bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bromatological, Proximate and Ultimate Analysis of OFMSW for Different Seasons and Collection Systems
Authors: Pecorini Isabella , Rossi Elena , Iannelli Renato
Published: April 2020

In order to study the quality of organic fractions of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), five different municipalities in Tuscany were chosen for sampling according to the peculiarities of their collection systems. The five collection systems selected were sampled four times: during March, June, September and December, for a total of 20 picking analyses. In addition, emphasis was also given to the study of the variability of OFMSW composition related to ultimate, proximate and bromatological analyses. Road container collection systems proved to have a higher content of non-compostable and undesirable fractions (22%±1%) when compared to door-to-door systems (6% ± 1%). During months with lower temperature (March and December), the garden waste content in the OFMSW was negligible, with kitchen waste prevailing. This altered the physical chemical composition of OFMSW, which had a lower lignin content and higher methane production in the months with lower temperatures (272 ± 23 NLCH4 kgTVS−1) compared to June and September (238 ± 14 NLCH4 kgTVS−1). In general, the Tuscan OFMSW had a higher dry matter content (42%) than observed in previous studies. In conclusion, the result could direct possible future operators of anaerobic digestion plants towards the choice of dry and semi-dry technologies.
Accessibility to Food Retailers: The Case of Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Renata Lúcia Magalhães de , Garcia Camila Soares Henrique Fontanele , Góes Pinto Paulo Henrique
Published: April 2020

Access to food products is essential to sustain life. In this paper, we discuss the differences concerning accessibility levels to food retailers among potential consumers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The goal was to characterize spatial mismatches regarding opportunities to access food and identify suitable areas for sustainable last food mile solutions, such as non-motorized home delivery and purchase trips. For this, we have spatially related: (i) the population concentration; (ii) the income of households and (iii) accessibility measures considering both the spatial structure of food retailers and the distance between households and stores, considering the food last mile. We have then used spatial statistics (Global Moran’s I index, average nearest neighborhood analysis) and spatial analyses (overlay and processing) to determine the spatial pattern and the relation of the variables population, income, and accessibility to food retailers. We have considered the cumulative-opportunity measure, which is an indicator of the number of opportunities that can be reached within a time threshold. There is great spatial differentiation regarding the accessibility levels of food retailers and the results can be considered to support the development of policy and land use regulation that can stimulate non-motorized and collaborative delivery as an effective last-mile solution.
Soil Biodiversity Integrates Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Bach Elizabeth M. , Ramirez Kelly S. , Fraser Tandra D. , Wall Diana H.
Published: April 2020

Soils are home to more than 25% of the earth’s total biodiversity and supports life on land and water, nutrient cycling and retention, food production, pollution remediation, and climate regulation. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that multiple sustainability goals can be simultaneously addressed when soil biota are put at the center of land management assessments; this is because the activity and interactions of soil organisms are intimately tied to multiple processes that ecosystems and society rely on. With soil biodiversity at the center of multiple globally relevant sustainability programs, we will be able to more efficiently and holistically achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Here we review scenarios where soil biota can clearly support global sustainability targets, global changes and pressures that threaten soil biodiversity, and actions to conserve soil biodiversity and advance sustainability goals. This synthesis shows how the latest empirical evidence from soil biological research can shape tangible actions around the world for a sustainable future.
The Difference of User Satisfaction and Net Benefit of a Mobile Learning Management System According to Self-Directed Learning: An Investigation of Cyber University Students in Hospitality
Authors: Lee Eun-Yong , Jeon Yu Jung Jennifer
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the study is to investigate the features affecting user satisfaction and net benefits of a mobile learning management system (LMS) for cyber university students working in the hospitality industry using the quality factors from the updated DeLone and McLean information system success model. Also, the study focuses on finding whether there is a difference in the perception of the cyber university’s mobile LMS depending on self-directed learning (SDL). A series of theory-based hypotheses were examined through structural equation modelling using empirical data collected from a sample of 328 students in cyber universities in Korea. The results indicate that information quality, system quality, and service quality have a positive effect on user satisfaction, and the subsequent user satisfaction has a positive effect on net benefits. The multi-group analysis revealed that all the paths were significant for high SDL groups, whereas for low SDL groups, a path between information quality and user satisfaction was not statistically supported. These results suggest that a differentiated strategy based on SDL level is needed to improve user satisfaction and the net benefit of the mobile LMS. The results are expected to provide implications for the stable operation of mobile LMSs for cyber universities.
Leadership Styles of Rural Leaders in the Context of Sustainable Development Requirements: A Case Study of Commune Mayors in the Greater Poland Province, Poland
Authors: Springer Agnieszka , Walkowiak Katarzyna , Bernaciak Arnold
Published: April 2020

