bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of Brand-Driven Quality Improvement Decision-Making in Multi-Small-Supplier Agri-Food Supply Chain: The Case of China
Authors: Mu Jing , Li Jing , Li Yaze , Liu Chao
Published: October 2021

This paper develops a system dynamics framework for the closed-loop agri-food brand supply chain (AFBSC) with multiple small farmer suppliers and one core brand manufacturer, and investigates the influences of various factors including brand effort, quality elasticity, price elasticity, revenue sharing, and the number of suppliers on the system behavior. The results show: (i) food quality is determined by all farmer suppliers, who might choose hitchhiking with the prisoner’s dilemma game in a decentralized decision-making mode; (ii) brand effort to improve brand value for food quality is mainly made by the core brand manufacturer, who presents a goal-seeking system dynamics (SD) manner with oscillation behavior around the expected quality of consumers; (iii) whether farmer suppliers or brand manufacturers, the centralized decision-making mode is more useful for them to increase revenue than the decentralized one; furthermore, the shared centralized decision-making mode is most useful for them to obtain more revenue, and the brand manufacturer is still the biggest beneficiary.
Inclusive University Education in Bolivia: The Actors and Their Discourses
Authors: Muyor-Rodríguez Jesús , Fuentes-Gutiérrez Virginia , De la Fuente-Robles Yolanda María , Amezcua-Aguilar Teresa
Published: October 2021

Education policies in Bolivia and other parts of Latin America have improved significantly in recent years. However, there continue to be barriers to higher education for students with specific educational support needs and difficulties are still found in the institutional management of inclusive education. This paper aims to better understand the elements that facilitate and hinder university inclusion of students with functional diversity in Bolivia. The methodology used is qualitative. The discourses of key informants within the university community were collected using the focus group technique. The software Atlas.ti-8 was used for data processing and inductive coding was performed using the constant comparison method. The study’s main findings indicate that both the categorization of functional diversity and the financing model in place have a great impact on inclusive education actions at the university level. The research also reveals a lack of correspondence between the rights of people with functional diversity and the resources allocated to them. The conclusions point to the need to establish intersectional institutional strategies based on the recognition of diversity as an essential value in the development of inclusive and sustainable education.
Gendered Factors Associated with Preventive Behaviors and Mental Health among Chinese Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic Home Quarantine
Authors: Liu Shu-Mei , Shih Shu-Fang , Meng Bo , Zhen Rui , Pan Xiao-Ben , Ng Eric , Hsu Chia-Hsuan , Fang Wei-Ta
Published: October 2021

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) has greatly impacted the life and mental health of many people globally. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with preventive behaviors and mental health among Chinese adults during their home quarantine in the COVID-19 period. An online questionnaire survey was administered in March 2020. The study participants were adults aged between 18 and 70 years old from 31 provinces in China. Of the 3878 participants, 1314 reported moderate levels of anxiety, and the remaining participants reported moderate to severe levels of anxiety. Findings revealed that females aged between 18 and 30 years old who had higher educational qualifications, greater levels of preventive knowledge, trust in the government, and resided in urban and medium-risk areas (R2 = 0.100, F = 27.97, p < 0.001) were more likely to exhibit preventive behaviors. In contrast, a higher negative emotional response was generally seen in males who had low levels of preventive knowledge and behaviors, higher risk perception of infection, lower trust in the government, and unhealthy lifestyles (R2 = 0.127, F = 32.33, p < 0.001). In addition, the high-risk perception of infection was positively associated with high odds of anxiety (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.10–1.24), whereas a greater level of preventive knowledge (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.19–0.70) and behaviors (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.57–0.84), higher trust in the government’s COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measures (AOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71–0.83), and a healthier lifestyle (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79–0.99) were negatively associated with high odds of anxiety. Results showed that a lower level of anxiety and negative emotional response were associated with better preventive behaviors against COVID-19, which were influenced by preventive knowledge, risk perception, trust in the government’s COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measures, and healthy lifestyle. Findings in this study could help formulate health interventions for vulnerable groups related to gendered vulnerabilities in the COVID-19 environment to improve their mental health and preventive behaviors, especially during the period of a pandemic.
Cultural Dimensions and Social Media Empowerment in Digital Era: Travel-Related Continuance Usage Intention
Authors: Sharmin Farzana , Sultan Mohammad Tipu , Wang Dake , Badulescu Alina , Li Benqian
Published: October 2021

