bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreign Trade as a Channel of Pandemic Transmission to the Agricultural Sector in Poland
Authors: Maśniak Jacek , Jędruchniewicz Andrzej
Published: August 2024

The resilience of economic and social systems to shocks is one of the fundamental goals of sustainable development. One such event that seriously disrupted the global economy was the COVID-19 pandemic. It posed a direct threat to people’s health and lives and also caused an economic crisis. One of the effects of the crisis was the loss of stability in agricultural production with the resulting threat to food security. The foreign trade channel played a vital role in the mechanism of pandemic transmission to the agricultural sector in the world and Poland. This article aims to assess the significance of changes in international trade in agri-food commodities conducted by Polish entities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research period covers the years 2017–2021, focusing on the years 2020–2021, the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a research period allows comparative analyses during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. The following research methods are used in this study: a critical analysis of the literature, the descriptive approach, the comparative method, and verbal logic and descriptive statistical methods. The data used in this article come from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and cover Poland’s foreign trade turnover according to the International Standard Trade Classification (SITC) used by the United Nations Statistics Department. The COVID-19 pandemic period did not cause a drastic collapse in Polish foreign trade. Short-lived blockages in the flow of goods, which appeared in Q2 2020, resulted in a 14% drop in the value of Polish exports. Already in Q3 2020, foreign trade turnover returned to pre-pandemic levels. In Q2 2020, the value of the exports of agri-food goods decreased by only 3%. For other commodity groups, the export values were 7–40% lower. Agri-food trade proved more resilient to pandemic shocks than trade in non-agricultural sectors. The foreign trade crisis affected the imports of goods more than exports.
How Rural Communities Relate to Nature in Sub-Saharan Regions: Perception of Ecosystem Services Provided by Wetlands in South-Kivu
Authors: Géant Chuma B. , Wellens Joost , Gustave Mushagalusa N. , Schmitz Serge
Published: August 2024

Research on ecosystem services (ES) has become central to landscape planning, framing the relationship between people and nature. In Sub-Saharan regions, local communities rely heavily on wetlands for various ES. For the first time, we assessed perceptions of ES provided by these wetlands, focusing on marshes, peatlands, swamps, and inland valleys/floodplains in eastern DR Congo. Fieldwork combined with a survey of 510 households, using both open-ended and 35 direct questions, evaluated perceptions of wetland ecosystem services (WESs). The most frequently reported WES were provisioning (38%) and regulating (24%), while supporting (22%) and cultural (16%) were less mentioned. These perceptions varied across wetland types and among communities based on gender, religion, seniority in wetland use, land tenure, and educational level. Rural communities had a deep relationship with nature, shaped by cultural, economic, and geographical factors. Wetlands are viewed positively as sources of goods but also negatively as sources of diseases. A structural equation model (SEM) helped in identifying four latent variables—livelihood, knowledge, personal, and geographical factors—driving WES perceptions. These findings are relevant for developing wetland management policies and suggest including community engagement and collaboration in wetland restoration and regulatory frameworks.
Correlation of the Walk Score and Environmental Perceptions with Perceived Neighborhood Walkability: The Quantile Regression Model Approach
Authors: Jin Suin , Kim Eun Jung
Published: August 2024

The walk score, which is widely used as an index of walkability, does not include pedestrian’s perception, so there is a limit to explaining the level of perceived walkability in a neighborhood. The purpose of this study is to examine how an objectively measured walk score and subjectively measured environmental perceptions correlate with perceived neighborhood walkability. This study conducted a survey on 371 participants aged 18 or older living in Daegu, South Korea to examine perceived neighborhood walkability and perception of the built environment. We measured the walk score based on participants’ location using a geographic information system. We used the quantile regression model, whereby we investigated the effects of explanatory variables (e.g., the walk score, perceptions of the built environment) by classifying perceived neighborhood walkability by quantile into Q10, Q25, Q50, Q75, and Q90. The walk score had a positive association with people with low perceived neighborhood walkability (Q10), but a negative association with people with high perceived neighborhood walkability (Q90). Regarding views of the built environment, in most quantiles, people perceived the environment as walkable if there were abundant green spaces and diverse alternative routes. Conversely, odors, smoke, hills, and stairs impeded walkability. This indicates that along with an objective walkability index, perceptions of the built environment play an important role in determining perceived neighborhood walkability. This implies that our results can help identify appropriate policies to promote walkability for citizens.
Features of the Microalgae and Cyanobacteria Growth in the Flue Gas Atmosphere with Different CO2 Concentrations
Authors: Chunzhuk Elizaveta A. , Grigorenko Anatoly V. , Kiseleva Sophia V. , Chernova Nadezhda I. , Volkov Dmitry A. , Nurgaliev Renat G. , Leng Lijian , Kumar Vinod , Vlaskin Mikhail S.
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, it is important to create the optimal technology for the absorption of flue gases with high CO2 content. In this regard, the aim of the investigation is to study the five different microalgae strains (Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Elliptochoris subsphaerica, Gloeotila pulchra, and Arthrospira platensis) under the influence of flue gases. The cultivation of microalgae was carried out in the atmosphere of flue gases with a gas flow rate of approximately 1 L·min−1 at high CO2 concentrations (3, 6, or 8%—from lower to higher concentrations), under continuous (24 h·d−1) illumination intensity of 200 µmol quanta·m−2·s−1 and a constant temperature of 27 ± 1 °C. The duration of the experiments was 12 days. Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella ellipsoidea demonstrated the highest biomass growth rate at CO2 = 6% (0.79 and 0.74 g·L−1·d−1, respectively). The lowest growth rate (0.21 g·L−1·d−1) was achieved for Arthrospira platensis at CO2 = 3 and 6%. There was no significant drop in pH in the entire series of experiments. The results of microscopy showed a lack or a minimal number of dead cells in the strains under selected conditions. The obtained results can be used for further development of CO2 capture and storage technologies.
The Impact of Land Transfer on Sustainable Agricultural Development from the Perspective of Green Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Wu Yangchenhao , Zhang Wang
Published: August 2024

