bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Come Out of a Hiding Place: How Are Cover Crops Allocated on Finnish Farms?
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Jauhiainen Lauri
Published: March 2022

Cover crops (CCs) may provide many ecosystem services for crop production systems, and interest has increased in the cultivation of CCs among Finnish farmers. Piloting farmers applied for agricultural payments to support the cultivation of CCs (AP-CCs) in 2020. Novel data with a total of 34,515 field parcels with CCs from 5747 farms was used to assess how farmers allocated CCs depending on farm and parcel characteristics. Pioneering farmers often had conventional, large farms with cereal areas exceeding 25%, and expertise with special crop(s). Conventional farmers seemed to allocate CCs to large parcels. The allocation of CCs was not solely dictated by cash crops. Cover crops were planted more frequently in parcels close to waterways. Conventional farmers allocated CCs to parcels with a history of highly monotonous cereal sequencing. Hence, farmers seem to benefit from ecosystem services provided by CCs: increasing spatial diversity, reducing the environmental footprint, and improving soil health. This novel understanding is used to support the implementation of CCs beyond pilot farms and to develop a decision support system for their allocation. The ultimate goal is to support a transition towards more sustainable crop production systems with currently underutilized CCs in high-latitude conditions.
Human Activity Intensity in China under Multi-Factor Interactions: Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors
Authors: Zhang Teng , Sun Yixuan , Guan Mei , Kang Jieming , Zhang Baolei
Published: March 2022

Human activities involving nature have various environmental impacts. The assessment of the spatial and temporal evolution of human activity intensity (HAI) and its driving forces is significant for determining the effects of human activities on regional ecological environments and regulating such activities. This research quantified the HAI of China, assessed its spatiotemporal characteristics, and analyzed its influencing factors based on the land use data and panel data of 31 provinces in mainland China. The results indicate that the HAI in China is increasing, with the average value increasing from 15.83% in 1980 to 20.04% in 2018, and the HAI was relatively serious in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta in this period. The spatial differences in the HAI in China show a pattern of being strong in the east and weak in the west, and the spatial center of gravity of China’s HAI has gradually moved west, changing from a central enhancement mode to a point-like “core” enhancement mode. The dominant factors affecting spatial differences in HAI are economic and industrial levels. Labor, population, and capital factors also strongly impact HAI, and energy consumption and pollution emissions have little impact. These results deepen the understanding of the underlying mechanism of the environmental impact of human activities and provide a scientific basis for land-use-related decision making and eco-environment construction.
Towards Understanding the Landscapes of Neighbourhood Research: An Insight from Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Baffoe Gideon , Kintrea Keith
Published: March 2022

The concept of neighbourhood remains contested and negotiated, and how to define it continues to be subject to debate. Neighbourhood is important for understanding social processes, behavioural characteristics, policy implementation and development initiatives. Until now, no attempt has been made to statistically characterise the field. This study aims to provide a macroscopic overview using bibliometric analysis of the main characteristics of neighbourhood research publications in order to understand the academic landscape. This characterisation will help to understand the scholarship nuances, which are often difficult to grasp by reading selected academic papers. The study analyses the emergence and evolution of the concept of neighbourhood in published research, its global regional distribution and extent of collaboration between regions, the contribution of institutions, author and journal productivity, as well as scholarship clusters of neighbourhood publications. The paper shows that the subfield of neighbourhood research is predominantly under the hegemony of the United States, given its major role in publication records, institutional contributions and international collaborations. While most studies have concentrated on social and environmental aspects of neighbourhood, topics related to the local economy of neighbourhoods are sparse, suggesting a major gap in the literature.
Sustainability in Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.) Production Using Choice of Corn Variety and Nitrogen Scheduling
Authors: Aakash  , Thakur Narendra Singh , Singh Manoj Kumar , Bhayal Lalita , Meena Kamlesh , Choudhary Sharad Kumar , Kumawat Narendra , Singh Ram Kumar , Singh Udai Pratap , Singh Shrish Kumar , Sanodiya Pratik , Kumar Ajay , Singh Anurag Kumar
Published: March 2022

Interestingly more than 50% of the world’s area is rainfed and approximately 80% of maize is cultivated under rainfed condition where selection of cultivar and management of nitrogen have major impact on production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth, phenology, yield and quality parameters of maize as influenced by variety and nitrogen scheduling under rainfed condition. For this, a field experiment having two factors was laid out in a factorial randomised block design and replicated three times. The first factor was variety, i.e., V1 (JM 216) and V2 (JM 218), and the second was six nitrogen scheduling, i.e., N1 to N6, in which nitrogen splitting was done based on 30-years of average rainfall data. Variety JM 218 and N5 [40 kg N as basal followed by (fb) 2 splits of 40 kg N and 38.8 kg N at 30 and 52 days after sowing (DAS) and 1% N foliar spray at 40 DAS] nitrogen scheduling were found promising under rainfed situation because it recorded maximum value of growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield and quality parameters (protein, mineral and dickson quality index). Thus, it can be inferred that JM 218 and N5 nitrogen schedule would be a better choice than alternative options.
Application of a Novel Optimized Fractional Grey Holt-Winters Model in Energy Forecasting
Authors: Zhou Weijie , Tao Huihui , Jiang Huimin
Published: March 2022

