bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shared Mobility and India’s Generation Z: Environmental Consciousness, Risks, and Attitudes
Authors: Palanichamy Swathi , Mohanty Priyakrushna , Kennell James
Published: June 2024

Shared mobility platforms have built scalable digital marketplaces that facilitate the allocation and sharing of transportation and promote sustainable urban travel. Generation Z’s attitude toward shared consumption is closely linked to their perceptions of the importance of sustainability. This study identifies Generation Z’s awareness of shared mobility platforms in India and the factors that influence their use. Data were collected from 318 respondents from Generation Z in India and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings indicate that Generation Z’s intention to use shared mobility is influenced by environmental consciousness, social aspects, economic benefits, and perceived risks. Results also show that perceived risks have an indirect effect on intention, which is mediated by attitude. The novel conceptual model developed and tested in this research can be used to inform policies and business models for the adoption of shared mobility services for Generation Z, ultimately promoting more sustainable transportation systems and improved urban mobility.
Generalized-Norm-Based Robustness Evaluation Model of Bus Network under Snowy Weather
Authors: Yan Yadan , Su Bohui , Chen Zhiju
Published: June 2024

Global climate change leads to frequent extreme snowfall weather, which has a significant impact on the safety and operating efficiency of urban public transportation. In order to cope with the adverse effects of extreme weather, governments should vigorously develop sustainable transportation. Since urban public transportation is a critical component of building a sustainable city, traffic management departments should quantitatively analyze the performance changes of the urban public transportation network under extreme weather conditions. Therefore, fully considering the comprehensive effects of network performance and topology to improve the robustness of urban public transportation systems requires more attention. The urban public transport network with high robustness can achieve fewer recovery costs, lower additional bus scheduling costs, and achieve the sustainable development of the public transport network. Considering the impact of travelers’ travel time tolerance and in-vehicle space congestion tolerance under snowy conditions, this paper proposes a generalized-norm-based robustness evaluation model of the bus network. Example analyses are conducted using checkerboard and ring-radial topological network structures to verify the applicability of the proposed model. The results show the following: (1) In an extreme snowfall scenario, the robustness of checkerboard and ring-radiating bus networks is reduced by 38% and 39%, respectively. (2) In the checkerboard network, the central area units are always more important to the system robustness than the peripheral units, while, in the ring-radial network, the units with higher importance are all in the ring line. (3) The failure of Ring Line 5 has a great impact on both the checkerboard and ring-radial networks, causing the system robustness to decrease by 43% and 50%, respectively.
Uncovering the Research Hotspots in Supply Chain Risk Management from 2004 to 2023: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ding Tianyi , Huang Zongsheng
Published: June 2024

As globalization deepens, factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have intricately complexified supply chain risks, underscoring the escalating significance of adept risk management. This study elucidates the evolution, pivotal research foci, and emergent trends in supply chain risk management over the past two decades through a multifaceted lens. Utilizing bibliometric tools CiteSpace and HistCite, we dissected the historical contours, dynamic topics, and novel trends within this domain. Our findings reveal a sustained fervor in research activity, marked by extensive scientific collaboration over the past 20 years. Distinct research hotspots have surfaced intermittently, featuring 20 domains, 62 keywords, and 60 citation bursts. Keyword clustering identified seven nascent research subfields, including stochastic planning, game theory, and risk management strategies. Furthermore, reference clustering pinpointed five contemporary focal areas: robust optimization, supply chain resilience, blockchain technology, supply chain finance, and Industry 4.0. This review delineates the scholarly landscape from 2004 to 2023, uncovering the latest research hotspots and developmental trajectories in supply chain risk management through a bibliometric analysis.
DEMATEL-Based ANP Model for Identifying Critical Indicators in Sustainable Emergency Material Reserve Systems
Authors: Huang Jiajian , Li Longfei , Jiang Peng , Zhang Siqi
Published: June 2024

Sustainable Emergency Material Reserve Systems (SEMRSs) are complex frameworks comprising three types of reserves, namely, physical, capacity, and agreement reserves, and involve various stakeholders such as local governments and enterprises. However, multiple stockpiling methods have not been considered in investigations on the influencing factors and inter-factor relationships within an emergency material stockpiling system. In this study, we achieved consensus through a questionnaire, established an evaluation system encompassing various reserve methods and participating entities, and delineated the key factors affecting SEMRSs while analyzing their causal relationships using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory–based analytic network process. Results reveal that (1) local governments and participating enterprises play crucial roles in ensuring the sustainable supply of emergency provisions; (2) the capacity to guarantee emergency funds serves as a pivotal link among all key influencing factors, emergency funds should be augmented, and the utilization of contingency funds should be rationalized; and (3) the integration of physical, production capacity, and agreed stockpiling methods in the emergency reserve system requires enhancement, and the incorporation of capital reserves should be considered as part of the stockpiling strategy. These insights hold significant implications for refining emergency stockpiling practices and fostering the development of SEMRSs.
The Use of a Composition of Bacterial Consortia and Living Mulch to Reduce Weeds in Organic Spring Barley Cultivation as an Element of Sustainable Plant Production
Authors: Górski Rafał , Rosa Robert , Niewiadomska Alicja , Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka , Głuchowska Katarzyna , Płaza Anna
Published: June 2024