In this digital age, technological advancements have dramatically transformed consumers′ travel behavior. Among these, social media has been identified as the most notable and popular digital platform which appeals to consumers from different cultures, mindsets, and demographics. Culture may stimulate individuals’ attitudes and subsequent behavior. Thus, prior research concentrated on technology adoption in the cross-cultural perspectives, rather than the influence of technological empowerment in an individual context. The significance of the cultural dimensions in shaping behavioral patterns of travel consumers has long been recognized, but the topic remains understudied. Moreover, the usage of social media has seen exponential growth in popularity, but little research has incorporated cultural values at an individual level, mostly for travel purposes. Hence, this current study aims to examine cultural values and their impact on social media continuance usage intention from a travel viewpoint. Therefore, an integrated framework is proposed, grounded in the technology acceptance model (TAM), and extended by cultural values (i.e., collectivism, long-term orientation, and uncertainty avoidance), and social media self-efficacy. A cross-sectional data survey (n = 346) was conducted on travel consumers and a structural equation modeling (SEM) was carried out. Results show that collectivism and long-term orientation are significantly linked with the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which influences the social media continuance usage intention, whereas uncertainty avoidance does not have any relevance. Moreover, social media self-efficacy significantly (though indirectly) affects the continuance usage intention via perceived usefulness. From our findings, travel providers are encouraged to follow the cultural effects and individuals’ continuance usage intention while providing tourism services on social media. The theoretical and practical implications of these results have also been an area of focus of this paper.
An Evaluation of Project Risk Dynamics in Sino-Africa Public Infrastructure Delivery; A Causal Loop and Interpretive Structural Modelling Approach (ISM-CLD)
Authors: Eshun Bridget Tawiah Badu , Chan Albert P.C.
Published: October 2021

Africa’s growth in public infrastructure provision has been fueled by the collective effort of the government authority and foreign private investors. China, through state-owned corporations, has become one of the leading infrastructure financier springing up numerous projects in transport, energy, oil and gas, water, and sewage sectors in Africa. Infrastructure procurement in developing countries comes with complexities and uncertainties. While Sino-Africa transnational public–private partnerships (TPPP) are becoming an increasingly popular route for public infrastructure procurement, their specific project risks and dynamics are not yet fully understood due to the typical assessment of risk autonomously. This paper identifies pertinent project risks in Sino-Africa TPPPs and applies system thinking in evaluating their behaviour and dynamics. An extensive review of literature and expert opinion employing semi-structured interviews was adopted in the identification and assessment of risk factors. Additionally, the study applied causal loop and interpretive structural modelling as an integrated approach in the assessment of risk behaviour from a systems perspective. Results indicate that risk factors associated with Sino-Africa TPPPs are interactive and portray curious systemic behaviour. Risk factors like force majeure and others associated with the governance structure and stability of the host African country are most influential, and their occurrence could inhibit project success. The study recommends that in conjunction with the conventional risk assessment by impact, systems thinking can be adopted to evaluate and comprehend the dynamics and interactions amongst the risk factors. This will improve risk assessment efficiency and fair allocation and treatment of risks as a conduit for project success and promote a win–win partnership for project actors.
Investigating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth Low-Energy Signal Characteristics for Integration in Vehicle–Pedestrian Collision Warning Systems
Authors: Mohammadi Shahriar , Ismail Karim , Ghods Amir H.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the study is to investigate the comparative field performance of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Classic (Bluetooth) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal modes for integration in vehicle–pedestrian collision warning systems. The study compares these wireless signal modes to find out which one is most appropriate to be utilized in these systems and provides better results in terms of accuracy and functionality. Five factors including received signal strength indicator (RSSI)-distance relationship, rainfall effects on the signals, motion effects, non-line of sight effects and signal transmission rates were selected for evaluation. These factors were selected considering the requirements of vehicle–pedestrian collision warning systems and compared with each other based on experimental outcomes. The results of the experiments indicated the overall superiority of BLE mode over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modes to be utilized in these systems. Application of this mode may provide the possibility of fast collision warnings thanks to low signal transmission intervals and high probability of simultaneous signal detections by multiple signals scanners. Moreover, the capability of this mode to accurately estimate distance and position is higher than Wi-Fi mode and not significantly different from Bluetooth mode.
Technological Innovation, Production Efficiency, and Sustainable Development: A Case Study from Shenzhen in China
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Xu Meng , Yang Yifu , Song Zeyu
Published: October 2021