It is of great significance to be able to accurately predict the time series of energy data. In this paper, based on the seasonal and nonlinear characteristics of monthly and quarterly energy time series, a new optimized fractional grey Holt–Winters model (NOFGHW) is proposed to improve the identification of the model by integrating the processing methods of the two characteristics. The model consists of three parts. Firstly, a new fractional periodic accumulation operator is proposed, which preserves the periodic fluctuation of data after accumulation. Secondly, the new operator is introduced into the Holt–Winters model to describe the seasonality of the sequence. Finally, the LBFGS algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the model, which can deal with nonlinear characteristics in the sequence. Furthermore, in order to verify the superiority of the model in energy prediction, the new model is applied to two cases with different seasonal, different cycle, and different energy types, namely monthly crude oil production and quarterly industrial electricity consumption. The experimental results show that the new model can be used to predict monthly and quarterly energy time series, which is better than the OGHW, SNGBM, SARIMA, LSSVR, and BPNN models. Based on this, the new model demonstrates reliability in energy prediction.
A Topological Advancement Review of Magnetically Coupled Impedance Source Network Configurations
Authors: Yadav Arvind , Chandra Subhash , Bajaj Mohit , Sharma Naveen Kumar , Ahmed Emad M. , Kamel Salah
Published: March 2022

Magnetically coupled impedance source networks provide a wide range of applications, such as dc to dc, dc to ac, ac to ac, ac to dc unidirectional or bi-directional power conversion. Various impedance source networks are reported in the literature to overcome the barriers of conventional voltage source inverters. They offer high boost with buck-boost capabilities and reduce power conversion stages. Thus, they provide an economical solution to expanding power systems, and are most suitable for renewable sources having low output. The goal of this study is to provide an in-depth comprehensive review of the major topologies of magnetically coupled impedance source networks. The review is more focused towards the fast-growing niche area, which has seen many advancements in the last few years. Best efforts are made to include relevant major topological advancements, with the aim of providing relevant and accessible information for researchers. This research provides a detailed comparison of essential factors and presents a full assessment of major topological improvements in MCIS networks.
Carbon Footprint of a Typical Neapolitan Pizzeria
Authors: Falciano Aniello , Cimini Alessio , Masi Paolo , Moresi Mauro
Published: March 2022

Neapolitan pizza is very popular worldwide and is registered on the traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG) list. This study was aimed at identifying the cradle-to-grave carbon footprint (CF) of a medium-sized pizza restaurant serving in situ or takeaway true Neapolitan pizzas conforming to the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2050 standard method. An average CF of ~4.69 kg CO2e/diner was estimated, about 74% of which was due to the production of the ingredients used (with buffalo mozzarella cheese alone representing as much as 52% of CF). The contribution of beverages, packaging materials, transportation, and energy sources varied within 6.8 and 4.6% of CF. The percentage relative variation of CF with respect to its basic score was of about +26%, +4.4%, and +1.6% or +2.1%, provided that the emission factor of buffalo mozzarella, fresh cow mozzarella (fiordilatte), Grana Padano cheeses, and electricity varied by +50% with respect to each corresponding default value, respectively. The specific carbon footprint for Marinara pizza was equal to ~4 kg CO2e/kg, while for Margherita pizza, it was up to 5.1, or 10.8 kg CO2e/kg when topped with fresh cow or buffalo mozzarella cheese. To help pizza restaurant operators select the most rewarding mitigation strategy, we explored how CF was affected by more sustainable buffalo mozzarella cheese production, lighter and reusable containers for beer, mineral water, and main fresh vegetables, newer diesel-powered vans, less air-polluting electric ovens instead of traditional wood-fired ovens, as well as renewable electricity sources.
Improved Intuitionistic Fuzzy Entropy and Its Application in the Evaluation of Regional Collaborative Innovation Capability
Authors: Yuan Xumei , Zheng Cuicui
Published: March 2022