Weed infestation of cereal crops in organic farming is becoming a serious problem in agriculture. Sustainable agriculture requires the search for and implementation of crop management techniques that will reduce weeds without negatively impacting the environment. This research refers to the principles of integrated plant protection in sustainable agriculture, allowing the use of chemical plant protection products to be limited to the absolute minimum. Technology for growing spring barley based on the use of bacterial consortia in combination with living mulch (LM) can be an interesting approach to this problem. The aim of this three-year field research was to determine the effects of bacterial consortia and LM on the level of weed infestation in the organic spring barley crop. Two factors were tested in the experiment: bacterial consortia factors: control (without bacterial consortia); 1—Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum and Arthrobacter agilis; 2—Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Pseudomonas fluorescens; and LM: control (without LM); red clover; red clover + Italian ryegrass; and Italian ryegrass. This research demonstrated that the bacterial consortia tested significantly reduced both the biomass and number of weeds, including the following dominant weeds: Chenopodium album, Sinapis arvensis, Elymus repens, and Tripleurospermum inodorum. The use of LM also significantly reduced the weed infestation of spring barley stands. The lowest biomass and number of weeds, with the exception of Elymus repens, were recorded on objects with LM Italian ryegrass in spring barley in combination with bacterial consortium 2. The introduction of cultivation with LM Italian ryegrass or its mixture with red clover and the use of bacteria should be recommended for the practice of sustainable agriculture, which will reduce weeds through an ecological method.
The Impact of CSR Implement Modes on Sustainable Supply Chain Pricing and Green Decision Making
Authors: Li Wenxia , Liu Linzhong , Li Zhuo
Published: June 2024

Green transformation is an effective way for supply chains to achieve sustainable development. In the heterogeneous substitute product coexistence environment, it is valuable to explore the motivation behind CSR implementation as well as the advantages and differences associated with different members’ CSR implementations. In this study, we consider that the manufacturer produces both green products and ordinary products that are substitutes for each other and construct a CSR-absence scenario (Model N), a retailer implementing CSR scenario (Model R), and a manufacturer implementing CSR scenario (Model M). Applying a game-theory-based method, we obtain the optimal pricing, green decision, and supply chain profit under different scenarios. We analyze the effects of consumers’ green preference, green product function coefficient, and CSR level on decision making and performance. Through comparison and numerical analysis, we find the following: (1) Although the CSR behaviors of the manufacturer and the retailer squeeze the market demand space of the ordinary products, the greenness of the green product increases, and the retail price decreases. This not only enhances the consumer surplus of green products but also increases the profit and social welfare of the supply chain system. (2) The eco-friendliness of green products, product demand, and social welfare levels are the highest when the retailer implements CSR, followed by when the manufacturer implements CSR, and are the lowest in the CSR-absence scenario. In addition, the following retailer can enhance both its and the manufacturer’s profits through implementing CSR within a reasonable range. (3) The numerical analysis results show that, when the functional attributes of the green products meet a certain level, supply chain members implementing CSR does not affect consumers’ choice of green products.
An Experimental Study Focusing on the Filling Process and Consolidation Characteristics of Geotextile Tubes Filled with Fine-Grained Tungsten Tailings
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Wu Zeming , He Haisong , Xu Qing
Published: June 2024

With advancements in mineral processing technology, the disposal of fine-grained tailings has increasingly become a significant challenge. The geotextile tube method, characterized by its use of a permeable fabric and its cost-effectiveness, has gradually been applied in dam construction and other engineering projects involving tailings. This method offers a novel approach to addressing the storage issues of fine-grained tailings and promotes sustainable utilization. In this paper, the fine tailings that remained after the cyclone classification of Ganzhou tungsten ore were taken as the research object. Specifically, this research endeavored to evaluate the effects of various filling heights and concentrations on the geotextile tube-filling and consolidation process. The results revealed that the filling concentration had a significant impact on the filling benefit of the geotextile tubes, while the filling height had a minimal effect. During the consolidation drainage stage, the dry density, internal friction angle, cohesion, and compression modulus of the tailings in the bags increased with an increasing consolidation time and filling concentration. However, the physical and mechanical properties of the tailings in the geotextile tubes decreased with an increased filling height. Ultimately, this research developed a hyperbolic equation that makes it possible to forecast the ultimate settlement value at various filling heights and concentrations, better representing how the settlement of geotextile tubes changes over the consolidation time.
Investment Decisions of CCUS Projects in China Considering the Supply–Demand Relationship of CO2 from the Industry Symbiosis Perspective
Authors: Sun Bo , Tao Jiajia
Published: June 2024

