bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Impact of Green Supplier Selection and Integration on Environmental Performance: An Analysis of the Moderating Role of Government Support
Authors: Li Jianwei , Zhong Deyu
Published: August 2024

As the green market becomes increasingly saturated, companies must allocate limited resources to more precise and efficient projects. This study aims to explore and compare the impact of green supplier selection and green supplier integration on environmental performance, with a particular focus on the moderating role of government support. The research was conducted through a survey of 391 Chinese manufacturing firms by a specialized research institution, employing hierarchical regression analysis. The results indicate that both green supplier selection and integration have a positive impact on environmental performance, with green supplier integration having a more significant effect. Moreover, active government support weakens the relationship between green supplier selection and environmental performance but strengthens the relationship between green supplier integration and environmental performance. Given the study’s context, scope, and sample size, certain limitations exist. This research highlights more strategically significant supplier management practices and emphasizes the moderating role of government support in different contexts, while also providing valuable and practical recommendations for relevant practitioners.
The Impact of Innovative and Low-Carbon Pilot Cities on Green Innovation
Authors: Wang Song , Cao Yuyao , Wang Yifan , Wang Chaoquan
Published: August 2024

Green innovation has emerged as a crucial strategy for reconciling economic development with environmental protection. While numerous policies target various aspects of innovation or green development individually, fewer policies address green innovation specifically. This raises the question of whether individual policies alone are sufficient to advance green innovation or whether a combination of policies is required. To address this, we analyze data from Chinese cities at the prefectural level or higher, focusing on the intersecting policies of innovative cities and low-carbon pilot cities as key explanatory variables. Using a longitudinal difference-in-differences model, our study examines the effects of these concurrent policies on green innovation and investigates the mechanisms underlying their effectiveness. Our findings reveal that the dual-pilot policy significantly promotes green innovation through four key pathways: regional economy, financial level, employment conditions, and education level. After confirming the efficacy of each policy individually, we rule out the impact of single or non-overlapping policies. This confirms that the observed enhancement in green innovation results from the combined effect of the two policies rather than from either policy in isolation. The study concludes with recommendations for further enhancing green innovation, based on the empirical evidence obtained.
Exploring Sustainable Investments: How They Drive Firm Performance in Indian Private and Publicly Listed Companies
Authors: Javed Mohd Yousuf , Hasan Mohammad , Aqil Mohd , Ziaur Rehman Mohd , Salar S. A. Atif
Published: August 2024

This research aims to present a holistic view of sustainable investments on firm performance by exploring the dimensions of sustainable investments and firm performance concerning Indian private and publicly listed companies. Panel data regression has been used to explore the relationship between sustainable investment and firm performance. The data of 75 BSE-listed companies has been extracted from Prowess IQ from 2012–2022.Two panels based on different ownership structures were created to observe the impact of sustainable investment and firm performance. The findings of this study indicate that sustainable investments positively impact firm performance in private ownership but negatively impact the firm’s performance in public ownership. The study provides an extensive and holistic view of sustainable investments in Indian companies listed in the BSE, which can be helpful for researchers, professionals, and policymakers in the field. The findings of this research contribute to the solutions to socio-economic challenges and support sustainable development goals through sustainable investments. This research is one of the first attempts to provide a holistic view of sustainable investments by including various aspects of sustainability and firm performance in Indian listed companies and ownership.
Unveiling the Implications of Organic Nutrient Management Protocols on Soil Properties, Economic Sustainability, and Yield Optimization in Fenugreek Cultivation in Acidic Soils of Northeast India
Authors: Tania Chongtham , Bhupenchandra Ingudam , Devi Chingakham Premabati , Phonglosa Amit , Sonia Chongtham , Singh Mangsatabam Norjit , Chandramani Phuritsabam , Devi Yumnam Prabhabati , Devi Hidangmayum Lembisana , Dasgupta Madhumita , Wahengbam Elizabeth Devi , Devi Mayengbam Premi , Sahoo Bibhuti Bhusan , Sahoo Manas Ranjan
Published: August 2024

Utilizing yield, profitability, and environmental sustainability in terms of soil quality as the goal variables, we created a methodological protocol for a thorough assessment of nutrient management (NM) technologies for feasibility and optimized fenugreek production employing organic sources of nutrients in the acid soil of Northeast India. Five organic nutrient management technologies were tried and tested comprising T1: absolute control; T2: 2.5 t ha−1 vermicompost (VC) + 250 kg ha−1 lime; T3: 5 t ha−1 farmyard manure (FYM) + 250 kg ha−1 lime; T4: 10 t ha−1 FYM + 250 kg ha−1 lime; and T5: 5 t ha−1 VC + 250 kg ha−1 lime with four replications laid out in a randomized block design for two consecutive growing seasons during 2018–2020. Results indicated that across the differential levels of organic amendments (treatments) employed, the addition of maximum doses of VC and FYM, in general, excelled over the other treatments concerning fenugreek seed yield, its yield attributes, soil properties, and better economic returns. Thus, the overall findings elucidated that the addition of higher doses of organic amendments (VC and FYM) can sustainably improve fenugreek productivity, soil properties, and economic returns for fenugreek growers in the acid soil of Northeast India.
AI Technology Integrated Education Model for Empowering Fashion Design Ideation
Authors: Lee Jooyoung , Suh Sungeun
Published: August 2024