Shenzhen is a national sustainable development innovation demonstration zone, with the theme of innovation leading the sustainable development of megacities. This manuscript studies technological innovation, production efficiency, and sustainable development and explores the impact of their relationship on Shenzhen. The benchmark test shows a significant negative correlation between the inefficiency of production, labor levels, investment levels, technical levels, and socioeconomic status. From 2001 to 2019, the production efficiencies of 21 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province were used as the research object. The Cobb–Douglas production function conducted panel stochastic frontier analysis and TOBIT regression, and the conclusion was robust. The mechanism test found that the economic growth of Guangdong Province, including Shenzhen, is still dominated by labor and investment. Its production efficiency has been dramatically impacted after 2008, and the increase in production inefficiency may be affected by the crowding-out effect of a four-trillion investment. Finally, based on the Tobit regression, we found that the rise in the labor force, capital input, technological level, and socioeconomic development level could reduce Shenzhen’s production inefficiencies by 3.6%, 20.2%, 2.5%, and 4%, respectively. There is still a long way to achieve sustainable development; however, Shenzhen’s technological innovation and mega-city reform process will provide valuable insights for other regions.
A Framework of Engagement Practices for Stakeholders Collaborating around Complex Social Challenges
Authors: Edlmann Frederick Robert Peter , Grobbelaar Sara
Published: October 2021

South Africa’s interventions to address complex social challenges rely on coordination across several sectors and between different levels of government and society. Improved alignment, planning and coordination are needed when addressing the causal factors of these social challenges. These causal factors include the environments in which people live and their behaviours. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the recurring engagement of civil society, especially of marginalized stakeholders, as participants in the efforts to address the challenges. The study draws from the promise shown by stakeholder networks, termed Innovation Platforms, in other Sub-Saharan Africa countries to address such complex social challenges. The study aimed to improve the understanding of how a stakeholder network’s engagement practices impact the effectiveness of the network. To this end, a conceptual framework and management tool for stakeholder engagement in IPs is proposed. The study followed the conceptual framework analysis procedure to develop, evaluate and refine the conceptual framework. The article describes the core research outcomes of the framework development approach, starting with a systematized literature review to identify core concepts, followed by interviews with experts and a case study to refine the framework content. The case study applied the framework to develop recommendations for improved engagement in a stakeholder network which has been established around the challenge of vagrancy in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The result of the approach is a multidimensional framework for conceptualizing stakeholder engagement practices in a variety of contexts. The focus of the framework content remains on the practices of engagement which enable effective and fruitful stakeholder interactions within and around a network. The study delivered valuable insights into the nature of some development initiatives in South Africa and the impact of stakeholder engagement on them.
A Review of Key Sustainability Issues in Malaysian Palm Oil Industry
Authors: Naidu Lakshmy , Moorthy Ravichandran
Published: October 2021

The palm oil industry has contributed enormously to the economic growth of developing countries in the tropics, including Malaysia. Despite the industry being a development tool for emerging economies, the oil palm crop is inundated with allegations of its unsustainable plantation practices and viewed as environmentally detrimental and socially adverse. These negative perceptions are amplified through anti-palm oil campaigns and protectionist trade regulations in developed countries, particularly in the European Union (EU). This situation, if further exacerbated, could potentially affect the export of palm oil and the industry as a whole. As such, this article provides a critical review of the key sustainability issues faced by the Malaysian palm oil industry as the second biggest exporter of palm oil to the global market. The various insights and the interpretations of sustainability are contested according to the contexts and the interests of the countries involved. Hence, palm oil is constantly exposed to bias masked by non-tariff barriers from consumer countries to protect their domestically produced vegetable oils. This could constrain the commodity competitiveness in the international market. As issues on palm oil sustainability continue to evolve, policymakers at key stakeholder agencies need to devise strategies to manage global disruption in the palm oil trade.
Higher Education Students’ Online Instruction Perceptions: A Quality Virtual Learning Environment
Authors: Tan Kim Hua , Chan Poh Phui , Mohd Said Nur-Ehsan
Published: October 2021

Online instruction has been one of the key delivery methods in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic due to school closures around the globe. In accordance with the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013–2025), maximizing the use of information/communication technology has been emphasized to scale up learning quality across Malaysia, including distance and self-paced learning. However, online learning in the country is at its infancy stage with raised issues, causing dropping-out and school leaving in higher education. To improve teaching and learning quality, this scoping review aimed to explore higher education students’ online instruction perceptions into two main components: research on online instruction perceptions followed by factors influencing online instruction perceptions. Using Arksey and O’Malley (2005)’s methodological framework, 61 articles related to students’ online instruction perceptions were identified from Google Scholar, ERIC, and Research Gate databases. In terms of theoretical articles, the results showed that cognitivism, connectivism, and constructivism were the most used theories of online instruction. On the basis of the empirical articles gathered, quantitative research design was the most utilized to collect students’ perspectives toward online instruction. As a whole, the findings revealed that motivation and satisfaction were mostly positively perceived by students, whereas, a lack of interaction was highly categorized as an unfavorable online instruction perception. Three main factors were identified: quality instruction, online interaction, and instructional and technical support. Future studies can focus on investigating teachers’ online instruction perceptions to achieve quality in higher education.
Integrating Personal and Pro-Environmental Motives to Explain Italian Women’s Purchase of Sustainable Clothing
Authors: Carfora Valentina , Buscicchio Giulia , Catellani Patrizia
Published: October 2021

