bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular Bioeconomy Business Models to Overcome the Valley of Death. A Systematic Statistical Analysis of Studies and Projects in Emerging Bio-Based Technologies and Trends Linked to the SME Instrument Support
Authors: Gatto Fabiana , Re Ilaria
Published: February 2021

Reducing the environmental pressure along the products life cycle, increasing efficiency in the consumption of resources and use of renewable raw materials, and shifting the economic system toward a circular and a climate-neutral model represent the heart of the current macro-trends of the European Union (EU) policy agendas. The circular economy and bioeconomy concepts introduced in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and the Bioeconomy Strategy support innovation in rethinking economic systems focusing on market uptaking of greener solutions based on less-intensive resource consumption. In recent decades, industrial research has devoted enormous investments to demonstrate sustainable circular bio-based business models capable of overcoming the “Valley of Death” through alternative strategic orientations of “technological-push” and “market-pull”. The study highlights industrial research’s evolution on bio-based circular business model validation, trends, and topics with particular attention to the empowering capacity of start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to close the loops in renewable biological use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The research methodology involves a bibliographic search based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach and the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Data Hub investigation to understand SMEs’ key success factors and start-ups of the circular bioeconomy sector. Eco and bio-based materials, nutraceuticals, and microalgae represent the most sustainable industry applications, leading to circular bioeconomy business models’ future perspective.
How Leaders’ Positive Feedback Influences Employees’ Innovative Behavior: The Mediating Role of Voice Behavior and Job Autonomy
Authors: Lee Wang Ro , Choi Suk Bong , Kang Seung-Wan
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the effects of a leader’s feedback behavior on the followers’ innovative behaviors, and the mediating effects of voice behavior and job autonomy in the above relationship. To test the analytical model with the hypotheses, survey data were collected from 527 Korean employees working in 35 companies from manufacturing, distribution, and service industries. A structural equation model analysis was performed to test the hypotheses. The results of our empirical analysis are as follows. First, it was found that positive feedback from the leader positively influenced the followers’ voice behaviors, job autonomies, and innovative behaviors. Second, voice behavior and job autonomy were confirmed to have a positive mediating effect between the leader’s feedback and the innovative behavior of the followers. These findings imply that a leader’s feedback behavior contributes toward enhancing the followers’ innovative behaviors in the process of organizational innovation. We suggest that organizations and managers pay attention to the benefits of feedback activities and facilitate key mechanisms that connect them to employee innovation behavior, effectively.
Economic Viability of Extracting High Value Metals from End of Life Vehicles
Authors: Arnold Mona , Pohjalainen Elina , Steger Sören , Kaerger Wolfgang , Welink Jan-Henk
Published: February 2021

Electronics containing growing quantities of high value and critical metals are increasingly used in automobiles. The conventional treatment practice for end-of-life vehicles (ELV) is shredding after de-pollution and partial separation of spare parts. Despite opportunities for resource recovery, the selective separation of components containing relevant amounts of critical metals for the purpose of material recycling is not commonly implemented. This article is aimed to contribute to recycling strategies for future critical metal quantities and the role of extended material recovery from ELVs. The study examines the economic feasibility of dismantling electronic components from ELVs for high value metal recycling. The results illustrate the effects of factors as dismantling time, labour costs and logistics on the economic potential of resource recovery from ELVs. Manual dismantling is profitable for only a few components at the higher labour costs in western/northern parts of Europe and applicable material prices, including the inverter for hybrid vehicles, oxygen sensor, side assistant sensor, distance and near distance sensors. Depending on the vehicle model, labour costs and current material prices, manual dismantling can also be cost-efficient for also some other such as the heating blower, generator, starter, engine and transmission control, start/stop motor, drive control, infotainment and chassis control.
Sharing and Sustainable Consumption in the Era of COVID-19
Authors: Degli Esposti Piergiorgio , Mortara Ariela , Roberti Geraldina
Published: February 2021