China’s agricultural sector is transitioning from extensive management to intensive management, and land transfer brings about changes in land use and management methods, which may encourage the agricultural sector to enter a sustainable development track, but this mechanism has not been effectively proven. Using the SBM-GML index to construct a green total factor productivity index to measure the level of sustainable agricultural development in each province (or autonomous region or municipality directly under the central government) and provincial panel data from 2010 to 2022, we applied a panel interactive fixed-effects model to empirically test the impact of land transfer on sustainable agricultural development, with a focus on analyzing the heterogeneity and related mechanisms of this impact. The results indicate that (1) land transfer significantly promotes sustainable agricultural development, and this conclusion still held true after robustness tests such as controlling for regional omitted variables, replacing dependent variables, changing the sample size, IV estimation, and GMM estimation. (2) The mechanism testing found that land transfer mainly promotes sustainable agricultural development by increasing the desirable output, and has no significant effect on reducing non-point source pollution. At the same time, land transfer mainly improves the desirable output through factor allocation effects rather than scale operation effects, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural development. (3) The heterogeneity analysis found that the higher the quantile of agricultural development level is, the weaker the role of land transfer in promoting sustainable agricultural development, indicating that land transfer has a greater impact on areas with poor agricultural development foundations, and areas with poor agricultural development foundations are more likely to obtain sustainable development space through land transfer. The impact of different land transfer methods and land transfer objects on sustainable agricultural development was heterogeneous. Compared with non-market transfer methods such as exchange and transfer, market-oriented transfer methods such as leasing and equity had a more significant impact on sustainable agricultural development. Compared to transferring land to ordinary farmers, transferring land to new business entities such as family farms, professional cooperatives, and enterprises can significantly promote sustainable agricultural development.
Predicting the Influence of Pulverized Oil Palm Clinker as a Sustainable Modifier on Bituminous Concrete Fatigue Life: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Statistical and Predictive Analysis
Authors: Aliyu Yaro Nura Shehu , Sutanto Muslich Hartadi , Habib Noor Zainab , Usman Aliyu , Tanjung Liza Evianti , Bello Muhammad Sani , Noor Azmatullah , Birniwa Abdullahi Haruna , Jagaba Ahmad Hussaini
Published: August 2024

Currently, the viscoelastic properties of conventional asphalt cement need to be improved to meet the increasing demands caused by larger traffic loads, increased stress, and changing environmental conditions. Thus, using modifiers is suggested. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promote using waste materials and new technologies in asphalt pavement technology. The present study aims to fill this gap by investigating the use of pulverized oil palm industry clinker (POPIC) as an asphalt–cement modifier to improve the fatigue life of bituminous concrete using an innovative prediction approach. Thus, this study proposes an approach that integrates statistically based machine learning approaches and investigates the effects of applied stress and temperature on the fatigue life of POPIC-modified bituminous concrete. POPIC-modified bituminous concrete (POPIC-MBC) is produced from a standard Marshall mix. The interactions between POPIC concentration, stress, and temperature were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), resulting in 7.5% POPIC, 11.7 °C, and 0.2 MPa as the optimum parameters for fatigue life. To improve the prediction accuracy and robustness of the results, RSM and ANN models were used and analyzed using MATLAB and JMP Pro, respectively. The performance of the developed model was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean relative error (MRE). The study found that using RSM, MATLAB, and JMP Pro resulted in a comprehensive analysis. MATLAB achieved an R² value of 0.9844, RMSE of 3.094, and MRE of 312.427, and JMP Pro achieved an R² value of 0.998, RMSE of 1.245, and MRE of 126.243, demonstrating higher prediction accuracy and superior performance than RSM, which had an R² value of 0.979, RMSE of 3.757, and MRE of 357.846. Further validation with parity, Taylor, and violin plots demonstrates that both models have good prediction accuracy, with the JMP Pro ANN model outperforming in terms of accuracy and alignment. This demonstrates the machine learning approach’s efficiency in analyzing the fatigue life of POPIC-MBC, revealing it to be a useful tool for future research and practical applications. Furthermore, the study reveals that the innovative approach adopted and POPIC modifier, obtained from biomass waste, meets zero-waste and circular bioeconomy goals, contributing to the UN’s SDGs 9, 11, 12, and 13.
Agrifood Sustainability Transitions in Firms and Industry: A Bibliographic Analysis of Research Themes
Authors: Lees Nic J. , Sivakumar Sivashankar , Lucock Xiaomeng
Published: August 2024