Intuitionistic fuzzy entropy is an important concept to describe the uncertainty of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). To fully measure the fuzziness of IFSs, this paper comprehensively considers the deviation between membership and non-membership and the influence of hesitation, constructs the general expression of intuitionistic fuzzy entropy based on special functions, and proves some of its major properties. Then, it is verified that some existing intuitionistic fuzzy entropies can be constructed by specific functions. Finally, based on a specific parametric intuitionistic fuzzy entropy, this paper applies it to evaluate the regional collaborative innovation capability, to verify the feasibility and practicability of the entropy. In addition, the effectiveness and practicability of this entropy in decision making are further illustrated by comparing it with other entropy measures.
Assessment Patterns during Portuguese Emergency Remote Teaching
Authors: Rodrigues Carlota , Costa Joana Martinho , Moro Sérgio
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 certainly brought more negative aspects than positive ones to education. On the one hand, new gaps and challenges emerged from the lockdowns worldwide. On the other hand, we have been witnessing the increased relationship between technology and education, which created an opportunity for education to evolve and enhance the use of digital tools in classes. During several lockdowns worldwide, due to the pandemic crisis, millions of students and teachers were forced to continue the process of teaching and learning at home and experienced Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT), which led to new challenges on the process of students’ assessment. To understand what assessment challenges teachers face during the ERT and their patterns for evaluation, we performed a survey in Portugal where the ERT lasted several months in the last two years. The survey was validated and conducted in the first semester of 2021. We found two main patterns: (i) the group of teachers that prefer oral discussion and dialogue simulation and display disbelief towards traditional tests and educational games; and (ii) the group of teachers that tend to prefer oral simulation and display greater disbelief about educational games, dialogue simulation and peer work and review. From the survey analysis, we also found that teachers considered their students to be more distracted and less engaged in online classes. They were negatively affected both in their learning and evaluation process. Using digital tools to collect and validate data and creating patterns between collected data is essential to understand what to expect in future crises. The presented analysis should be correlated with other studies to extract patterns of knowledge from data and to be able to obtain conclusions about how to move education forward.
Health First: The Sustainable Development of Physical Education in Chinese Schools
Authors: An Yalun , Yang Jing , Niu Shuanghong Jenny , Wang Jun
Published: March 2022

Strengthening school physical education (PE) is of great strategic significance in enhancing students’ all-round development, which mainly includes their morality, intelligence and physique development. School PE has upheld the guiding ideology of ‘health first’ and continuously enhanced PE development in China. The guiding ideology of ‘health first’ has involved three stages: (1) improving students’ physical conditions; (2) enhancing students’ physical health, mental health and ability to socially adapt; and (3) promoting students’ all-round human development. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the social and political contexts, aims, policies and practice of Chinese school PE, and goes on to analyze different sports views that reshape the value orientation of ‘health first’. Moreover, this paper shows that a regulated and institutionalized Chinese school PE system has gradually formed with the evolving ideology of ‘health first’ and policy changes, but it has a long way to accomplish the new mission of ‘foster virtue through education’ in students’ all-round development. For students’ all-round development, Chinese school PE needs to prioritize the value proposition of ‘foster virtue through education’, advance the theoretical research on PE curriculum and teaching materials, and further enhance the reform of the assessment and evaluation system of constitutional health. Eventually, a new national school PE core curriculum needs to be established to integrate the mission of ‘foster virtue through education’ and guiding ideology of ‘health first’ together.
Management and Mapping Ecosystem Services in a Privately Owned Natura 2000 Site: An Insight into the Stellantis–La Mandria Site (Italy)
Authors: Battisti Luca , Larcher Federica , Grella Stefania , Di Bartolo Nunzio , Devecchi Marco
Published: March 2022

The Natura 2000 network is an ecological network covering the whole territory of the European Union to ensure the long-term maintenance of threatened or rare natural habitats and species of flora and fauna, including in metropolitan and rural areas. Some of the Natura 2000 sites have been subject to changes in ownership that have led to a fragmentation of the territory. Private entities may own areas within a Natura 2000 site and must ensure sustainable management of their property, especially from an ecological point of view. The case study is the Stellantis–La Mandria site, a private area owned by Stellantis, within the Natura 2000 site “ZSC IT1110079 La Mandria”, near Turin. The research proposes a participatory methodology, mainly addressed in this first phase to experts and professionals and aimed at the valorisation and management of private Natura 2000 sites previously considered as industrial sites, to allow a careful fruition and safeguarding of the natural heritage. The aim of the research is to provide a methodological approach and the first qualitative results useful to providing the owners with an indication for a more targeted management of the site; mapping the areas that provide ecosystem services (ES, especially cultural ones); mapping the areas that could be subject to future fruition; collaborating with the managing body to collect useful data for the future drafting of a new area plan. Two main research activities were carried out, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis concerning the management and possible future fruition of the site and a participatory mapping of ES. It should be emphasised that the research allowed the first results to be obtained, which, on the one hand, make it possible to validate the methodology used to achieve the objectives and, on the other hand, the results will have to be implemented over time by involving numerous stakeholders among those who can access the private area. The results of the research highlight opportunities and threats with regard to the conservation of ecological–environmental characteristics and future fruition of the site. The participatory mapping identifies areas with different ecological value and, therefore, different management needs and identifies areas that could be used differently for future fruition. Overall, the results aim to meet some of the European Commission’s wishes regarding Natura 2000 sites, with particular reference to the involvement of different stakeholders and experts for the conservation of biodiversity and the integration of ecological and social aspects into the management and fruition plans.
The Quality of ETICS in the Context of Energy and Social Changes (Case Study)
Authors: Kubečková Darja
Published: March 2022