The rapidly increasing importance of technology integration and generative AI in the fashion industry is prompting changes in fashion design education. This study explored a new design methodology utilizing AI for sustainable and future-oriented fashion design education. The methodology involved consulting practitioners to select ChatGPT and Midjourney as AI tools and technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (TPACK) as the theoretical framework. An AI prompt guide was developed based on specialized books, from which an educational program was created. An experiment with 30 third- and fourth-year fashion design students showed that their overall satisfaction with AI through TPACK was 4 out of 5, suggesting that TPACK enhances students’ creativity and efficiency through generative AI. Prompt guides received a satisfaction score of 4.7, indicating their usefulness for creative and efficient design outputs. AI-powered educational programs, like ChatGPT and Midjourney, also improved student creativity and learning efficiency, with ChatGPT scoring 4.5. However, concerns about technology dependency were noted. This study offers insights into integrating the latest technology into fashion design to improve process efficiency and creative output. This study not only provides a foundation for future research on AI design methodology but also explores practical directions for sustainable design in the fashion industry.
The Capacities and Sustainability of Croatian Cities in Performing Municipal Services
Authors: Slijepcevic Suncana , Broz Tanja , Rasic Ivana
Published: August 2024

The system of local and regional self-governments in the EU is characterized by an extremely large number of small units. The situation in Croatia, a country with only 3.87 million inhabitants, is no different. There are 576 local and regional self-government units. The basic feature of self-government in Croatia is the equal scope of authority in performing tasks, regardless of the number of inhabitants, the area they inhabit, or their ability to pursue sustainability objectives. In this paper, we analyze the capacities of performing municipal services in 127 Croatian cities and examine whether cities differ in their ability to perform public functions. Results show that cities can be grouped into three different clusters. The validity of the results on clusters was confirmed with an ANOVA, where a significant difference was found between all three clusters. Ranking cities according to the capacity for providing municipal services shows that cities with higher capacities are clustered together, implying that cities indeed differ in their ability to perform municipal services. Further, the results indicate that 80 percent of the cities belong to the cluster that consists of cities with a very low capacity for providing public services.
Age-Friendly Cycling Infrastructure—Differences and Preferences among 50+ Cyclists
Authors: Jevremović Sreten , Trpković Ana , Čičević Svetlana , Čubranić Dobrodolac Marjana , Kachadoorian Carol
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the needs, attitudes, and perceptions of older (50+) cyclists were examined with the aim of determining the level of comfort, safety, and the way of using different types of cycling infrastructure. Considering that by 2050, 1 in 6 people will be over the age of 65, and that this category of users (particularly cyclists) still receives insufficient attention, the authors believed that in this way, a significant contribution can be made to the existing literature. Data from 389 50+ cyclists were collected through a survey, including Canada, the United States (USA), and Serbia, and analyzed using visual preference testing (VPT), ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis test. The countries were chosen to include certain similarities (traffic characteristics), as well as differences (cultural characteristics), in order to enable an adequate exchange of knowledge, good practice, and experience. The results indicate the existence of differences between these countries, especially regarding the perception of safety and the way of using certain infrastructure in Serbia (e.g., major urban collectors and shared space). Based on the obtained results, a set of general guidelines was proposed for countries with similar traffic and cultural characteristics on how to treat and provide sustainable infrastructure for older cyclists.
Multi-Faceted Analysis of Airborne Noise Impact in the Port of Split (III)
Authors: Vukić Luka , Slišković Merica , Fredianelli Luca
Published: August 2024

Marginal and neglected until recently, noise pollution is a significant topic of sustainable development today. Port noise has become an increasingly critical problem for the environment. The public and the scientific community have gradually become aware of the harmful impact of noise emissions on residents living near port facilities. It coincides with the increase in complaints from the population about excessive noise pollution in ports, especially in residential areas near the cargo terminals in Split. This paper seeks to empirically investigate overall port noise and assess the significance of the reported disturbances. The methodology includes the measurement of noise in zero state conditions, residual noise and noise during specific work processes, and consideration of conditions for possible adjustments of the selected work process during transport operations. The goal is to propose plans for noise reduction by evaluating the results of noise monitoring with the specified limit values, which determine the highest permissible noise levels for industrial and residential zones in the observed area. The values exceed the maximum permitted noise levels during the night. However, this problem can be reduced through operational and technical adjustments in cargo handling processes, acting as objective mitigation measures. The effectiveness of the defined procedure is demonstrated by its application in the Port of Split, contributing to the port’s sustainability located near the residential area.
The Key Factors for Improving Returns Management in E-Commerce in Indonesia from Customers’ Perspectives—An Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach
Authors: Prayogo Dimas Haki , Domanski Roman , Golinska-Dawson Paulina
Published: August 2024