There is a growing consensus that the modern food system lies at the centre of the great challenges facing humanity and that urgent and profound changes are required in the way that food is produced, processed, distributed and consumed. This review analyses sustainability transitions within agrifood systems, focusing on the role of firms and industries as defined by the Sustainable Transitions Research Network (STRN). This paper conducts the first systematic literature review using bibliometric analysis to assess the current state of research on this theme. The findings reveal a significant increase in publications related to firms and industries associated with agrifood sustainability transitions. Furthermore, the focus of current research is geographically concentrated in the European Union. The review identifies four key themes in the literature, based on the co-occurrence of keywords. These are agriculture, innovation, governance, food systems and agroecology. The review identifies an increasing awareness of the role of farmers in driving sustainability transitions at the farm level. Furthermore, there is an increasing awareness of the interrelated characteristics of the agrifood system, which acknowledges the need for sustainable innovations to occur at multiple stages of the agrifood system. The review also shows that there is growing evidence that innovations can occur through disruptive as well as incremental innovation and highlights the importance of governance influencing transitions. The existing literature raises questions about alternative food networks as sustainable innovations, their potential for significant change in the established food system and the validity of their claims regarding food equity and environmental sustainability. A key theme emerging from the literature is an ecological perspective that identifies the complex biological processes and ecosystems that form an integral part of agricultural production. These findings provide a greater understanding of the current literature landscape of agrifood sustainable transitions relating to firms and industries and lay a foundation for future research.
Strategic Siting of Hydroelectric Power Plants to Power Railway Operations with Renewable Energy
Authors: Nakai Masahiko , Masumoto Taku , Asaeda Takashi
Published: August 2024

The present study explores the strategic siting of hydroelectric power plants, focusing on the Miyanaka Intake Dam (MID) and Shinano River Hydroelectric Power Station (SHP). Built in 1939 to support Tokyo’s railway electrification, these facilities demonstrate the complexities of balancing renewable energy production with ecological conservation. Despite the high costs and energy losses associated with transmitting power from the Sea of Japan side, the SHP has effectively powered Tokyo’s rail system for over 80 years, owing to advanced transmission technologies and the region’s abundant water resources. However, river-crossing structures such as dams disrupt fish migration and habitats, necessitating the implementation of fishways. The MID fishway, continually improved since its construction, emphasizes the importance of integrating ecological considerations into hydropower projects. Our findings highlight the higher power generation efficiency on the Sea of Japan side and stress the need for careful site selection to ensure sustainable hydroelectric power while preserving river ecosystems. In conclusion, hydropower sites should be chosen based on both environmental impacts and future development potential to maintain the ecological balance and support long-term renewable energy goals.
Oil Plant Pomace as a Raw Material in Technology of Sustainable Thermoplastic Polymer Composites
Authors: Lipska Karolina , Betlej Izabela , Rybak Katarzyna , Nowacka Małgorzata , Boruszewski Piotr
Published: August 2024

The design of composites offers extensive opportunities for controlling parameters and utilizing diverse materials, including those sourced from recycling or waste streams. In this study, biocomposites were developed using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and pomace derived from oilseed plants such as evening primrose, gold of pleasure, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds, mixed in a 1:1 ratio. These biocomposites were evaluated for their structural, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties, as well as their vulnerability to overgrowth by cellulolytic fungi. The results indicate that incorporating plant waste into HDPE reduces thermal stability while increasing water absorption and thickness swelling. Additionally, the biocomposites showed enhanced fungal growth, which may improve their biodegradability. Notably, the PE_EP composite, derived from evening primrose pomace, did not show significant differences in surface roughness and MOE parameters compared to pure polyethylene. In the case of PE_R composite, an increase in MOE was observed while maintaining the MOR parameter compared to pure PE. Although generally the mechanical properties of composites were lower compared to pure polyethylene, the findings suggest that with further optimization, oil plant pomace can be a valuable raw material for producing biocomposites suitable for various industrial applications, thereby contributing to sustainability and effective waste recycling.
Crop Management System Consisting of Biodegradable Mulching Film + Drip Irrigation Increases Yield and Quality of Flue-Cured Tobacco
Authors: Sifola Maria Isabella , Cozzolino Eugenio , Ciancolini Anna , Falce Michele , Raimo Francesco , Enotrio Tommaso , Sicignano Mariarosaria , Baiano Salvatore , del Piano Luisa
Published: August 2024