The pandemic triggered by the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a major impact on numerous collective behaviors, while also changing individuals’ consumption choices. Thus, social researchers dealing with consumption patterns need to reflect on the changes of individual practices, also in view of the growing centrality in the public debate of issues related to sustainability and responsible consumption. The presented paper takes its cue from a quantitative research project aiming at understanding the proneness of Italian people towards sustainable products in COVID-19 era, aiming to test whether and how the coronavirus pandemic has changed that attitude. Data have been collected through an online self-completion questionnaire from October to December 2020, using a snowball procedure to collect the purposive sample of approximately 500 questionnaires. Moreover, the second step of the research aimed to deepen the topic of collaborative consumption to verify how the pandemic is changing and how it will re-draft Italian consumers’ willingness to adopt specific forms of shared consumption such as car sharing or bike sharing. According to our data, respondents increased the frequency of purchase of certain products such as books and TV series, while reducing the frequency of purchase of others, such as beauty care and clothing items. Furthermore, we found a decrease in the use of public transport and ridesharing, since respondents prefer to avoid contact with strangers on shared transportations means. As for sustainability, our results highlight the commitment of our sample of young, educated women toward a more responsible attitude in consumption.
A Review of the Recent Developments of Green Banking in Bangladesh
Authors: Khairunnessa Fatema , Vazquez-Brust Diego A. , Yakovleva Natalia
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to explore the emergence of ‘Green Banking’ in Bangladesh, with a focus on the role of financial regulation and regulators in greening the financial sector. It also examines the contribution and involvement of banks and non-bank financial institutions in promoting green economic transition. The study is based on the review of secondary data collected from various sources, such as quarterly reports, annual reports, websites of the central bank of Bangladesh, and other commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions as well as various articles, and newspapers reports on green banking in Bangladesh. The collected data is reviewed using descriptive statistics. The research results reveal that the central bank of Bangladesh played a major role in greening the financial system of the country by implementing various green policies and regulatory measures. Although Bangladesh is still far behind the developed countries in terms of environmental performance, the country has made a remarkable progress in initiating and expanding green banking practices, infrastructure development, and accelerating green growth in recent years.
Analysis of Developmental Chronology of South Korean Compressed Growth as a Reference from Sustainable Development Perspectives
Authors: Kim Sea Jin , Lee Woo-Kyun , Ahn Jun Young , Lee Wona , Lee Soo Jeong
Published: February 2021

Global challenges including overpopulation, climate change, and income inequality have increased, and a demand for sustainability has emerged. Decision-making for sustainable development is multifaceted and interlinked, owing to the diverse interests of different stakeholders and political conflicts. Analysing a situation from all social, political, environmental, and economic perspectives is necessary to achieve balanced growth and facilitate sustainable development. South Korea was among the poorest countries following the Korean War; however, it has developed rapidly since 1955. This growth was not limited to economic development alone, and the chronology of South Korean development may serve as a reference for development in other countries. Here, we explore the compressed growth of South Korea using a narrative approach and time-series, comparative, and spatial analyses. Developmental indicators, along with the modern history of South Korea, are introduced to explain the reasons for compressed growth. The development of the mid-latitude region comprising 46 countries in this study, where nearly half of Earth’s population resides, was compared with that of South Korea; results show that the developmental chronology of South Korea can serve as a reference for national development in this region.
Is Business Process Management (BPM) Ready for Ambidexterity? Conceptualization, Implementation Guidelines and Research Agenda
Authors: Helbin Tomasz , Van Looy Amy
Published: February 2021

Business Process Management ambidexterity is a nascent concept providing a philosophy and framework for organizations to radically innovate their business processes, while maintaining their capabilities in process efficiency and operational excellence. Considering the novelty of this topic, there is not yet an agreed conceptualization of the term, nor a consolidated view on related implementation guidelines. We aim to address this research gap through a Systematic Literature Review, where we provide a dual conceptualization that focuses on (1) the equilibrium balance between explorative and exploitative processes, as well as (2) the organizational capability to support exploration and exploitation. Based on this conceptualization, we provide consolidated guidelines for practitioners, including decision steps, followed by a research agenda in order to let this promising domain further advance.
Moisture, Temperature, and Salinity of a Typical Desert Plant (Haloxylon ammodendron) in an Arid Oasis of Northwest China
Authors: Zhao Li , Li Wanjing , Yang Guang , Yan Ke , He Xinlin , Li Fadong , Gao Yongli , Tian Lijun
Published: February 2021

The physical and chemical characteristics of soil and water sources affect desert plants’ growth, which is essential for the ecological protection in arid areas. The typical patch patterns of Haloxylon ammodendron in the oasis-desert ecotone in the southern margin of the Manas River Basin consists of bare patches (BP) and vegetation patches (VP). The water sources of H. ammodendron were studied using stable isotope technology, and the soil physical and chemical properties were monitored and analyzed. The results showed that the soil moisture presented a reversed “S” type curve, and the total salt content of the soil presented an “S” type curve. A “wet island” and “cold island” were formed in the low salt area with H. ammodendron at the center. NaCl was most abundant in the BP soil, and the milligram equivalent of Cl− was 80–90%, while CaSO4 was most abundant in the VP soil, in which the milligram equivalent of SO42− was 80–100%. Before the rain, H. ammodendron mainly relied on the soil water from a deeper layer (≥60 cm) to maintain its growth. However, after the rain, H. ammodendron mainly relied on shallow soil water (<60 cm) to maintain its growth.
Particle Size and Potential Toxic Element Speciation in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) Bottom Ash
Authors: Mantovani Luciana , Tribaudino Mario , Matteis Chiara De , Funari Valerio
Published: February 2021

