bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Governance Mechanism of Independent Innovation Network in the Core Area of Silk Road Economic Belt
Authors: Xie Jiaping , Jia Haicheng , Dong Qi , Aisaiti Gulizhaer
Published: June 2022

The increasing competition in global scientific and technological innovation and the continuous promotion of the “Belt and Road initiatives” have created new opportunities for the improvement in innovation capabilities in the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt but have also brought new challenges. This paper first starts from the market and government perspective and sorts out the formation mechanism of an innovation network. Subsequently, based on the development practice of the innovation network in the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt, we applied the grounded theory to reveal the development constraints of the innovation network in the core area and explore the corresponding network governance mechanism. Subsequently, we applied a survey study to test our conceptual model. We empirically found the innovation network structure governance and innovation relation governance impacting mechanism in a market-led and government guidance context. The study found that: first, the market-led environment and government guidance jointly impact the formation of an innovation network. Second, the network structure governance and network relation governance of the innovation network can address the development constraints faced by the current innovation network to a certain extent, thereby improving the firm’s innovation performance. Finally, it is found that both the market-led environment and government guidance play a positive role in regulating the impact of network structure governance and network relation governance on the firm’s innovation performance. The above conclusions expand the application scenarios of innovation network governance theory in underdeveloped areas and, at the same time, provide new theoretical knowledge increments for the formation mechanism of innovation networks and also provide corresponding theoretical guidance for the improvement of the firm’s innovation performance in the core area.
Sustainability in Peri-Urban Informal Settlements: A Review
Authors: Carrilho João , Trindade Jorge
Published: June 2022

The study of peri-urbanization attracted attention in the final quarter of the 20th century, due to the pace it acquired worldwide and the implication that urbanization and overall settlement patterns have on social sustainability and development. Theoretical and conceptual achievements are remarkable. Multi-country collaboration has produced a growing body of research on sustainability and peri-urban settlements. There is a lack, however, of a review of the practices of peri-urban informal settlements, the predominant mode of urban expansion, mainly in developing and rapidly urbanizing regions of the world. The purpose is, then, to systematize, from recent literature, the knowledge of the context, challenges, and practices, as well as their impacts and potential courses of action, to ensure sustainability in human–natural complex of the territory beyond urban cores, suburbs, or slums. A systematic review approach was adopted, for articles published in reputable journals, with support of previous reviews, books, and reports. A pragmatist combination of content analysis and critical review identified core topics and highlighted contrasting views. An analytical framework is proposed. Four categories—drivers, challenges and practices, impact, and future trends—are proposed as an adequate approach to systematizing the literature. The review finds that the practices focus on service and resource provision, on regulations to approximate informal to formal institutions, and on an economy founded on the resource base and service provision. This review provides insights on future trends and research topics.
Analysis of Land Use and Land Cover Changes through the Lens of SDGs in Semarang, Indonesia
Authors: Kelly-Fair Mira , Gopal Sucharita , Koch Magaly , Pancasakti Kusumaningrum Hermin , Helmi Muhammad , Khairunnisa Dinda , Kaufman Les
Published: June 2022

Land Use and Land Cover Changes (LULCC) are occurring rapidly around the globe, particularly in developing island nations. We use the lens of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to determine potential policies to address LULCC due to increasing population, suburbia, and rubber plantations in Semarang, Indonesia between 2006 and 2015. Using remote sensing, overlay analysis, optimized hot spot analysis, expert validation, and Continuous Change Detection and Classification, we found that there was a spread of urban landscapes towards the southern and western portions of Semarang that had previously been occupied by forests, plantations, agriculture, and aquaculture. We also witnessed a transition in farming from agriculture to rubber plantations, a cash crop. The implications of this study show that these geospatial analyses and big data can be used to characterize the SDGs, the complex interplay of these goals, and potentially alleviate some of the conflicts between disparate SDGs. We recommend certain policies that can assist in preserving the terrestrial ecosystem of Semarang (SDG 15) while creating a sustainable city (SDG 11, SDG 9) and providing sufficient work for individuals (SDG 1) in a growing economy (SDG 8) while simultaneously maintaining a sufficient food supply (SDG 2).
Effect of Deep Learning Approach on Career Self-Efficacy: Using Off-Campus Internships of Hospitality College Students as an Example
Authors: Wang Chung-Jen , Hsieh Hsin-Yun
Published: June 2022