Mulching is one of the most recommended practices in agriculture due to its positive effects on the plant/soil system. Very few experiments have been conducted to date to investigate the effect of mulching, with both organic and inorganic materials, on tobacco. The main aim of this study was to test the synergic effect of a soil-biodegradable (according to standard EN17033) mulching film (the commercial Mater-Bi®, Novamont SpA, Novara, Italy) and drip irrigation (M-D) compared with that of bare soil and sprinkler/drip irrigation (first/second part of the growing season; BS-SD) on a tobacco crop (Nicotiana tabacum L., flue-cured Virginia) grown in the Tiber Valley (the tobacco cultivation district of Central Italy). BS-SD represents the standard practice applied by tobacco growers in the study area. The plants grown under the M-D management system grew more and developed faster than the plants grown under BS-SD conditions. Under the M-D system, yields increased in comparison with the BS-SD conditions (+29%, on average). The gross revenue obtained via the M-D-cured products also increased (+63%, on average) thanks to higher prices assigned by expert evaluators on the basis of the extrinsic quality traits (color, structure and texture, degree of ripeness, elasticity, lamina integrity, handling defects, and vein incidence). The economic value of the cured products increased with the leaf crowns; it was the lowest in the basal (B) leaves and the highest in the middle-upper (MU) leaves. The intrinsic quality traits of the cured leaves (total N and nitrate contents, alkaloids, and reducing sugars) also confirmed that the best quality was found in the M-D-cured products, as determined by expert evaluation. Interestingly, the reducing sugar (RS) contents of tobacco obtained using the M-D management system were 2.5-, 1.1-, and 0.9-fold greater than those under the BS-SD conditions (B, M, and MU products, respectively). An additional commercial value of the cured products was thus obtained with the M-D crop management system due to RS, an intrinsic quality trait considered by manufacturing industries.
Evaluation of Urban Resilience and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of the Yichang–Jingzhou–Jingmen–Enshi Urban Agglomeration in China
Authors: Zhao Zhilong , Hu Zengzeng , Han Xu , Chen Lu , Li Zhiyong
Published: August 2024

With the increasing frequency of various uncertainties and disturbances faced by urban systems, urban resilience is one of the vital components of the sustainability of modern cities. An indicator system is constructed to measure the resilience levels of the Yichang–Jingzhou–Jingmen–Enshi (YJJE) urban agglomeration during 2010–2023 based on four domains—economy, ecology, society, and infrastructure. This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal differentiation of resilience in YJJE in conjunction with the entropy weight method, Getis–Ord Gi* model, and robustness testing. Then, the factor contribution model is used to discern key driving elements of urban resilience. Finally, the CA-Markov model is implemented to predict urban resilience in 2030. The results reveal that the values of resilience in YJJE increase at a rate of 3.25%/a and continue to rise, with the differences among cities narrowing over the examined period. Furthermore, the urban resilience exhibits a significant spatially heterogeneity distribution, with Xiling, Wujiagang, Xiaoting, Yidu, Zhijiang, Dianjun, Dangyang, Yuan’an, Yiling, and Duodao being the high-value agglomerations of urban resilience, and Hefeng, Jianli, Shishou, and Wufeng being the low-value agglomerations of urban resilience. The marked heterogeneity of resilience in the YJJE urban agglomeration reflects the disparity in economic progress across the study area. The total amount of urban social retail, financial expenditure per capita, GDP per capita, park green space area, urban disposable income per capita, and number of buses per 10,000 people surface as the key influencing factors in relation to urban resilience. Finally, the levels of resilience among cities within YJJE will reach the medium level or higher than medium level in 2030. Xiling, Wujiagang, Xiaoting, Zhijiang, Dianjun, Dangyang, and Yuan’an will remain significant hot spots of urban resilience, while Jianli will remain a significant cold spot. In a nutshell, this paper can provide scientific references and policy recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers on the aspects of urban resilience and sustainable city.
Carbon Emissions Dynamics and Environmental Sustainability in China’s Tourism Sector: A 22-Year Comprehensive Regional Study
Authors: Zhang Yanping
Published: August 2024

China’s tourism industry has rapidly grown over the past two decades, significantly contributing to the national economy but also increasing carbon emissions. This has raised concerns about environmental sustainability, especially given China’s commitments to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. This study analyzes the changes in carbon emissions, carbon carrying capacity, and the Tourism Carbon Pressure Index (TCPI) of China’s tourism industry from 2000 to 2022, aiming to support the green transition of the sector. Examining data from 31 provinces, we observed a significant growth trend in carbon emissions, with a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, followed by a rebound in 2021 and 2022. The findings reveal that carbon emissions and carrying capacity are relatively stable in the eastern regions, but more pronounced in central and western regions, particularly the west. The TCPI is higher in the east, indicating greater environmental pressure, while it is rapidly increasing in central and western regions. To achieve sustainable tourism development, we propose promoting green transportation, eco-friendly hotels, and green scenic spots, improving resource utilization efficiency, enhancing policy support and technological innovation, and adopting regional development strategies. These measures will help reduce tourism-related carbon emissions and contribute to national carbon neutrality goals. This study provides a comprehensive analysis and actionable insights to guide the sustainable transformation of China’s tourism industry.
The Unintended Consequence of Environmental Regulations on Earnings Management: Evidence from Emissions Trading Scheme in China
Authors: Chen Wei , Tian Yuan
Published: August 2024