The rapid growth of e-commerce has led to an increase in the number of product returns in supply chains, which is both environmentally and economically challenging. E-commerce companies need to effectively manage product returns, as this has a direct impact on their reputation and consumer experience. Reducing returns is key to maintaining sustainable practices for online product sales. A significant increase in e-commerce transactions is also evident in Indonesia, which is the fourth largest country in the world. Despite the very large size of the market, research on e-commerce in the business-to-customer (B2C) market in Indonesia is underrepresented in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to identify key factors from the customer perspective that influence product returns in reverse logistics in Indonesian e-commerce. The novelty of this study stems from the focus on the customer perspective on product returns in the B2C market when shopping online and the spatial scope. Due to the uncertainty inherent in multi-criteria decision making, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to rank factors and potential solutions derived from a critical literature review. As a result, the study provides a ranking of factors and alternatives for managing e-commerce returns in Indonesia. The results show that among Indonesian e-commerce customers, product quality (QP) was rated the highest, while (Pu) was rated the lowest. In terms of the alternatives that are the most suitable for improving the customer experience of e-commerce product returns in Indonesia, a clear returns policy (CRP) scored the highest, while the merchandise catalog (Cat) was rated as the lowest priority.
How Can the Government Promote Sustainable Cooperation between Schools and Enterprises? A Quadrilateral Evolutionary Game Study
Authors: Wang Hexin , Liu Chao , Dai Yu
Published: August 2024

Sustainable cooperation between schools and enterprises is crucial to maintaining a dynamic balance between the supply and demand of talents and driving the advancement of new quality productive forces. As a result, facilitating school–enterprise cooperation has become an important concern in many countries. However, there remains a gap in understanding the approaches taken by central and local governments to foster such cooperation through the lens of evolutionary game theory. Therefore, this paper develops a quadrilateral evolutionary game model involving schools, enterprises, the central government, and local governments by building the payoff matrix and calculating expected payoffs of different strategies to analyze the conditions under which governments can effectively promote school–enterprise cooperation. Our findings indicate that benefit is a decisive factor that affects the strategies of all parties. Increasing incentives and penalties from the central government and local governments can stimulate school–enterprise cooperation, but these measures are not sustainable in the long term. Additionally, the impact of the central government’s incentives and penalties on local governments in promoting school–enterprise cooperation is limited. Enhancing policy efficacy and the practical outcomes of school–enterprise cooperation is essential, which not only strengthens the bond between schools and enterprises but also ensures deep and enduring governmental involvement. Some suggestions are put forward at the end.
The Impact of ESG Regulation on Environmental Decoupling—An Exploratory Study on Polish Listed Companies
Authors: Papa Marco , Wieczorek-Kosmala Monika , Losa Anna , Swałek Aleksandra
Published: August 2024

The sustainable finance framework implements the regulation to enhance firms’ sustainable reporting and increase market transparency in channeling funds. However, firms are under the pressure of going green and, thus, often demonstrate a propensity to environmental decoupling, which means the gap between what is told about environmental performance and what is truly done within. The main purpose of our exploratory work is to detect the environmental decoupling among sampled firms. The research problem relates to the effects of reporting requirements and aligning symptoms of environmental decoupling by comparing the increase in qualitative disclosures (talk) relative to measurable KPIs (real actions). We have empirically confirmed the potential problems of environmental decoupling within the environmental aspects other than carbon emissions. We have observed the improvement of qualitative disclosures, while the KPIs other than carbon-emission-related (use of resources and energy) confirmed no real actions. This result is aligned with the current policymakers’ focus on carbon emission reporting. Firms declare the implementation of policies and targets, but it does not fully drive real change. Our study contributes to the emerging strand of the literature on environmental decoupling, as well as offers implications for policymakers, to enhance the efficiency (and prevent environmental decoupling) within the new sustainable finance regulatory framework of the European Union.
Spatial Differentiation and Influencing Factors of Available Potassium in Cultivated Soil in Mountainous Areas of Northwestern Hubei Province, China
Authors: Wu Zhengxiang , Zhou Yong , Xu Lei
Published: August 2024