Off-campus internships are among the policies implemented over the years to reduce the academic gap in the hospitality industry. Additionally, career decision making is unavoidable for college students, who can use different learning strategies in internships to gain knowledge beyond textbooks and determine their future direction. Our research aims to explore the mediating role of self-regulated learning in the relationship between deep learning approach (DLA) in hospitality internships and career self-efficacy. Moreover, it uses cognitive engagement as a moderator to explore the relationships between the three constructs. Data are collected through stratified sampling from hospitality college students in Taiwan who completed off-campus internships. Descriptive statistics are employed, and confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling are conducted to analyze the data. Results indicate the following: (1) DLA has a positive influence on self-regulated learning. (2) Self-regulated learning has a positive influence on career self-efficacy. (3) DLA has a positive influence on career self-efficacy. (4) Self-regulated learning mediates the effect of DLA on career self-efficacy. (5) Cognitive engagement moderates the effect of DLA and self-regulated learning on career self-efficacy. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Can Online Learning about UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Change the Perception on SDGs and Different Aspects of Sustainability between Japanese and International Students?
Authors: Mammadova Aida , Ali Nazam , Chaiyasarn Krisada
Published: June 2022

Sustainability is one of the main global concerns to deal with and know-how about is it important for the unprecedented survival to cope with the social, political, economic, and energy scarcity issues. Higher institutions are important learning places which can play the role of transformation and create the opportunities and avenues in order to minimize the barriers towards more sustainable future. In this research study, an online training program for the understanding of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainability was designed. Students from different Japanese and International Universities were invited for two weeks of training program. A Comprehensive questionnaire was designed in which students were introduced about UNESCO Biosphere reserves, SDGs, and different concepts of sustainability. The analysis of the statistical results confirm that the understanding of the students has improved after the online training program about SDGs and different aspects of sustainability. The results imply that the understanding of the international students about SDGs and sustainability is more as compared with the Japanese students. In 14 out of 17 SDGs, the familiarity of international students is more as compared with their counterparts. In this exploratory study, some of the challenges faced by the universities are also identified which impede the efforts for the implementation of goals and initiatives towards sustainable development. It has been concluded that the universities must design dedicated training programs to seize the opportunities for improving the understanding of the students and promotion of sustainable initiatives by using UNESCO Biosphere Reserves as learning platforms through innovation in teaching, research, and trainings. The possible limitations of this research study can be; (a) it involves the professionals about SDGs, which might have made the online training program as intensive one, giving some vague idea about SDGs and sustainability to the students, (b) though the personal information of the students were not gathered, however, the broader scope of the research study have provided strong international base which can be used as an adequate profile of sustainability and comprehension of SDGs currently being found in the universities. Design of practical implications is imperative for stimulating the creativity and autonomy about the comprehension of SDGs and sustainability to meet the demands of present and future challenges imposed for sustainable development.
Mid- to Long-Term Electric Load Forecasting Based on the EMD–Isomap–Adaboost Model
Authors: Han Xuguang , Su Jingming , Hong Yan , Gong Pingshun , Zhu Danping
Published: June 2022

Accurate load forecasting is an important issue for the reliable and efficient operation of a power system. In this study, a hybrid algorithm (EMDIA) that combines empirical mode decomposition (EMD), isometric mapping (Isomap), and Adaboost to construct a prediction mode for mid- to long-term load forecasting is developed. Based on full consideration of the meteorological and economic factors affecting the power load trend, the EMD method is used to decompose the load and its influencing factors into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMF) and residuals. Through correlation analysis, the power load is divided into fluctuation term and trend term. Then, the key influencing factors of feature sequences are extracted by Isomap to eliminate the correlations and redundancy of the original multidimensional sequences and reduce the dimension of model input. Eventually, the Adaboost prediction method is adopted to realize the prediction of the electrical load. In comparison with the RF, LSTM, GRU, BP, and single Adaboost method, the prediction obtained by this proposed model has higher accuracy in the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and determination coefficient (R2). Compared with the single Adaboost algorithm, the EMDIA reduces MAE by 11.58, MAPE by 0.13%, and RMSE by 49.93 and increases R2 by 0.04.
Edge AI and Blockchain for Smart Sustainable Cities: Promise and Potential
Authors: Badidi Elarbi
Published: June 2022