Despite increased knowledge of the impact of clothing production on the environment, the general public still has a low intention to purchase sustainable clothing. The present study analyzed the psychosocial predictors of Italian women’s intention to purchase sustainable clothing, proposing an integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) approaches. Participants (N = 286) filled in a self-report online questionnaire, measuring Italian women’s intention to purchase sustainable clothing, as well as TPB variables, such as subjective norm, attitude, and perceived behavioral control, and VBN variables, such as egoistic and biospheric values, awareness of consequences, and personal norm. Results of structural equation modeling showed that the TPB + VBN integrated model predicted women’s intention to purchase sustainable clothing. Personal norm and attitude were the strongest predictors of intention. Mediation analyses showed the indirect impact of the VBN chain (from values to moral norm) on intention. Discussion focusses on the psychosocial dimensions that public policy, non-governmental organizations, and clothing companies should consider when promoting the purchase of sustainable clothing.
Influence of Disinfectants on Airport Conveyor Belts
Authors: Draganová Katarína , Semrád Karol , Blišťanová Monika , Musil Tomáš , Jurč Rastislav
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease has influenced almost all of our everyday activities. Traveling and transportation have been influenced significantly and there is no doubt that air transportation has been restricted and therefore reduced considerably. It is predicted that the change back to pre-pandemic conditions will take several years, and so it is a reasonable assumption that disinfectants will be used more frequently for a long time. The presented article initially deals with the possible impacts of the pandemic on aircraft infrastructure—namely, on the influence of disinfectants on the rubber materials used, for example, in conveyor belts. The proposed methodology is based on the Weibull analysis for conveyor belt lifetime prediction regarding the impact of disinfectants. The Weibull distribution is a continuous probability distribution that can be applied as a theoretical model for statistical data processing. It was named after Weibull, who suggested shape, scale, and location parameters that made the distribution meaningful and useful. Currently, this distribution is applied in many areas, such as biology, economics, and hydrology. In engineering applications, it can be used for reliability and survival analysis. It is used mainly in cases where failure time is dependent on the operating hours, cycles, or age of the component. In the reliability area, it can be used, for example, to predict the lifetime or failure time of a component. To show the consequences of material changes due to the use of disinfectants, this article also presents a CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) analysis that was used for the evaluation of other hyperelastic material characteristics. This research is based on the results of experimental measurements, during which the influence of the types of disinfectant commonly used for the elimination of the coronavirus disease on airport conveyor belt rubber segments was tested. From the performed analysis, it was found that the influence of disinfectants on the material characteristics, including material hardness, elasticity, and static and dynamic loading, could be significant. Therefore, the probability of mechanical damage to the rubber part of the conveyor belt becomes higher, and time intervals for the maintenance or repair of airport conveyor belts should be considered.
Evaluating the Heavy Metal Risk in Spinacia oleracea L. and Its Surrounding Soil with Varied Biochar Levels: A Pot Experiment
Authors: Xiang Gang , Wu Xianliang , Long Shengxing
Published: October 2021

Spinacia oleracea L., as the most widely cultivated green leafy vegetable in China, can threaten human health in cases of its excessive heavy metal content, especially in mining areas of karst landforms. Therefore, the present study mainly investigates whether biochar is useful for remediating heavy metal pollution in soil and S. oleracea and the degree of this improvement in karst areas. The effects of heavy metal exposure on the health of children and adults in S. oleracea and rhizosphere lime soil with six biochar levels are evaluated by a health risk assessment, namely, 4000 g of lime soil (C-0), 160 g of biochar + 3840 g of lime soil (C-160), 240 g of biochar + 3760 g of lime soil (C-240), 320 g of biochar + 3680 g of lime soil (C-320), 400 g of biochar + 3600 g of lime soil (C-400) and 800 g of biochar + 3200 g of lime soil (C-800). The results show that the pH values of the lime soil were positively correlated with Pb, P and K contents and negatively correlated with As, Cr, Hg, Cd and N contents in S. oleracea. The assessments of the potential ecological risk index show that the soil samples for the C-0 and C-160 levels pose moderate ecological hazards, while the soil samples for the C-320, C-800, C-400 and C-240 levels constitute mild ecological hazards. The single noncarcinogenic risks, total noncarcinogenic risk indexes, single carcinogenic risks and total carcinogenic risks values indicate that exposure to heavy metals in lime soil and S. oleracea poses a serious threat to human health. It also presents an unacceptable cancer risk and children are more threatened than adults. Our results suggest that heavy metal pollution of S. oleracea and its rhizosphere lime soil in karst areas still poses a threat to human health after adding biochar, and the relevant local departments need to implement more active measures to solve the excessive heavy metal contents in the local soil and vegetables of this karst regions.
Factors Affecting the Trade Dependence Relationship of Asian Countries with China: Implications for China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Yang Wei , Xue Feihuang , Shi Jinfeng , Shao Yanmin , Wang Di
Published: October 2021