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology is vital for China to achieve its carbon neutrality goal. However, the high cost of CCUS projects, multiple processes, and insufficient policy support make it difficult for firms to invest independently. As an innovative way to achieve waste resource utilization, industrial symbiosis can effectively break through this dilemma. Based on the real options theory, this study establishes decision models for independent investment in a carbon capture and storage project by a coal-fired power plant (CFPP) and independent investment in an enhanced oil recovery project by an oil company. Then, from the perspective of industrial symbiosis, the decision models of cooperative investment in a CCUS project by a CFPP and an oil company are constructed. The models consider the supply–demand relationship of CO2, the correlation between carbon and oil prices, and technological uncertainty. The differential equation method is used to solve the models to obtain the investment thresholds and option values. Finally, all models are applied to a CCUS project in Guangdong Province, China, for simulation analyses. Based on the simulation results of the CCUS project in Guangdong Province, our major findings are as follows: (1) Industrial symbiosis can effectively promote the development of CCUS projects. Compared with the independent investment mode, industrial symbiosis reduces the investment threshold of the project by at least 25.42% and increases the option value by at least 12.94%. (2) It is more likely to trigger the project’s investment when CO2 supply and demand are balanced. The CCUS project’s investment threshold increases with the imbalance between CO2 supply and demand. (3) Stable carbon and oil prices can promote the project’s investment, and increasing the positive correlation coefficient of the prices will increase the project’s investment threshold.
Understanding Customer Experience for Sustainable Innovation: An Integration of Conscious and Unconscious Perspectives of Theme Hotel Guests
Authors: Liu Hui , Xiao Qu , Wang Hua
Published: June 2024

Psychological and neuroscientific research reveals that individuals perceive the external world through two distinct systems: the conscious rational system and the unconscious experiential system. This paper examines the formation of customer experiences in theme hotels from both conscious and unconscious perspectives, aiming to foster innovation and sustainable development in the hospitality industry by enhancing the emotional connection between customers and theme hotels. Employing a dual-perspective framework, the study utilizes semi-structured in-depth interviews to investigate the conscious perspective and the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET) for the unconscious perspective. This paper selected five mid-to-high-end theme hotels located in first-tier cities in China and interviewed 20 guests who had stayed at these hotels. Findings indicate that while both perspectives initiate from the same triggering process, they differ significantly in their modes of information processing and experiential manifestations. Key differences between the two perspectives are evident in three main areas: the malleability of memory, the complexity of emotions, and the directionality of behavior. These insights not only broaden the theoretical understanding of customer experience but also contribute to the sustainable growth of the hotel sector by proposing innovative approaches to enhance customer experience.
Muddling through Climate Change: A Qualitative Exploration of India and U.S. Climate Experts’ Perspectives on Solutions, Pathways, and Barriers
Authors: Yoder Landon , Cain Alora , Rao Ananya , Geiger Nathaniel , Kravitz Ben , Mercer Mack , Miniard Deidra , Nepal Sangeet , Nunn Thomas , Sluder Mary , Weiler Grace , Attari Shahzeen Z.
Published: June 2024