Modern cities worldwide are undergoing radical changes to foster a clean, sustainable and secure environment, install smart infrastructures, deliver intelligent services to residents, and facilitate access for vulnerable groups. The adoption of new technologies is at the heart of implementing many initiatives to address critical concerns in urban mobility, healthcare, water management, clean energy production and consumption, energy saving, housing, safety, and accessibility. Given the advancements in sensing and communication technologies over the past few decades, exploring the adoption of recent and innovative technologies is critical to addressing these concerns and making cities more innovative, sustainable, and safer. This article provides a broad understanding of the current urban challenges faced by smart cities. It highlights two new technological advances, edge artificial intelligence (edge AI) and Blockchain, and analyzes their transformative potential to make our cities smarter. In addition, it explores the multiple uses of edge AI and Blockchain technologies in the fields of smart mobility and smart energy and reviews relevant research efforts in these two critical areas of modern smart cities. It highlights the various algorithms to handle vehicle detection, counting, speed identification to address the problem of traffic congestion and the different use-cases of Blockchain in terms of trustworthy communications and trading between vehicles and smart energy trading. This review paper is expected to serve as a guideline for future research on adopting edge AI and Blockchain in other smart city domains.
On the Importance of Project Management Capabilities for Sustainable Business Process Management
Authors: Plattfaut Ralf
Published: June 2022

In a recently published study on business process management (BPM) capabilities in the view of digitalization, project management was not named as a core capability by the corresponding Delphi panel. However, earlier (pre-digitalization) research suggests that project management is a key success factor for BPM. This contradiction could have severe impact with regard to the sustainability of process management. This article uses qualitative case study data to discuss potential reasons for this contradiction and to answer the question of how important project management is for contemporary BPM. As both traditional and agile project management knowledge was employed in the case study, results indicate that project management is indeed helpful for BPM, especially for discrete process change. Practitioners should consider project management knowledge when staffing business process optimization and digitalization initiatives. Research should develop a deeper understanding of agile and traditional project management as antecedents to sustainable BPM success and as BPM capabilities.
Ruminant Lick Blocks, Particularly in China: A Review
Authors: Zhao Xinsheng , Degen Allan , Hao Lizhuang , Liu Shujie
Published: June 2022

A lick block (LB) is a solidified mixture of molasses, urea, minerals, filler, coagulant and binder that is supplemented to livestock mainly in relatively extensive rearing systems. It provides nutrients, such as soluble sugars, proteins, minerals and vitamins to balance dietary intake and can improve rumen fermentation and facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients. These supplements improve livestock production, reproduction and carcass quality. In addition, LB can partially replace concentrate, serve as a delivery vehicle for additives such as enzymes and drugs and mediate the distribution of grazing livestock. This paper classifies and analyzes representative research; discusses the types, ingredients and current status of the utilization of LB; and systematically reviews the processing technology, quality assessment, influencing factors of intake, action mechanism and application. This review can provide a basis for the development, popularization and application of novel LB products.
Enhancing Spatial Imaginaries of Metropolitan Renaissance: A Regional Design Approach
Authors: Lingua Valeria
Published: June 2022

This paper explores the contribution of Regional Design (RD), as an imaginative and creative practice aimed at the co-production of actual and future visions, to the construction and diffusion of spatial imaginaries (SI) concerning the present and future of our metropolitan cities. Despite recent studies on the performance of RD, an in-depth understanding of the interrelations between RD and SI has not yet been achieved. In order to fill this gap, the performance of RD in enhancing spatial imaginaries is approached by analysing its capacity to make the region visible, providing moments of insight and institutionalising certain imageries through processes of SI resonance. The application of these notions to the case of the Metropolitan City of Florence, by tracing the evolution of multiple spatial imaginaries and the challenges brought by the pandemic, reveals the opportunities and weaknesses of RD for grasping and even changing spatial imaginaries within processes of defining shared visions for the future of cities and regions.
Analysis and Evaluation of Energy Consumption and Carbon Emission Levels of Products Produced by Different Kinds of Equipment Based on Green Development Concept
Authors: Xiao Yongmao , Zhao Renqing , Yan Wei , Zhu Xiaoyong
Published: June 2022

Energy consumption and carbon emission levels in the production process constitute an important basis for the selection of production equipment. The energy consumption and carbon emission levels of the same product produced by different kinds equipment vary greatly from one tool to another. Unfortunately, traditional modes of selection only give qualitative results, so that it is difficult to provide a quantitative reference to enable enterprises to choose appropriate modes of production in the context of the green development concept (GDC). In order to solve this problem, a calculation method for multiple energy consumption and carbon-emission objectives for commodity production is proposed. The focus of this paper is to research the difference between the energy consumption and carbon emission levels of the same product produced by different kinds of equipment. The energy consumption and carbon emissions of different kinds of equipment can be calculated by gray wolf algorithm. The results show that the proposed method can calculate the optimal values of energy consumption and carbon emissions in the same kinds of products produced by different equipment, which can provide assistance for enterprises in choosing the production equipment that best conforms to the green development concept.
Does a Project Manager Assignment Process Affect Project Management Performance Indicators? An Empirical Study
Authors: Seboni Lone , Ssegawa Joseph
Published: June 2022

