NIER) have been used as measures of financial performance. The findings indicate that Equity to Asset Ratio (EAR), Debt to Loan Ratio (DTL), Risk, and Size are the factors that influence NIER. Furthermore, EAR, and DTL have a positive effect on ROA, and Risk has a negative effect. The findings of this study will enable MFIs to configure their capital structure by creating a portfolio of sources of their capital from market-based sources of funds that can maximize their financial performance and reach out to poor clients without collaterals.
Pilot Low-Cost Concentrating Solar Power Systems Deployment in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Implementation Challenges
Authors: Ramde Emmanuel Wendsongre , Tchao Eric Tutu , Fiagbe Yesuenyeagbe Atsu Kwabla , Kponyo Jerry John , Atuah Asakipaam Simon
Published: August 2020

Electricity is one of the most crucial resources that drives any given nation’s growth and development. The latest Sustainable Development Goals report indicates Africa still has a high deficit in electricity generation. Concentrating solar power seems to be a potential option to fill the deficit. That is because most of the components of concentrating solar power plants are readily available on the African market at affordable prices, and there are qualified local persons to build the plants. Pilot micro-concentrating solar power plants have been implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa and have shown promising results that could be expanded and leveraged for large-scale electricity generation. An assessment of a pilot concentrating solar power plant in the sub-region noticed one noteworthy obstacle that is the failure of the tracking system to reduce the operating energy cost of running the tracking control system and improve the multifaceted heliostat focusing behavior. This paper highlights the energy situation and the current development in concentrating solar power technology research in Africa. The paper also presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art solar tracking systems for central receiver systems to illustrate the current direction of research regarding the design of low-cost tracking systems in terms of computational complexity, energy consumption, and heliostat alignment accuracy.
Key Factors Controlling Primary Production and Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs) in a Continuous Weir System in the Nakdong River, Korea
Authors: Choi Jisoo , Min Jun Oh , Choi Bohyung , Kim Dokyun , Kang Jae Joong , Lee Sang Heon , Choi Kwangsoon , Lee Heesuk , Jung Jinyoung , Shin Kyung-Hoon
Published: August 2020

To identify key factors that control primary production (P.P.) and trigger cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cHABs), we investigated spatio-temporal variations in P.P. in a continuous weir system in the Nakdong River once or twice a month from April to October 2018. P.P. was measured through an in-situ incubation experiment using a 13C tracer. Relative proportion of pigment-based phytoplankton composition was calculated by the CHEMTAX program based on pigment analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). P.P. was higher in spring (1130 ± 1140 mg C m−2 d−1) and summer (1060 ± 814 mg C m−2 d−1) than autumn (180 ± 220 mg C m−2 d−1), and tended to increase downstream. P.P. was negatively related to PO43− (r = −0.41, p < 0.01) due to utilization by phytoplankton during the spring and summer when it was high. The relative proportion of pigment-based cyanobacteria (mainly Microcystis sp.) was positively correlated with water temperature (r = 0.79, p < 0.01) and hydraulic retention time (HRT, r = 0.67, p < 0.01), suggesting that these two factors should affect cHABs in summer. Therefore, to control HRT could be one of the solutions for reducing cHABs in a continuous weir system.
Resilience through the Financialisation of Risks? The Case of a Dairy System in Northwest Germany
Authors: Popp Thies R. , Nowack Wiebke
Published: August 2020

State support for financial risk management schemes has been introduced in numerous agricultural policies to enhance farming system resilience in response to increased income fluctuations and partially reduced producer support levels in the agricultural sector. In order to better understand how financialisation of risks can contribute to an actual improvement of specific farming systems’ resilience, this study investigates its effects with regards to dairy farming. Based on an in-depth case study of a dairy system in Northwest Germany, multilayered challenges faced by the farm system are identified, resilience strategies investigated and the role of financial risk management evaluated. In doing so, the resilience assessment framework developed by Meuwissen et al. (2019) is applied in order to analyse the systems’ capacity to resist, adapt or transform in response to external challenges threatening the provision of system’ functions. The results indicate a high relevance of insurances and savings with regards to the system’s robustness against short-term shocks. However, to address the various long-term pressures, resilience-enhancing attributes that increase the system’s capacity to adapt and transform would need to be strengthened. In particular, more cooperation and knowledge transfer beyond system boundaries could contribute to a holistic risk management allowing for improved farming system resilience.
Case Study of the Experience Capturer Evaluation Tool in the Design Process of an Industrial HMI
Authors: Aranburu Erik , Lasa Ganix , Gerrikagoitia Jon Kepa , Mazmela Maitane
Published: August 2020