Climate solutions related to mitigation and adaptation vary across the United States and India, given their unique current socio-political–technological abilities and their histories. Here, we discuss results from online face-to-face interviews undertaken with 33 U.S.-based climate experts and 30 India-based climate experts. Using qualitative grounded theory, we explore open-ended responses to questions related to mitigation and adaptation and find the following: (1) there is broad agreement among experts in both countries on the main mitigation solutions focused on the decarbonization of energy systems, but (2) there are a diversity of views between experts on what to prioritize and how to achieve it. Similarly, there is substantial agreement that adaptation solutions are needed to address agriculture, water management, and infrastructure, but there is a wide variety of perspectives on other priorities and how best to proceed. Experts across both countries generally perceived mitigation as needing national policies to succeed, while adaptation is perceived as more local and challenging given the larger number of stakeholders involved in planning and implementation. Our findings indicate that experts agree on the goals of decarbonization, but there was no consensus on how best to accomplish implementation.
Understanding Life-Cycle Greenhouse-Gas Emissions of Shared Electric Micro-Mobility: A Systematic Review
Authors: Calan Carlos , Sobrino Natalia , Vassallo Jose Manuel
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the implementation of shared electric micro-mobility services (SEMMS) enables short rentals of light electric vehicles for short-distance travel. The fast expansion of SEMMS worldwide, promoted as a green mobility service, has raised a debate about its role in urban mobility, especially in terms of environmental impacts such as climate change. This article presents a systematic review of the current knowledge on the environmental impacts of SEMMS, with a special focus on the use of life-cycle assessment (LCA) methods. The study offers a detailed analysis of the global warming potential of SEMMS and its critical phases. It is found that shared e-scooters have the greatest greenhouse-gas emissions during their life cycle, while emissions from shared e-mopeds and shared e-bikes tend to be lower. The literature reveals that the materials and manufacturing phase is the most important one for the environmental impact of shared e-scooters, followed by the daily collection of vehicles for charging. The article also identifies influential factors in the sensitivity analysis and the potential for net-impact reduction accounted for mode substitution. Finally, the article identifies further research areas aimed at contributing to the adoption of environmentally responsible practices in the rapidly expanding field of shared services in cities.
High-Profile Convoy Disruptions: Exploring Socioeconomic and Environmental Ramifications of Road Closures
Authors: Zubair Muhammad Umer , Javed Muhammad Ahmed , Ud-Din Sameer , Khan Muhammad Asif , Ali Asad , Mahmood Malik Saqib
Published: June 2024

Congestion persists despite various demand management techniques, particularly for handling recurrent congestion. However, non-recurrent congestion from events like VIP movements poses unique challenges, especially during peak hours. This study investigates the environmental and economic impacts of road blockages due to VIP movements in developing countries, focusing on Pakistan. Considering practiced standard operating procedures associated with VIP movements, this study finds significant delays and economic burdens in debt-ridden economies. It uses discrete choice modeling and microsimulation techniques to evaluate the value of travel time and quantifies road blockage effects on fuel consumption, travel time, and carbon emissions. Data from central blockage locations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad reveal a value of travel time estimated at 1.77 USD/h, with income and gender significantly influencing mode choices during VIP movements. Moreover, road blockages exceeding two minutes substantially negatively impact the environment and economy, particularly in developing nations. Urgent action is needed for effective mitigation strategies and sustainable transportation policies to address the detrimental effects and promote alternative transportation modes. Recommendations include limiting VIP blockages to a maximum of two minutes and implementing policies to discourage private car usage. Despite limitations, the study emphasizes the critical role of sustainable transportation policies in enhancing the well-being of road users in developing nations.
Synthesis of Sulfur-Grafted Chitosan Biopolymers and Improvement to Their Sorption of Silver Ions from Different Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hamza Mohammed F. , El-Habibi Gehan A. , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H. , Khalafalla Mahmoud S. , Amer Hamada H. , Fouda Amr , Swelim Mahmoud A. , Salem Waheed M. , El Dakkony Saly R.
Published: June 2024

A functionalized chitosan thiourea composite (CH-TU) was successfully synthesized using formaldehyde as a crosslinking agent for enhancing silver recovery from different aqueous solutions. Comparison sorption studies with a non-functionalized composite (CH-F) as a reference material were conducted. Grafting led to an improvement in the sorption performances, i.e., 0.763 mmol Ag g−1 for CH-F vs. 2.125 mmol Ag g−1 for CH-TU. The pseudo-first-order rate equation (PFORE) was fitted to the sorption kinetics at saturation times of 40 and 30 min for CH-F and CH-TU, respectively, while the sorption isotherms were fitted with Langmuir and Sips equations for both sorbents. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), nitrogen sorption–desorption isotherms (BET-surface area), elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pH of the zero charge (pHpzc) were used to characterize and investigate the sorption mechanism. Sorption was performed three times to check the reproducibility, while the sorption performances were stable over 20 cycles, with a limited decrease in performance (5 and 3% for CH-F and CH-TU, respectively). Nitric acid solution (0.3 M) was efficient for desorbing the adsorbed metal ions. The grafted sorbent with thiourea is considered as a promising tool for recovering Ag(I) from acidic waste leachate derived from waste spent films.
Spatial Network Structure and Shift Path Prediction of Ecological Welfare Performance in Chinese Cities—Evidence from 284 Cities
Authors: Yuan Run , Ren Mengjie , Li Zhigang
Published: June 2024