Practitioners in most firms use intuition to assign project managers to projects, despite this decision being one of the vital factors contributing to project management performance linked to sustainable utilization of resources. Extant research reveals the need to improve the project manager assignment (PMA) process. However, existing empirical studies are currently limited, thereby restricting our understanding of this process to a specific context. This study builds on this limited area by extending our understanding to other contexts. Questionnaires and interview surveys were conducted with 73 informants across 12 firms, covering several industries engaged in different types of projects. The results provide strong empirical evidence of unstructured and ineffective PMA processes that significantly affect sustainability issues in terms of a thriving firm such as project manager performance, project manager rewards, and project success. This empirical evidence is a contribution to existing project management knowledge for three reasons: (1) empirical testing of a project management theory for the first time, (2) falsification of the conventional understanding of the theory of PMAs by using the concepts of an index rather than a scale, and (3) adding depth to existing knowledge by extending our understanding of PMA processes.
Satisfaction of Logistics Dispatchers Who Use Electric Tricycles\linebreak for the Last Mile of Delivery: Perspective from Policy Intervention
Authors: Xu Jiacong , Li Xuefeng , Pan Yiyong , Du Mingyang
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the satisfaction factors of logistics dispatchers who used electric tricycles for the last mile of delivery under policy intervention, and a questionnaire survey is conducted on the last-mile dispatchers in Nanjing. Based on four principal components extracted by exploratory factor analysis, the structural equation model (SEM) for the relationship between exogenous variables (sound policy, legality, and standardizing system) and endogenous variables (perceived convenience and satisfaction) is established to obtain the factors influencing the satisfaction of dispatchers. The results indicate that the correlation coefficients between the perceived convenience, sound policy, legality, standardizing system and the dispatchers’ satisfaction are 0.606, 0.448, 0.242 and −0.366, respectively. The correlations between perceived convenience, sound policy, legality and dispatchers’ satisfaction are significantly positive. The correlations between standardizing system and dispatchers’ satisfaction are negative. Finally, corresponding improvement policies are proposed based on the analysis of the model. The research results help improve the dispatcher’s satisfaction during the last-mile distribution process and provide support for standards by using electric tricycles and the formulation of new policies.
Building Green Smart City Capabilities in South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Hasmawaty Hasmawaty , Utami Yulis Tyagita , Antoni Darius
Published: June 2022

Information and communication technology is currently developing rapidly. It has created a great number of opportunities for governments worldwide to meet the demands of the public in providing services including environmentally friendly public services for the community and citizens. This study aims to present a case study on public services of South Sumatra government programs in order to develop a green smart city concept by combining smart city and green IT concepts which aim to align and incorporate green IT components, including pollution prevention, product stewardship, and clean technology into conceptual variants, essential elements, and strategic principles. A smart city is an innovative and modern concept utilising technology to facilitate and provide public information and to improve environmentally friendly public services through smart applications. South Sumatera is one of the provinces in Indonesia that has been implementing a smart city to provide environmentally friendly public services through the command centre. It is used to monitor an entire government agency’s activities and communicates with the public. To fulfil the aims of the study, this study identifies the comprehensive environmentally friendly public services through Natural Resource-Based View Theory perspectives. In addition, this study deploys in-depth interviews with sources or informants as a form of data search and direct observation. The number of informants used as research respondents consisted of several elements of the government, including the executive, legislative, and implementing agencies. The study reveals that the South Sumatera Government has several environmentally friendly public services that could be deployed to prevent pollution and reduce the emission in their activities. Further, the government in South Sumatra has product and service stewardships and invests in clean technology to minimise the adverse impacts of their activities on the environment.
The Influence of Water Quality Change on the Corrosion Process in Galvanized Pipes of Fire Protection Installations
Authors: Wojtkowska Małgorzata , Malesińska Agnieszka , Machowska Agnieszka , Puntorieri Pierfabrizio , Barbaro Giuseppe , Fiamma Vincenzo , Biedugnis Stanisław
Published: June 2022