In the context of sustainable and durable development postulates, local leadership and rural governance is a matter of particular importance. As a local leader, the commune mayor should have a vision of the commune’s development and possess the ability to influence the citizens and involve them in the process of realizing that vision. Such a manner of governance is the essence of transformational leadership, which, according to the multifactor model developed by Bass and Avoilo, facilitates the achievement of positive organizational and social results. The authors’ research is an attempt to answer the question about the style of governance adopted by the political leaders of rural communes in Poland and its links with their engagement in social activation and the use of participatory tools. A survey was conducted on a sample of 49 commune mayors from the Greater Poland Province (43%) using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and a questionnaire about public participation developed by the authors. The results indicate that components of transactional leadership predominate among commune mayors from the Greater Poland Province. Transformational leadership, which is largely based on the leader’s charisma, is exhibited much less frequently. At the same time, the majority of commune mayors use only the most basic forms of participation, without going beyond the requirements specified in the provisions of the law. Those commune mayors who rely more strongly on transformational leadership more often use public participation techniques as well.
Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Spatial Entities with Anthropogenic Activities-Evaluation of Existing Methods
Authors: Aktsoglou Despoina , Gaidajis Georgios
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study is to evaluate the existing available methods that can potentially be applied to anthropogenic spatial entities to access their environmental sustainability. The paper offers an overview of existing sustainability assessment methods, discusses their adequacy, and evaluates their efficiency to assess the environmental sustainability of anthropogenic spatial entities. From a list of sixty-one (61) sustainability assessment methods for spatial entities with anthropogenic activities that had been identified and examined, thirteen (13) methods were selected to be assessed based on specific exclusion criteria set. The thirteen methods were further classified into four categories, namely, (1) Indicators/Indices, (2) Resource Availability Assessment, (3) Material and Energy Flow Analysis, and (4) Life-Cycle Assessment, and then these methods were evaluated using specific evaluation criteria. The “Resource Availability Assessment” category, and particularly the “Ecological Footprint” method, was indicated as the most appropriate method to assess the environmental sustainability of anthropogenic spatial entities.
Walking in Natural Environments as Geriatrician’s Recommendation for Fall Prevention: Preliminary Outcomes from the “Passiata Day” Model
Authors: Battaglia Giuseppe , Giustino Valerio , Messina Giuseppe , Faraone Mariangela , Brusa Jessica , Bordonali Anna , Barbagallo Mario , Palma Antonio , Dominguez Ligia-Juliana
Published: April 2020

Background: The Geriatric Unit of the University of Palermo developed the “Passiata Day” model, a green exercise intervention consisting of a one-hour walk, once/week, in a city park. The purpose of this study was to assess body balance in older people who walked regularly compared to sedentary people. Methods: 106 older people (75 women and 31 men; mean age: 72.3 ± 8.2 years) without fall history were invited to participate voluntarily in this natural environment walking program. After six months, both the participants who had taken part regularly in the walk (i.e., the physical activity group (PAG; n = 72; 54 women and 18 men; mean age: 70.7 ± 7.2 years)), and who had not accepted to be included in the outdoor walking program (i.e., the sedentary group (SG; n = 34; 21 women and 13 men; mean age: 75.5 ± 9.4 years)), performed a stabilometric test with open eyes (OE) and with closed eyes (CE). Results: Our preliminary results showed significant differences between groups on the ellipse sway area both in the OE (p < 0.05) and in CE condition (p < 0.01). Moreover, we found a significant difference on sway along the frontal plane both in the OE (p < 0.05) and in the CE condition (p < 0.01), and on sway along the sagittal plane for the test with CE (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on our preliminary findings, we suggest that walking regularly in an outdoor setting could lead to a greater body balance in older people and could be recommended by geriatricians for preventing the risk of falls. The next step will be to investigate the effect of an experimental outdoor walking program structured in terms of intensity, frequency and volume.
The Efficiency of R&D Expenditures in ASEAN Countries
Authors: Dobrzanski Pawel , Bobowski Sebastian
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study is to determine whether funds spent on research and development are used efficiently in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Fifteen countries in the 2000-2016 period have been examined. Measuring the efficiency of research and development spending was performed using the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology, which allows for the assessment of input–output efficiency. The research includes the following input and output variables: annual public and private spending on innovation, high-technology exports as a percentage of manufactured exports, patent applications to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) by priority year for million inhabitants, trademark applications (TA) for million inhabitants and information and communications technology (ICT) exports as a percentage of manufactured exports. Hong Kong and the Philippines are perhaps the most efficient with respect to research and development (R&D) when analysed using the constant return to scale (CRS) approach. However, according to the variable return to scale (VRS) approach, the most efficient ASEAN countries are Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. The study also confirms that increased spending on innovation is resulting in non-proportional effects.
Mobile Phone Use by the Elderly: Relationship between Usability, Social Activity, and the Environment
Authors: Briede-Westermeyer Juan Carlos , Pacheco-Blanco Bélgica , Luzardo-Briceño Marianela , Pérez-Villalobos Cristhian
Published: April 2020