This study extends the existing research on the impact of environmental regulations from an earnings management perspective. Using the difference-in-differences approach, the study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between corporate earnings management and the implementation of China’s carbon emissions trading program. In particular, the study finds a positive relationship between corporate earnings management and the implementation of China’s carbon emissions trading program. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that this positive correlation is much stronger for firms facing tighter financial constraints, higher information opacity, less intense competition, and higher pressure to reduce emissions. These findings illustrate the unintended consequences of market-based environmental regulations and provide new evidence for assessing the efficiency of much-promoted market-based environmental regulations.
The Social Implications of Circular Clothing Economies in the Global North
Authors: Millward-Hopkins Joel
Published: August 2024

The clothing industry is a hotbed for exploitative working conditions and environmental damage, of which affluent global North countries remain a substantial driver. The circular economy is a potential solution to these issues, but its social implications remain unclear. Using the UK as a case study, this article analyses the global social impacts of a transition to circular clothing economies in the global North, finding these to be (almost) entirely dependent upon the intentions and design of the associated policies and governance, as well as broader socio-economic changes. Some aspects of a transition will be unambiguously good for some people; others will only be beneficial with careful governance. Moreover, entrenched global economic inequalities leave trade-offs borne largely by the global South, highlighting the need for circular economy research—its drive for localization notwithstanding—to look globally to consider how a fair transition can be achieved.
Improved Straw Decomposition Products Promote Peanut Growth by Changing Soil Chemical Properties and Microbial Diversity
Authors: Liu Yaxin , Wu Meng , Liu Jia , Li Daming , Liu Xiaoli , Chen Ling , Guo Xi , Liu Ming
Published: August 2024

The ameliorative effects of straw decomposition products on soil acidification have been extensively studied. However, the impact of chemically treated straw decomposition products on crop productivity and the underlying microbial mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two dosages of Ca(OH)2-treated straw decomposition products of peanuts on red soil acidity, fertility, and bacterial and fungal diversity through a pot experiment. The pot experiment included four treatments: chemical nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilization alone (CK), NPK chemical fertilization combined with peanut straw decomposition products (PS), NPK chemical fertilization combined with 4% Ca(OH)2-treated peanut straw decomposition products (PS4Ca), and NPK chemical fertilization combined with 8% Ca(OH)2-treated straw decomposition products (PS8Ca). High-throughput sequencing was performed to investigate the effects of these treatments on soil microbial diversity. The treatments with PS, PS4Ca, and PS8Ca significantly increased soil pH, exchangeable base cations, and nutrient content, whereas they decreased the exchangeable acid, especially exchangeable aluminum. The peanut growth improved substantially with the application of straw decomposition products. Specifically, PS4Ca significantly increased the Shannon and Richness indices of fungi. The principal coordinate analysis showed that the soil microbial communities in the straw decomposition product treatments were significantly different from CK. Linear discriminant analysis effect size identified unique bacteria and fungi between treatments. The Mantel test indicated that exchangeable base cations and pH were significantly positively correlated with bacterial communities, whereas available potassium was positively correlated with fungal communities. The partial least squares path modeling revealed that the bacterial communities positively and directly affected all peanut agronomic traits. In contrast, the fungal communities had a negative and direct effect only on peanut 100-pod weight. Therefore, adding Ca(OH)2-treated straw decomposition products could effectively improve crop productivity by alleviating soil acidification, increasing soil nutrients, and subsequently changing microorganisms.
Board Financial Expertise and Financial Sustainability: Evidence from Saudi-Listed Firms
Authors: Alshareef Mohammed Naif , Sulimany Hamid Ghazi H
Published: August 2024

This paper evaluates the effects of board financial expertise on the financial sustainability of Saudi non-financial listed companies. The research sampled data from 97 companies covering 2013 to 2022 and analysed the data using different econometric models. The research findings indicated a strong and positive impact of board financial expertise on sustainable performance. This outcome implies that financial sustainability may increase as the number of finance specialists on the board rises. The evidence supports agency framework, resource dependency, and upper echelons theories. These frameworks argue that stringent monitoring, technical advice, and intellectual competence of finance specialists may positively influence organisational outcomes. Practically, the results indicated that Saudi-listed firms should emphasise employing financial specialists on their boards to boost their value and attain sustainable growth. The study may also guide managers and regulators on the relevance of financial experts in promoting sustainable practices.
Catalyzing Green Work Engagement in Hotel Businesses: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Khairy Hazem , Ahmed Mohamed , Asiri Arwa , Gazzawe Foziah , Abdel Fatah Mohamed , Ahmad Naim , Qahmash Ayman , Agina Mohamed
Published: August 2024