The article presents the results of an investigation of water composition and quality in sprinkler installations, as well as the influence of temperature changes on the corrosion process. The physical and chemical components of the water were measured to ascertain the influence of its properties on the corrosion process in a wet pipe sprinkler system operating in significantly changing ambient temperature conditions. The article presents the results of measurements of the wall thickness of galvanized pipes and changes in the chemical composition of water occurring under the influence of variable ambient temperature. The range and variability of temperatures corresponded to the seasons of the year: spring and summer in a temperate climate. Changes in the corrosive aggressiveness of water were assessed using the Langelier saturation index (LSI), the Ryznar stability index (RSI), and the general acidity intensity index (I). The tests revealed that the tap water used demonstrated strong corrosive properties for galvanized pipes. The calculated indices showed the tendency of water to cause corrosion (−1.1 > LSI < 1.0; RSI = 7.1–12.8). The chemical parameters that significantly influenced the corrosion of galvanized pipes are chloride (Cl−), sulphate (SO42−), and bicarbonate (HCO3−) ions. An important factor contributing to the intensification of corrosion is the roughness and heterogeneity of the pipe surface.
Geographical Distribution Characteristics of Ethnic-Minority Villages in Fujian and Their Relationship with Topographic Factors
Authors: Xu Xiang , Genovese Paolo Vincenzo , Zhao Yafei , Liu Yidan , Woldesemayat Eyasu Markos , Zoure Abraham Nathan
Published: June 2022

The geographical distribution characteristics of villages characterised by ethnic minorities are determined by the selection of the site when the village was initially established. The location of inherited and well-preserved minority villages must be exceptionally compatible with the natural terrain, with a logical relationship. Nonetheless, the issue of village location, which is directly related to the development of the features of the geographical distribution, has received little attention from scholars. The average nearest proximity index, Voronoi, kernel density analysis, proximity analysis, and the Geographical Detector (GeoDetector) were used to analyse the geographic distribution characteristics of villages and their correlation with terrain, as well as the difference between the influence of each terrain factor. The findings indicated the following. (1) The geographical distribution of minority villages in Fujian Province is of the agglomeration type, with a significant “mononuclear” feature, and the topography has a facilitating effect on the clustering distribution of villages. (2) The geographical distribution of minority villages in each city of Fujian Province coexisted with the agglomeration type and the dispersion type, and the role of topography in promoting the agglomeration-type distribution of villages was not affected by the distribution density of villages. (3) The site selection of Fujian-minority villages is characterised by medium altitude, moderate slope, sun exposure, and no obvious hydrophilicity. Minority villages are mainly located in areas with an elevation of 202–647 m; a slope of 6–15°; a flat land aspect with a south slope, southeast slope, or southwest slope; and distance of 500–1500 m from 5–20 m wide rivers of level 2. (4) The site selection of Fujian minority villages is influenced by various topographic factors, such as elevation, slope, aspect, river buffer, river width, and river level, among which river width has the most substantial effect. (5) All topographic factors have a two-factor enhancing relationship with each other, aspect and slope have the most substantial effect and play a dominant role in site selection. The research findings illuminate the internal logic of the geographical distribution differentiation of villages characterised by ethnic minorities, which is critical for promoting the protection of modern ethnic-minority villages.
Construction and Optimization of Green Infrastructure Network Based on Space Syntax: A Case Study of Suining County, Jiangsu Province
Authors: Wang Feng , Chen Jiongzhen , Tong Shuai , Zheng Xin , Ji Xiang
Published: June 2022

The construction of green infrastructure (GI) plays an important role in improving the rural ecological functions and building a green livable environment. In this paper, the methods of morpho spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and space syntax analysis are used to study the GI network construction in Suining County, Jiangsu Province. The results show that: (1) In 2018, the area of ecological patches increased by 110% compared with 1998, and the utilization rate of the GI network was significantly improved. (2) A total of 66 ecological corridors were analyzed in the county, and the main corridors were distributed in the central and western regions. The correlation analysis of core ecological patches in 1998, 2008, and 2018 proved that location factors had the greatest impact on the results of function and connectivity. (3) According to the optimization results, ecological benefits can be improved through engineering measures to realize the revitalization and development of regional rural areas.
Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Wastewater Systems under Applying Water Demand Management Policies
Authors: Safarpour Haniye , Tabesh Massoud , Shahangian Seyyed Ahmadreza , Hajibabaei Mohsen , Sitzenfrei Robert
Published: June 2022