In the absence of user experience evaluation tools for industrial human–machine interfaces (HMI), a specific tool called eXperience Capturer (XC) has been created. It is a multi-method user-centred tool that evaluates the pragmatic and experiential aspects of employees’ interaction with industrial HMIs during the three phases of experience. In this article, a case study is shown where the XC tool is used in an industrial HMI design process. The results show that evaluation using the XC tool facilitates the creation of a new design that improves the experience of employees during interaction, increasing their autonomy, competence, closeness to the system, safety and stimulation.
“A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action Please”: Examining Students’ Voices on Education, Transgression, and Societal Change
Authors: Manni Annika , Knekta Eva
Published: August 2020

Education for sustainability is urgent but also challenging when aiming for transformation, transgression, and action-oriented societal change. It is important to take into consideration students’ voices in order to enhance education, and this study used semi-structured interviews to explore students’ voices on the role of contemporary education, in society, in relation to urgent issues related to sustainability. Thematic content analysis was applied, as a first step, to analyse the students’ answers. Then a T-learning model was applied on the themes to further analyse the results in relation to transformative, transgressive, and action-oriented learning. The students reflected on a diversity of important issues in society and the possibilities of action for change, many of them related to their personal life and experiences. They also talked about diverse educational experiences, but our analysis indicated that their current education did not always meet the needs of a more transgressive and change-oriented learning. Finally, we have found that the T-learning model has the potential to be used for educational reflection and for developing new understandings of teaching and learning.
Complexity of the Socio-Ecological Dynamics in Hong Ha Commune in the Vietnamese Highland—A Review through the Coupled Human and Natural Systems Framework
Authors: Schäfer Holger , Miyaguchi Takaaki , Yoshizumi Miki , Tung Nguyen Ngoc
Published: August 2020

In Vietnam, government policies have led to improvements in the national forest cover and poverty situation. However, numerous recent case studies in the Vietnamese highland found that socio-ecological dynamics were highly complex on a local scale, resulting in unintended policy impacts and varying policy success among regions. While such complexity has become apparent, it has been difficult to understand and compare between regions, as assessment methods and targeted aspects of socio-ecological dynamics differed between case studies. In this review, complex socio-ecological dynamics in Hong Ha Commune in Thua Thien Hue Province were identified in published case studies and organized into complexity features based on the coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) framework, to make information more accessible and comparable under the widely applied framework. All complexity features of CHANS systems were identified in the reviewed literature, such as feedback loops (between illegal forest use and flood damage), heterogeneity (in incomes between Kinh people and ethnic minorities), and telecoupling (of the local livelihood through tourism). Based on its applicability to Hong Ha Commune, the CHANS framework is suggested to be applied in other forested areas of the Vietnamese highland to understand and compare complex socio-ecological dynamics and evaluate policy impacts.
A Mixed Integer Linear Programming Based Load Shedding Technique for Improving the Sustainability of Islanded Distribution Systems
Authors: Sarwar Sohail , Mokhlis Hazlie , Othman Mohamadariff , Muhammad Munir Azam , Laghari J. A. , Mansor Nurulafiqah Nadzirah , Mohamad Hasmaini , Pourdaryaei Alireza
Published: August 2020

In recent years significant changes in climate have pivoted the distribution system towards renewable energy, particularly through distributed generators (DGs). Although DGs offer many benefits to the distribution system, their integration affects the stability of the system, which could lead to blackout when the grid is disconnected. The system frequency will drop drastically if DG generation capacity is less than the total load demand in the network. In order to sustain the system stability, under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) is inevitable. The common approach of load shedding sheds random loads until the system’s frequency is recovered. Random and sequential selection results in excessive load shedding, which in turn causes frequency overshoot. In this regard, this paper proposes an efficient load shedding technique for islanded distribution systems. This technique utilizes a voltage stability index to rank the unstable loads for load shedding. In the proposed method, the power imbalance is computed using the swing equation incorporating frequency value. Mixed integer linear programming (MILP) optimization produces optimal load shedding strategy based on the priority of the loads (i.e., non-critical, semi-critical, and critical) and the load ranking from the voltage stability index of loads. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is tested on two test systems, i.e., a 28-bus system that is a part of the Malaysian distribution network and the IEEE 69-bus system, using PSCAD/EMTDC. Results obtained prove the effectiveness of the proposed technique in quickly stabilizing the system’s frequency without frequency overshoot by disconnecting unstable non-critical loads on priority. Furthermore, results show that the proposed technique is superior to other adaptive techniques because it increases the sustainability by reducing the load shed amount and avoiding overshoot in system frequency.
The Importance of Philanthropic Corporate Social Responsibility and Its Impact on Attitude and Behavioral Intentions: The Moderating Role of the Barista Disability Status
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo , Kim Jinkyung Jenny , Lee Seokhoon
Published: August 2020