Mobile phones have caused diverging opinions regarding the change in communication patterns and the isolation among young people. However, in the case of the elderly, there are positive effects related to their use, their social activity, and their environmental awareness. This study connects these three variables beginning with the mobile telephone use by the elderly. A sample of 399 self-reliant elderly people was interviewed in Chile, where 159 had mobile phones. They answered the Usefulness, Satisfaction and Ease of Use Questionnaire (USE) and a series of questions about the environment and social life developed from previous studies. The results were analyzed using a multiple correspondence and correlation analysis. A high correlation between the three variables was found. Hence, a higher usability of mobile phones was associated with higher social activity and a higher environmental concern. These results showed that a design approach for the elderly could increase satisfaction regarding the use of a product and, as a result, improve communication with their social setting. From an environmental point of view, an indirect relationship was seen between the selection, use, and expectations of the end of life of the products.
A Stochastic Interpolation-Based Fractal Model for Vulnerability Diagnosis of Water Supply Networks Against Seismic Hazards
Authors: Liu Chaofeng , Li Yawei , Yin He , Zhang Jiaxin , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

Historical seismic events show that water supply networks are increasingly vulnerable to seismic damage, especially in a violent earthquake, which leads to an unprecedented level of risk. Evaluation of vulnerability to seismic hazards can be considered as one of the first steps of risk management and mitigation. This paper presents a stochastic interpolation-based fractal model for assessing the physical vulnerability of urban water supply pipelines. Firstly, based on the formation mechanism of natural disaster risk and the concept of seismic vulnerability, the most representative factors were selected as the vulnerability evaluation indices, and the classification criterion of each index was teased out according to the earthquake damage investigations and researches on the aseismatic behavior of water supply pipelines. Secondly, considering the randomness of vulnerability to earthquake hazards, the test data set was produced by way of stochastic interpolation according to the uniform distribution, on the basis of the classification criterion. The fractal dimensions of all of the indices were calculated based on the test data set. The fractal interpolation diagnosis function for identifying the vulnerability levels of pipelines to earthquake disasters was established. Finally, the application of the proposed model to a real water supply network and its comparative analysis showed that the water supply network was basically in a medium vulnerability level. Through the case study verification, we could find that the model was theoretically and practically feasible. This study helps to gain a better understanding of the extents of potential vulnerability levels of water supply pipelines. It can provide technical support for disaster prevention plans of urban water supply networks.
Modern Methods of Business Valuation—Case Study and New Concepts
Authors: Miciuła Ireneusz , Kadłubek Marta , Stępień Paweł
Published: April 2020

In the modern world, the terms enterprise value and valuation are of great importance. Knowledge about how much an enterprise is worth is of fundamental importance for both the owner of that company and investors when negotiating the price of an enterprise at the time of conducting a commercial transaction. The article presents the goals of the company’s valuation and characteristic stages of the company’s life at which such valuation is necessary. The article classifies the methods of enterprise valuation used today. On this basis, the valuation methodology is presented according to the MDI-R concept (Assets, Income, Intellectual Capital-Market), which in a broad spectrum measures the effectiveness of the company’s operations and, in accordance with the current features of good valuation, aims to determine the fair value of the company. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the need to improve the code of conduct and valuation standards. As part of the implementation of the objective, multi-faceted and complex valuation issues are presented, as well as factors that may distort the determination of fair value. The methodology of the study is based on inferences about the methodology of business valuation, and verification is based on practical examples, by which a hypothesis on the existence of critical elements of valuation is verified that allows the use of broad subjectivity in estimating the value of assets. At the same time, the factors that determine the possibility of the existence of too wide a subjectivity in estimating assets, which is in contradiction with the features of good valuation, are presented. The attempt is made to draw attention to the threats arising from modern business valuation methodologies and their challenges in the future. Additionally, this article offers the authors’ proposed hybrid method MDI-R, which draws from existing solutions to improve their functionality and applicability.
Education for Sustainable Development in STEM (Technical Drawing): Learning Approach and Method for SDG 11 in Classrooms
Authors: Del Cerro Velázquez Francisco , Lozano Rivas Fernando
Published: April 2020