This research was conducted based on 701 soil sampling points in cultivated land (0–20 cm) in Shiyan, a mountainous area in northwest Hubei Province, China. The methods of classical statistics, geostatistics, and geodetector were used to explore the spatial differentiation characteristics and influencing factors of soil available potassium (AK) in cultivated land in Shiyan. The results showed that the soil AK content in the study area ranged from 17.00 to 350.00 mg/kg, with an average value of 118.95 mg/kg and a coefficient of variation of 54.06%, exhibiting moderate variability. The spatial structure was well fitted by a spherical model; the block gold effect was 0.027, indicating strong spatial autocorrelation; and spatial variation was mainly caused by structural factors. The spatial differentiation characteristics of the soil AK content are obvious; overall, there was a spatial distribution pattern of high in the northeast and low in the southwest. The factor detection results show that soil pH plays a dominant role in the spatial variation in soil AK in the study area, followed by parent material and annual average temperature. The interaction detection results show that each environmental factor exhibits non-linear or dual factor enhancement between factors, with soil pH slope ranking first in explanatory power. The explanatory power of the interaction between soil pH, parent materials, annual average temperature, and other factors dominates. In the process of the fine management of soil AK in cultivated land in the study area, when considering the influence of dominant factors, the impact of the interaction of various factors on the spatial variation in soil AK should also be taken into account. This study could provide a theoretical reference for improving the soil and farmland improvement, improving farmland quality in this area.
Changing Culture through Pro-Environmental Messaging Delivered on Digital Signs: A Longitudinal Field Study
Authors: Petersen John E. , Frantz Cynthia McPherson
Published: August 2024

Delivering effective messages is critical to creating a more sustainable and resilient culture. The explosion of social media has enhanced information access but has often reinforced and polarized pre-existing viewpoints and norms. In contrast, digital signs are an “in your face in your space” technology that have the potential to deliver common content to a diverse local audience. Environmental Dashboard (ED) is a communications platform and set of content applications that combines information on current environmental conditions, real-time resource consumption, positive actions being taken by community members, and a community calendar. We conducted a longitudinal study to assess whether ED content delivered via digital signs in public locations would result in desirable psychological changes within a community. Participants completed surveys in six designated signage locations prior to installation (N = 174) and following two years of continuous exposure (N = 133). We observed increases in pro-environmental social norms among people of color (a demographic emphasized); enhanced awareness of and sense of connection with the local community and ecology; increased self-reported electricity conservation; and increased perception of youth engagement (another demographic emphasized). Changes were mediated by exposure to digital signage. These findings support the hypothesis that content delivered through digital signs can strengthen pro-environmental and pro-social culture within communities.
Change in the Properties of Expanded Polystyrene Exposed to Solar Radiation in Real Aging Conditions
Authors: Nowoświat Artur , Miros Artur , Krause Paweł
Published: August 2024

Although polystyrene materials with added graphite are actively used for the thermal insulation of buildings, there are serious problems with the detachment and warping of these materials under the influence of solar radiation. However, no systematic studies have yet been carried out on the aging of polystyrene under exposure to solar radiation. The article presents research aimed at determining changes in the thermal conductivity, compressive stress, tensile strength, and water absorption of expanded polystyrene with the addition of graphite, exposed to direct solar radiation under in situ conditions. For this purpose, expanded polystyrene (EPS) with the addition of graphite (gray EPS) and expanded polystyrene made of composite panels (gray EPS and white EPS) were exposed to direct solar radiation under in situ conditions. A third sample (reference), which was entirely white polystyrene (without the addition of graphite), was included in the tests. The results showed that expanded polystyrene with the addition of graphite degraded under the influence of direct solar radiation but improved its strength properties. Expanded polystyrene made of composite improved its compressive strength properties by nearly 11 kPa (18%), and expanded polystyrene with the addition of graphite improved its compressive strength properties by 0.4 kPa (0.5%). And the tensile strength for composite-made expanded polystyrene increased by 7 kPa (9%), and that for expanded polystyrene with the addition of graphite increased by 26 kPa (37%). At the same time, water absorption for expanded polystyrene made of composite also increased by 0.06 kg/m2 (60%), and that for expanded polystyrene with the addition of graphite increased by 0.04 kg/m2 (44%).
A Study of the Impact Mechanism of Corporate ESG Performance on Surplus Persistence
Authors: Xu Ailing , Su Yuanyuan , Wang Yingxin
Published: August 2024

