bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Health Policy of India and COVID-19: Diagnosis and Prognosis of the Combating Response
Authors: Gauttam Priya , Patel Nitesh , Singh Bawa , Kaur Jaspal , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Jakovljevic Mihajlo
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: Society and public policy have been remained interwoven since the inception of the modern state. Public health policy has been one of the important elements of the public administration of the Government of India (GOI). In order to universalize healthcare facilities for all, the GOI has formulated and implemented the national health policy (NHP). The latest NHP (2017) has been focused on the “Health in All” approach. On the other hand, the ongoing pandemic COVID-19 had left critical impacts on India’s health, healthcare system, and human security. The paper’s main focus is to critically examine the existing healthcare facilities and the GOI’s response to combat the COVID-19 apropos the NHP 2017. The paper suggests policy options that can be adopted to prevent the further expansion of the pandemic and prepare the country for future health emergency-like situations. (2) Methods: Extensive literature search was done in various databases, such as Scopus, Web of Science, Medline/PubMed, and google scholar search engines to gather relevant information in the Indian context. (3) Results: Notwithstanding the several combatting steps on a war-footing level, COVID-19 has placed an extra burden over the already overstretched healthcare infrastructure. Consequently, infected cases and deaths have been growing exponentially, making India stand in second place among the top ten COVID-19-infected countries. (4) Conclusions: India needs to expand the public healthcare system and enhance the expenditure as per the set goals in NHP-17 and WHO standards. The private healthcare system has not been proved reliable during the emergency. Only the public health system is suitable for the country wherein the population’s substantial size is rural and poor.
Italy versus Other European Countries: Sustainable Development Goals, Policies and Future Hypothetical Results
Authors: Dello Strologo Alberto , D’Andrassi Edoardo , Paoloni Niccolò , Mattei Giorgia
Published: March 2021

The topic of sustainable development has become increasingly central to the international community. In 2015, the UN approved the 2030 Agenda, an action plan aimed at pursuing sustainable development. The founding elements of the 2030 Agenda are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that refer to different areas of development. The objective of this study is to determine the state of implementation of the SDGs in Italy and to understand to what extent the country will be able to reach European standards in 2030 under current policies. To this end, a quantitative analysis was carried out which, thanks to the use of official statistics and the FORECAST.ETS function, made it possible to identify the value that the indicators will have in 2030. In addition, the dynamic index methodology was applied to measure the degree of implementation of the SDGs between two different historical periods: 2018 and 2030. The analyses carried out shows that Italy needs to take urgent measures to meet its commitment to the 2030 Agenda. The study offers one of the first insights into the implementation of the 2030 Agenda as, in addition to analyzing the country’s performance, it examines the pursuit of the SDGs within the country itself. It is therefore believed that the results may be of interest to governments, experts, and academics.
The Economic, Social, and Environmental Impacts of Farmers Markets: Recent Evidence from the US
Authors: Warsaw Phillip , Archambault Steven , He Arden , Miller Stacy
Published: March 2021

Farmers markets are regular, recurring gatherings at a common facility or area where farmers and ranchers directly sell a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally grown farm products to consumers. Markets rebuild and maintain local and regional food systems, leading to an outsized impact on the food system relative to their share of produce sales. Previous research has demonstrated the multifaceted impacts that farmers markets have on the communities, particularly economically. Recent scholarship in the United States has expanded inquiry into social impacts that markets have on communities, including improving access to fresh food products and increasing awareness of the sustainable agricultural practices adopted by producers, as well developing tools for producers and market stakeholders to measure their impact on both producers and communities. This paper reviews the recent scholarship on farmers markets to identify recent trends and synthesizes the current evidence describing the ways in which farmers markets contribute to the wellbeing of their communities, as well as identifying areas for additional future research.
Illustration, Re-Enactment, Citizenship and Heritage of Contemporary Conflict: The Case of the Ebro (1938)
Authors: Hernàndez-Cardona Francesc Xavier , Rubio-Campillo Xavier , Sospedra-Roca Rafael , Íñiguez-Gracia David
Published: March 2021

Historical illustrations give us hypothetical visual reconstructions of the past, which contribute to their interpretation, knowledge, and understanding. The progress of software for the design and production of images has optimized the possibilities of generating models of educational and understandable illustrations of spaces, facts, and concepts of the past. At the same time, promoting historical recreation activities allows us to obtain photographic and moving images of a historical nature, which can be integrated into image processing software. This paper describes the experience of the DIDPATRI group (Heritage Education, comprehensive museography and new technologies) the University of Barcelona with the Battle of the Ebro (Spanish Civil War, 1938), concerning the design of models/educational illustrations of the conflict. The developed actions show that, with well-defined criteria, support for recreation, and basic but highly educational software that is understandable and replicable, iconographic models can be obtained at a reasonable cost. The final result provides us with the possibility to understand the past in greater detail. The heritage of the conflict gives us the possibility to reflect, thereby directly affecting the formation of quality citizenship.
Electric Vehicle and Renewable Energy Sources: Motor Fusion in the Energy Transition from a Multi-Indicator Perspective
Authors: Gil-García Isabel C. , García-Cascales Mª Socorro , Dagher Habib , Molina-García Angel
Published: March 2021