This study explores green work engagement in response to the global demand for sustainability in businesses and the shift toward green-oriented agendas. Specifically, this study aims to examine how green work engagement (GWE) is affected by artificial intelligence awareness (AIA) through job stress (JS) as a mediator. It also explores the moderating roles of technological self-efficacy (TSE) in the AIA→JS relationship and trust in leadership (TIL) in the GWE→JS relationship. A PLS-SEM analysis was conducted on 392 valid replies from full-time employees of five-star hotels in Egypt using WarpPLS 7.0. The findings indicated that artificial intelligence awareness (AIA) negatively affects employees’ green work engagement (GWE) and positively affects job stress (JS). In addition, GWE is negatively affected by JS. Moreover, TSE negatively moderates the AIA→JS relationship, while TIL negatively moderates the JS→GWE relationship. The study also found a significant mediating effect of JS on the AIA→GWE relationship. The study enhances research on AIA’s impact on JS and GWE, addressing a gap in existing empirical studies on the relationship between these elements in hotels. Overall, the study of green work engagement has the potential to be a valuable contribution to the growing field of sustainable business practices.
Research on Carbon Peak Prediction of Various Prefecture-Level Cities in Jiangsu Province Based on Factors Influencing Carbon Emissions
Authors: Wang Yu , Dong Ling
Published: August 2024

Jiangsu Province is a region with a high concentration of economy and population in China, as well as a spatial unit with relatively concentrated carbon emissions. It is also the pioneer in achieving carbon peak. Analyzing the factors influencing carbon emissions and predicting the peak year of carbon emissions will help Jiangsu Province clarify the direction of carbon reduction and take the lead in achieving carbon peak. This article selects relevant data from Jiangsu Province from 2005 to 2020, uses the STIRPAT model to analyze the influencing factors of carbon emissions in Jiangsu Province, predicts the carbon emissions and peak times of 13 prefecture-level cities in four different scenarios, and constructs a carbon peak prediction model to calculate the carbon peak pressure, carbon emission reduction potential, and carbon peak driving force of each prefecture-level city. Research has found that the population size, wealth level, technological level, urbanization level, and industrial structure have significant impacts on carbon emissions in Jiangsu Province. The prediction results for carbon peak in 13 prefecture-level cities indicate that Nantong, Huai’an, Yancheng, Suzhou, Nanjing, and Wuxi can achieve carbon peak before 2030 in all four scenarios. Changzhou, Xuzhou, Yangzhou, Taizhou, Suqian, Lianyungang, and Zhenjiang are all able to achieve carbon peak between 2025 and 2029 under the low-growth, slow-consumption scenario (P2G2E1) and low-growth, fast-consumption scenario (P2G2E2), but they cannot achieve carbon peak before 2030 under the high-growth, slow-consumption scenario (P1G1E1) and high-growth, fast-consumption scenario (P1G1E2). Finally, based on the carbon peak prediction model, the prefecture-level cities are classified, and differentiated carbon peak implementation paths for different types of prefecture-level cities are proposed.
Defying the Food Desert, Food Swamp, and Supermarket Redlining Stereotypes in Detroit: Comparing the Distribution of Food Outlets in 2013 and 2023
Authors: Taylor Dorceta E. , Bell Ashley , Treloar Destiny , Ajani Ashia , Alvarez Marco , Hamilton Tevin , Velazquez Jayson , Nandar Pwintphyu , Fillwalk Lily , Ard Kerry J.
Published: August 2024

Despite the numerous food studies conducted in Detroit, none have assessed changes in the food landscape over a decade. No previous study has systematically analyzed food store closures in the city either. We will address these oversights by examining the distribution of food outlets in the city ten years apart. This paper probes the following questions: (1) How has the distribution of Detroit’s food outlets changed in the decade between 2013 and 2023? (2) Does Detroit fit the definition of a food desert in 2013 or 2023? (3) Does Detroit fit the definition of a food swamp in 2013 or 2023? (4) Has supermarket redlining occurred in Detroit in 2013 or 2023? (5) How is population decline related to food outlet distribution? (6) How do food store closures impact food store distribution? We conducted exhaustive searches to collect information on thousands of food outlets from Data Axle, Google, and Bing. The data were analyzed and mapped in SPSS 28 and ArcGIS 10.8. We compared 3499 food outlets identified in 2013 with 2884 identified in 2023. We expanded our search for food outlets in 2023 and found an additional 611 food outlets in categories not studied in 2013. The study’s findings are significant as they unearth evidence of extensive population decline—driven by Black flight—and a vanishing food infrastructure. Detroit lost more than 600 food outlets between 2013 and 2023, a staggering number that underscores the severity of the issue. Moreover, in 2023, we documented food store closures and found 1305 non-operational or closed food outlets in the city. Regardless of the neighborhood’s racial composition, the household median income, or the educational attainment of residents, food store closures were widespread in 2023; 27.3% of the food outlets identified that year were defunct. Despite the massive food store closures, Detroit did not fit the description of a food desert; each of the city’s 54 neighborhoods had between 7 and 300 food outlets. The food swamp thesis did not accurately describe the city either, as supermarkets/large grocery stores were intermingled with convenience and corner stores in both study periods. The data did not find evidence of supermarket redlining, as supermarkets/large grocery stores were found in formerly redlined neighborhoods alongside dollar stores and variety stores in both study periods.
Achieving Sustainable Customer Loyalty in the Petrochemical Industry: The Effect of Service Innovation, Product Quality, and Corporate Image with Customer Satisfaction as a Mediator
Authors: Kosasih Oos , Hidayat Kadarisman , Hutahayan Benny , Sunarti
Published: August 2024