The speciation of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in bottom ashes from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) and their relationship with grain size is investigated. The proposed enrichment of several potential toxic elements in lower sized grains is discussed, comparing the literature and new data on Parma’s waste incinerator. Results from X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), SEM-EDS, and XRD analyses on different grain size show (1) a positive Si-trend, correlated with grain size and few lithophile elements, such as Zr and Rb. In Parma, Al, K, Mg, and Fe also correlate with Si for the portion below 2 mm; (2) a Ca-trend, with a strong negative correlation with Si and a positive correlation with loss on ignition (LOI), S, Cl, Ti, Zn, Pb, and Sn. Mineralogical composition shows a little change in grain size, as in previous investigations, but with substantial differences in amorphous content. SEM-EDS analysis shows that the amorphous portion is highly heterogeneous, with portions coming from melting during incineration, residual glass, and unburnt loss on ignition (LOI). The above results show that PTE elements are either present as metals (such as Cu and Ni, or Zn, Pb and Sn) in carbonate, sulfate, and amorphous residual LOI portions.
Sustainability Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste in Baltimore USA
Authors: Alamu Samuel O. , Wemida Ayodeji , Tsegaye Tiyobistiya , Oguntimein Gbekeloluwa
Published: February 2021

Sustainability assessment of municipal solid waste management requires a holistic approach in evaluating the impacts of current technology and processes. In this study, the sustainability analysis of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) incineration plant in Baltimore city was performed to determine its environmental, economic, and social impacts. The city’s major waste-to-energy generation plant has benefitted the city of Baltimore since inception till date in terms of waste processing, resulting in electricity and steam production for more than 40,000 homes and over 200 businesses. The life cycle impact of the incineration plant was analyzed using the Simapro life cycle assessment (LCA) software with the Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) database for correlation. The results obtained upon analysis show larger values of Global Warming Potential and eutrophication potential as 6.46 × 108 Gg of CO2 equivalence and 2.27 × 106 Gg N equivalence, respectively. These values resulted from the higher amount of fossil CO2 and NOx emitted from the plant. The acidification potential of 1.66 × 1017 H+ mmole eq resulted from the SO2 emitted by the incineration plant. The incineration plant exceeded the limitations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on NOx (150 ppm), which is detrimental to the well-being of people as shown by this study. Installing an improved processing technology such as a Selected Catalytic Reactor (SCR) can drastically reduce the NOx emission to 45 ppm. Life Cycle Assessment was confirmed suitable in evaluating the environmental impacts of the MSW-to-energy treatment approach.
Understanding Green Street Design: Evidence from Three Cases in the U.S.
Authors: Rodriguez-Valencia Alvaro , Ortiz-Ramirez Hernan A.
Published: February 2021

World cities need more green areas to promote social, economic, and environmental well-being; the problem, however, is that the space available for green infrastructure (GI) within the built environment is limited. Finding empty, free, or underutilized spaces within the built environment to be repurposed for GI has been a challenge. Streets are public, numerous, and evenly distributed, being a desirable place to fulfill this requirement. However, they are also heavily regulated public spaces, where design is standardized, and ruled by codes and manuals. Some cities in the US have implemented an increasing number of green streets (green infrastructures within the rights-of-way with environmental purposes), because of green stormwater management federal policies. This paper aims to understand the green street design procedure, based on empirical evidence. Three cities were studied (Portland, Seattle, and Philadelphia) by means of documentary information, visual inspections, and interviews. It is of special interest to unveil how traditional street design has been modified to adopt these new green elements within rights-of-way (ROW). Results show a longer and more complex street design process for green streets, where many more disciplines intervene. These results are discussed in the light of recent movements and trends in street design.
Archaeological Surveying of Subarctic and Arctic Landscapes: Comparing the Performance of Airborne Laser Scanning and Remote Sensing Image Data
Authors: Thuestad Alma Elizabeth , Risbøl Ole , Kleppe Jan Ingolf , Barlindhaug Stine , Myrvoll Elin Rose
Published: February 2021