Energy transition requires actions from different sectors and levels, mainly focused on achieving a low-carbon and high-renewable integration society. Among the different sectors, the transport sector is responsible for more than 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, mostly emitted in cities. Therefore, initiatives and analysis focused on electric vehicles integration powered by renewables is currently a desirable solution to mitigate climate change and promote energy transition. Under this framework, this paper proposes a multi-indicator analysis for the estimation of CO2 emissions combining renewable integration targets, reduction emission targets and realistic renewable resource potentials. Four scenarios are identified and analyzed: (i) current situation with conventional vehicles, (ii) replacement of such conventional by electric vehicles without renewable integration, (iii) and (iv) integration of renewables to fulfill emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050 respectively. The analysis is evaluated in the state of Maine (United States). From the results, a minimum renewable penetration of 39% and 82%, respectively, is needed to fulfill the emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050 by considering 100% conventional vehicle replacement. Different combinations of available renewable resources can reduce emissions by more than 35%.
Groundwater Extraction in the South Korea’s Jeju Island: A Real Options Game Approach under Price Uncertainty
Authors: Lee Jaehyung , Jang Heesun
Published: March 2021

This paper uses a standard non-cooperative sequential game with two homogeneous players to analyze investment options of groundwater development project in South Korea’s Jeju island. The model is constructed as an option game taking the uncertainty of water price and the irreversibility of investment into account. The results show that the threshold water price of follower increases with the investment scale of both the leader and the follower while the threshold water price for the leader decreases as the investment scale of the leader increases. This makes the leader choose strategies to maximize the amount of groundwater extraction regardless of the follower’s strategy. Based on the results, it is recommended for policymakers to manage sustainable use of groundwater based on the policy measures such as the groundwater extraction quota system.
Impacts of Nanosilver-Based Textile Products Using a Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Abu-Qdais Hani A. , Abu-Dalo Muna A. , Hajeer Yazan Y.
Published: March 2021

Due to their properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in consumer products. The widespread use of these products leads to the release of such nanoparticles into the environment, during manufacturing, use, and disposal stages. Currently there is a high margin of uncertainty about the impacts of nano products on the environment and human health. Therefore, different approaches including life cycle assessment (LCA) are being used to evaluate the environmental and health impacts of these products. In this paper, a comparison between four different AgNP synthesis methods was conducted. In addition, four textile products that contain AgNPs were subjected to comparison using LCA analysis to assess their environmental and public health impacts using SimaPro modeling platform. Study results indicate that using alternative methods (green) to AgNPs synthesis will not necessarily reduce the environmental impacts of the synthesizing process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has compared and assessed the environmental burdens associated with different nanosilver-based textile products at different disposal scenarios. The synthesis of 1 kg of AgNPs using modified Tollens’ method resulted in 580 kg CO2 eq, while 531 kg CO2 eq resulted from the chemical approach. Furthermore, the manufacturing stage had the highest overall impacts as compared to other processes during the life cycle of the product, while the product utilization and disposal stages had the highest impacts on ecotoxicity. Sensitivity analysis revealed that under the two disposal scenarios of incineration and landfilling, the impacts were sensitive to the amount of AgNPs.
Perceived Social Norms and Agripreneurial Intention among Youths in Eastern DRC
Authors: Ephrem Akilimali Ndatabaye , Nguezet Paul Martin Dontsop , Murimbika McEdward , Bamba Zoumana , Manyong Victor
Published: March 2021

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country with a high agricultural productivity potential; however, the agribusiness sector remains unattractive to youths. This study examined the extent to which perceived social norms and psychological capital affect youths’ intentions to pursue agribusiness opportunities in the Eastern DRC. Data was collected on a sample of 600 youths. We applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS−SEM) in order to examine the relationship between the variables. The findings indicated that most of the youths did not select agribusiness as their top career choice. The intention to engage in agribusiness activities was significantly higher among the youths who perceived that agribusiness was socially valued and supported. Psychological capital significantly and positively affects youths’ agripreneurial intention. The findings contribute to the underlying Theory of Planned Behavior by supporting a positive mediation role of psychological capital—and the moderating roles of educational level, gender, access to land, and location—on the relationship between perceived social norms and agripreneurial intention. The paper concludes that the provision of funds is not enough to promote youth agripreneurship in an environment in which agricultural-related social norms, youths’ psychological capital, gender, access to land, educational level, and location (rural versus urban) are not thoroughly considered.
Life Cycle Assessment of an Integrated Steel Mill Using Primary Manufacturing Data: Actual Environmental Profile
Authors: Backes Jana Gerta , Suer Julian , Pauliks Nils , Neugebauer Sabrina , Traverso Marzia
Published: March 2021