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (B&R) has received much doubts about its impact on Asian countries. This paper studies the B&R effect from a new perspective of the trade dependence relationship, and explores this B&R impact on the influencing factors of the degree of trade dependence. By implementing a series of grouping analyses on influencing factors, this paper analyses the impact of four national characteristics, including Asian countries’ income levels, geographical location characteristics, social development levels and intimacy with China, and finally gives a robust test by combining alternative indicators of trade dependence degree based on information entropy. The empirical results show that trade dependence degree has increased after implementing the B&R, but its downward growth rate shows that the B&R has not taken over the trade dependence. The inhibiting effects of energy exports on the degree of trade dependence deny the trade binding hypothesis due to the increasing energy of export trade. Trade openness and infrastructure development had a negative effect on the degree of trade dependence, while their cross-product term weakened their respective inhibitory effects, and even more after B&R. Meanwhile, the asymmetry of trade and FDI have a significantly positive impact on the degree of trade dependence. Moreover, grouping national characteristics will bring the promoting or inhibiting effects of these influencing factors on the degree of trade dependence. The robust test presents conclusions. This paper enriches the research content on the B&R, and the findings can provide some implications on the selection of trade partners and the sustainable development of the B&R.
Recycling Behaviour of Italian Citizens in Connection with the Clarity of On-Pack Labels. A Bottom-Up Survey
Authors: Amir Kavei Farzaneh , Savoldi Laura
Published: October 2021

The present work studies, through an online survey, the recycling behaviours of a representative sample of Italian end users, in connection with the effectiveness of on-pack recycling indications of different packed materials. The study has a special focus on the clarity of on-pack recycling indications to convey waste sorting information, and the impact of clear and straightforward labelling to improve the sorting result. The work took advantage of social media as the distribution platform, thus obtaining a relatively high involvement of citizens. To investigate the representativeness of the sample, some of its characteristics were subject to checks and comparisons to their corresponding values of the Italian population. According to almost three-quarters of the responders, a clear and straightforward labelling will improve the result of their waste sorting drastically. The general awareness of the answerers relative to the importance of waste recycling and willingness to improve the quality of their sorted waste is very high among the participants but the overall satisfaction of the on-pack indications is relatively low. The score of on-pack labels in conveying information on recycling and waste segregation is evaluated as improvable. A higher perception of circular economy concept leads to more re-utilisation of the packaging parts, which increases with the awareness about the importance of recycling.
Effects of Contact Time and Flow Configuration on the Acid Mine Drainage Remediation Capabilities of Pervious Concrete
Authors: Thisani Sandisiwe Khanyisa , Kallon Daramy Vandi Von , Byrne Patrick
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) remediation capabilities of pozzolanic pervious concrete Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) with a specific focus on the effects of flow configuration and contact time on the remediation efficiency. Raw AMD was collected from an abandoned coal mine. Two flow configurations, gravity flow and column flow, were tested at a laboratory scale with gradually increasing contact times. The gravity flow configuration with two orders of magnitude less liquid-concrete contact time achieved AMD treated water quality equivalent to the high retention column flow configuration. Concentrations of iron, aluminium, sulphate, magnesium and sodium were reduced by more than 99%, 80%, 17%, 22% and 20%, respectively, at the tested limits while calcium and potassium concentrations were increased by up to 16% and 300%, respectively. The study findings indicate that the lifecycle costs of pervious concrete PRBs can be significantly reduced when the PRBs are operated under gravity flow.
Decolourisation and Biodegradation of Textile Di-azo Dye Congo Red by Chryseobacterium geocarposphaerae DD3
Authors: Sarkar Shrabana , Echeverría-Vega Alex , Banerjee Aparna , Bandopadhyay Rajib
Published: October 2021