Although more scholars have studied the economic consequences of ESG, no conclusive results have been reached yet. In addition, there is a lack of research on the relationship between corporate ESG performance and surplus persistence. This paper adopts the ordinary least squares (OLS) method to analyze the impact of corporate ESG performance on corporate surplus persistence based on stakeholder theory and principal-agent theory using companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares from 2010 to 2022 as research objects. It was found that there is a significant positive correlation between ESG performance and both the social (S) and governance (G) dimensions, as well as surplus sustainability; conversely, the environmental (E) dimension is significantly negatively correlated with surplus sustainability in the short term, but further analysis reveals that it can enhance corporate surplus sustainability in the long run. Institutional investor shareholding and debt financing costs mediate the relationship between corporate ESG performance and both the S and G dimensions, influencing surplus persistence. Further analysis shows that the positive correlation between a firm’s ESG performance and its governance (G) dimension related to surplus persistence is more significant in the eastern region.
How Does Government Intervention Affect Community Residents’ Satisfaction with Public Services—Evidence from CSS (2021) in China
Authors: Li Yapeng , Wang Zihao , Zhu Yuanyuan
Published: August 2024

The traditional model of community public service in China is experiencing a nuanced transformation, which has been spurred by increased government involvement and the growing openness of communities in the realm of public governance. Recent scholarly inquiries have revealed a strong association between the level of government intervention and the satisfaction of residents with public services. This means that communities with higher levels of government intervention typically enjoy more comprehensive public facilities and services, thereby increasing residents’ satisfaction with community public services. This article analyzes 2021 social security system data and finds that government intervention often has a beneficial impact on improving residents’ satisfaction with public services, although it may also have negative effects in certain specific areas. In addition, the impact of government participation and community openness on residents’ satisfaction is moderated by various factors such as residents’ own economic statuses and education levels. To achieve this goal, government officials and community leaders should focus on improving the nature and degree of government intervention and community openness in order to more fully meet the needs of residents and increase their satisfaction.
Higher Education in China during the Pandemic: Analyzing Online Self-Learning Motivation Using Bayesian Networks
Authors: Li Jiang , Chang Yating , Liu Shaobo , Cai Chang , Zhou Qingping , Cai Xiaoxi , Lai Wenbo , Qi Jialing , Ji Yifeng , Liu Yudan
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented shift towards online learning, compelling university students worldwide to engage in self-directed learning within remote environments. Despite the increasing importance of online education, the factors driving students’ motivation for self-directed online learning, particularly those involving economic incentives, have not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing large-scale data collected from 19,023 university students across China during the pandemic. Using mixed Bayesian networks and multigroup structural equation modeling, the study explores the complex relationships between personal characteristics, academic characteristics, the academic environment, and students’ motivation for self-directed online learning. The results reveal significant associations between online self-directed learning motivation and personal characteristics. such as gender and age, academic characteristics, such as education level and learning incentives, and the geographic location of the school within the academic environment. Moreover, the causal relationship between school location and online self-directed learning motivation varies by gender and educational level. This research not only provides new empirical support for the theoretical framework of online learning motivation but also contributes to the broader fields of educational psychology and online learning research.
Data Analytics in Agriculture: Enhancing Decision-Making for Crop Yield Optimization and Sustainable Practices
Authors: Weraikat Dua , Šorič Kristina , Žagar Martin , Sokač Mateo
Published: August 2024

Collaboration across the agriculture supply chain is essential to address the high-yield demand and sustainable practices amid global overpopulation. Limited resources, such as soil and water, are compromised by excessive chemical agents and nutrient use. The Internet of Things (IoT) and smart farming offer solutions by optimizing agent applications, data analysis, and farm monitoring. Evidence from numerous studies indicates that collaboration in the supply chain, including farmers, can improve efficiency and productivity, reduce costs, and enhance crop quality. This paper investigates the transformation of traditional agriculture into smart farming through the integration of IoT technology and community partnerships. It presents a case study focused on educating farm owners about advanced technologies to enhance decision-making, improve crop yields, and promote sustainability. Additionally, the paper highlights the role of data analytics in agriculture. Farmers in the southern region of Zagreb, Croatia, were trained on the use of sensors and yield monitoring. Small farms in that region face challenges in improving yields due to limited capacity and lack of entrepreneurial experience. The DMAIC methodology was employed to address these issues and measure relevant parameters. The paper also discusses consistent patterns between electrical conductivity (EC) measurements and potassium levels in soil. It explains the potential of estimating potassium concentrations based on EC readings, or vice versa. Leveraging EC as a proxy for potassium levels could offer a cost-effective means of assessing soil fertility and nutrient dynamics. Additionally, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) biplot analysis is presented, showing that pH values behaved independently. Understanding these dynamics enhances knowledge of soil variability and informs sustainable soil management practices.
Response of Surface Runoff Evolution to Landscape Patterns in Karst Areas: A Case Study of Yun–Gui Plateau
Authors: Xu Hui , Chen Cunyou , Liu Luyun , Li Qizhen , Wei Baojing , Hu Xijun
Published: August 2024