Five years after proclamation of the Sustainable Development Goals promoted by the United Nations, Spain joined this process of transforming the world socially, economically, and environmentally. This research covers the route taken and results obtained during subsequent years in Spain and proposes, as a general objective, to observe whether it is feasible to work in the technical drawing classroom on an eco-urban project, following the learning approach and method proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2017 Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning objectives, in order to reinforce cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral objectives, as well as the key competences established in Sustainable Development Goal 11. The phases of the project were related to the learning objectives and key competences, the results of which were complemented by a questionnaire that provided information on the sustainable consciousness of the students after completing the project, and could serve as a starting point for future educational projects. We agree with other authors, and in particular with UNESCO, that implementation of this type of project in the classroom is a key learning method for SDG.
Evaluation of the Level of Sustainable Development of Provinces in China from 2012 to 2018: A Study Based on the Improved Entropy Coefficient-TOPSIS Method
Authors: Liao Yuqing , Ma Yongchao , Chen Jingliang , Liu Ruirui
Published: April 2020

Based on the definition and implication of sustainable development, this paper first constructed an evaluation indicator system for the sustainable development level of provinces in China, and performed a scientific evaluation on the sustainable development level based on official statistics from 2012 to 2018 by using the improved Entropy Coefficient-TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) method. The evaluation results showed that the eastern region of China has the highest level of sustainable development, with its two municipalities directly under the central government, Beijing and Shanghai, achieving the full score of 1.0000 in all evaluations, both ranking first among all the provinces. There were significant differences in the level of sustainable development across provinces in the central region, which were comparatively weaker in terms of environmental sustainability and science and technology sustainability, with four provinces’ evaluation scores below 0.5000. The provinces of the western region had comparatively lower levels of sustainable development, with six of the provinces ranking among the bottom ten in the overall sustainability score. In the northeast region, Liaoning had the highest overall sustainable development level, ranking ninth in the country, with an evaluation score of 0.7726; however, there were large differences across the region, with the other two provinces ranking 19th and 21th, respectively, in the overall sustainability score. Based on the research findings, this paper has provided relevant policy recommendations for China to further improve the sustainable development level of various provinces in the future.
Effect of Palm Oil Clinker (POC) Aggregate on the Mechanical Properties of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) Mixtures
Authors: Babalghaith Ali , Koting Suhana , Sulong Nor , Karim Mohamed , Mohammed Syakirah , Ibrahim Mohd
Published: April 2020

Aggregate composition has a pivotal role in ensuring the quality of pavement materials. The use of waste materials to replace the aggregate composition of asphalt pavement leads to green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly construction, which ultimately preserves nature by reducing the need to harvest materials from natural sources. Using the Marshall mix design, the main objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of waste palm oil clinker (POC) as fine aggregates replacement on the properties of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixture. Six groups of asphalt mixtures were prepared using different percentages of palm oil clinker content (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). To determine the Marshall properties and select the optimum binder content, asphalt mixture samples with different percentages of asphalt binder content (5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, and 7.0%) were prepared for each group. The results showed that the palm oil clinker was appropriate for use as a fine aggregate replacement up to 100% in SMA mixture and could satisfy the mix design requirements in terms of Marshall stability, flow, quotient, and volumetric properties. However, the percentage of palm oil clinker replacement as fine aggregate has merely influenced the optimum binder content. Furthermore, there were improvements in the drain down, resilient modulus and indirect tensile fatigue performances of the SMA mixture. In conclusion, the use of POC as fine aggregates replacement in SMA mixture indicates a good potential to be commercialized in flexible pavement construction.
Pathways for the Amplification of Agroecology in African Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Authors: Peano Cristiana , Massaglia Stefano , Ghisalberti Chiara , Sottile Francesco
Published: April 2020

A growing awareness that highly intensified agricultural systems have made a substantial worldwide contribution to the worsening of the resilience capacity of natural ecosystems has, over the last twenty years, brought general attention to agroecological management models. This aspect is even more evident in industrial agriculture, which is based on the use of multiple chemical products derived from non-natural synthesis. In more developed countries, a new idea of ecology linked to agricultural production has been increasingly developed and, for this reason, there has been a greater diffusion of differentiated agricultural models taking into consideration the environmental impact of production choices and policies addressed to the conservation of natural resources. In urban agricultural production, it is even more important to adopt resilient production models that, in addition to developing responsible production paths and allowing a positive connection with the needs of consumers, guarantees reasonable and positive behaviors respecting the environment in which most of the urban population lives; in other words, the implementation of goal 12 of the sustainable development goals (SDG #12 Responsible Production and Consumption) of the United Nations. In this work, we report some case studies inspired by the activities carried out by the Slow Food Association in Africa and demonstrate the importance of agroecological models in small-scale agricultural systems, related to the development of school and community gardens in small urban areas of different African countries, as a tool for integrating agricultural activities aimed at social resilience and the conservation of ecosystems.
Autonomous Motivation for the Successful Implementation of Waste Management Policy: An Examination Using an Adapted Institutional Analysis and Development Framework in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tam , Watanabe Tsunemi
Published: April 2020