The paper focuses on the quality of external composite ETICS (External Technical Insulation Composite System) façade systems from a long-term perspective in the context of energy and social changes and subsequent paths of housing construction, including reconstructions and renovations of prefabricated housing developments. These changes follow mainly from the EU energy concept and strategy in relation to housing and have an impact potential well beyond 2030. The aim of the paper is to show, based on field research and laboratory diagnostics on a selected reference sample of housing affected by biodegradation, to what extent the quality of ETICS façades is affected by technological aspects during the application of ETICS exterior plasters and during the implementation of photocatalytic coatings. The investigation shows that the influence of the human factor is one of the main aspects of negative impacts.
Environmental Awareness and Air Quality: The Mediating Role of Environmental Protective Behaviors
Authors: Kousar Shazia , Afzal Muhammad , Ahmed Farhan , Bojnec Štefan
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is twofold: First, it tests the role of students’ environmental awareness and climate change awareness in their environmental protective behavior and environment quality (EQ). Second, it tests the mediating role of environmental protective behaviors in the association between environment behavior, climate change behavior, and environment quality. Moreover, this study utilizes climate-friendly behaviors and pro-environmental behaviors to reflect environmental protective behaviors. The stratified random sampling technique was applied to collect data through a questionnaire from a sample of 403 graduate students enrolled in Higher Education Commission-recognized private and public universities of Pakistan. This study applied partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to empirically estimate the results. This study found that climate change awareness significantly and positively affects climate-friendly behavior, environmental quality, and pro-environmental behavior. Similarly, environmental awareness significantly and positively affects environmental quality and pro-environmental behavior. Moreover, pro-environmental behavior significantly affects environmental quality. Indirect results indicate that pro-environmental behavior significantly mediates between climate change awareness and environmental quality, and between environmental awareness and environmental quality. The findings of this study suggest the importance of enhancing awareness of climate- and climate change-related issues among students to save the environment. Higher education institutions should design subjects and courses that will raise environmental and climate change awareness, and expose students to climate- and environment-friendly education.
Greening Professional Sport: How Communicating the Fit, Proximity, and Impact of Sustainability Efforts Affects Fan Perceptions and Supportive Intentions
Authors: Harrison Virginia S. , Vafeiadis Michail , Bober Joseph
Published: March 2022

Grounded in multidisciplinary literature from public relations, sport communication, and marketing, this study examined consumer reactions to sustainability initiatives launched by major sports leagues. Through an online survey (N = 254), the results showed that sports league-cause fit resulted in more positive organization–public relationships (OPRs) such as through trust, commitment, satisfaction, and control mutuality. Further, the findings revealed that a closer geographic proximity of the sustainability initiative and an increased perceived impact (donation amount and number of beneficiaries affected) triggered higher perceptions of trust, organizational authenticity, and fandom toward the sponsoring sports league. Interestingly, a significant two-way interaction between spatial proximity and impact suggested that lower perceptions of the impact of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) program evoked more positive attitudes when involving local beneficiaries, whereas higher perceptions of impact improved organizational attitudes when the beneficiaries were located faraway. Lastly, the findings indicated that the OPR variables, especially trust, as well as fandom, and organizational authenticity elicited higher supportive intentions (e.g., support CSR cause, donate, volunteer, share on social media) toward the sports league. Theoretical implications for fit, construal level theory, and CSR impact as well as implications for sport communication practitioners are discussed.
The Effects of Virtual Reality-Assisted Language Learning: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Bing , Wang Yunqing , Wang Lianghui
Published: March 2022