Amidst the intense competition in the petrochemical industry, the determinants of sustainable customer loyalty remain underexplored. This study investigates the factors influencing corporate sustainable customer loyalty, focusing on service innovation, product quality, and corporate image, with customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. In the context of intense competition, understanding these factors is crucial for sustaining customer relationships and ensuring long-term success. The primary aim is to explore how these elements interact to shape sustainable customer loyalty. Using a cross-sectional survey method, data were collected from 120 corporate clients through structured questionnaires. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the relationships between the variables. The findings reveal that product quality significantly impacts both customer satisfaction and loyalty, highlighting its pivotal role in meeting customer expectations and fostering long-term relationships. While service innovation does not directly affect immediate satisfaction, it significantly enhances sustainable customer loyalty, indicating its importance for long-term engagement. Corporate image also plays a crucial role in strengthening sustainable customer loyalty, underscoring the value of maintaining a positive reputation. The study concludes that customer satisfaction mediates the relationship between product quality and loyalty, emphasizing the cyclical nature of these constructs. This research fills a notable gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive model that integrates these variables within the petrochemical industry context, offering new insights into effective sustainable customer loyalty strategies.
Recurrence Rates of Pilonidal Sinus Disease Are High in Children and Recurrences Occur Exceedingly Early
Authors: Oetzmann von Sochaczewski Christina , Doll Dietrich
Published: August 2024

Pilonidal sinus disease increasingly affects children and adolescents. While recurrence rates in adults are lower, with a minimum of 2% per year, and are essentially a function of the surgical approach over time, this is totally different in children. Many studies investigating children and adolescents report much higher recurrence rates. We aimed to gather and concentrate the available data on this matter in our review by searching PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus. The crude median recurrence rate of pilonidal sinus disease in children and adolescents was 13% (interquartile range, 7–20%) in our sample of 3599 patients in 42 studies, with a median study size of 52 (interquartile range, 27–96 patients) patients. Time to recurrence was available from eight studies with 1418 patients and its mean or median time to recurrence was usually much less than one year. For both parameters, an association with study size or patient age was not evident. Although treatment algorithms have been developed to adapt treatment to this dire situation, relevant improvements can only be expected if the underlying factors that cause these recurrence dynamics in children, which are substantially different from those in adults, were to be uncovered.
Phase Conventions in Hadron Physics from the Perspective of the Quark Model
Authors: Lu Yu , Jing Haojie , Wu Jiajun
Published: August 2024

Convenient and consistent phase convention is important in the construction of the hadronic Lagrangian. However, the importance of phase convention has been overlooked for a long time, and the sources of different conventions are never explicitly addressed. This obscure situation can cause mistakes and misinterpretations in hadron physics. In this paper, we systematically analyze and compare the flavor SU3 phase conventions from the perspective of the quark model. All sources that could lead to different conventions are pointed out and carefully studied. With the tool of the quark model, we also clarify some misconceptions and demonstrate a consistent way to incorporate different conventions.
Research on Unsupervised Feature Point Prediction Algorithm for Multigrid Image Stitching
Authors: Li Jun , Chen Yufeng , Mu Aiming
Published: August 2024