The current dependency on steel within modern society causes major environmental pollution, a result of the product’s life cycle phases. Unfortunately, very little data regarding single steel production processes have been found in literature. Therefore, a detailed analysis of impacts categorized in terms of relevance cannot be conducted. In this study, a complete life cycle assessment of steel production in an integrated German steel plant of thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, including an assessment of emissions from the blast furnace, the basic oxygen furnace, and casting rolling, is carried out. The functional unit is set to 1 kg hot-rolled coil, and the system boundaries are defined as cradle-to-gate. This study models the individual process steps and the resulting emitters using the software GaBi. Total emissions could be distributed into direct, upstream, and by-product emissions, where the biggest impacts in terms of direct emissions from single processes are from the power plant (48% global warming potential (GWP)), the blast furnace (22% GWP), and the sinter plant (79% photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP)). The summarized upstream processes have the largest share in the impact categories acidification potential (AP; 69%) and abiotic depletion potential fossil (ADPf; 110%). The results, including data verification, furthermore show the future significance of the supply chain in the necessary reduction that could be achieved.
Multiobjective Environmentally Sustainable Optimal Design of Dedicated Connected Autonomous Vehicle Lanes
Authors: Lin Yu , Jia Hongfei , Zou Bo , Miao Hongzhi , Wu Ruiyi , Tian Jingjing , Wang Guanfeng
Published: March 2021

The emergence of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) is not only improving the efficiency of transportation, but also providing new opportunities for the sustainable development of transportation. Taking advantage of the energy consumption of CAVs to promote the sustainable development of transportation has attracted extensive public attention in recent years. This paper develops a mathematical approach to investigating the problem of the optimal implementation of dedicated CAV lanes while simultaneously considering economic and environmental sustainability. Specifically, the problem is described as a multi-objective bi-level programming model, in which the upper level is to minimize the system-level costs including travel time costs, CAV lane construction cost, and emission cost, whereas the lower level characterizes the multi-class network equilibrium with a heterogeneous traffic stream consisting of both human-driven vehicle (HVs) and CAVs. To address the multi-objective dedicated CAV lane implement problem, we propose an integrated solution framework that integrates a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) algorithm, diagonalized algorithm, and Frank–Wolfe algorithm. The NSGA-II was adopted to solve the upper-level model, i.e., hunting for the optimal CAV lanes implementation schemes. The diagonalized Frank–Wolfe (DFW) algorithm is used to cope with multi-class network equilibrium. Finally, numerical experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and solution method. The experimental results show that the total travel time cost, total emission cost, and total energy consumption were decreased by about 12.03%, 10.42%, and 9.4%, respectively, in the Nguyen–Dupuis network as a result of implementing the dedicated CAV lanes.
Dynamics of a Simulated Demonstration March: An Efficient Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Rahn Simon , Gödel Marion , Fischer Rainer , Köster Gerta
Published: March 2021

Protest demonstrations are a manifestation of fundamental rights. Authorities are responsible for guiding protesters safely along predefined routes, typically set in an urban built environment. Microscopic crowd simulations support decision-makers in finding sustainable crowd management strategies. Planning routes usually requires knowledge about the length of the demonstration march. This case study quantifies the impact of two uncertain parameters, the number of protesters and the standard deviation of their free-flow speeds, on the length of a protest march through Kaiserslautern, Germany. Over 1000 participants walking through more than 100,000 m2 lead to a computationally demanding model that cannot be analyzed with a standard Monte Carlo ansatz. We select and apply analysis methods that are efficient for large topographies. This combination constitutes the main novelty of this paper: We compute Sobol’ indices with two different methods, based on polynomial chaos expansions, for a down-scaled version of the original set-up and compare them to Monte Carlo computations. We employ the more accurate of the approaches for the full-scale scenario. The global sensitivity analysis reveals a shift in the governing parameter from the number of protesters to the standard deviation of their free-flow speeds over time, stressing the benefits of a time-dependent analysis. We discuss typical actions, for example floats that reduce the variation of the free-flow speed, and their effectiveness in view of the findings.
Hallmark Sporting Events as a Vehicle for Promoting the Sustainable Development of Regional Tourism: Strategic Perspectives from Stakeholders
Authors: Lu Huei-Fu
Published: March 2021