Existing literature reflects that VR technology is widely used in language learning settings. Although many studies have identified the multiple benefits and affordance of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies in language learning, most studies are qualitative studies that do not provide substantial evidence to investigate the impact of this technology on language learning. To this end, this study conducted a meta-analysis of 21 quantitative studies with 1144 participants published between 2010 and 2021. The study’s main purpose was to examine the effects of VR on students’ language learning academic performance, including linguistic gains and affective gains. The results indicated that VR-assisted language learning had a medium effect on the linguistic gains (Hedges’ g = 0.662, 95% CI [0.398–0.925], p < 0.001) and affective gains (Hedges’ g = 0.570, 95% CI [0.309–0.831], p < 0.001) of students compared to non-VR conditions, respectively. Furthermore, the study further analyzed the impact of several moderator variables such as education levels, hardware types, language skills, target language, and L1/L2 on language learning gains. The research indicates that VR technology has a great potential to improve language learning as an educational resource and provides suggestions for further research and practice on the use of VR-assisted language learning.
Measuring the Impact of the Pandemic on Female and Male Students’ Learning in a Society in Transition: A Must for Sustainable Education
Authors: Pilotti Maura A. E. , El-Moussa Omar J. , Abdelsalam Hanadi M.
Published: March 2022

A sustainable education amid a disruptive event (e.g., a pandemic) requires the objective assessment of learning before and during the event and, if necessary, evidence-driven solutions in response to deficiencies. The present action research study illustrates an evidence-based response of educators to the widespread concerns that learning in college students, accustomed to face-to-face courses, might have been damaged during the pandemic by the switch to the online mode. It focuses on general education (GE) courses as they usually enroll students at the beginning of their journey in higher education, and thus, a population that is likely to be particularly sensitive to unforeseen changes. Pass/fail grades in courses taught face-to-face and online synchronously by the same instructors were examined. It was hypothesized that if the switch from face-to-face to online instruction changed the students’ approaches to learning, course performance would differ between the instructional modes. Differences in female and male students’ adaptation responses were expected to be reflected in their course performance. The study found that female students performed better online than face-to-face in Arabic Culture, Natural Science, Math, and Wellness courses. Male students also performed better online in Math and Natural Science courses, whereas they exhibited better performance face-to-face in Arabic Culture, Wellness, and Professional Competency courses. It was concluded that basic indices of uneven performance can guide further analyses into the sources of female and male students’ approaches to instructional modes.
Can Informal Savings Groups Promote Food Security and Social, Economic and Health Transformations, Especially among Women in Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Systematic Review
Authors: Lukwa Akim Tafadzwa , Odunitan-Wayas Feyisayo , Lambert Estelle Victoria , Alaba Olufunke A. ,   on behalf of the “Savings for Health” IDRC Collaborators
Published: March 2022

This narrative review aimed to identify if roles of common informal savings groups known as Accumulating Savings and Credit Associations (ASCAs) or Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) can play a significant role in mitigating food insecurity, socioeconomic inequality, promoting health, and/or increasing agency in women in urban sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These organizations exist in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) worldwide under various names. A comprehensive search of scholarly outputs across six electronic databases (Pub-Med, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Scopus, Sabinet, and Cochrane) from 2000 to 2021 was completed. Twenty-eight (28) records met our inclusion criteria, and their quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist. We identified through thematic analysis that ROSCAs/ASCAs play a crucial role in advancing social, economic, and health transformations, especially among women in urban SSA. However, while ROSCAs/ACSAs played important roles in food security, it was often not the primary motivation for participation. None of the selected studies identified the importance of dietary quality or access to healthy food in relation to food security. This review suggests a window of opportunity to promote partnerships and collaborations of ROSCAs/ASCAs with relevant stakeholders to leverage the functionalities of ROSCAs/ASCAs as vehicles for re-alignment of priorities, increased knowledge, and opportunities to encourage affordable healthy diets in urban SSA.
Agroecological Transition: A Territorial Examination of the Simultaneity of Limited Farmer Livelihoods and Food Insecurity
Authors: Katre Aparna , Bertossi Teresa , Clarke-Sather Abigail , Parsatoon Mary
Published: March 2022

Nutritional disease, persistent food insecurity, ecological devastation, and limited sustainable livelihoods among small and beginning (SB) farmers coexist as unintended consequences of trying to address these challenges separately. Agroecology is useful for holistically understanding a community’s food system dynamics, identifying regime lock-ins, and developing pathways to transition to a sustainable food system. Focusing on two often divergent publics, SB farmers and food-insecure populations, this research answers the questions: What critical agroecological characteristics are lacking in a food system contributing to both limited livelihoods of SB farmers and food-insecure populations? In what ways might the relationships of these two publics be central to an agroecological transition to a regional sustainable food system? We present a case study for the city-region Duluth-Northland, Minnesota, USA, by combining methodological and theoretical insights from participatory action research, agroecology, and sustainability transitions literature. Results include a current state of regional food flows, illuminate the food system’s enabling and inhibitory factors, and highlight opportunities for exercising local agency to transition to a sustainable food system using agroecological principles. This research suggests developing relational spaces where two typically divergent publics can dialogue and build reciprocal relationships to construct new food pathways. Findings also highlight a need to develop a social infrastructure to support SB farmer livelihoods, recognize their contribution to the public good, and simultaneously address multiple dimensions of food insecurity. This study provides preliminary guidance for mobilizing action at the nexus of health and food access, environment, and regenerative agriculture livelihoods.
Cooperative Projects to Share Good Practices towards More Effective Sustainable Mining—SUGERE: A Case Study
Authors: Dino Giovanna , Mancini Susanna , Lasagna Manuela , Bonetto Sabrina , De Luca Domenico , Pereira Maria , Baptista Esther , de Ferro Miranda Miguel Irina , Nuvunga Ferdinalda , Victória Sónia , Rodrigues Nelson
Published: March 2022