What can remote sensing contribute to archaeological surveying in subarctic and arctic landscapes? The pros and cons of remote sensing data vary as do areas of utilization and methodological approaches. We assessed the applicability of remote sensing for archaeological surveying of northern landscapes using airborne laser scanning (LiDAR) and satellite and aerial images to map archaeological features as a basis for (a) assessing the pros and cons of the different approaches and (b) assessing the potential detection rate of remote sensing. Interpretation of images and a LiDAR-based bare-earth digital terrain model (DTM) was based on visual analyses aided by processing and visualizing techniques. 368 features were identified in the aerial images, 437 in the satellite images and 1186 in the DTM. LiDAR yielded the better result, especially for hunting pits. Image data proved suitable for dwellings and settlement sites. Feature characteristics proved a key factor for detectability, both in LiDAR and image data. This study has shown that LiDAR and remote sensing image data are highly applicable for archaeological surveying in northern landscapes. It showed that a multi-sensor approach contributes to high detection rates. Our results have improved the inventory of archaeological sites in a non-destructive and minimally invasive manner.
Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Critical Review, Practical Applications, and Prospects for Future Research
Authors: Purwanto Aries , Sušnik Janez , Suryadi Franciscus X. , de Fraiture Charlotte
Published: February 2021

This paper presents knowledge gaps and critiques on the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus that have emerged since the concept of the WEF nexus was proposed by the World Economic Forum and the Bonn 2011 Conference. Furthermore, this study analyses current innovations on the WEF nexus concept, applications, and impacts during the period of 2012–2020. This begins by reviewing ten WEF nexus frameworks developed by international organizations and researchers. On this basis, several gaps and omissions in nexus frameworks are obvious in almost all developed frameworks. Studies that start to address some of these gaps are analysed, but they are relatively few and do not address all gaps. Several proposed improvements to nexus frameworks are identified to narrow the gaps and put the concept into practical implementation in WEF resources management and governance. Four principles and the perspective of “from local to global” for future WEF nexus framework development and analysis are suggested to ensure that the security of water, energy, and food resources can be achieved sustainably in local communities. This will improve the impact of national and global ambitions on WEF security.
Integrating a Local Asset/Resource into Tourism and Leisure Offering: The Case of Tea Resources in Longwu Town, Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Yan Ziyi , Sotiriadis Marios , Shen Shiwei
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this article is to report on a research project in the field of tea tourism. The project’s aim was to identify the prerequisites and critical success factors for and to suggest the adequate strategies to achieve an effective pairing/partnership between the tea industry and tourism/leisure activities. Drawing on the blended theoretical foundations of sustainable tourism development, community-based tourism, and strategic marketing planning, this study first analyzed the tea offering as a tourism asset. It then suggested the appropriate pairing between tea offering and tourism/leisure activities. The suggested framework for managing the partnership was empirically tested and validated within the Chinese context. Findings allowed one to form a comprehensive and integrated set of key issues and elements to take into account. Clear and specific development aims along with the necessary conditions are leading to the determination of suitable strategies and adequate actions. The study also indicates the key elements for the successful integration, effective pairing, and sustainable operation of tea tourism offering. The study is completed by summarizing management implications and guidelines for involved stakeholders to attain expected outcomes from sustainable action plans.
The Role of Energy Consumption, Economic Growth and Globalization in Environmental Degradation: Empirical Evidence from the BRICS Region
Authors: Rahman Habib Ur , Zaman Umer , Górecki Jarosław
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the effect of energy consumption, globalization, and economic growth on the CO2 emission of the BRICS (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa) region. Using annual data from 1989 to 2019, this research applies a panel cointegration approach. In this framework, we use Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) methods to examine the long-run relationship between the selected variables. This empirical investigation reveals that there is a long-run association between these variables, and energy consumption positively and significantly affects the carbon emission in these countries. These results indicate that energy consumption is the primary source of environmental degradation in the region. In contrast, the globalization (KOF Index of Globalization) negatively and significantly affects the carbon emission, implying the improvement of environmental quality. Further, this research could not find the presence of environmental Kuznets curve in the region. Policy guidelines are suggested in the line of findings.
Adaptation of an Insulated Centralized Photovoltaic Outdoor Lighting Installation with Electronic Control System to Improve Service Guarantee in Tropical Latitudes
Authors: Ocana-Miguel Antonio , Andres-Diaz Jose R. , Navarrete-de Galvez Enrique , Gago-Calderon Alfonso
Published: February 2021

Sustainability and energy prices make the energy production from renewable sources necessary and photovoltaic energy is ideal on an urban scale and on isolated facilities. However, when the demand for energy is at night, as in lighting installation, the use of accumulative systems is necessary. The use of batteries can account for more than 70% of the budget of these systems and have a critical impact in the project. This problem increases when the installation’s location moves away from the equator, as the variation between the duration of days and nights increases. This implies that the system must be oversized to almost triple its generation and storage capacity to guarantee operation. This paper proposes the use of a robust and affordable electronic centralized management system that can regulate the consumption based on the energy available in the batteries. To test this system, a real case of outdoor lighting nanogrid has been used. The facility has been powered by a grouped photovoltaic battery system dimensioned for the average year solar conditions with and without consumption management. When used without regulation, in winter or cloudy days, there have been repetitive crashes of the system. On the other hand, with the use of the electronic control proposed, the shutdowns have been avoided, regulating the lighting level when necessary. Thus, more efficient and economically affordable systems can be designed which can help to spread the installation of isolated photovoltaic lighting.
Circular Bioeconomy Research for Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Innovations, Gaps, and Actions
Authors: Feleke Shiferaw , Cole Steven Michael , Sekabira Haruna , Djouaka Rousseau , Manyong Victor
Published: February 2021