Although hosting sporting events has received considerable attention and the important connection between sporting events and urban development has been highlighted, most studies have focused on mega sporting events, and the controversy around the benefits of hosting mega sporting events is also increasing. To promote regional sport tourism, this study explores the strategic perspectives of stakeholders on hosting hallmark sporting events for the regional development of sport tourism. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 representatives from stakeholder groups to discuss the role and essence of hallmark sporting events in promoting regional tourism. Archival material, including event organizing documents and information, was used to enhance the reliability of the qualitative analysis. Four strategic perspectives are proposed to illustrate the inter-relationships between hallmark sporting events and the sustainable development of regional tourism. These perspectives can be used as a management procedure to improve event operations for event managers. This study’s main contribution is the proposal of development goals and proper execution processes for hosting hallmark sporting events for the sustainable development of regional tourism, and the cultivation of effective synergy between local business activities and stakeholders.
Use-Related and Socio-Demographic Variations in Urban Green Space Preferences
Authors: Phillips Amy , Khan Ahmed Z. , Canters Frank
Published: March 2021

This paper explores use-related and socio-demographic variations in the valuation of urban green space (UGS) characteristics in the Brussels Capital Region (BCR), lending insights into the valuation of the cultural ecosystem services provided by UGS. Mismatches in the supply of and demand for UGS characteristics are also identified. Knowledge on the ways in which valuation of UGS characteristics vary and on an inadequate supply of UGS characteristics should guide and inspire planning and management of UGS to ensure that UGS provision meets the unique needs of communities. Online surveys were conducted in the BCR to determine how people use UGS, how they experience these spaces, and whether these spaces fulfil their needs for urban green Our findings indicate that socio-demographic characteristics (namely age and household composition) correspond with distinct patterns of use and valuation. Two subgroupings of users are identified: nature-oriented users and social users. Our accessibility analysis shows that, compared to social users, nature-oriented users tend to travel farther to reach their most frequently used UGS but are more often satisfied with the supply of UGS characteristics. Our findings point to an inadequate supply of nature and overcrowding of UGS in the city centre of Brussels. We recommend that planners not only consider size and distance in UGS standards but also consider the demand for UGS characteristics as well.
Investigating Web-Based Sustainability Reporting in Italian Public Universities in the Era of Covid-19
Authors: Nicolò Giuseppe , Aversano Natalia , Sannino Giuseppe , Tartaglia Polcini Paolo
Published: March 2021

Universities are increasingly called to demonstrate to stakeholders their active commitment to responding to social and environmental issues through comprehensive reporting practices. Such expectations were further enhanced by the recent pandemic outbreak unleashed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has bolstered social pressures on universities to demonstrate their active engagement in supporting health systems in fighting against the virus as well as in ensuring adequate e-learning paths for students. Therefore, this study aims to investigate to what extent Italian public universities disclose sustainability information on their websites. The study is based on a well-established framework adapted from the literature. The category “Sustainability and COVID-19” has been added to also examine the extent to which universities disclose information regarding policies and strategies adopted to cope with the ongoing pandemic crisis. Results evidence that most of the sampled universities devote a specific section of their websites to disclose information on sustainability issues. Results also highlight a strong commitment to the disclosure of social issues. Particular attention is devoted to disclosing information about “Social Performance”; “Sustainability and COVID-19” and “Society Issues”. The results may be beneficial to both policymakers and university governors in gaining awareness about the potential of websites in engendering insights into the social issues that involve a university and a wider range of stakeholders.
A Meta-Synthesis of Bibliometric Reviews of Research on Managing for Sustainability, 1982–2019
Authors: Hallinger Philip
Published: March 2021

This review of research used meta-synthesis to integrate findings from seven bibliometric reviews of research on managing for sustainability in different management disciplines: leadership, human resource management, entrepreneurship management, innovation management, supply chain management, knowledge management, and strategic management. The purposes of the review were to document empirically key features of this knowledge base as well as to identify leading journals, and documents. The meta-synthesis analyzed bibliographic data associated with 9927 relevant documents sourced from the Scopus index. The review confirmed the existence of a large body of management research on sustainability. This research, which first emerged during the 1980s, has grown exponentially since 2010. Although authorship of this corpus has been concentrated in Anglo-American-European (AAE) societies (60%), the authors of this corpus represent 140 different societies. Moreover, there is a recent trend of increasing contributions from developing societies such as China, India, Malaysia, Brazil, and South Africa. There are large differences in the “between-discipline” proportion of research produced on sustainability topics, with knowledge management and supply chain management evidencing the largest and human resource management the smallest proportions of this literature. The review also provided insight into the most influential journals (e.g., Journal of Cleaner Production, Sustainability, International Journal of Production Economics, Business Strategy and the Environment) and documents in the literature on managing for sustainability. Document co-citation analysis yielded three key conceptual themes within this literature: Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Strategic Management of Resources for Sustainability, Social Entrepreneurship. This analysis further highlighted the central role that strategic management theories have played in shaping sustainability discourse across the different management disciplines.
Evaluation of a Blended Career Education Course during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Students’ Career Awareness
Authors: Lau Sam S. S. , Wan Kelvin , Tsui Martin
Published: March 2021