In the present study, Chryseobacterium geocarposphaerae DD3 isolated from textile industry dye effluent in West Bengal, India, displayed significant tolerance to sulfonated di-azo dye Congo red (CR), up to 500 ppm. The optimum decolourisation revealed that C. geocarposphaerae DD3 was capable of 96.52% decolourisation of 0.2 g L−1 CR within 12 h of treatment in the presence of 5 g L−1 glucose as supplementary carbon source. Biodegradation analysis of decolourised CR containing water was investigated by FTIR, MS and 1H NMR, which confirmed the absence of azo bond as well as the toxic aromatic amines. Further, phytotoxicity analysis was performed to assess the toxicity of CR before and after bacterial treatment. Growth indexes of Vigna radiata L. seed confirmed that the biodegraded water was non-phytotoxic in comparison to the control CR solution. Multivariate analyses confirmed the same, showing significant differences between measured plant health indicators for CR solutions, whereas no significant differences were found between distilled and treated water. This study is novel as it is the first report of dye degradation by C. geocarposphaerae and may lead to a sustainable way of treating dye-contaminated water in the near future.
Impact of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Biochar Enriched with Chicken Manure Extract on Phosphorus Retention in Sandy Soil
Authors: Dady Yossif , Ismail Roslan , Jol Hamdan , Arolu Fatai
Published: October 2021

A 45-day incubation and leaching experiments was conducted to determine the effect of different rates (0, 1, 2, 3, and 5 t ha−1) of enriched empty fruit bunches biochar (EEFB) and inorganic fertilizer (91 kg ha−1 triple superphosphate—TSP) on the availability and leaching losses of phosphorus from sandy soil (tin tailing soil). The treatments rates for the study were designated as T1—without fertilizer (control), T2—inorganic fertilizer treatment using TSP and T3, T4, T5, and T6, which refers to EEFB rate of 1, 2, 3, and 5 t ha−1, respectively. The enriched biochar was prepared by shaking biochar with chicken manure extract for 24 h. The addition of EEFB to the soils was found to increase pH of the soil compared to control and inorganic fertilizer treatment. After 45 days of incubation, the percentage increase in available P recorded in EEFB treatments were 1.6, 2.9, 2.8, and 4.1%, whereas for control treatment and inorganic fertilizer treatment, the available phosphorus was found to reduce by 10% and 83%, respectively. Loss of phosphorus via leaching in the soil was higher in EEFB treatments compared to control. However, the highest phosphorus leaching among all treatments in this study was recorded in inorganic fertilizer treatments. From the study, it was observed that biochar can be used to recapture phosphorus from chicken manure extract for transport to the soil, thereby reducing problems associated with chicken manure application.
Developing Sustainable Competitive Strategies in the Beauty Service Industry: A SWOT-AHP Approach
Authors: Kim Yong-Jeong , Lee Joo-Hee , Lee Sang-Gun , Lee Hong-Hee
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study is to provide concrete growth strategies and practical development methods in the beauty service industry. This study consists of a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) analysis from the literature review and in-depth interviews with experts of the beauty service industry in South Korea. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied to the finalized SWOT matrix to incorporate experts’ ideas. The combined high priority factors present four types of strategic alternatives: Strength–Opportunity (SO), Strength–Threat (ST), Weakness–Opportunity (WO), and Weakness–Threat (WT). This study applies an environmental analysis framework from the management strategy field to construct a sophisticated SWOT matrix. Furthermore, this study quantifies the importance of SWOT components through AHP to determine priorities to lay the groundwork for timely and sustainable strategy development in the beauty service industry. Based on the SWOT-AHP analysis, this study suggests that beauty service companies should pay attention to the lack of profitability and employee stress with high turnover rates caused by poor working conditions and emotional labor. In addition, the Korean government should gradually shift away from the lack of an effective legal system to grow the beauty industry.
Not All Late Filers Are the Same: Distinguishing between Differences in Filing Behaviour
Authors: Selleslagh Thomas , Ceustermans Stefanie , Stas Lara
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the association between private firms’ timeliness of financial reporting and financial health by exploring firms’ reporting behaviour over a longer period of time (9 years). We show that 9% of all firms are consistently late every year and find significant differences in the association between firms’ financial health and late filing depending on their past filing behaviour. We find a negative association between firms’ financial health and late filing. However, our research also shows the opposite (i.e., positive) association for firms who were late consistently. Our results suggest that other motivations besides obfuscating bad performance might cause firms to delay the disclosure of their financial statements.
Performance and Challenges in the Value Chain of the Anadara tuberculosa Bivalve Mollusk in Ecuador
Authors: Prado-Carpio Eveligh , de Lourdes Olivo-Garrido María , Quiñonez-Cabeza Manuel , Beitl Christine M. , Martínez-Soto Moisés , Rodríguez-Monroy Carlos
Published: October 2021