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has applied the concept of ‘circular bioeconomy’ to design solutions to address the degradation of natural resources, nutrient-depleted farming systems, hunger, and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Over the past decade, IITA has implemented ten circular bioeconomy focused research for development (R4D) interventions in several countries in the region. This article aims to assess the contributions of IITA’s circular bioeconomy focused innovations towards economic, social, and environmental outcomes using the outcome tracking approach, and identify areas for strengthening existing circular bioeconomy R4D interventions using the gap analysis method. Data used for the study came from secondary sources available in the public domain. Results indicate that IITA’s circular bioeconomy interventions led to ten technological innovations (bio-products) that translated into five economic, social, and environmental outcomes, including crop productivity, food security, resource use efficiency, job creation, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Our gap analysis identified eight gaps leading to a portfolio of five actions needed to enhance the role of circular bioeconomy in SSA. The results showcase the utility of integrating a circular bioeconomy approach in R4D work, especially how using such an approach can lead to significant economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The evidence presented can help inform the development of a framework to guide circular bioeconomy R4D at IITA and other research institutes working in SSA. Generating a body of evidence on what works, including the institutional factors that create enabling environments for circular bioeconomy approaches to thrive, is necessary for governments and donors to support circular bioeconomy research that will help solve some of the most pressing challenges in SSA as populations grow and generate more waste, thus exacerbating a changing climate using the linear economy model.
Research on Blank Optimization Design Based on Low-Carbon and Low-Cost Blank Process Route Optimization Model
Authors: Xiao Yongmao , Yan Wei , Wang Ruping , Jiang Zhigang , Liu Ying
Published: February 2021

The optimization of blank design is the key to the implementation of a green innovation strategy. The process of blank design determines more than 80% of resource consumption and environmental emissions during the blank processing. Unfortunately, the traditional blank design method based on function and quality is not suitable for today’s sustainable development concept. In order to solve this problem, a research method of blank design optimization based on a low-carbon and low-cost process route optimization is proposed. Aiming at the processing characteristics of complex box type blank parts, the concept of the workstep element is proposed to represent the characteristics of machining parts, a low-carbon and low-cost multi-objective optimization model is established, and relevant constraints are set up. In addition, an intelligent generation algorithm of a working step chain is proposed, and combined with a particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the optimization model. Finally, the feasibility and practicability of the method are verified by taking the processing of the blank of an emulsion box as an example. The data comparison shows that the comprehensive performance of the low-carbon and low-cost multi-objective optimization is the best, which meets the requirements of low-carbon processing, low-cost, and sustainable production.
Willingness to Pay and Participate in Improved Water Quality by Lay People and Factory Workers: A Case Study of River Sosiani, Eldoret Municipality, Kenya
Authors: Mumbi Anne Wambui , Watanabe Tsunemi
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the willingness to pay for and participate in volunteer activities for the restoration of the Sosiani River in Eldoret, Kenya. The willingness to pay is examined through two scenarios which differ in the organizations conducting the proposed project. The study focuses on factory workers situated in textile industries and lay people living in the area, who are divided into two groups: respondents living downstream, who are situated mostly in town centers and at the mid/lower parts of the river and the respondents living upstream, mainly found at the upper parts of the River Sosiani. The study employs the double-hurdle model to identify the factors that influence the willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water quality in the area. An ordinal regression model is used to analyze the willingness to participate and its influencing factors. The results of the study show that an average of 74.4% of the 279 respondents studied were willing to pay for river restoration in the area. The mean willingness to pay for the government proposed scenario was KSh 182.51 (1.66$) per household/month and KSh 169.28 (1.54$) per household/month for a non-governmental proposed project. Within the groups upstream and downstream, inhabitants had higher mean scores for a non-government project as compared to a government project, while the reverse was observed in the factory group. The empirical results of this study show that risk perception, trust and socio-demographic variables were significant factors on the stated amount and the decision to participate of the respondents. The characteristics of respondents with zero WTP, who comprised a significant amount of the respondents (25.6%), are also analyzed in depth shaping the recommendations of this study. The empirical results show that the number of years lived in the community is a major determinant on willingness to participate and pay for environmental restoration projects in the area. The results of this study could influence decision makers in general and have potential implications that can be applied in other sectors not necessarily related to water issues.
LCA and Exergo-Environmental Evaluation of a Combined Heat and Power Double-Flash Geothermal Power Plant
Authors: Colucci Vitantonio , Manfrida Giampaolo , Mendecka Barbara , Talluri Lorenzo , Zuffi Claudio
Published: February 2021