Increasing waste production is a serious problem for every country with substantial waste management initiatives. This challenge can be addressed by establishing waste reduction as a strategic policy. To this end, a project prioritizing community-based composting was implemented in Vietnam’s Thua Thien Hue province. The project mandated that the actors involved (i.e., local authorities, assistance groups, and residents) separate out organic waste for composting. To understand more fully how this policy could be implemented more successfully, first, the present study examined the links between local authorities’ support, groups providing assistance to residents during initiatives, and the project’s outcomes. Second, the research focused on the autonomous motivations influencing this project. These two points made our study novel. A case study design was applied based on self-determination theory and an adapted institutional analysis and development framework. Content analyses of qualitative and secondary data were conducted to examine the framework’s relevant components. Focusing on the psychological states approach, results showed that autonomous motivation was the main driver of waste separation and was activated by the local authorities’ autonomy support, deployed via an assistance group consisting of a waste collector and village leader, as well as other community attributes. These factors therefore affected the project’s outcomes. The research demonstrates the need to advocate local authorities’ autonomy support and residents’ autonomous motivation for waste separation.
Sports Academy as an Avenue for Psychosocial Development and Satisfaction of Youth Athletes in Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Tefera , Asmamaw Aemero , Habtemariam Sirak , Edo Beshir
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to explore a social-contextual view of talent development in sports by which the demographic and contextual factors of engagement, psychosocial development, and satisfaction, and the extent of their relationships, may be investigated concurrently. The sample (n = 257, nfemale = 122, and nmale = 135) consists of youth athletes (mean age = 17.87 and standard deviation = 1.10), and cross-sectional survey data from two randomly selected sports academies in Ethiopia. Analyses involve group comparisons to identify differences and multiple regressions to examine predictions. Group comparison results show that enrollment in a sports academy accounted for a significant difference in youth athletes’ measured engagement. Moreover, results of regression analyses indicate that higher psychosocial development and more satisfaction of youth athletes were associated with higher engagement and some demographic and contextual factors. Results also show that higher engagement of youth athletes was associated with some demographic and contextual factors. The group comparison results support the self-determination theory, providing evidence regarding the importance of social-contextual conditions in determining the engagement of youth athletes. The results of multiple regression analyses validate engagement theory and substantiate the results of previous studies on talent development. Specifically, it may be inferred that youth athletes’ engagement is not only one of the results of participation in sports but also one of the processes contributing to higher levels of reported psychosocial development and satisfaction. The implications of these results for theory and practice are discussed.
The Emergence of Technology in Physical Education: A General Bibliometric Analysis with a Focus on Virtual and Augmented Reality
Authors: Calabuig-Moreno Ferran , González-Serrano María Huertas , Fombona Javier , García-Tascón Marta
Published: April 2020

Technology has been gradually introduced into our society, and the field of education is no exception due to technology’s ability to improve the teaching–learning process. Furthermore, within the area of physical education (PE), its importance has been highlighted by the existence of specific apps for physical activity that can be used inside and outside the classroom to assess physical condition, as well as through the potential that virtual and augmented reality can have in such assessment. Therefore, the main objectives for this study were (1) to perform a bibliometric analysis of the articles published in the Web of Science (WoS) on technology in PE and (2) to analyze the articles published on augmented or virtual reality in PE found through this search. The results show that although studies on technology in PE (461 articles) have begun to consolidate over the last five years (there was a turning point in 2015), with the USA being the most influential country in this area, specific research on the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is still at a very early stage (22 articles with a small growth in 2017), with Spain being the most influential country; much more research is needed to achieve its consolidation.
A Review of the Impact of Green Building Certification on the Cash Flows and Values of Commercial Properties
Authors: Leskinen Niina , Vimpari Jussi , Junnila Seppo
Published: April 2020