The bivalve mollusk, Anadara tuberculosa (Black Shell, in Spanish Concha Prieta), is found on America’s Pacific coast, where it is harvested for subsistence and commercial markets. This paper aims to diagnose the performance of the black shell’s value chain. We also identify several challenges that must be addressed to improve the sustainability of the black shell fishery in Ecuador. The applied methodology was quantitative and descriptive. Its design was non-experimental, field, cross-sectional and ex post facto. The investigation was carried out from January to October 2019 in the Jambelí archipelago, El Oro province, Ecuador. The study population consisted of 565 individuals, shellfish collectors, shellfish associations managers, traders, and restaurants from the A. tuberculosa production chain. The sample size was estimated at 222 informants. The type of sampling used was probabilistic, random, stratified, and with proportional allocation, with an effective participation rate of those selected of approximately 80%. The questionnaire was applied personally through the structured survey method, in writing, in the work area, and with their consent. The performance of the value chain was diagnosed in the dimensions of productivity, competitiveness, and quality of life, reaching a 75.1% index, a result that indicates that the value chain has a moderate to good performance level. The competitiveness dimension reached the highest performance, followed by productivity. Quality of life was the dimension with the lowest performance. The value chain can be improved if the following challenges are met: (1) Restoration of the mangrove ecosystem, (2) Promotion of low-intensity shellfish aquaculture, (3) Good sanitary management and purification, (4) Promotion of value-focused ventures, (5) Strengthening of organizations and agreements for the use and custody of mangroves, and (6) Strengthening of institutions that contribute to the advancement of these challenges.
The Impacts of Social Enterprises on Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Nghia Thi Thu , Tang Cheng-Tao , Wong Chun Yee
Published: October 2021

This study examines whether social enterprise development improves labor market outcomes of the entire economy. Using the data of social enterprise and labor force survey in Vietnam, we conduct a regression analysis to address this question. We focus on the rapid growth period of social enterprises in Vietnam during the early 2010s. Our results suggest that, as the number of social enterprises increases, average labor earnings increase, the probabilities of being unemployed and being self-employed decrease, and average working hours increase. Since our study evaluates the effect of social enterprise development on the outcomes for the overall labor market rather than the social enterprise sector alone, it provides justification for promoting such a policy from policymakers’ point of view.
What Determines Consumer Attitude toward Green Credit Card Services? A Moderated Mediation Approach
Authors: Kim Moon-Yong , Son Minhee
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this research is to examine the factors affecting consumer attitude within the context of green credit card services. Specifically, this research examines (1) the effect of individual characteristics (i.e., green knowledge, innovativeness) on attitude toward green credit card services; and (2) the mediating role of self-accountability and the moderating role of regulatory focus in the relationships. With a sample of 1000 green credit/debit card users, structural equation modelling and moderated mediation analyses were implemented to investigate the relationships involving green knowledge, innovativeness, self-accountability, regulatory focus, and attitude. The results indicate that (1) while the effect of green knowledge on attitude is not significant, innovativeness has a positive impact on attitude; (2) self-accountability mediates the relationship between (a) green knowledge and (b) innovativeness and attitude; and (3) regulatory focus moderates the relationship between self-accountability and attitude, such that the positive relationship is stronger for consumers with a prevention (vs. promotion) focus. Furthermore, moderated mediation was observed; that is, the mediation effects of self-accountability on the relationship between (a) green knowledge and (b) innovativeness and attitude are stronger for prevention- (vs. promotion-) focused consumers. The findings provide an important insight into how credit card companies approaching ESG issues can enhance their consumers’ attitude toward green credit card services.
Could Assistive Technology Provision Models Help Pave the Way for More Environmentally Sustainable Models of Product Design, Manufacture and Service in a Post-COVID World?
Authors: Oldfrey Ben , Barbareschi Giulia , Morjaria Priya , Giltsoff Tamara , Massie Jessica , Miodownik Mark , Holloway Catherine
Published: October 2021

From multiple studies conducted through the FCDO AT2030 Programme, as well as key literature, we examine whether Assistive Technology (AT) provision models could look towards more sustainable approaches, and by doing this benefit not only the environment, but also address the problems that the current provision systems have. We show the intrinsic links between disability inclusion and the climate crisis, and the particular vulnerability people with disabilities face in its wake. In particular, we discuss how localised circular models of production could be beneficial, facilitating context driven solutions and much needed service elements such as repair and maintenance. Key discussion areas include systems approaches, digital fabrication, repair and reuse, and material recovery. Finally, we look at what needs be done in order to enable these approaches to be implemented. In conclusion, we find that there are distinct parallels between what AT provision models require to improve equitable reliable access, and strategies that could reduce environmental impact and bring economic benefit to local communities. This could allow future AT ecosystems to be key demonstrators of circular models, however further exploration of these ideas is required to make sense of the correct next steps. What is key in all respects, moving forward, is aligning AT provision with sustainability interventions.
Factors Affecting ESG towards Impact on Investment: A Structural Approach
Authors: Aich Satyabrata , Thakur Ayusha , Nanda Deepanjan , Tripathy Sushanta , Kim Hee-Cheol
Published: October 2021