Sustainability assessment of urban water and wastewater infrastructures, especially when it comes to managing existing systems, is of paramount importance. Hence, this study presents a comprehensive approach to investigate the sustainability of a real wastewater system under different water demand management policies (WDMPs) in the operation and maintenance stage. In this regard, life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is used through its three main pillars, which are (1) environment, (2) economy, and (3) society. Accordingly, (1) Environmental assessment is conducted using life cycle assessment (LCA) considering a thorough inventory dataset; (2) The economic assessment results are analyzed by the life cycle cost (LCC) method; and (3) Social life cycle assessment (SLCA) is conducted using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, in which three main stakeholders “public and local community”, “workers and employees”, and “treated wastewater and sludge consumers” are considered. Finally, to prioritize scenarios, the results of LCA, LCC, and SLCA for every scenario are aggregated to account for the sustainability score using the AHP. The results of applying the proposed method to a real case study show that scenarios leading to less reduction in wastewater production are more sustainable options as they represent better performance regarding economic and social aspects. The proposed framework provides a better insight into the integrated sustainability analysis of urban water infrastructures. In addition, it can be used as a guideline for exploring the effects of WDMPs on wastewater systems in different study areas.
A Two-Level Hierarchical Linear Model Analysis of the Effect of Teacher Factors, Student Factors, and Facility Conditions on Students’ Cognitive Scores in Rural China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Anquan
Published: June 2022

Based on the data from the China Education Panel Survey 2013–2014, this study uses a two-level hierarchical linear model to explore the impact of student factors, teacher factors, and facility conditions on students’ cognitive scores and the model’s heterogeneity. Additionally, under the Owen value method, the contribution of teacher and student factors to students’ cognitive scores is much greater than that of facility conditions, and teacher-related factors contribute more to scores than student-related ones. Therefore, teacher and student resources should be given priority in allocating resources to rural education systems, and high-quality teachers, who can have positive impacts on students’ cognitive scores, should be prioritized.
Agronomic Biofortification of Zinc in Rice for Diminishing Malnutrition in South Asia
Authors: Peramaiyan Panneerselvam , Craufurd Peter , Kumar Virender , Seelan Lavanya P. , McDonald Andrew J. , Balwinder-Singh  , Kishore Avinash , Singh Sudhanshu
Published: June 2022

Zinc (Zn) is increasingly recognized as an essential trace element in the human diet that mediates a plethora of health conditions, including immune responses to infectious diseases. Interestingly, the geographical distribution of human dietary Zn deficiency overlaps with soil Zn deficiency. In South Asia, Zn malnutrition is high due to excessive consumption of rice with low Zn content. Interventions such as dietary diversification, food fortification, supplementation, and biofortification are followed to address Zn malnutrition. Among these, Zn biofortification of rice is the most encouraging, cost-effective, and sustainable for South Asia. Biofortification through conventional breeding and transgenic approaches has been achieved in cereals; however, if the soil is deficient in Zn, then these approaches are not advantageous. Therefore, in this article, we review strategies for enhancing the Zn concentration of rice through agronomic biofortification such as timing, dose, and method of Zn fertilizer application, and how nitrogen and phosphorus application as well as crop establishment methods influence Zn concentration in rice. We also propose data-driven Zn recommendations to anticipate crop responses to Zn fertilization and targeted policies that support agronomic biofortification in regions where crop responses to Zn fertilizer are high.
Exploring Community Perceptions of Climate Change Issues in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Yaacob Mashitoh , So Winnie Wing-Mui , Iizuka Noriko
Published: June 2022

The urbanization process in Peninsular Malaysia has resulted in an increase in temperature. Large cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bharu, and George Town are experiencing rapid urbanization processes, resulting in unpredictable changes in temperature and weather, which consequently impact community livelihoods. Many believe that the recent flooding in urban residential areas in Peninsular Malaysia has been worsened by climate change. Hence, this paper explores and discusses recent community perceptions of the climate change issue in Peninsular Malaysia. A group of 350 community members from different states in Peninsular Malaysia gave their views and opinions related to climate change via an online quantitative survey questionnaire. Their perception of the urbanization process and its impact on the increase in temperature was descriptively analyzed using the frequency analysis technique and mean score, while their suggestions in verbatim form on reducing the effects of climate change were analyzed thematically. The respondents perceived the climate change issue as attributable to the factors of urbanization, namely the manufacturing industry, population density, and private motor vehicles. Respondents provided suggestions for reducing the effects of climate change, ranging from government policies to community actions.
Exploring the Relationship between the Entrepreneurship Motive and Value Creation in Business Incubators
Authors: Lin-Lian Cristina , De-Pablos-Heredero Carmen , Montes-Botella José Luis
Published: June 2022