Ecological welfare performance (EWP) serves as a crucial measure for assessing the green development of a region. Exploring the spatial characteristics, network structure, and transfer paths of its specific stages is crucial for grasping an internal space’s EWP and optimizing urban ecological planning. This research employed a two-stage DEA model to assess the EWP of 284 Chinese cities from 2007 to 2022 and decompose it into an ecological–economic transition stage (L1) and an economic welfare transition stage (L2). Second, a social network analysis (SNA) was conducted to describe the EWP sub-stages’ network structure and construction mechanism. Finally, the transmission path process of EWP was revealed through Markov chains. It is found that (1) the overall trend of EWP is rising and then falling, with L2 as the critical constraint; (2) the network structure of the two stages is complex, dominated by industrial structure, urbanization, and healthcare level; and (3) ‘club integration’ constrains the transfer across EWP in the short term. Compared with L2, which has a lower probability of interstate transfer, L1 has a greater likelihood of transfer to a higher level. This paper provides suggestions for the optimal allocation of ecological resources in Chinese cities through the analysis of EWP.
Research on Influencing Factors of Cost Control of Centralized Photovoltaic Power Generation Project Based on DEMATEL-ISM
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Jing , You Jiawei
Published: June 2024

The high cost of centralized photovoltaic power generation projects is an important problem affecting industrial development, which needs to be solved urgently. It is particularly important to explore the influencing factors of cost control and the interaction between them. This paper takes a centralized photovoltaic power generation project as the research object, and determines the index system of influencing factors of cost control from the perspective of the life cycle. Secondly, the logical relationship between influencing factors is judged by the method of combining DEMATEL (decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) and ISM (interpretive structural modelling). Finally, the multi-order recursive interpretation structure model is obtained, and the action mechanism between various factors is obtained. The results show that national policies and standards are the most profound influencing factors, and their cause degree reaches 2.155; the reason degree of market changes is the second, which is 1.586; bidding and contract management are the factors with the highest centrality, which is 7.120; and transmission and the storage of electricity and equipment repair and maintenance are the most direct factors affecting cost control. Finally, some suggestions are put forward for different types of influencing factors. The research results can better help photovoltaic power generation enterprises solve the problem of cost control.
Sustainability Reporting and Market Uncertainty: The Moderating Effect of Carbon Disclosure
Authors: Moussa Ahmed Saber , Elmarzouky Mahmoud
Published: June 2024

This research examines how ESG disclosure influences market uncertainty through carbon disclosure. It uses a 10-year dataset from 2012 to 2021 of non-financial U.K. companies in the FTSE All-Share index. This study employs four regression methods to scrutinize the interplay between ESG disclosure, carbon disclosure, and market uncertainty. The research findings uncover a notable reduction in market uncertainty associated with ESG disclosure, aligning with the Information Asymmetry Theory. Interestingly, this study also uncovers that carbon disclosure amplifies this negative relationship, a finding that resonates with the Signaling Theory. These results hold true across various measures of ESG and market uncertainty. This study enriches the sustainability reporting literature with implications for theory and practice. It extends Information Asymmetry and Signaling Theories to U.K. non-financial firms, emphasizing the need for more research on sustainability disclosure. It underscores the role of ESG and carbon disclosure in reducing cost of capital, enhancing firm value, and boosting investor confidence. It calls for transparent ESG reporting by managers, regulatory promotion of such disclosures, and stakeholder utilization of these to evaluate a firm’s impact and contribution to the SDGs, fostering collaboration on sustainability. This study offers key insights for stakeholders such as managers, investors, regulators, researchers, policy makers, and educators in the realm of sustainability reporting and market dynamics.
Green Entrepreneurship for Business Sustainability: Do Environmental Dynamism and Green Structural Capital Matter?
Authors: Tekala Khaled , Baradarani Sarvnaz , Alzubi Ahmad , Berberoğlu Ayşen
Published: June 2024