Higher education has increasingly emphasized the importance of employability traits in order to personalize students’ learning needs and meet dynamic workplace demands. Previous research addressing the personalized learning on career education in blended learning model is limited. The present study aims to examine whether students with distinctive stable personality traits would improve their career adaptability and adaptation results after attending a synchronous career course during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 162 participants completed the questionnaires at both the first and last sessions of the course in spring 2020. Findings revealed that the course positively improved students’ identity formation. Personality traits demonstrated significant main effects on the middle identity formation stage and career adaptability. This study highlights traits such as emotional stability and possible cultural effects on the career development course in the young Chinese sample population. The implication of specific attributes and cultural backgrounds in career development courses is discussed.
Sustainable Business Models for Informal Charcoal Producers in Kenya
Authors: Mutta Doris , Mahamane Larwanou , Wekesa Chemuku , Kowero Godwin , Roos Anders
Published: March 2021

The sustainable business model (SBM) concept requires enterprises to integrate sustainability aspects in their planning and operations. Although 60% of the global working population make their living in the informal sector mostly in low-and middle income countries, the potential for SBMs has rarely been analyzed for this category. This study explores the SBMs of informal charcoal-producing enterprises in coastal Kenya. It describes key business-model components: value proposition, value creation and delivery, and economic value capture. Impact and dependency on sustainability-related indicators were also studied. Data were obtained through individual interviews, focus-group discussions, and workshops for charcoal producers and other relevant stakeholders. Findings demonstrated that charcoal enterprises, despite their informal status, adopt elaborate business models. The incomes positively affect several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing, if not eradicating, poverty and supporting basic livelihood needs. Examples of negative impacts on some SDG include the activity’s contribution to forest degradation. Feedback impacts, where SDG status influence the informal enterprises’ opportunities were also identified. The SBM model contributes to the development of a balanced sustainability transition of the charcoal sector. We suggest further analyses of the role of informal enterprises in the bioenergy sector for sustainable development and how their SBMs could be improved.
The Effects of Institutional Measures: Geographical Indication in Mercosur and the EU
Authors: Fracarolli Guilherme Silva
Published: March 2021

As agri-food markets become increasingly specialized, governments are provoked to provide these products legal support to protect their supply and trade sources. After several treaties, the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement was signed in 1995 as the broadest ever reached. The agreement allowed Geographical Indication (GI) of agri-food products to be targeted. The GIs of Mercosur and the European Union are very different in absolute and relative numbers, showing evidence of significant institutional participation difference. Thus, this work aims to compare the effects of institutional mechanisms promoted by Mercosur and the EU on this market by establishing an analysis framework based on the respective laws and agreements against demographic data. The results show that adherence to TRIPS is a necessary condition but not sufficient for its development. Adherence to the Lisbon Agreement also strengthens the capacity to sustain a substantial GI market. Additionally, the standardization of regulatory treatment and interventionist action helps stabilize and promote institutions in the GI market. Finally, this study concludes from the EU and Mercosur cases that a more robust, promotive and uniform system through its legal basis and dedicated structures results in more trustable institutions and potentially a more abundant market for GI products.
Water Conflicts in Central Asia: Some Recommendations on the Non-Conflictual Use of Water
Authors: Peña-Ramos José Antonio , Bagus Philipp , Fursova Daria
Published: March 2021

Central Asian states, where freshwater is a strategic resource, are oriented towards regional conflict rather than cooperation. First, the article analyses the role of the unequal distribution of freshwater that has been generating conflicts in Central Asia in the post-Soviet period. Next, these conflicts are examined. Finally, we provide some recommendations on the non-conflictual use of water.
From Resistance to Creation: Socio-Environmental Activism in Chile’s “Sacrifice Zones”
Authors: Valenzuela-Fuentes Katia , Alarcón-Barrueto Esteban , Torres-Salinas Robinson
Published: March 2021