The supply of raw materials is a global challenge to be addressed; themes such as “sustainability”, “responsibility”, and “eco-compatibility” represent the cornerstones for proceeding towards a “wise” management of georesources. According to the United Nations’ SDGs, the economic development of countries must go hand in hand with the improvement of their environmental, health, and social sustainability. From this perspective, the exploitation of georesources needs to be handled with an interdisciplinary approach that tackles not only the technical, economic, and environmental issues, but also the social, legislative, and human health ones. In recent years, Europe has promoted several cooperative projects aimed at boosting sustainability in the extractive industry. To achieve and guarantee concrete and truly sustainable mining, it is necessary to build and strengthen educational and training skills. With these objectives in mind, the first results of the EU–Africa SUGERE Erasmus+ project are presented here. The objects of the project are the implementation of Bachelor, Master, and doctoral curricula in geology and mining engineering and the promotion of socioeconomic development thanks to the training of experts who are able to cooperate and work in an interdisciplinary manner for a sustainable approach to local mine exploitation.
Country Distance and Entry Mode Choice of MNEs in Vietnam’s Agricultural Sector in Context of Free Trade
Authors: Nguyen Nguyet , Tran Ha Thi Hoang , Vu Tuan Duong
Published: March 2022

In this article, we focus on tackling a relative research gap: how country distance (institutional, cultural, economic, and geographical distance) determines the entry mode choice between wholly-owned enterprises (WOEs) and joint venture enterprises (JVEs) in the context of “going global”. Based on a sample of 439 multinational enterprises (MNEs) from 22 different nations that directly invested in the agricultural sector of Vietnam in the period 1996–2019, an empirical investigation has been conducted by employing logistic regression. The results show that as cultural and geographical distances increase, MNEs prefer JVE forms. However, WOE becomes more popular in cases of large economic and institutional distance. Furthermore, entry mode choices of MNEs are also noticeably impacted by freedom of trade.
On-Site Measurement on Surface Disturbance Law of Repeated Mining with High Relief Terrain
Authors: Yan Weitao , Chen Junjie , Yang Wenfu , Liu Xiaosong , Wang Wenwen , Zhang Wenkai
Published: March 2022

Underground coal mining in high relief terrain often causes problems such as ground collapse and mountain sliding. This produces disasters such as mountain collapse and landslides, which seriously endangers the ecological environment and human settlements in the coal mining area and causes a series of public security events. To improve and solve the related problems, it is necessary to master the impact law of underground mining on ground surface. Therefore, taking the working face 1310 of Jincheng coal industry as an example, this paper adopts a new and improved RTK measurement technology for field measurement and analyzes the surface disturbance law by using field data. The results show that under the action of repeated mining in high relief terrain areas, there is a sudden subsidence in the flat bottom area of the surface moving basin, the strike influence scope is small, the dip influence scope in the downhill direction is larger, the dip horizontal movement curve loses its antisymmetry, and the dip subsidence curve loses its left-right symmetry. Through the analysis, it is found that the high reverse slope weakens the original disturbance and reduces the influence range of surface mining. On the contrary, repeated mining enhances the original disturbance, expands the influence range of surface mining, and flattens the movement deformation curve. Research results can provide a technical reference for the formulation and implementation of environmental remediation and treatment technologies in mining areas under similar conditions.
Research on the Relation between Foreign Trade and Green Economic Efficiency in Subdeveloped Region: Based on Data from Central China
Authors: Zhang Jianqing , Gong Enze , Zhao Cuizehao
Published: March 2022