This study aims to review empirical research concerning the impact of green certificates on property cash flows and values, particularly from professional property investors’ perspective. The study uses discounted cash flows (DCF), a widely used property valuation method in income-generating properties, as a methodological framework. In this study, over 70 peer-reviewed studies were identified, categorized, and analyzed in the DCF framework. The reviewed studies indicated that certificates might increase the rental income and decrease the operating expenses, vacancy, and risks of a property. Together with the brand value of certificates, these enhancements should lead to an increase in property value. The number of studies has grown rapidly during the 2010s. Lately, studies have developed from asset-level to portfolio-level examinations. Although the reviewed studies found certification to be beneficial, the range of reported benefits was wide, and over half of the studies concentrated on U.S. commercial real estate markets, with a strong focus on LEED and ENERGY STAR certificates. From a property valuation perspective, applying these results to other markets and certificates might be challenging. Property values that fully reflect the environmental performance of properties would be a key to motivate mainstream investors to adopt sustainable property features.
The Diversity of Organic Box Schemes in Europe—An Exploratory Study in Four Countries
Authors: Kummer Susanne , Milestad Rebecka
Published: April 2020

Box schemes provide an opportunity to scale up local organic food systems by aggregating products from multiple producers and efficiently delivering them to consumers. However, there is limited knowledge about the overall organic box scheme landscape and how it develops. This article explores organic box schemes in four European countries and thus contributes by comparing box schemes of different sizes in different geographical and organisational contexts. Survey results from 44 box schemes were used to analyse box schemes in relation to size and growth, organisation, communication with customers, delivery modes, distances travelled by produce and boxes, and values adhered to. Although the surveyed box schemes differed in size and organisation, similarities between box schemes were found in many aspects. For example, most surveyed box schemes had grown considerably since their start, and wished to grow further, and they all rated certain values as important. A tendency for larger box schemes to offer more imported produce, to have operated for a longer time, and to use social media for advertising more often was found. Despite the heterogeneity of the box schemes in the survey, we conclude that box schemes are a useful category to explore in the sustainability transition of food systems.
Integrating Theories on Informal Economies: An Examination of Causes of Urban Informal Economies in China
Authors: Huang Gengzhi , Xue Desheng , Wang Bo
Published: April 2020

Rapid urbanization has seen a concurrent growth of informal economies, which play an important role in alleviating urban unemployment and poverty. Following international efforts to integrate divergent theories on informality, this paper examines the causes of urban informal economies in China by deploying a panel data regression model that considers multiple explanatory factors informed by these theories. Our estimation based on the latest China Population Census shows that the size of urban informal employment in China reached 215 million and 22% of gross domestic product (GDP) output share was from urban informal economies. Our model reveals that the causes of urban informal economies in China are mainly associated with the stages of economic development, tertiarization of industries, unemployment, rural-to-urban migration, and globalization of urban economies. This paper adds evidence from the Chinese context to the emerging argument that informal economies cannot be fully explained by each mainstream informality theory, suggesting that these theories should be seen as complementary rather than opposing alternatives. The paper concludes with policy implications for urbanization in China.
Identification of Influencing Factors for Sustainable Development: Evaluation and Management of Regional Innovation Performance in Heilongjiang, China
Authors: Xia Wenfei , Li Baizhou , Yin Shi
Published: April 2020

Although the innovation factor endowment of Heilongjiang province is relatively rich, many innovation resources cannot effectively promote the sustainable development of innovation-driven performance. The combined drift degree evaluation method and grey-DEMATEL model were used to study regional innovation performance in Heilongjiang province and the key factors influencing it. The results of this study show that the overall trend of regional innovation performance is slowly rising. Compared with other regions, the level of science and technology output is in the forefront, and the level of economic output and social effect is at the end. The innovation performance level of enterprises and research institutions is at the end position, showing a trend of slow rise and then slow decline. The innovation performance level of universities is in the middle position, showing a trend of rising first, then falling and then rising. The degree of marketization, the financial environment, the intellectual property system, the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and the level of human capital are the core factors that affect the regional innovation performance. The dominant position and leading role of regional enterprises and the cooperation between industry, university and research institutes should be strengthened through government policies.
What if Employees Brought Their Life to Work? The Relation of Life Satisfaction and Work Engagement
Authors: Ferreira Pedro , Gabriel Carla , Faria Sílvia , Rodrigues Pedro , Sousa Pereira Manuel
Published: April 2020

Previous research on work engagement has sought to understand the drivers, as well as the consequences, of engaging people at work. The drivers of engagement have been found mainly within the work domain. However, working life is not detached from personal life, which has been demonstrated by research on work-life balance. The goal of this research is to understand the relation between life satisfaction and work engagement. Data were collected from a sample of 571 employees from major Portuguese companies using a questionnaire. The results confirmed the constructs used, and the regression model showed that life satisfaction is related to work engagement. The main conclusion was that work engagement can be explained by factors external to the organization, which are an integral part of employees’ lives. Being a psychological and emotional state, work engagement can be related to other aspects of employees’ lives besides their organizational and job roles.
Carbon Balance under Organic Amendments in the Wheat-Maize Cropping Systems of Sloppy Upland Soil
Authors: Bah Hamidou , Zhou Minghua , Kizito Simon , Xiao Ren , Raza Syed Turab , Dong Zhixin , Zhu Bo
Published: April 2020