The last decade has witnessed the proliferation of socio-environmental conflicts across Chile, characterized by the resistance of local communities against extractive and industrial projects. Increasingly, these conflicts have revealed the multiple injustices experienced by communities living in sacrifice zones. A sacrifice zone can be defined as a segregated place where the quality of life of its communities is compromised in the name of progress and capital accumulation. By focusing on socio-environmental struggles taking place in Quintero-Puchuncaví Bay, Coronel Bay, and Hualpén-Talcahuano Bay, three highly polluted and industrialized areas in Chile, this article explores the views and practices developed by grassroots activists in their quest for resisting and moving beyond the capitalist and extractivist model of development. By conducting a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 32 socio-environmental activists, this qualitative study provides a detailed account of how they understand a sacrifice zone and resist in these areas. Furthermore, it describes alternatives to capitalist and extractivist development envisioned and enacted by grassroots movements, expanding on the notions of territorial sovereignty and “buen vivir”.
Analytical Modeling and Optimization of a Heat Sink Design for Passive Cooling of Solar PV Panel
Authors: AlAmri Fahad , AlZohbi Gaydaa , AlZahrani Mohammed , Aboulebdah Mohammed
Published: March 2021

High temperature is the primary challenge in the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in an arid climate. A rise in temperature diminishes the performance of the PV systems and shortens their lifespan. The goal of this manuscript is to develop an analytical model to predict the temperature of PV panels under a passive cooling system for an arid environment. Taking into consideration the link between solar panel temperature and its conversion efficiency, Kirchhoff’s and Ohm’s laws for a complex circuit were applied to calculate the heat flux in the solar panel system, and hence obtain the temperatures of each layer in the system. Closed-form analytical expressions for temperature, output power, and conversion efficiency of the solar panel were deduced and presented as functions of solar irradiance, ambient temperature, emissivity, wind velocity, tilt angle, and dimensions of fins. Comparison between the results presented in the literature and those predicted by the developed analytical model validated the presented model. Moreover, the length of the fins required for safe thermal operation of solar panels in harsh desert environment were also obtained from analysis. Furthermore, the effect of using such a cooling system on the temperature and efficiency of the solar panels was verified by using the developed model under real conditions in Dammam city during summer and winter seasons. The results showed that the optimized heat sink could raise the solar panel power by 8.7% during summer and by 6.5% during winter.
Investigating Regional and Generational Heterogeneity in Low-Carbon Travel Behavior Intention Based on a PLS-SEM Approach
Authors: Li Wu , Zhao Shengchuan , Ma Jingwen , Qin Wenwen
Published: March 2021

This study aims at reviewing whether regional and generational differences exist in behavior intention to adopt low-carbon travel modes. Based on 759 questionnaires collected from three cities (Zhenjiang, Suzhou, and Shanghai) with different population sizes in China, we develop a modified theory of planned behavior (MTPB) model framework integrating low-carbon transport policies, psychological aspects, personal norms, and travel habits. A more advanced partial least-square method of structural equation model (PLS-SEM) and a multiple-group analysis (MGA) model are applied to estimate the effects and heterogeneities of these factors on low-carbon travel behavior intention among three cities and four age groups. The results show that the roles of low-carbon policies, subjective norms, and personal norms on behavior intention of adopting low-carbon travel modes are more salient. The effect of low-carbon policy on behavior is much weaker than it is on intention, and it does not follow that such intention will often be followed up with action. There is regional and generational heterogeneity in terms of the influence on low-carbon travel behavior intention. In particular, the benefits of low-carbon policies are more remarkable in the middle-sized city, young adult group, and pre-older adult group. The low-carbon travel behavior intention in the large-sized city, junior-middle adult group, and senior-middle adult group are affected by subjective norms more easily. The large-sized city and young adult group have better personal norms in favor of low-carbon travel. The findings could provide helpful insights into developing heterogeneous transport policies to encourage different travelers to switch from auto to low-carbon travel modes.
Exposure to Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) Affects the Antioxidant Response and Gene Expression of Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Hossain Md Muzammel , Yuan Yuan , Huang Hengliang , Wang Ziwei , Baki Mohammad Abdul , Dai Zhihua , Rizwan Muhammad , Xiong Shuanglian , Cao Menghua , Tu Shuxin
Published: March 2021

Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) is widely used daily in the chemical industry and exists in the environment; however, its eco-toxicity is not well documented. A hydroponic experiment was performed to investigate the effects of D6 exposure (10–1000 mg L−1) on oxidative stress induction and gene expression changes in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). The results showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was enhanced by 20–32% at low D6 exposure (10 mg L−1) in muscle but reduced in gill tissue at high D6 exposure (1000 mg L−1). High D6 (1000 mg L−1) also increased catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities in muscle tissue by 14–37% and 14–45%, respectively, and the same trend was observed in the carapace and gill tissue of crayfish. The Malondialdehyde (MDA), ascorbate (AsA), and glutathione (GSH) contents were increased by 16–31%, 19–31%, and 21–28% in the muscle of crayfish under D6 exposure. Additionally, silicon (Si) content increased in three organs (gill, carapace, and muscle) of crayfish. Related genes involved in enzyme and nonenzyme activities were detected, and when crayfish was exposed to D6, genes such as Sod3, Cat3, Pod3, and Gsh3 were up-regulated, while Asa3 and Oxido3 were significantly down-regulated in the muscle. The research results help us to understand the toxicity of D6 in crayfish and provide a basis for further research on the mechanism of D6-induced stress in crayfish and other aquatic organisms.
Policy Zoning Method for Innovation Districts to Sustainably Develop the Knowledge-Economy: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Jiwu , Tong Chengyu , Hu Xuewei
Published: March 2021

Innovation districts, as a particular place for knowledge-based urban development strategies, have been praised for promoting sustainable economic developments. They have, however, been criticized for contributing to gentrification, urban inequality, and other problems that hinder sustainability. There has been little research addressing how planners maintain economic sustainability and promote the social and environmental sustainability of innovation districts. This paper takes Hangzhou as a case study, using the policy zoning—a new zoning method based on suitability evaluation—to formulate the applicable place plan for building innovation districts. The results show that the policy zoning can help planners arrange the construction of innovation districts in certain urban areas and take the most targeted measures to improve the sustainability of possible innovation districts. These measures include either enhancing the foundations of the metropolitan area or promoting innovation development by referring to suitability evaluation results. Planning based on policy zoning is of benefit to the sustainability of innovation districts through avoiding the impulsive behavior of policymakers, as well as promoting the better distribution of development achievements among the people, rather than concentrating on land developers and stakeholders who pursue maximum profits.
Sport and Sustainable Development Goals in Spain
Authors: Campillo-Sánchez Javier , Segarra-Vicens Eduardo , Morales-Baños Vicente , Díaz-Suárez Arturo
Published: March 2021

Sport is a valuable tool for sustainable development. This is recognized in the Kazan Action Plan, in the 2030 Agenda, itself, and in the Action Plan for its implementation in Spain. In order to broaden the scope of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is necessary to carefully consider both the possible synergies and existing inconsistencies that can enhance and weaken the contribution of sport to sustainable development. Taking as reference the international recommendations in this regard, it will be necessary to take into account the concept of “policy coherence” in both its vertical and horizontal dimensions. Advancing in the achievement of the SDGs largely requires involving subnational governments and the rest of the stakeholders, promoting decision-making based on concrete and reliable common indicators. Starting from the methodology developed globally by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) for locating the SDGs, a comparative analysis of the sports situation of each Spanish Autonomous Community will be carried out as a diagnosis. This is to show the existing inequalities between territories in relation to the selected indicators and, at the same time, identify some of the main limitations and gaps that we currently find in Spain to perform this location in a more effective way.
Innovation Policy and Sustainable Regional Development in Agriculture: A Case Study of the Stavropol Territory, Russia
Authors: Chaplitskaya Anastasia , Heijman Wim , Ophem Johan van , Kusakina Olga
Published: March 2021

This paper considers innovations as one of the factors of sustainable agricultural development of the Stavropol Territory. It focuses on the impact of state policy at the regional level in the field of innovations on the sustainable development of the region’s agriculture. This paper tests whether the implementation of the policy in innovations increased the sustainable growth of agricultural development. To do so, a model with switch variables was used. Principle component analysis was used to calculate a composite sustainability index of selected socio-economic and environmental indicators. The hypothesis that the introduction of a state policy aimed at innovation has a positive impact on the sustainable development of the regional agriculture was corroborated. We also assessed the impact of implementing this policy within each dimension separately. The socio-economic indicator is more important than the environmental indicator.
Are China’s Water Resources for Agriculture Sustainable? Evidence from Hubei Province
Authors: Jin Hao , Huang Shuai
Published: March 2021