To control and improve the phenomena of rocky desertification and soil erosion in karst landform areas, which are caused by a series of human factors that include social and economic development and human activities, China has successively introduced many policies, resulting in spatial and temporal changes in the landscape pattern of the southern karst area. In this study, land use transfer intensity maps, the grid method, the sample line method, the semivariogram method, and the Spearman analysis method are used to explore the spatial and temporal evolutions in surface runoff as responses to landscape pattern and policy factors in karst landform area. Therefore, this study provides theoretical and policy support for improving the regional landscape structure, optimizing the landscape layout, introducing regional policies, reducing surface runoff, and alleviating soil erosion. The results show that the best scale for the study of landscape patterns in the southern karst area is 3000 m. Forests are the land type that make up the highest proportion in the southern karst area, and they have the strongest interception capacity for surface runoff. The spatial and temporal distributions of the surface runoff are significantly different, and urban expansion has led to an increase in impervious runoff year over year. Runoff is positively correlated with the Shannon diversity index (SHDI), patch density (PD), and landscape shape index (LSI). The stronger the landscape heterogeneity, the more runoff. DIVISION is positively correlated with forest runoff and negatively correlated with other land types. The higher is the degree of aggregation of impervious patches, the higher the regional runoff rate. The more dispersed the forest patches are, the smaller the area proportion, and the greater the runoff. In addition, policy factors have a significant impact on surface runoff.
Activated Carbons Derived from Different Parts of Corn Plant and Their Ability to Remove Phenoxyacetic Herbicides from Polluted Water
Authors: Doczekalska Beata , Ziemińska Natalia , Kuśmierek Krzysztof , Świątkowski Andrzej
Published: August 2024

In this study, the adsorption of phenoxyacetic acid (PAA) and its chlorinated derivatives, including 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4CPA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), on activated carbons (ACs) from corn kernels (AC-K), corn leaves (AC-L), and corn silk (AC-S) were investigated. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and the film diffusion was the rate-limiting step. The adsorption rate increased in the order PAA < 4CPA < 2,4-D and was correlated with the porous structure (mesopore volume) of these ACs. The Langmuir isotherm models best fit the experimental data; PAA was adsorbed least and 2,4-D most preferentially. The observed trend (PAA < 4CPA < 2,4-D) was positively correlated with the molecular weight of the adsorbates and their hydrophobicity while being inversely correlated with their solubility in water. The adsorption for 2,4-D, according to the Langmuir equation, is equal to 2.078, 2.135, and 2.467 mmol/g and SBET 1600, 1720, and 1965 m2/g, respectively. The results for other herbicides showed a similar correlation. The adsorption of phenoxy herbicides was strongly pH-dependent. The ACs produced from corn biomass can be an eco-friendly choice, offering sustainable products that could be used as efficient adsorbents for removing phenoxyacetic herbicides from water.
Memory Effects in the Magnetohydrodynamic Axial Symmetric Flows of Oldroyd-B Fluids in a Porous Annular Channel
Authors: Fetecau Constantin , Vieru Dumitru , Eva Lucian , Forna Norina Consuela
Published: August 2024

In this article, we analytically investigate the isothermal magnetohydrodynamic axial symmetric flows of ordinary and fractional incompressible Oldroyd-B fluids through a porous medium in an annular channel. The fluid’s motion is generated by an outer cylinder, which moves along its symmetry axis with an arbitrary time-dependent velocity Vh(t). Closed-form expressions are established for the dimensionless velocity fields of both kinds of fluids, generating exact solutions for any motion of this type. To illustrate the concept, two particular cases are considered, and the velocity fields corresponding to the flow induced by the outer cylinder are presented in simple forms, with the results validated graphically. The motion of fractional and ordinary fluids becomes steady over time, and their corresponding velocities are presented as the sum of their steady and transient components. Moreover, the steady components of these velocities are identical. The influence of magnetic fields and porous media on the flow of fractional fluids is graphically depicted and discussed. It was found that a steady state is reached earlier in the presence of a magnetic field and later in the presence of a porous medium. Moreover, this state is obtained earlier in fractional fluids compared with ordinary fluids.
Exploring the Impact of Digital Transformation on Corporate Violations in China’s A-Share Market
Authors: Chang Qindong , Kong Can , Jin Shanyue
Published: August 2024