Recent disasters have emphasized the need for further action to protect businesses and society from long-term sustainability threats. We believe that the crisis is hastening nascent ESG trends, and that the increased focus on a company’s environmental and social impact will last long after crises have passed. We refined three fundamental concepts that guide our thinking on investing based on environmental, social, and governance factors as our approach to sustainable investing has evolved. The ESG factor assessments are more of an inherent aspect of a sound investment process than a separate investment discipline. When ESG variables are considered, the focus is on long-term risk adjusted investment returns. Investors should choose the strategy that best matches with their goals and interests. ESG investing is not a simple yes or no answer. The research gap extracted from the previous studies is to determine the relationship among the influencing factors of ESG and its priority with their driving and dependence capabilities. We used an ISM Approach to uncover the interrelationships and influencing behavior among the elements for considering ESG in investment after conducting a thorough literature research and consulting with experts. Here interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was used to explore the links among such extracted factors and its interdependencies. There was also focus on the short-term and long-term factors to achieve our desired objective. Our research will assist businesses in attracting and obtaining finance. The results of this analysis will be helpful for leaders to understand the impact of ESG on the investment aspects of an organization.
Spatio-Temporal Modelling of the Change of Residential-Induced PM10 Pollution through Substitution of Coal with Natural Gas in Domestic Heating
Authors: Senyel Kurkcuoglu Muzeyyen Anil , Zengin Beyda Nur
Published: October 2021

Air pollution has been one of the most critical urban problems. Urban energy networks are among the major sources of air pollution, particularly in highly populated urban areas. Residential heating, which is the primary cause of particulate matter (PM) emissions, contributes to the problem through the use of low-quality fuels, such as coal. Natural gas, although a fossil fuel, is a modern, relatively clean, and more efficient alternative in residential energy use, which helps to reduce particulate matter emissions. Coal was widely used in residential heating in İzmir, Turkey, whereas natural gas is a relatively new alternative which started to be used domestically in 2006. Switching from coal and other highly polluting fossil fuels to natural gas in urban energy distribution network has contributed to the alleviation of air pollution in the city in the past decade. Spatiotemporal analyses of the PM10 concentrations, and their relation to the natural gas investments, have been conducted in geographical information systems (GIS). The spatial distribution of the change in PM10 levels has been modeled with ordinary kriging for the 2010–2011 and 2018–2019 winter seasons. Interpolated PM10 surfaces show that there is a significant decrease in the emissions throughout the city in the overall, while the highest levels of decrease are observed in the southern part of the city. Overlaying the interpolated PM10 surfaces and the natural gas pipeline investments enables the demonstration of the mutual relationship between the change in emission levels and the energy distribution network. Indeed, the spatial distribution of the pollution concentrations appears to be parallel to the natural gas investments. The pipeline investments were intensive during the 2010–2018 period in the southern districts when compared the rest of the city. The use of natural gas in residential heating contributed to the decrease in PM10 emissions.
Airbnb Hospitality: Exploring Users and Non-Users’ Perceptions and Intentions
Authors: Mohsin Asad , Lengler Jorge
Published: October 2021

Although the use of Airbnb services is growing, research relating to its value, risk, satisfaction, and repurchase intentions involving the millennial generation is scarce. This study investigates actual experience of social, utilitarian and hedonic values, risks, satisfaction, and repurchase intentions of Airbnb millennial consumers. It further assesses perceptions of similar values, risks, and what it would take to generate satisfaction and repurchase intention amid Airbnb non-consumers. PLS Path Modelling is used to test the hypothesised relationships and compare Airbnb consumers and non-consumers. A conceptual model proposing five hypotheses is tested using a dataset of 206 responses representing consumers and non-consumers from New Zealand. The results of the two groups are compared to assess differences in the relationships specified in the proposed conceptual model. The findings have theoretical, managerial, and social implications as it expands the literature by comparing consumers/non-consumers relating to sharing economy and identifies factors that lead to satisfaction and repurchase intentions linked to the millennials, hence generating managerial implications. The findings also suggest social, utilitarian, and hedonic values that have implications for the millennial generation.