This study deals with the life cycle assessment (LCA) and an exergo-environmental analysis (EEvA) of the geothermal Power Plant of Hellisheiði (Iceland), a combined heat and power double flash plant, with an installed power of 303.3 MW for electricity and 133 MW for hot water. LCA approach is used to evaluate and analyse the environmental performance at the power plant global level. A more in-depth study is developed, at the power plant components level, through EEvA. The analysis employs existing published data with a realignment of the inventory to the latest data resource and compares the life cycle impacts of three methods (ILCD 2011 Midpoint, ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint-Endpoint, and CML-IA Baseline) for two different scenarios. In scenario 1, any emission abatement system is considered. In scenario 2, re-injection of CO2 and H2S is accounted for. The analysis identifies some major hot spots for the environmental power plant impacts, like acidification, particulate matter formation, ecosystem, and human toxicity, mainly caused by some specific sources. Finally, an exergo-environmental analysis allows indicating the wells as significant contributors of the environmental impact rate associated with the construction, Operation & Maintenance, and end of life stages and the HP condenser as the component with the highest environmental cost rate.
Herbicide Resistance, Tillage, and Community Management in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Dentzman Katherine , Burke Ian Cristofer
Published: February 2021

The use of glyphosate as a replacement for tillage has been credited with spurring the adoption of conservation tillage in the United States. With herbicide-resistant weeds becoming a significant agronomic problem, however, it is unclear whether conservation tillage gains are in danger of being reversed as farmers turn to tillage to manage weeds that herbicides can no longer kill. Using 2015 focus groups, a 2016 national survey, and an ongoing Community Herbicide Resistance Management Initiative in four communities of the Pacific Northwest we assess the following questions: (1) How do U.S. farmers view tillage as an option for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds, (2) Do attitudes towards and experience with herbicide-resistant increase farmers’ usage of tillage, and (3) Can community management provide an avenue for maintaining conservation tillage while also increasing effective management of herbicide-resistant weeds? We find that many farmers consider tillage to be an emergency fail-safe in managing weeds, that there is a complex relationship between herbicide resistance awareness, concern, and tillage use that can be partly explained by experience and dedication to conservation tillage, and finally that community management has the potential to provide the support and resources necessary to prevent a large-scale increase in tillage related to herbicide resistance management.
The Role of Extension and Advisory Services in Strengthening Farmers’ Innovation Networks to Adapt to Climate Extremes
Authors: Kamruzzaman Md , Daniell Katherine Anne , Chowdhury Ataharul , Crimp Steven
Published: February 2021

There is anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of Extension and Advisory Service (EAS) agencies for strengthening innovation networks to adapt to extreme events that impact agricultural production and productivity. In Bangladesh, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) is responsible for ensuring sustainable rice farming, which is damaged by flash flooding every year. This study investigates how EAS can strengthen farmers’ innovation networks by examining DAE’s efforts to adapt rice cultivation to flash flooding. Using surveys and interviews from farmers affiliated with DAE (DAE-farmers) and farmers independent of DAE (non-DAE farmers), the effectiveness of innovation networks was examined. One of the key findings of this paper is that DAE’s efforts to strengthen the innovation networks of farmers to adapt rice cultivation to flash flooding focused on the facilitation of the agronomic network development. The organization missed the opportunity to enable the harvesting networks’ efficacy. As the harvesting activities are highly exposed to flash flooding, the absence of adequate support from the DAE and timely updates of local weather and flash flooding information indicates that farmers are still at significant risk. This study also shows the value of including both formal (e.g., EAS agencies, research organizations) and informal actors (e.g., relatives, local input dealers) in the innovation network as a way of ensuring diversity of information access.
Student Long-Term Perception of Project-Based Learning in Civil Engineering Education: An 18-Year Ex-Post Assessment
Authors: Coronado José M. , Moyano Amparo , Romero Vicente , Ruiz Rita , Rodríguez Javier
Published: February 2021