Illegal and irregular behavior restricts the development of listed companies. Digital technology provides new opportunities for corporate governance, including the management of corporate violations, and companies are utilizing the “digital express” to achieve organizational restructuring and innovations in governance. In this study, the aim was to clarify whether digital transformation can disincentivize corporate violations in an environment where legal constraints remain inadequate. Therefore, samples of China’s A-share-listed companies were used from 2013 to 2022, including a fixed-effects model to explore the impact of digital transformation on corporate violations. In this study, digital transformation is identified as significantly curbing the incidence of corporate violations. The moderating mechanism test shows that audit quality, analyst attention, and negative media reports all strengthen the inhibitory effect of digital transformation on corporate violations to varying degrees. Heterogeneity analysis identifies that the inhibitory effect of digital transformation on corporate violations is more pronounced in non-SOEs, large firms, and the manufacturing sector. In this study, the inhibitory effect of digital transformation on corporate violations is revealed, and the relevant literature on digital technology in the field of corporate governance is enriched, providing empirical references to promote the digital construction and healthy and compliant development of commercial enterprises.
Systemic View of the Role of Higher Educational Institutions in the Great Reset
Authors: Pejić Bach Mirjana , Suša Vugec Dalia , Khawaja Sarwar , Qureshi Fayyaz Hussain , Fildor Dorian
Published: August 2024

The Great Reset is a concept proposed by the World Economic Forum to rebuild the global economy sustainably following the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising stakeholder capitalism, greener practices, and more equitable social contracts. However, most of the literature focuses on the role of business and government actors in the Great Reset. At the same time, research that considers the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) is lacking. However, HEIs have the significant capacity to support various aspects of the Great Reset. In this work, we examine different mechanisms by which HEIs could bring change, such as fostering the growth of workforce skills, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, participating in community development and others. A survey on a sample of university professors, postdoctoral researchers, and research assistants has been conducted with the goal of evaluating the degree to which HEIs have played a role in influencing economic recovery after COVID-19, leveraging the industry 4.0, enhancing regional development, revitalising global cooperation, formulating sustainable business models, restoring environmental well-being, and restructuring social contracts, skills, and employment opportunities. A two-step cluster analysis has been conducted, indicating that HEIs played different roles in the Great Reset process, being the Leaders, Followers and Laggers. We found a significant difference between the various groups of respondents according to their scientific field, position, and region regarding the perception of the role played by their HEIs in influencing economic recovery after COVID-19. The position of the respondents contributed to their perception of the role that their HEIs participated in the process of the Great Reset, with the assistant professors perceiving the most often that their HEIs are Leaders. Additionally, the scientific field and region of the HEI also impacted their role in the Great Reset, with the HEIs from technology and countries outside of Europe being the Leaders most often. On the other hand, Followers and Laggers were equally from social sciences and other fields and European countries.
Enhanced Medical Education for Physically Disabled People through Integration of IoT and Digital Twin Technologies
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Saudagar Abdul Khader Jilani , Khan Muhammad Badruddin
Published: August 2024

This research presents an innovative approach to revolutionize IoT service development in medical education, specifically designed to empower individuals with physical disabilities. By integrating digital twin technology, we offer dynamic virtual representations of tangible assets, facilitating real-time simulation, monitoring, and feedback. A unique visual response algorithm has been developed to enhance the processing of visual vector data, resulting in a more efficient IoT service development process. Our method demonstrates superior performance over traditional techniques, particularly in achieving higher intrinsic variable merging values, which is critical for accurate and accessible visualization. The practical applications of this technology are highlighted through case studies that demonstrate how physically disabled students can benefit from interactive and immersive educational experiences. For instance, students can engage with the digital twins of medical equipment, allowing them to practice procedures and gain hands-on experience in a virtual environment without physical barriers. This approach not only improves accessibility but also personalizes learning experiences, adapting to the unique needs of each student. The research underscores the importance of inclusive design in developing IoT services, ensuring higher inclusivity rates and addressing diverse learning patterns. The findings suggest that the integration of IoT and digital twin technologies can significantly enhance medical education, making it more accessible, effective, and inclusive for physically disabled individuals. This study lays the groundwork for future advancements in this field, highlighting the potential for ongoing technological innovations to further transform medical education.
Why Is Reducing the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico Such a Complex Goal? Understanding the Structure That Drives Hypoxic Zone Formation via System Dynamics
Authors: Mier-Valderrama Luis , Ledezma Jorge , Gibson Karl , Anoruo Ambrose , Turner Benjamin
Published: August 2024

The Northern Gulf of Mexico hosts a severe dead zone, an oxygen-depleted area spanning 1,618,000 hectares, threatening over 40% of the U.S. fishing industry and causing annual losses of USD 82 million. Using a System Dynamics (SD) approach, this study examined the Mississippi–Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB), a major contributor to hypoxia in the Gulf. A dynamic model, developed with Vensim software version 10.2.1 andexisting data, represented the physical, biological, and chemical processes leading to eutrophication and simulated dead zone formation over time. Various policies were assessed, considering natural system variability. The findings showed that focusing solely on nitrogen control reduced the dead zone but required greater intensity or managing other inputs to meet environmental goals. Runoff control policies delayed nutrient discharge but did not significantly alter long-term outcomes. Extreme condition tests highlighted the critical role of runoff dynamics, dependent on nitrogen load relative to flow volume from upstream. The model suggests interventions should not just reduce eutrophication inputs but enhance factors slowing down the process, allowing natural denitrification to override anthropogenic nitrification.
Deltamethrin’s Effect on Nitrogen-Fixing Nodules in Medicago truncatula
Authors: De Fazio Rosario , Piras Cristian , Britti Domenico
Published: August 2024