With the appearance of rising environmental challenges, businesses are increasingly recognizing the imperative of adopting sustainable practices. Within this context, the concept of green entrepreneurship has emerged as a pivotal force driving environmentally responsible innovation and economic growth. Employing Green Theory, this study examines the impact of green entrepreneurship (GEN) on business sustainability (BS) through the mediation role of green structural capital (GSC) and the moderation influence of environmental dynamism (ED). Using a quantitative research approach, 443 owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (e.g., wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, building materials, and scientific, professional, and technical activity enterprises) in Istanbul and Izmir, Turkey, were surveyed using both on site and electronic questionnaires. The data from the study were statistically analyzed using SPSS V.27 and structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings of this study show that green entrepreneurship (GEN) significantly enhances business sustainability (BS) and green structural capital (GSC), with GSC serving as a vital mediator in the GEN-BS relationship; however, environmental dynamism (ED) does negatively moderate the GEN-BS relationship, indicating that GEN’s positive impact on BS is accentuated under lower environmental uncertainties. Additionally, ED’s moderation effect is observed in the GEN-BS relationship via GSC, particularly under conditions of reduced dynamism, underscoring the nuanced role of environmental factors in sustainable entrepreneurship. The findings demonstrate green entrepreneurship and structural capital as key drivers for SME sustainability amidst environmental fluctuations.
Evaluating the Determinants of Deforestation in Romania: Empirical Evidence from an Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model and the Bayer–Hanck Cointegration Approach
Authors: Georgescu Irina , Nica Ionuț
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on deforestation, a key aspect of the current environmental decline linked to worldwide economic development and increasing populations. It examines how renewable energy consumption (RENC), GDP per capita, urbanization (URB) and foreign direct investments (FDI) have influenced the expansion of forest areas (FAG) in Romania from 1990 to 2022, utilizing an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and the Bayer–Hanck cointegration approach. The main results of the paper are the following: GDP has a positive and statistically significant long-term influence on FAG; URB and FDI have a long-term negative impact on FAG; and RENC is not a significant determinant of FAG. In the short term, a 1% increase in URB leads to an 809.88% decrease in FAG, while a 1% increase in the first and second lag of URB leads to a 323.06%, and 216.26% increase in FAG. This suggests that as more land is developed for urban use (like building homes, businesses, and infrastructure), the immediate consequence is a significant reduction in the area available for forests. This effect indicates a strong inverse relationship between urbanization and the availability of land for forests in the short term. Our results underscore the importance of sustainable development strategies, including green urban planning and robust forest conservation, to offset the adverse effects of increased FDI on Romania’s environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for careful strategic planning and strong environmental policies to balance economic growth with forest protection.
Application of Integrated Land Use Regression and Geographic Information Systems for Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Chromium in Agricultural Topsoil
Authors: Cao Meng , Wang Daoyuan , Qian Yichun , Yu Ruyue , Ding Aizhong , Huang Yuanfang
Published: June 2024

Chromium (Cr) contamination is widely distributed in agricultural soil and poses a threat to agricultural sustainability. Developing integrated models based on soil survey data can be an effective measure to accurately predict the spatial distribution of Cr. Focused on an agriculturally dominated area, this study presents a novel hybrid mapping model that combines land use regression (LUR) and geostatistical methods to predict Cr distribution in topsoil and examines the influence of various influencing factors on Cr content. The LUR model was first adopted to screen the influencing factors for Cr predictions. Then LUR, was combined with ordinary Kriging (OK_LUR) and geographically weighted regression Kriging (GWRK_LUR) to describe the spatial distribution of Cr. Results showed that Cr distribution was profoundly influenced by soil Cu and Zn content, the distance between the soil sampling and livestock farm, orchard areas within 100 m, and population density within 1000 m. The developed GWRK_LUR model significantly improved the prediction accuracy of the OK_LUR and LUR models (by 9% and 16%, respectively). This model provides a novel route to account for the spatial distribution of Cr in agricultural topsoil at a regional scale, which has potential application in pollution remediation.
Smart Ecological Points, a Strategy to Face the New Challenges in Solid Waste Management in Colombia
Authors: Vesga Ferreira Juan Carlos , Sepulveda Faver Adrian Amorocho , Perez Waltero Harold Esneider
Published: June 2024

Around the world, managing and classifying solid waste is one of the most important challenges to sustaining economic growth and preserving the environment. The objective of this paper is to propose the use of Smart Ecological Points as a strategy to address the problem of solid waste management systems at the source, which has become one of the biggest problems globally, and Colombia is no exception. This article describes the current state of the problem in the country and presents a prototype of a low-cost Smart Ecological Point supported by the use of an experimental capacitive sensor and machine learning algorithms, which will reduce the time necessary for the classification of recyclable and non-recyclable waste, increasing the percentage of waste that can be reused and minimizing health risks by reducing the probability of being contaminated at the source, an aspect that is very common when waste is sorted manually. According to the results obtained, it is evident that the proposed prototype made an adequate classification of waste, generating the possibility of it being manufactured with existing technology in order to promote adequate waste classification at the source.
Sustainability in the Fashion Industry in Relation to Consumption in a Digital Age
Authors: Vassalo Adriana Lopes , Marques Célio Gonçalo , Simões João Tomaz , Fernandes Maria Manuela , Domingos Susana
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the challenges faced by the fashion industry and its consumers in relation to sustainability and the circular economy in a digital age, relating them to the impacts that this industry triggers, both environmentally and socially. The aim is to understand the relations between environmental concern, fashion consumer awareness and adaptation to the digital evolution, and how these can result in an intention to buy sustainable fashion. The methodology adopted was based on other studies in the area, allowing us to answer the investigation question and, finally, to present some reflections that could mitigate the problems found. This research concisely highlights the limitations of the current linear economy, demonstrating the difficulties in the transition to a more sustainable world. This article is relevant for researchers in the field of fashion brand communication and consumer behaviour, as the results show some theoretical and experimental content for a better development of strategies and practices in the field of sustainable fashion, taking into account the digital evolution.
Research on Coupling Coordination of Agricultural Carbon Emission Efficiency and Food Security in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Cao Yongqiang , Ji Xinhui , Yao Jiaqi , Xu Nan , Chen Min , Yang Xueting , Liu Zihua , Li Zhonghong , Mo Fan
Published: June 2024