In this study, we aimed to explore whether, regardless of the reasons why entrepreneurs start their activity, either due to necessity or vocation, they positively value the capacity of business incubators as a mechanism to help create value, contributing to the economic and social sustainability and establishing a context that increases the chances of the success and survival of businesses. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to a representative sample of entrepreneurs residing in Spain. Structural equation analysis (SEM) was applied. The results confirm that business incubators create value in society regardless of the reasons why entrepreneurs start their activity. This work provides an opinion and a direct vision of how different entrepreneur profiles value the contribution of business incubators to the sustainability of businesses in their first stage.
Consumption Coupons, Consumption Probability and Inventory Optimization: An Improved Minimum-Cost Maximum-Flow Approach
Authors: Wang Shunlin , Chen Yifang
Published: June 2022

The issuance of consumption coupons during the epidemic period to stimulate the economy must take full account of the level of probabilistic consumption and inventory optimization. In this paper, an improved minimum-cost maximum-flow model is constructed to dynamically adjust the inventory capacity of node enterprises with the change of probabilistic consumption level, and three scenarios are simulated by numerical assumptions. The results show that: (1) The model can better solve the problem of consumption coupons, probabilistic consumption and inventory optimization; (2) Consumer welfare remains unchanged, the largest number of government consumption coupons is issued, and the number of enterprise inventories reaches the lowest; (3) Enterprise inventories are minimized with different decisions on consumer probability consumption, and the government’s issuance of consumption coupons and the satisfaction of consumer demand have reached a dynamic balance. Corresponding suggestions are put forward, hoping to better help the government to implement the consumption coupons policy to stimulate the economy.
Stakeholder or Legitimacy Theory? The Rationale behind a Company’s Materiality Analysis: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Meutia Inten , Kartasari Shelly F. , Yaacob Zulnaidi
Published: June 2022

Recently, more and more research has examined sustainability reports, including how to process materiality analysis in sustainability reports. However, the motivation for why and how companies prepare materiality analysis has not received much attention from researchers. This study fills a gap in the sustainability literature related to materiality analysis by identifying the theoretical motivations of companies in conducting materiality analysis. The literature review on materiality analysis also showed that the existing measurements have not used the GRI 102-46 and 102-47, which are guidelines for companies in conducting materiality analysis based on the GRI. Therefore, this study developed a measurement of materiality analysis based on GRI 102-46 and 102-47. This study aimed to assess materiality analysis in sustainability reports based on the perspectives of legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory. The research sample was 150 sustainability reports of company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2018 to 2020. The researcher developed an index using the GRI approach to measure the quality of materiality analysis. This study proves that the legitimacy theory perspective is mainly the basis for the company in conducting materiality analysis. This study also found no significant improvement in the quality of materiality topic analysis from 2018 to 2020. Of the four financial characteristics, only DER has a significant relationship with materiality analysis, which indicates that the disclosure of materiality analysis tends to be related to the company’s debt condition. The study fills a gap in the literature by contributing to research on sustainability reporting quality, specifically on materiality analysis.
Narratives as a Didactic Resource in the Social Sciences to Teach Sustainable Development: A Study with Primary Education Students
Authors: López Serrano Miguel Jesús , Guerrero Elecalde Rafael
Published: June 2022

The environment should be incorporated transversally into all human activities, especially the different areas of education. However, this is not always the case. In these pages we present a study carried out during the 2021/2022 academic year among students studying for a degree in Primary Education at the University of Cordoba, to analyze narratives as resources for teaching pupils about the environment and sustainable development, mainly through the dissemination and knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Data on the didactic experience was collected from a potential sample of 217 teachers to be via a questionnaire validated by experts, which was subjected to reliability analysis with Cronbach’s Alpha, using the SPSS program, version 25.0 for Windows. The trainee teachers reacted positively to the use of narratives as resources for teaching and learning about the environmental contents of the SDGs, considering them an ideal pedagogical resource to transmit concepts effectively, in addition to serving to develop other types of competences. Likewise, they concluded that this intervention provided significant coverage of both the theoretical and practical contents of sustainable development.
Diversifying Water Sources with Atmospheric Water Harvesting to Enhance Water Supply Resilience
Authors: Zhang Mengbo , Liu Ranbin , Li Yaxuan
Published: June 2022