Deltamethrin is used against plant pests (e.g., mites and ants) and, in farm animals, against biting insects because of its acaricidal and repellent effects against ticks, thus protecting the sheep and cattle from the transmission of pathogens. However, its impact on the environment still needs to be fully evaluated. This study evaluates the impact of this pyrethroid on the nitrogen-fixing nodules in Medicago truncatula, a model legume. This research compares nodular biomass and root weight between a deltamethrin-treated section and an untreated control section of this legume. Our results indicate a significant reduction in the biomass of nitrogen-fixing nodules in the treated grove, suggesting that deltamethrin negatively affects the symbiotic relationship between M. truncatula and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This reduction in nodule formation can impair soil fertility and plant growth, highlighting an ecological risk associated with pyrethroid’s use in livestock farming. These findings underscore the need for a shift towards Green Veterinary Pharmacology (GVP), which promotes environmentally sustainable practices in managing livestock health. By minimizing our reliance on harmful chemical treatments, GVP offers viable solutions to protect and enhance ecosystem services such as biological nitrogen fixation that are essential for maintaining soil health and agricultural productivity.
Degradation Characteristics of Nicosulfuron in Water and Soil by MnO2 Nano-Immobilized Laccase
Authors: Yue Wanlei , Wang Xin , Zhang Jiale , Bao Jia , Yao Mengqin
Published: August 2024

As a typical sulfonylurea herbicide, nicosulfuron is mainly used to control grass weeds and some broadleaf weeds in corn fields. However, as the amount of use continues to increase, it accumulates in the environment and eventually becomes harmful to the ecosystem. In the present study, a new metallic nanomaterial, δ-MnO2, was prepared, which not only has a similar catalytic mechanism as laccase but also has a significant effect on pesticide degradation. Therefore, the bicatalytic property of MnO2 can be utilized to improve the remediation of nicosulfuron contamination. Firstly, MnO2 nanomaterials were prepared by controlling the hydrothermal reaction conditions, and immobilized laccase was prepared by the adsorption method. Next, we investigate the effects of different influencing factors on the effect of immobilized laccase, MnO2, and free laccase on the degradation of nicosulfuron in water and soil. In addition, we also analyze the metabolic pathway of nicosulfuron degradation in immobilized laccase and the bicatalytic mechanism of MnO2. The results demonstrated that the degradation rate of nicosulfuron in water by immobilized laccase was 88.7%, and the optimal conditions were 50 mg/L, 25 h, 50 °C, and pH 5. For nicosulfuron in soil, the optimal conditions for the degradation by immobilized laccase were found to be 151.1 mg/kg, 46 °C, and pH 5.9; under these conditions, a degradation rate of 90.1% was attained. The findings of this study provide a theoretical reference for the immobilized laccase treatment of sulfonylurea herbicide contamination in water and soil.
Unveiling the Mysteries of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury: New Horizons in Pathogenesis and Prevention
Authors: Wang Zhong , Wang Qiuhan , Gong Xuezhong
Published: August 2024

The utilization of contrast media (CM) in clinical diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures has escalated, leading to a gradual increase in the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). Presently, the scarcity of effective pharmacological treatments for CI-AKI poses significant challenges to clinical management. Firstly, we explore the pathogenesis of CI-AKI in this review. Beyond renal medullary ischemia and hypoxia, oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis, and inflammation, emerging mechanisms such as ferroptosis, release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and nitrosative stress, which offer promising avenues for the management of CI-AKI, are identified. Secondly, a comprehensive strategy for the early prevention of CI-AKI is introduced. Investigating the risk factors associated with CI-AKI is essential for the timely identification of high-risk groups. Additionally, exploring early sensitive biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis. A synergistic approach that combines these sensitive biomarkers, CI-AKI risk factors, and disease risk prediction models enhances both the accuracy and efficiency of early diagnostic processes. Finally, we explore recent pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the management of Cl-AKI. Beyond the traditional focus on the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), we look at active compounds from traditional Chinese medicine, including tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), salvianolic acid B (Sal B), as well as emerging preventive medications like N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), alprostadil, and others, which all showed potential benefits in animal and clinical studies for CI-AKI prevention. Furthermore, innovative strategies such as calorie restriction (CR), enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP), and mesenchymal stem cell therapy are highlighted as providing fresh insights into Cl-AKI prevention and management.