We assessed the sustainability of agricultural water resources in Hubei Province, a typical agricultural province in central China, for a decade (2008–2018). Since traditional evaluation models often consider only the distance between the evaluation point and the positive or negative ideal solution, we introduce gray correlation analysis and construct a new sustainability evaluation model. Our research results show that only one city had excellent sustainable development capacity of agricultural water resources, and the evaluation value of eight cities fluctuated by around 0.5 (the median of the evaluation result), while the sustainable development capacity of agricultural water resources in other cities was relatively poor. Our findings not only reflect the differences in the natural conditions of water resources among various cities in Hubei, but also the impact of the cities’ policies to ensure efficient agricultural water use for sustainable development. The indicators and methods in this research are not difficult to obtain in most countries and regions of the world. Therefore, the indicator system we have established by this research could be used to study the sustainability of agricultural water resources in other countries, regions, or cities.
Twitter as a Tool for Citizen Education and Sustainable Cities after COVID-19
Authors: Caldevilla-Domínguez David , Barrientos-Báez Almudena , Padilla-Castillo Graciela
Published: March 2021

The social confinement resulting from the COVID-19 crisis temporarily reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Although experts contend that the decrease in pollution rates was not drastic, some surveys detect growth in social concern about the climate. In this new climate-conscious environment, municipalities and local governments are promoting a new way of living and caring for cities, even before they can regain national and international freedom of movement. This work analyzes the connections between new climate awareness arising from the COVID-19 crisis, proposals of sustainable citizenship around the world, and its communication on Twitter to educate the new eco-conscious audience. The methodology mixes quantitative and qualitative analysis, using the Twitonomy Premium tool and the Twitter research tool with data extracted at the end of December 2020. Among the top ten most influential and active accounts, the results show educational institutions, local institutions, companies, neighborhoods, associations, and influencers. The impossibility of living in the city has not prevented citizen education and commitment to make real change for when that city and its citizens return to normality. However, this new normality must be different: more ecological, more responsible, more sustainable, and practiced from early childhood.
Situation, Challenges, and Solutions of Policy Implementation on Municipal Waste Management in Vietnam toward Sustainability
Authors: Trinh Lien Thi Kim , Hu Allen H. , Pham Phu Song Toan
Published: March 2021

Municipal solid waste management is an environmental issue that has received considerable attention from researchers and environmental managers for decades. Supporting the management programs entail policies and regulations related to municipal solid waste. In developed countries, the implementation of environmental policies plays an important role and has a substantial impact on the effectiveness of solid waste management. However, in many developing countries such as Vietnam, the situation and effectiveness of the policy implementation have not been studied extensively. This investigation is conducted to ascertain the situation, limitations, and challenges in implementing solid waste management policy in Vietnam. Then, solutions for the problems and improvements for implementation efficiency are presented. This work used online questionnaires to survey environmental managers in different localities and applied qualitative research method to analyze data. The results show that not all national policies on solid waste management are implemented in all localities. Waste separation is also the foremost concern in municipal waste management in most localities of Vietnam. Most of the localities claimed that the unrealistic nature and difficult implementation of the policies and the lack of needed resources are the main limitations and challenges in Vietnam. Survey results also revealed that different localities in Vietnam have different solutions to increase policy implementation efficiency. Besides, the study also found similarities in the implementation of policies in solid waste management between Vietnam and some other countries and also gathered some valuable lessons for the improvement strategy. Finally, the implementation of an effective domestic solid waste management policy is an important platform for improving environmental quality and ensuring the sustainable development of the nation and mankind.
The Impact of Microclimate on the Reproductive Phenology of Female Populus tomentosa in a Micro-Scale Urban Green Space in Beijing
Authors: Xing Xiaoyi , Dong Li , Konijnendijk Cecil , Hao Peiyao , Fan Shuxin , Niu Wei
Published: March 2021

The spatial variation of poplars’ reproductive phenology in Beijing’s urban area has aggravated the threat of poplar fluff (cotton-like flying seeds) to public health. This research explored the impact of microclimate conditions on the reproductive phenology of female Populus tomentosa in Taoranting Park, a micro-scale green space in Beijing (range <1 km). The observed phenophases covered flowering, fruiting, and seed dispersal, and ENVI-MET was applied to simulate the effect of the microclimate on SGS (start day of the growing season). The results showed that a significant spatial variation in poplar reproductive phenology existed at the research site. The variation was significantly affected by the microclimate factors DMT (daily mean temperature) and DMH (daily mean heat transfer coefficient), with air temperature playing a primary role. Specifically, the phenology of flowering and fruiting phenophases (BBB, BF, FF, FS) was negatively correlated with DMT (−0.983 ≤ r ≤ −0.908, p <0.01) and positively correlated with DMH (0.769 ≤ r ≤ 0.864, p < 0.05). In contrast, DSD (duration of seed dispersal) showed a positive correlation with DMT (r = 0.946, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with DMH (r = −0.922, p < 0.01). Based on the findings, the increase in air convection with lower air temperature and decrease in microclimate variation in green space can be an effective way to shorten the seed-flying duration to tackle poplar fluff pollution in Beijing’s early spring.