With an increasing interest in closing the nutrient loop in agroecosystems, organic amendments are highly recommended as a reliable resource for soil nutrient recycling. However, from a carbon sequestration perspective, not much has been reported on the contribution of different organic amendments to soil organic carbon (SOC), crop carbon (C) uptake, and soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in wheat-maize cropping systems of sloppy upland soil. To fill the knowledge gap, a two-year lysimeter-field plots experiment was conducted in a sloppy upland purplish soil under wheat-maize cropping systems. The experiments were arranged in a complete random block design with five treatment plots, namely; fresh pig slurry as organic manure (OM), crop residues (CR), conventional mineral fertilizers (NPK) as the control, organic manure plus mineral fertilizers (OMNPK), and crop residues plus mineral fertilizers (CRNPK). Our results showed the leaf photosynthesis rate was not significantly increased by organic amendment application treatments compared to NPK treatment, and was within a range of 4.8 to 45.3 µmol m−2 s−1 for the wheat season and −20.1 to 40.4 µmol m−2 s−1 for the maize season across the five treatments and the measured growth stages. The soil CO2 emissions for the maize season (in the range of 203 to 362 g C m−2) were higher than for the wheat season (in the range of 118 to 252 g C m−2) on average across the different experimental treatments over the two-year experiment. The organic amendment application increased annual cumulative CO2 emissions from 30% to 51% compared to NPK treatment. Over the two years, the average crop C uptake ranged from 174 to 378 g C m−2 and from 287 to 488 g C m−2 for the wheat and maize seasons, respectively, and the organic amendment application increased the crop C uptake by 4% to 23% compared to NPK treatment. In the organic amendment treatments, the C balance ranged from −160 to 460 g C m−2 and from −301 to 334 g C m−2 for the wheat and the maize seasons, respectively, which were greater than those in the NPK treatment. Overall, the present study results suggest incorporation of organic amendments could be an effective strategy for increasing C sequestration and sustaining crop productivity in sloppy upland soil.
China’s Carbon Pricing Based on Heterogeneous Tail Distribution
Authors: Yang Xianzi , Zhang Chen , Yang Yu , Wu Yaqi , Yun Po , Wagan Zulfiqar Ali
Published: April 2020

To address climate change, the carbon emission trading scheme has become one of the main measures to achieve emission reduction goals. One of the core problems in constructing the carbon emissions trading market is determining carbon emissions trading prices. The scientific nature of carbon emissions pricing determines the effectiveness of market regulation. Research on the influencing factors and heterogeneous tail distribution of carbon prices can increase the accuracy of carbon pricing, which is particularly important for the development of the carbon emissions trading market. The current studies have some limitations and lack heterogeneous tail description. We employ the arbitrage pricing theory-standardized standard asymmetric exponential power distribution model to analyze China’s regional carbon emissions trading price and use a genetic algorithm to solve linear programming. The results confirm the theoretical results and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. First, the new model can capture the skewness, fat-tailed distribution, and asymmetric effects of China’s regional carbon emissions trading price. Second, the macroeconomy, similar products, energy price, and exchange rate influence the carbon price fluctuation; investors’ behavior plays an important role in the heterogeneous tail distribution of carbon price. The findings provide references for the government to take appropriate measures to promote carbon emission reduction and improve the effectiveness of China’s carbon market. Therefore, our findings can help enhance emission reduction and achieve sustainable development of a low-carbon environment.
From Megawatts to Kilowatts: A Review of Small Wind Turbine Applications, Lessons From The US to Brazil
Authors: Chagas Caio Cesar Moreira , Pereira Marcio Giannini , Rosa Luiz Pinguelli , da Silva Neilton Fidelis , Freitas Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos , Hunt Julian David
Published: April 2020