The conventional feature point-based image stitching algorithm exhibits inconsistencies in the quality of feature points across diverse scenes. This may result in the deterioration of the alignment effect or even the inability to align two images. To address this issue, this paper presents an unsupervised multigrid image alignment method that integrates the conventional feature point-based image alignment algorithm with deep learning techniques. The method postulates that the feature points are uniformly distributed in the image and employs a deep learning network to predict their displacements, thereby enhancing the robustness of the feature points. Furthermore, the precision of image alignment is enhanced through the parameterization of APAP (As-projective-as-possible image stitching with moving DLT) multigrid deformation. Ultimately, based on the symmetry exhibited by the homography matrix and its inverse matrix throughout the projection process, image chunking inverse warping is introduced to obtain the stitched images for the multigrid deep learning network. Additionally, the mesh shape-preserving loss is introduced to constrain the shape of the multigrid. The experimental results demonstrate that in the real-world UDIS-D dataset, the method achieves notable improvements in feature point matching and homography estimation tasks, and exhibits superior alignment performance on the traditional image stitching dataset.
Inverse Boundary Conditions Interface Problems for the Heat Equation with Cylindrical Symmetry
Authors: Koleva Miglena N. , Vulkov Lubin G.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we study inverse interface problems with unknown boundary conditions, using point observations for parabolic equations with cylindrical symmetry. In the one-dimensional, two-layer interface problem, the left interval 0<r<l1, i.e., the zero degeneracy, causes serious solution difficulty. For this, we investigate the well-posedness of the direct (forward) problem. Next, we formulate and solve five inverse boundary condition problems for the interface heat equation with cylindrical symmetry from internal measurements. The finite volume difference method is developed to construct second-order schemes for direct and inverse problems. The correctness of the proposed numerical solution decomposition algorithms for the inverse problems is discussed. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the approach.
Spatial Predictive Modeling of Liver Fluke Opisthorchis viverrine (OV) Infection under the Mathematical Models in Hexagonal Symmetrical Shapes Using Machine Learning-Based Forest Classification Regression
Authors: Pumhirunroj Benjamabhorn , Littidej Patiwat , Boonmars Thidarut , Artchayasawat Atchara , Prasertsri Narueset , Khamphilung Phusit , Sangpradid Satith , Buasri Nutchanat , Uttha Theeraya , Slack Donald
Published: August 2024

Infection with liver flukes (Opisthorchis viverrini) is partly due to their ability to thrive in habitats in sub-basin areas, causing the intermediate host to remain in the watershed system throughout the year. Spatial modeling is used to predict water source infections, which involves designing appropriate area units with hexagonal grids. This allows for the creation of a set of independent variables, which are then covered using machine learning techniques such as forest-based classification regression methods. The independent variable set was obtained from the local public health agency and used to establish a relationship with a mathematical model. The ordinary least (OLS) model approach was used to screen the variables, and the most consistent set was selected to create a new set of variables using the principal of component analysis (PCA) method. The results showed that the forest classification and regression (FCR) model was able to accurately predict the infection rates, with the PCA factor yielding a reliability value of 0.915. This was followed by values of 0.794, 0.741, and 0.632, respectively. This article provides detailed information on the factors related to water body infection, including the length and density of water flow lines in hexagonal form, and traces the depth of each process.
An Innovative Algorithm Based on Chaotic Maps Amalgamated with Bit-Level Permutations for Robust S-Box Construction and Its Application in Medical Image Privacy
Authors: Hazzazi Mohammad Mazyad , Baowidan Souad Ahmad , Yousaf Awais , Adeel Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Data security and privacy have become essential due to the increasingly advanced interconnectivity in today’s world, hence the reliance on cryptography. This paper introduces a new algorithm that uses a novel hybrid Tent–May chaotic map to generate pseudo-random numbers, as well as block encryption. We design a robust S-box by combining the Tent and May Maps, which yields a chaotic system with improved cryptographic properties. This S-box is a critical cryptographic primitive that significantly improves encryption security and leverages the strengths of both maps. The encryption process involves two key steps: block-wise substitution and permutation. First, we divide the image into 16×16 blocks, then substitute each pixel with the 8−byte key and S-box. Next, we convert the encrypted image back into vector form, reorganize it using the permutation vector based on the subgroups of S16, and finally return it to its original form. This approach greatly improves block cipher security when used, especially to protect medical images by guaranteeing their confidentiality and noninterference. Performance measures like PSNR, UACI, MSE, NCC, AD, SC, MD, and NAE prove how immune our method is to various cryptographic and statistical attacks, making it more accurate and more secure than the existing techniques.
Transcription of Endogenous Retroviruses: Broad and Precise Mechanisms of Control
Authors: Jarosz Abigail S. , Halo Julia V.
Published: August 2024

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are the remnants of retroviral germline infections and are highly abundant in the genomes of vertebrates. At one time considered to be nothing more than inert ‘junk’ within genomes, ERVs have been tolerated within host genomes over vast timescales, and their study continues to reveal complex co-evolutionary histories within their respective host species. For example, multiple instances have been characterized of ERVs having been ‘borrowed’ for normal physiology, from single copies to ones involved in various regulatory networks such as innate immunity and during early development. Within the cell, the accessibility of ERVs is normally tightly controlled by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation or histone modifications. However, these silencing mechanisms of ERVs are reversible, and epigenetic alterations to the chromatin landscape can thus lead to their aberrant expression, as is observed in abnormal cellular environments such as in tumors. In this review, we focus on ERV transcriptional control and draw parallels and distinctions concerning the loss of regulation in disease, as well as their precise regulation in early development.