In 1998, the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) began to offer a 5-year civil engineering degree that, in the Spanish context, contained an innovative teaching model, which was characterized by a reduced number of students and project-based learning (PjBL) included in the curriculum. Now, 15 years after the graduation of the first civil engineers from the UCLM, graduates were given a questionnaire to evaluate the extent by which the advantages described in the PjBL literature were perceived as such by these graduates. As a result of chain-referrals and in order to cross-reference the results, a parallel questionnaire was given to their work colleagues. The survey revealed how the development of PjBL-related abilities and skills were appreciated by UCLM graduates, such as the ability to work in groups, communication/debate skills, and leadership. The engineers were generally satisfied with their theoretical and practical learning due to the high demands required of engineering undergraduates in Spanish universities. Those that had worked with PjBL, in addition to developing the skills and abilities indicated above, also considered their learning to be more effective and with a better result-to-effort ratio.
Influence of Treated Wastewater Irrigation on Soil Nutritional-Chemical Attributes Using Soil Quality Index
Authors: Rezapour Salar , Nouri Amin , Jalil Hawzhin M. , Hawkins Shawn A. , Lukas Scott B.
Published: February 2021

Dwindling water resources have drawn global attention to the reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) for irrigation. However, the impact of continuous TWW applications on soil quality and the proper quantification and monitoring frameworks have not been well-understood. This study aims to provides an insight into the impact of flood irrigation of urban TWW on soil nutritional-chemical attributes and the potential application of multiple soil quality indices for a corn cropping system. To achieve that goal, we pursued the Total Data Set (TDS) and Minimum Data Set (MDS) approaches, as well as the Integrated Quality Index (IQI) and Nemoro Quality Index (NQI) models. A total of 17 soil nutritional-chemical indicators (0–50 cm depths) were determined for the soils irrigated with TWW (five sites) and well water (one site as control) in West Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran. Results revealed a significant difference in the majority of soil nutritional-chemical attributes, IQI-TDS, NQI-TDS, IQI-MDS, NQI-MDS, and corn yield between the TWW-irrigated and well-irrigated soils. Irrigation with TWW resulted in a significant increase in the amount of organic matter and cation exchange capacity by 9–17% and 17–26%, respectively, macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) by 22–164%, and the majority of trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) by 17–175%, suggesting an improvement in soil nutrients and an increase in productivity. Comparing to the soil in control sites, the TWW irrigation caused a notable increase in the values of IQI-TDS, NQI-TDS, IQI-MDS, and NQI-MDS models ranging 14.6–29.5%, 19.1–25.5%, 21.7–33.3%, and 18.4–23.7%, respectively. This implies that soil quality was ameliorated to a significant extent with TWW irrigation. These improvements resulted in a remarkable increase in corn yield ranging from 12.5% to 28.1%. The regression equations revealed that up to 78%, 47%, 72%, and 36% of the variance in the IQI-TDS, NQI-TDS, IQI-MDS, and NQI-MDS models, respectively, could be captured by corn yield. The results of the regression and correlation analyses showed that the IQI-MDS model was more accurate than the other models in assessing soil quality and predicting crop yield. These findings may be an effective and practical tool for policy making, implementation, and management of soil irrigated with TWW.
University Teachers’ Conceptions of the University and the Place of Sustainability
Authors: Chaleta Elisa , Saraiva Margarida , Sebastião Luís , Cid Marília , M. Diniz António , Leal Fátima , Quaresma Paulo , Rato Luís
Published: February 2021

In this phenomenographic qualitative research, the aim is to learn about the conceptions of university professors about the university. The study was carried out with 20 university professors: 10 from the School of Social Sciences and 10 from the School of Science and Technology of University of Évora with an average age of 54 years and over 20 years of professional activity. The data were collected through open questionnaires and then submitted to thematic and categorical content analysis. The conceptions of the university appear, in the voice of the teachers, centered on two main aspects. The first and more mentioned concerns the conception of the university as a space of production and diffusion of scientific knowledge, which refers to quality factors of higher education. The second brings out the conception of the university as a space of relationship with society together with underlying concerns for human development, cooperation, and the design of a more sustainable world.
The Effect of Green Human Resource Management on Environmental Performance in Small Tourism Enterprises: Mediating Role of Pro-Environmental Behaviors
Authors: Elshaer Ibrahim A. , Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Aliedan Meqbel , Azazz Alaa M. S.
Published: February 2021