The unequivocal global warming has an explicit impact on the natural water cycle and resultantly leads to an increasing occurrence of extreme weather events which in turn bring challenges and unavoidable destruction to the urban water supply system. As such, diversifying water sources is a key solution to building the resilience of the water supply system. An atmospheric water harvesting can capture water out of the air and provide a point-of-use water source directly. Currently, a series of atmospheric water harvesting have been proposed and developed to provide water sources under various moisture content ranging from 30–80% with a maximum water collection rate of 200,000 L/day. In comparison to conventional water source alternatives, atmospheric water harvesting avoids the construction of storage and distribution grey infrastructure. However, the high price and low water generation rate make this technology unfavorable as a viable alternative to general potable water sources whereas it has advantages compared with bottled water in both cost and environmental impacts. Moreover, atmospheric water harvesting can also provide a particular solution in the agricultural sector in countries with poor irrigation infrastructure but moderate humidity. Overall, atmospheric water harvesting could provide communities and/or cities with an indiscriminate solution to enhance water supply resilience. Further research and efforts are needed to increase the water generation rate and reduce the cost, particularly via leveraging solar energy.
A Cross-Sectional Study on Ethical Buyer Behavior towards Cruelty-Free Cosmetics: What Consequences for Female Leadership Practices?
Authors: Magano José , Au-Yong-Oliveira Manuel , Ferreira Bruna , Leite Ângela
Published: June 2022

This study extends the theory of planned behavior model and examines the humane factors (altruism, environmental knowledge, personal appearance concerns, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms) that shape attitudes and buyer behavior toward cruelty-free cosmetics and the consumer characteristics that reflect their behavior toward such products. Recent global occurrences have affected human behavioral patterns, namely, the COVID-19 pandemic, which we aim to study. Has behavior changed to become more ethical? A survey was carried out involving a sample of 425 Portuguese participants (a feminine culture), following a convenience- and snowball-sampling procedure. Significant correlations were found between environmental knowledge, subjective norms, and buyer behavior toward cruelty-free cosmetics with attitude and environmental knowledge and buyer behavior. Through structural equation modeling to evaluate the conceptual model, a good model fit was found, being that standardized values in the model are significant except for regressions from perceived behavior control and personal appearance concerns to buyer behavior toward cruelty-free cosmetics. Women present higher values than men on attitude, altruism, environmental knowledge, and buyer behavior, in line with what is expected in a traditional and conservative feminine culture such as that to be found in Portugal. Such a result points to the need to promote increased gender equality, for example, in senior leadership roles, as women are seen to have the desirable qualities required for a more sustainable, cruelty-free, and humane society. This is an alert for human-resource managers in the region.
Students’ E-Learning Domestic Space in Higher Education in the New Normal
Authors: Feliz Sálvora , Ricoy María-Carmen , Buedo Juan-Andrés , Feliz-Murias Tiberio
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study is two-fold. Firstly, to analyse and discover the ability of HE students to use the physical home context for e-learning via ICT during the new normal; and secondly, to ascertain the underlying patterns of the adequacy of such domestic spaces. The authors offer a multidisciplinary approach combining pedagogic, architectural backgrounds with considerable experience in didactics, organization management of education, and ICT applied to education. A qualitative, arts-based research methodology that analyses photographs was used. A total of 220 domestic work environment photographs sent by higher education students were analysed. Results and conclusions show that students are able to attend virtual classrooms in a domestic atmosphere. Bedrooms and studies are usually the most-used spaces. Laptops and smartphones are the most frequent central hubs of student learning sessions. Students use other training resources (desktop computers, tablets, etc.) to supplement the most common digital devices. An intense relationship is observed between Space (bedroom and other rooms) and the Sofa and Beds variables, while a moderate one is observed between Age and Care items. The relationship between other variables is weak or non-existent.
Spectral Distribution and Numerical Methods for Rational Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Wei Wei , Shi Xueying , Luo An
Published: June 2022

Rational eigenvalue problems (REPs) have important applications in engineering applications and have attracted more and more attention in recent years. Based on the theory of low-rank modification, we discuss the spectral properties and distribution of the symmetric rational eigenvalue problems, and present two numerical iteration methods for the above REPs. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods.
Magnetic Bands Producing a Monoclinic Magnetic Structure in NiO, FeO, MnO, and a Tetragonal One in CoO
Authors: Krüger Ekkehard
Published: June 2022

In a foregoing paper, the author reported evidence that the multi-spin-axis magnetic structure proposed in 1964 by van Laar is realized in antiferromagnetic CoO. Within the nonadiabatic Heisenberg model, this tetragonal body-centered structure is generated by atomic-like electrons in a special magnetic band of CoO, a mechanism that may emerge only because the nonadiabatic Heisenberg model goes beyond the adiabatic approximation. The present paper compares the band structures of the transition-metal monoxides NiO, CoO, FeO, and MnO, and shows that only CoO possesses a magnetic band which may produce the tetragonal magnetic structure proposed by van Laar. The magnetic bands of the other monoxides, NiO, FeO, and MnO, are clearly related to the monoclinic base-centered magnetic structure experimentally observed in these materials.