The delineation and measurement of carbon emissions in agricultural production systems constitute a complex issue involving multiple factors. Previous research in this area has been limited in terms of comprehensive carbon emission assessment throughout the agricultural production process and systematic measurement. This study focuses on both dynamic and static aspects, systematically analyzing the agricultural carbon emissions and emission efficiency in Hebei Province from 2000 to 2020. It comprehensively explores the influencing factors of carbon emissions and delves into the relationship between agricultural carbon emission efficiency and food security. The experimental results revealed the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the agricultural carbon emissions in Hebei Province exhibited a fluctuating downward trend, with a spatial distribution pattern where they were high in the south and low in the north. And the carbon emissions caused by chemical fertilizers and plowed land accounted for 42.6% of the total. (2) The efficiency of agricultural carbon emissions in the static dimension fluctuated at a rate of 0.0265, whereas the ML index fluctuated less in the dynamic dimension, and the agricultural industrial structure had the most significant impact. (3) The coupling coordination degree of food security and agricultural carbon emission efficiency increases with time, and “coordination” gradually dominates in spatial change. The conclusions of this study are of great significance in stabilizing grain production and achieving low-carbon production in the Hebei Province.
Research on Ecological Design of Intelligent Manhole Covers Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Guo Huijuan
Published: June 2024

In response to the global demand for sustainable development in urban areas, there is an urgent need to enhance the ecological environment of urban areas. Urban renewal through sponge cities has become an effective method for achieving this goal. As one of the most dynamic elements in urban spaces, manhole covers play a crucial role in enhancing the city’s image. To facilitate urban redevelopment effectively, improve the functionality of urban manhole covers, and promote sustainable urban development, this study explores ecological design factors for urban manhole covers, providing recommendations for future designs in China. Grounded on existing literature research and the urban redevelopment planning of the central district in Maanshan City, the FAHP method was used to determine the weights of five indicators containing environmental esthetics, ecological sustainability, intelligent detection, intelligent interaction, and safety, and scientifically constructed the ecological design and evaluation index system of intelligent grass pot manhole cover. The weighted average algorithm was used to obtain the index priority ranking, and the most critical elements were selected for design and refinement. The evaluation results indicate that safety, ecological sustainability, and the enhancement of the ecological design of intelligent manhole covers show the most significant improvement. The research outcomes can be used as a reference for enhancing urban ecological environments, promoting urban regeneration, and advancing sponge city construction.
Remote Sensing-Based LULP Change and Its Effect on Ecological Quality in the Context of the Hainan Free Trade Port Plan
Authors: Liu Pei , Wen Tingting , Han Ruimei , Zhang Lin , Liu Yuanping
Published: June 2024