Increased use of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions, which has led countries to implement policies that favor the gradual replacement of their use with renewable energy sources. Wind expansion in Brazil is a success story, but its adherence to distributed generation is still a big challenge. In this context, the authors of this paper argue that the development of robust and viable distributed power grids will also depend in the future on improving small wind generation as an important alternative to the diversity of decentralized power grids. In this study, the authors present an overview of the small-sized Aeolic (or wind) energy market in Brazil, with the objective to support the debate regarding its expansion. Promoting the small wind market in Brazil is still a big challenge, but lessons can be learned from the United States. In this context, the article uses the United States learning curve, analyzing barriers that were found, as well as public policies implemented to overcome them. The lessons learned in the American market may guide public policies aimed at fostering this technology in Brazil. If technological improvements, certification and introduction of financial incentives were implemented in Brazil, the small wind industry chain could grow substantially, building a trajectory to promote the low carbon economy.
A Devil of a Transmissible Cancer
Authors: Woods Gregory M. , Lyons A. Bruce , Bettiol Silvana S.
Published: April 2020

Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) encompasses two independent transmissible cancers that have killed the majority of Tasmanian devils. The cancer cells are derived from Schwann cells and are spread between devils during biting, a common behavior during the mating season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a parasite as “An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from, or at, the expense of its host.” Most cancers, including DFTD, live within a host organism and derive resources from its host, and consequently have parasitic-like features. Devil facial tumor disease is a transmissible cancer and, therefore, DFTD shares one additional feature common to most parasites. Through direct contact between devils, DFTD has spread throughout the devil population. However, unlike many parasites, the DFTD cancer cells have a simple lifecycle and do not have either independent, vector-borne, or quiescent phases. To facilitate a description of devil facial tumor disease, this review uses life cycles of parasites as an analogy.
Rapeseed and canola meal as protein sources in starter diets for calves: current knowledge and directions of future studies
Authors: GÓRKA Paweł , PENNER Gregory Brent
Published: April 2020

Rapeseed and canola meal are not commonly used in starter diets for calves due to concerns over palatability and digestibility of the feed. The aim of this paper was to briefly summarize our knowledge on the effects of rapeseed and canola meal use in starter diets for calves, with particular emphasis on the period before and shortly after weaning, and the impact on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, body weight gain, and feed efficiency of calves. Possible strategies allowing for increased inclusion of rapeseed and canola meal use in calves’ nutrition were also suggested and briefly discussed.
The effect of ‘paying for performance’ on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: O'Connor Raymond , O'Driscoll Rory , O'Doherty Jane , Hannigan Ailish , O'Neill Aoife , Teljeur Conor , O'Regan Andrew
Published: April 2020

Background

The ‘cycle of care’ (COC) pay for performance (PFP) programme, introduced in 2015, has resourced Irish GPs to provide structured care to PCRS eligible patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Aim

To investigate the effect of COC on management processes.

Design &setting

Cross-sectional observational study undertaken with two points of comparison (2014 and 2017) in participating practices (Republic of Ireland general practices), with comparator data from the United Kingdom National Diabetes Audit (UKNDA) 2015–2016.

Method

Invitations to participate were sent to practices using a discussion forum for Health One clinical software. Participating practices provided data on the processes of care in the management of patients with T2DM. Data on PCRS eligible patients was extracted from the electronic medical record system of participating practices using secure customised software. Descriptive analysis, using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (version 25), was performed.

Results

Of 250 practices invited, 41 practices participated (16.4%), yielding data from 3146 patients. There were substantial improvements in the rates of recording of glycosylated haemoglobin ([HbA1c] 53.1%–98.3%), total cholesterol ([TC] 59.2%–98.8%), urinary albumin:creatinine ratio ([ACR] 9.9%–42.3%), blood pressure ([BP] 61.4%–98.2%), and body-mass index ([BMI] 39.8%–97.4%) from 2014 to 2017. For the first time, rates of retinopathy screening (76.3%), foot review (64.9%), and influenza immunisation (69.9%) were recorded. Comparison of 2017 data with UKNDA 2015–2016 was broadly similar.

Conclusion

The COC demonstrated much improved rates of recording of clinical and biochemical parameters, and improved achievement of targets in TC and BP, but not HbA1c. Results demonstrate substantial improvements in the processes and quality of care in the management of patients with T2DM.
Cooperation and integration processes and models in context of development of branches of economy and territories
Authors: Rohoza Mykola , Perebyynis Vasyl , Verhal Kseniia
Published: April 2020

Conditions of functioning of enterprises in the agrarian sector have been analyzed. It has been proved that cooperation and integration are a basis for the development of the agro-industrial complex. Necessity of developing the models of forming and managing integration processes of enterprises of the agrarian sphere has been substantiated. The use of a multiagent approach to the study of agricultural servicing cooperatives has been proposed. The developed models of social and economic systems can serve as a tool for their optimization. Such indicators as stability of the system, competitive reliability have been used. Approaches to determining the optimal potential of the system, strategies for its management have been substantiated. Based on these approaches, a model of the optimal policy for updating equipment has been determined