Despite the increased attention to corporate social responsibility and employment of disabled people worldwide, there is insufficient evidence about the effect of these interrelated initiatives on the formation of consumer behavior. To fill this gap, this study was designed to understand consumers’ responses with respect to such activities in the coffee industry. More specifically, this study proposed that philanthropic corporate social responsibility (PCSR) aids to enhance attitude which subsequently increases behavioral intentions. In addition, this study examined the moderating role of barista disability status in the relationship between PCSR and attitude. The quantitative approach was used to examine hypotheses, and data were collected from the following two types of Starbucks: (1) Starbucks where disabled baristas provide services and (2) Starbucks where non-disabled baristas provide services. The results of data analysis showed that PCSR positively affects attitude, which in turn has a positive influence on intentions to use, word-of-mouth intentions, and willingness to pay more. Lastly, the moderating role of barista disability status was identified. Based on the findings, discussions involved theoretical and managerial implications of this study that include the encouragement of hiring people with disabilities in the coffee shops.
Assessing the Complexity of Social-Ecological Systems: Taking Stock of the Cross-Scale Dependence
Authors: Gonçalves Leandra R. , Oliveira Mayara , Turra Alexander
Published: August 2020

Human demands and activities introduce cross-scale pressures in different systems and scales, affecting the provision of ecosystem services and causing an unbalanced effect on human well-being within the territory. The existing institutions are frequently considered panaceas since they do not take into account the different spatial and jurisdictional scales of the social-ecological systems (SES). This paper aims to broaden the existing DPSIR (Drivers–Pressures–State–Impact–Response) assessment frameworks to strengthen the ecosystem approach and promote an integrated cross-scale perspective. The concept of the Cross-scale Ecosystem-Based Assessment (DIET) was developed and applied to a case study on the demand of seafood provisions. The assessment has indicated that the activities related to the specified demand occur at different scales and generate cumulative impacts and pressures on other scales, especially in the coastal zone. The existing responses to address this issue are highly fragmented, both spatially and among sectors. DIET was applied here to the land–sea interface to illustrate how coastal zone governance and management can be improved and how the impact of certain drivers or activities in the SES can be reduced. DIET may help to reduce the governance morbidity and prevent panaceas by fostering the integration of institutions in pursuing flexible, adaptive and fit-for-purpose policies to address complex issues so as to secure social-ecological justice and well-being for all humans.
Agritourism Activity—A “Smart Chance” for Mountain Rural Environment’s Sustainability
Authors: Ciolac Ramona , Iancu Tiberiu , Brad Ioan , Popescu Gabriela , Marin Diana , Adamov Tabita
Published: August 2020

The debates regarding sustaining the rural world by improving the quality of life are numerous; one of the proposals being agritourism activity. This activity can be a “smart chance” for the sustainability of the mountain rural environment, because it has a multiplier effect on some important parts of economic and social life of the community. For instance, it can be an ally of agriculture, ensuring a diversification alternative for farms, an alternative for local guesthouses to capitalize their own local products, while ensuring the opportunity to obtain additional/complementary income, a possibility of adjusting the depopulation phenomenon and the abandonment of old houses and lands, at the same time offering a pleasant activity/alternative, especially for young people. In this context, the purpose followed in the paper is oriented through the transposition of agritourism activity into a “smart chance” for ensuring rural mountain sustainability. Being simultaneously an innovative and diversifying alternative, it is an actual one that starts from the study of two areas which are similar in terms of tourist potential. However, the approach is a different one, especially regarding the combination of agricultural resources with those specific to the rural way of life, and it also follows a different degree of development. Our scientific approach aims to present some aspects from the two areas, to achieve a general image of tourism potential, to identify how the agritourism activity is seen by those directly involved in its implementation, to point out some aspects due to which agritourism activity can be considered as a “smart chance” while bringing multiple benefits, and to ensure the sustainability of rural mountain areas by playing a vital role in the transition towards a more sustainable future.
The Impact of Organizational Culture on Customer Service Effectiveness from a Sustainability Perspective
Authors: Metz Daniel , Ilieș Liviu , Nistor Răzvan Liviu
Published: August 2020

The conducted study focused on a multinational ITC (Information Technology and Communications) company. Empirical research aimed to evaluate organizational culture based on Denison’s model through four features: capacity development, basic values, customer orientation, and goals and objectives. At the same time, the study analyzed service provided to customers, taking into account its three phases: pre-transaction, transaction, and post-transaction. As research methods, we used a questionnaire-based survey and direct observation. The results of the study demonstrate that the company has a strong culture based on an adequate core value system (shared by company members), innovative and effective human capital management practices, and customer orientation. All characteristics ensure the integration of sustainability principles into strategies, policies, and management practices of the company. At the same time, the authors develop a design and analysis model of the impact of organizational culture features on customer service effectiveness, highlighting that the four organizational culture features are good predictors for improving customer service effectiveness, which promotes an ethical business model and sustainable pursuit of economic, social and environmental performance. The study identified a set of good management practices and solutions in the design, operationalization, and monitoring of customer service.