The study of Land Use and Landscape Patterns (LULPs) changes and their ecological quality effects in Haikou city under the background of the Hainan Free Trade Port Plan (HFTPP) helps to promote coordinated development between cities and the environment. To date, most research on ecological quality has focused on areas with extremely fragile ecology and/or is related to LULP analysis. There are few studies in the literature focusing on the impact of high-intensity human activities caused by relevant policies on urban LULPs. The purpose of this research was to design a framework that monitors urban ecological security by considering the effect of the developing free trade port. The proposed framework was constructed by integrating multi-temporal Sentinel-2 remote sensing images, night light remote sensing data, digital elevation model (DEM) data, and spectral index features such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), bare soil index (BSI), and normalized intertidal mangrove index (NIMI), as well as analytical approaches such as the land use transfer matrix, land use dynamic degree, land use degree and transfer matrix, land use gravity center measurement, and landscape pattern index. The framework takes advantage of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and was applied to a highly developed Haikou city, the capital of Hainan province. Maps of brightness (SBI), greenness (GVI), and humidity (WET) were created annually from 2016 to 2021, enabling detailed ecological environment quality evaluation and analysis. The advantages of this study are (1) reliable land cover results obtained automatically and quickly; (2) the strong objectivity of the quantitative research on landscape patterns and land use; and (3) deep integration with free trade port policies. Through the research on the ecological quality problems caused by the change in LULP in the study area, the research results show that, from 2016 to 2021, the spatial distribution of land use and landscape pattern in Haikou city had been constantly changing; the area of construction land has decreased, with most of it having been converted into forest land and farmland; the gravity center of the building land has moved to the northwest; the degree of landscape fragmentation has decreased and the heterogeneity of landscape distribution has increased; the free trade port policies have promoted Haikou’s economic development and ecological civilization construction; and finally, Haikou’s ecological environmental quality has improved significantly.
Do Entrepreneurial Financial Support and Entrepreneurial Culture Stimulate New Venture Performance through Organizational Creativity and Firm Innovation? Empirical Findings from Ho Chi Minh City Region, Vietnam
Authors: Thai Quoc Hoang , Mai Khuong Ngoc
Published: June 2024

In the COVID-19 pandemic phase, entrepreneurial financial support and entrepreneurial culture play a major part in stimulating entrepreneurship. However, it is still unclear how entrepreneurial financial support and entrepreneurial culture affect organizational creativity and firm innovation, and whether they enhance new venture performance. To answer these timely inquiries, this study adopted the resource-based view (RBV) theory to investigate the influences of entrepreneurial financial support and entrepreneurial culture on new venture performance through organizational creativity and firm innovation. Based on 315 responses collected from the entrepreneurs of new ventures operating in the Ho Chi Minh City region, Vietnam, a quantitative approach and the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) were employed for data analysis. The findings illustrated that all the proposed hypotheses were completely supported, except the effect of entrepreneurial financial support on new venture performance through organizational creativity. Moreover, firm innovation had the strongest direct effect on new venture performance, while organizational creativity and firm innovation partially mediated associations between entrepreneurial financial support, entrepreneurial culture, and new venture performance. Therefore, this study solved existing debates in the literature, while developing the resource-based view (RBV) theory in the context of entrepreneurship. In the post-COVID-19 epidemic stage, it provides a new understanding for administrators and other participants to create and promote effective financial support systems and national cultures which stimulate entrepreneurship, concurrently offering new ventures with rational approaches to utilize those external resources to develop their organizational creativity and firm innovation for improving their performance.
Experimental and Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar PV System for Sustainable Building and Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation in Harsh Climate: A Case Study of Aswan Educational Building
Authors: Abd Elsadek Esraa M. , Kotb Hossam , Abdel-Khalik Ayman Samy , Aboelmagd Yasser , Abdelbaky Elbatran Aly. H.
Published: June 2024

Climate change is a global issue that requires collective action to address. One of the most pressing concerns is reducing emissions resulting from combustion processes. The use of renewable energy sources and green energy has become a trend worldwide. Solar energy is one of the most promising sources due to its abundance and simplicity of implementation. The city of Aswan, located in the South of Egypt, has a high solar radiation that makes it ideal for utilizing solar power. The current study investigates the optimal design for a sustainable building electricity system at the Aswan Campus of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Egypt. The campus has four electricity sources: a utility grid, PV panels, batteries, and a diesel generator, along with a weather station. Experimental investigations have been carried out in this research paper to study the performance characteristics of solar power. Moreover, HOMER pro software is used to model various configurations of the campus grid, including different photovoltaic (PV) panel types and tracking systems. The simulations are compared with real-world data collected from a weather station on campus. Additionally, CO2 and NO2 emissions are measured to assess the environmental impact of different scenarios. The total net cost over the life cycle is also calculated for different cases. The results demonstrate that the addition of a PV renewable system can reduce traditional grid usage by 38% and emissions by 50%. A decrease in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LOCE) from USD 0.0647 to USD 0.0535 is reported. Moreover, the difference in NCP cost between dual-axis tracking and fixed zero angle is USD 143,488. The dual degree tracker for PV panels can further enhance energy production by 30% more, compared with fixed panels, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20%. The simulation results reveal that tracking systems provide greater energy generation, and that a cost–benefit analysis may prioritize fixed panels in some cases. The results from the HOMER software simulations closely match those of the experimental data, which is that the total presentation error does not exceed 8%, demonstrating the software’s effectiveness for optimizing renewable energy systems. This study demonstrates that a comprehensive analysis and optimization of a building’s energy sources can significantly reduce costs, lower emissions, and promote the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power.