Foreign trade in subdeveloped regions may lead to serious environmental problems. The direct and possible indirect ways in which foreign trade correlates with green economic efficiency in subdeveloped regions are qualitatively analyzed. Empirical tests are conducted based on the data of 80 prefecture-level cities in Central China. Results show that: (1) Foreign trade in Central China has a significant parabolic type of relationship with green economic efficiency. (2) Foreign trade in Central China will indirectly correlate with green economic efficiency through stimulating industries agglomerated in big cities, changing the level of industrial specialization and adjusting policy and technical environments. Whether the indirect relation between foreign trade and green growth is positive is determined by the scale of foreign trade itself. (3) The relation between foreign trade and green economic efficiency in different cities of Central China is heterogeneous. From the perspective of spatial heterogeneity, the negative relation of cities along major rivers and cities not belonging to capital city groups is more significant. From the perspective of city characteristic heterogeneity, a parabolic type of relationship of foreign trade with green economic efficiency is significant in large cities or cities with a pleasant policy environment, whereas the relationship is negative in small and medium sized cities or cities with a high proportion of manufacturing. Policy implications are proposed.
Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities via Distant Socialization and Social Value Creation
Authors: Kamran Shah Muhammad , Khaskhely Mahvish Kanwal , Nassani Abdelmohsen A. , Haffar Mohamed , Abro Muhammad Moinuddin Qazi
Published: March 2022

Social entrepreneurs are catalysts for social change on account of social value creation and opportunity identification, thereby improving the quality of life. Their contribution to society is particularly significant in times of crises and pandemics. Hence, the world health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for social entrepreneurship across the globe. Despite social entrepreneurship’s relevance in social value creation, the studies regarding opportunity identification in times of social distancing are particularly rare. This constructivist-qualitative research fills the gap by employing the EDraw Mind Map tool to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic in general, and social distancing in particular, have shaped entrepreneurial opportunities for social innovation. The findings from content analysis reveal that ICT-based services and industry 4.0 hold a promising future during and post-COVID-19 scenario. They can facilitate a transformation of the threats of social distancing into distant socialization benefits and demand fulfillment. Furthermore, the study contributes to providing a comprehensive depiction of the myriad of opportunities created by social entrepreneurs worldwide. It also guides aspiring social entrepreneurs to adopt such technologies and aim for social integration to ensure quality mental health, education, employment, and manufacturing services in low-resource and developing countries’ contexts, as they are severely impacted by the pandemic.
Using the B/S Model to Design and Implement Online Shopping System for Gulf Brands
Authors: Alghazzawi Daniyal M , Badri Sahar
Published: March 2022

Given the increase in online shopping and the prevailing research gap, this study designed and implemented an online shopping system for Gulf brands. It presents an online customization feature-based design and implementation concerning the case of GhazzawiGowns. The study used the B/S model (browser/server) to design and implement an online shopping system for Gulf brands. This system was developed because online shopping is increasing in the Gulf. Users were asked to provide their input concerning the services and website usage. Feedback showed that the developed system could effectively meet customers’ online shopping needs. However, only a few agreed that Gulf brands provided customization. This highlights that very few services are being offered online that give users a choice to customize products. The provided functions and descriptions of the system were user-friendly and provided greater accessibility to address various design issues. However, the webpage needs to be updated to improve offerings and services.
Distribution Pattern and Enrichment Mechanism of Selenium in Topsoil in Handan Se-Enriched Belt, North China
Authors: Hao Huidi , Zhang Minmin , Wang Jinxi , Jiang Shuting , Ma Juanjuan , Hu Yafan , Niu Hongya , Panchal Balaji , Sun Yuzhuang
Published: March 2022

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human health with crucial biological functions. In this study, Se concentrations and physicochemical properties of soils in central and western Handan were determined to investigate their spatial distribution, enrichment degree, influencing factor, and geological source. The results show that: (1) Se concentrations vary from 0.00 to 1.95 μg/g, with an average of 0.45 μg/g, which exceed the mean of Se in soils in China (0.29 μg/g) and Hebei Plain (0.21 μg/g). (2) A continuous and irregular ring-like area showing significant enrichment of Se could be identified in Handan city, Yongnian District, Wu’an City, and Fengfeng Mining District. It can be defined as a positive abnormal Se zone, which is mainly located in the hilly area in the west of Handan City and east of Taihang Mountains, and the plains near Handan City. (3) Comprehensively, Se enrichment in the soil is principally affected by rock weathering, mining activities, and coal combustion. (4) As far as the single-factor pollution index (SFPI) is concerned, most of the study areas are in the safety domain and slightly polluted domain and are at low ecological risk. According to the Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI), the moderately and seriously polluted domain are distributed in Handan City, Fengfeng Mining District, and other central areas.
Resilient Buildings and Distributed Energy: A Grassroots Community Response to the Climate Emergency
Authors: Niklas Sarah , Alexander Dani , Dwyer Scott
Published: March 2022