Research on the interrelationship between green human resource management (GHRM), employee pro-environmental behaviors, and environmental performance remains very limited, especially in relation to small tourism enterprises. This research bridges a knowledge gap and examines the direct effect of GHRM on environmental performance in small tourism enterprises and the indirect effect through employee pro-environmental behaviors. For this purpose, a quantitative research approach was adopted using a pre-tested instrument. A questionnaire was handed to employees in small hotels and travel agencies in Greater Cairo, Egypt. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) showed a positive significant effect of GHRM on both types of pro-environmental behaviors (tasked-related and proactive). However, the results, surprisingly, showed no significant direct effect of GHRM on environmental performance. Notwithstanding, there was an indirect, positive, and significant effect of GHRM on environmental performance through tasked-related and proactive pro-environmental behaviors. This reflects the value and vital role of employee pro-environmental behaviors in the relationship between GHRM and environmental performance in small tourism enterprises. The research provided various implications for tourism scholars and practitioners, especially those related to small tourism enterprises. Research limitations and opportunities for further research are also discussed.
Sustainable Travel Decision-Making of Europeans: Insights from a Household Survey
Authors: Mamula Nikolić Tatjana , Pantić Sanja Popović , Paunović Ivan , Filipović Sanja
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to research the antecedents of the sustainable travel decision-making of European travelers and thereby identify important lessons for the transition towards sustainable travel and tourism. The study is based on data collected through a representative survey, conducted in five European countries, with a sample of n = 5024 respondents. The results of descriptive statistics, EFA (Exploratory Factor Analysis) and FA (Factor Analysis) are presented in order to explore sustainable travel decision-making through environmental (policy-related and personal) attitudes and travel mode decision priorities in the European context. Furthermore, the study provides new evidence regarding the under-researched phenomenon of the attitude–behavior gap by presenting a model for the sustainability-oriented decision-making of travelers, including attitudes and travel mode priorities as antecedents. The results confirm the existence of moral licensing in travel decision-making, thereby extending the relevance of this theory into travel and tourism, which has not been done before. The denial of environmental issues is also being researched as regards its interaction with positive environmental attitudes, environmental travel mode priorities and non-environmental travel priorities, thereby advancing our understanding of the interplay between these categories. The interplay between the four categories furthers our understanding of the perplexity of travelers in terms of sustainable travel decision-making.
The Effects of Mobility as a Service and Autonomous Vehicles on People’s Willingness to Own a Car in the Future
Authors: Liljamo Timo , Liimatainen Heikki , Pöllänen Markus , Viri Riku
Published: February 2021

Car ownership is one of the key factors affecting travel behaviour and thus also essential in terms of sustainable mobility. This study examines car ownership and how people’s willingness to own a car may change in the future, when considering the effects of public transport, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and automated vehicles (AVs). Results of two citizen surveys conducted with representative samples (NAV-survey = 2036; NMaaS-survey = 1176) of Finns aged 18–64 are presented. The results show that 39% of respondents would not want or need to own a car if public transport connections were good enough, 58% if the described mobility service was available and 65% if all vehicles in traffic were automated. Hence, car ownership can decrease as a result of the implementation of AVs and MaaS, and higher public transport quality of service. Current mobility behaviour has a strong correlation to car ownership, as respondents who use public transport frequently feel less of a will or need to own a car than others. Generally, women and younger people feel less of a will or need to own a car, but factors such as educational level and residential location seem to have a relatively low effect.
Packaging Innovations to Reduce Food Loss and Waste: Are Italian Manufacturers Willing to Invest?
Authors: Cammarelle Antonella , Lombardi Mariarosaria , Viscecchia Rosaria
Published: February 2021

The target 12.3 of the 2030 Agenda by the United Nations (UN) calls for halving per capita global food loss and waste. In this regard, the Food & Drink industry (F&D) could play a crucial role in reducing food waste and improving food safety by adopting healthy and eco-innovation packaging. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the F&D manufacturers’ willingness to invest in packaging innovations, such as active, intelligent, and compostable ones to achieve the UN target. In order to reach the stated objective, a multiple case study methodology was developed and administered to a sample of Italian micro and small-medium entrepreneurs located in the Apulia region. Results show that many firms were aware of their need for packaging innovation and of the available technological opportunity. However, only the F&D manufacturers who showed a Real demand, according to a taxonomy approach which also considers the Potential and Latent demand for the innovation, were effectively prompt to invest. Finally, most of the interviewed manufacturers were willing to invest in at least one packaging innovation, choosing mainly between the active packaging and the compostable one.
Sustainable Tourism and the Grand Challenge of Climate Change
Authors: Scott Daniel
Published: February 2021

Global climate change represents a grand challenge for society, one that is increasingly influencing tourism sector investment, planning, operations, and demand. The paper provides an overview of the core challenges climate change poses to sustainable tourism, key knowledge gaps, and the state of preparedness in the tourism sector. As we begin what is widely considered a decisive climate decade, low sectoral preparedness should be highly disconcerting for the tourism community. Put bluntly, what we have done for the past 30 years has not prepared the sector for the next 30 years of accelerating climate change impacts and the transformation to a decarbonized global economy. The transition from two decades of awareness raising and ambition setting to a decade of determined collective response has massive knowledge requirements and necessitates broad sectoral commitments to: (1) improved communications and knowledge mobilization, (2) increased research capacity and interdisciplinary collaboration, and (3) strategic policy and planning engagement. We in the tourism and sustainability communities must answer this clarion call to shape the future of tourism in a decarbonized and post +3 °C world, for there can be no sustainable tourism if we fail on climate change.