The severity and incidence of extreme weather events are increasing with climate change. In particular, wildfires are becoming more frequent, more intense, and longer lasting than before. Fuelled by long periods of dryness and high temperatures, the Australian wildfires of 2019/2020 were record breaking in terms of destruction and chaos. Rural communities were severely affected by power cuts disabling access to essential services. Following the wildfires, a concept for energy resilient public buildings (“Emergency Distributed Energy System”) emerged as a grassroots community idea from the wildfire-affected area of Gippsland, southeast Australia. A combination of desktop and empirical research explored international examples of energy resilience and climate mitigation, the local services and technologies that are needed in Gippsland, and the legal and regulatory challenges and enablers in Australia. The findings were informed by case studies of responses to natural disasters that included California and Greece (wildfires), New Zealand (earthquake), and India (cyclone). The results determined that community resilience can be increased by offering a more reliable electricity supply that would support greater social, political, and economic structures. The deployment of resilient energy systems should be driven by political will, economic incentives and working with communities to support a concerted shift towards low-emissions and distributed energy technologies.
Influence Mechanism of High-Tech Industrial Agglomeration on Green Innovation Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Jiaoping , Wang Shujun , Sun Shan , Zhu Jianhua
Published: March 2022

This paper uses panel data from 30 provinces and cities in China between 2008 and 2017. It calculates the green innovation performance of each province and city based on the super-efficiency SBM model of unexpected output and measures the high-tech industrial agglomeration degree of each province and city by using the location entropy method. The influence of high-tech industrial agglomeration on green innovation is also empirically tested. It is found that the agglomeration level of high-tech industry and green innovation performance in Eastern China are much higher than those in Central and Western regions. There is a significant positive relationship between high-tech industrial agglomeration and green innovation performance. Human capital has a mediating effect in the positive impact of high-tech industry agglomeration on green innovation performance. The moderating effect of environmental regulation is markedly established. The higher the level of environmental regulation, the stronger the mediating effect of human capital. Based on the above conclusions, this paper puts forward relevant policy suggestions for promoting the organic combination of green and innovation-driven development and for promoting green transformation in China.
Unleashing the Role of CSR and Employees’ Pro-Environmental Behavior for Organizational Success: The Role of Connectedness to Nature
Authors: Hongxin Wang , Khan Mohammed Arshad , Zhenqiang Jian , Cismaș Laura-Mariana , Ali Mohammad Athar , Saleem Usama , Negruț Lucia
Published: March 2022

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and an organization’s financial performance are well discussed in the literature. However, the role of employees to spur the financial performance, especially the mediating effect of employees’ pro-environmental behavior between CSR and financial performance, is not well explored. Literature also shows that connectedness to nature can drive the pro-environmental behavior of individuals. However, the role of connectedness to nature in a CSR–financial performance framework has not been realized. Observing the above knowledge gaps, the current study investigates the CSR-financial performance relationship in the SME sector of a developing country with the mediating effect of employees’ pro-environmental behavior. The current study also notes the conditional indirect effect of connectedness to nature in the above-mediated relationship. A self-administered questionnaire (n = 489) with a paper–pencil technique was employed for data collection. Structural equation modeling was considered to validate the hypothesized relationships. The findings revealed that CSR could lead an SME to a higher level of financial performance via pro-environmental behavior. It was also noted that connectedness to nature produces a significant conditional indirect effect. Such findings have seminal implications for the SME sector, which are discussed in detail. One important implication is to realize the importance of employees’ pro-environmental behavior, through CSR and connectedness to nature, to thrive the financial performance of an SME.
EEG Power Band Asymmetries in Children with and without Classical Ensemble Music Training
Authors: Byczynski Gabriel , Schibli Kylie , Goldfield Gary , Leisman Gerry , D’Angiulli Amedeo
Published: March 2022

Much evidence shows that music training influences the development of functional brain organization and cerebral asymmetry in an auditory-motor integrative neural system also associated with language and speech. Such overlap suggests that music training could be used for interventions in disadvantaged populations. Accordingly, we investigated neurofunctional changes associated with the influence of socially based classical ensemble music (CEM) training on executive auditory functions of children from low socioeconomic status (LSES), as compared to untrained counterparts. We conducted a novel ROI-focused reanalysis of stimulus-locked event-related electroencephalographic (EEG) band power data previously recorded from fifteen LSES children (9–10 years), with and without CEM, while performing a series of auditory Go/No-Go trials (involving 1100 Hz or 2000 Hz tones). An analysis of collapsed Alpha2, Beta1, Beta2, Delta, and Theta EEG bands showed significant differences in increased and decreased left asymmetry between the CEM and the Comparison group in key frontal and central electrodes typically associated with learning music. Overall, in Go trials, the CEM group responded more quickly and accurately. Linear regression analyses revealed both positive and negative correlations between left hemispheric asymmetry and behavioral measures of PPVT score, auditory sensitivity, Go accuracy, and reaction times. The pattern of results suggests that tone frequency and EEG asymmetries may be attributable to a shift to left lateralization as a byproduct of CEM. Our findings suggest that left hemispheric laterality associated with ensemble music training may improve the efficiency of productive language processing and, accordingly, may be considered as a supportive intervention for LSES children and youth.