bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of Transport Exclusion in the Peripheral Cross-Border Areas of Central Europe in the Context of Applicability of Information-Based Carpooling
Authors: Baran Michał , Augustyn Duszan Józef
Published: March 2021

The phenomenon of social exclusion caused by transport exclusion is one of the main causes of social problems in peripheral areas, as well as a major organizational challenge for public service providers and all organizations operating in the areas where this problem occurs. Transport exclusion has a negative impact on the dynamics of socioeconomic processes and may interfere with sustainable development plans of stakeholders operating in a given area. The phenomenon is characterized by particular intensity in peripheral border localities with a low population density and outdated public transport system (established in the past to meet the needs of industrial society). The aim of this analysis is to present the basic principles of a conceptual model that combines the estimation of the scale of the transport exclusion phenomenon (in accordance with the specificity of peripheral border areas) with the idea of institutionalized carpooling based on effective information management. The usefulness of the said model underwent verification with respect to the possibility of estimating the scale of transport exclusion in peripheral border areas based on the example of the Polish–Slovak border area (Lesko Commune and Snina District). During the course of the research, factors characterizing the currently functioning public transport system were also indicated. They proved the system’s inadequacy for the challenges faced by the post-industrial society.
The Analysis of Local Marketplace Business on the Selected Urban Case—Problems and Perspectives
Authors: Petrović Marko D. , Ledesma Edna , Morales Alfonso , Radovanović Milan M. , Denda Stefan
Published: March 2021

Local marketplaces and street vendors represent an important segment of trade in a community and one of the initiators of the rural and peri-urban development. Agricultural and other products available at marketplaces and street vendors very often originate from a wider urban surrounding or nearby villages, so both are also an important factor of the daily migrations, exchange of goods, services, and money on the relation suburb-downtown and village-town/city. This study aims to analyze the social segments of the organization and operation of marketplaces, to provide an insight into the contemporary market processes and decision-making, and also to illustrate the future tendencies of the market outcomes of this aspect of the business. Using qualitative data processing, the results of one of the first empirical research on this topic in Serbia and this part of Europe will be analyzed. The results will show the economic, social, and cultural impact that marketplaces have on people’s everyday life and the economy of Serbia, along with defining future development guidelines. Besides, the findings of this research may be used by local authorities, the economy, and communities for future strategic development planning of this market segment. The outcomes may have an impact on future research of other aspects of marketplaces depending on the difference of regions, on one side, and also alternative opportunities for local development in less-advantaged communities, on the other side. Moreover, this contributes to the identification of the differences in the marketplace business management and sheds light on future initiatives for the encouragement of this local/global process.
Long-Term Trial of Tillage Systems for Sugarcane: Effect on Topsoil Hydrophysical Attributes
Authors: Martíni Aline Fachin , Valani Gustavo Pereira , da Silva Laura Fernanda Simões , Bolonhezi Denizart , Di Prima Simone , Cooper Miguel
Published: March 2021

Seeking to provide essential information about sustainable tillage systems, this work aimed to assess the effects of liming and soil cultivation systems on the soil hydrophysical attributes of a long-term cultivated sugarcane field in the tropical region of southeast Brazil. Infiltration tests and soil sampling down to 0.10 m were performed in order to determine saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, soil bulk density, soil total porosity, macroporosity, microporosity, and soil resistance to penetration. The studied areas include no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems with 0 (CT0 and NT0) and 4 (CT4 and NT4) Mg ha−1 of lime, and an adjoining area with native forest (NF). The data analysis included an analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test to compare different systems, assessment of the Pearson correlation coefficient between variables, and a principal component analysis of the dataset. The lowest bulk density and highest soil total porosity, macroporosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity were found in the NF. The bulk density in CT4 and NT0 was higher than in other systems, indicating the need for amelioration. NT4 is suggested as the most viable system for conservation agriculture in sugarcane fields, combining the benefits of no-tillage and liming to enhance soil hydrophysical functions.
Global Learning for Sustainable Development: A Historical Review
Authors: Nordén Birgitta , Avery Helen
Published: March 2021

Despite continued efforts by educators, UN declarations and numerous international agreements, progress is still limited in handling major global challenges such as ecosystem collapse, accelerating climate change, poverty, and inequity. The capacity to collaborate globally on addressing these issues remains weak. This historical review of research on global learning for sustainable development (GLSD) aims to clarify the diverse directions that research on GLSD has taken, to present the historical development of the research area, and highlight emerging research issues. The review summarizes key findings of 53 peer-reviewed publications, published in English in the period 1994–2020 identified with the search terms “global learning” and “sustainable development”, sustainability or GLSD, respectively. The review documented a gradually growing knowledge base, mostly authored by scholars located in the global North. Conclusions point to what we might achieve if we could learn from one another in new ways, moving beyond Northern-centric paradigms. It is also time to re-evaluate core assumptions that underlie education for sustainable development more generally, such as a narrow focus on formal learning institutions. The review provides a benchmark for future reviews of research on GLSD, reveals the emerging transformative structure of this transdisciplinary field, and offers reference points for further research.
Implementation of POLCA Integrated QRM Framework for Optimized Production Performance—A Case Study
Authors: Wang Wanzhu , Khalid Qazi Salman , Abas Muhammad , Li Hao , Azim Shakir , Babar Abdur Rehman , Saleem Waqas , Khan Razaullah
Published: March 2021

Quick response manufacturing (QRM) is a relatively new concept that enfolds all the preceding approaches, namely, just in time (JIT), flexible manufacturing, agile manufacturing, and lean production. QRM is compatible with existing materials requirement planning (MRP) systems and can be implemented efficiently. The ideas from QRM have been highly influential in custom-made engineer-to-order and make-to-order (ETO/MTO) high-mix and low-volume production environments. This study investigates the effectiveness of the POLCA (paired cell overlapping loops of cards) integrated QRM framework for reducing lead time. The POLCA integrated QRM approach was implemented in a precise product manufacturing industry. The industry was facing high penalties due to improper planning and uncontrolled lead times. The implementation of QRM with the POLCA framework indicated optimized production scheduling and significant improvement in lead time and work in process (WIP). After implementing the new manufacturing strategy, the performance parameters showed significant improvement in terms of reducing the percentage loss of profit.
Circular Economy Models in Agro-Food Systems: A Review
Authors: Hamam Manal , Chinnici Gaetano , Di Vita Giuseppe , Pappalardo Gioacchino , Pecorino Biagio , Maesano Giulia , D’Amico Mario
Published: March 2021

Around the world, interest is growing in the circular economy in response to the current unsustainable model of production and consumption based on increased use and depletion of resources. This paper provides a review of the academic literature on the circular economy in agri-food systems, with the aims of understanding its main characteristics and perspectives, and summarizing and discussing the literature in this field. This review provides a deeper understanding of the opportunities provided by the circular economy as a solution to the current need to reduce the environmental impacts of business-as-usual economic systems and the state of the art of the circular economy in the academic debate. The results are discussed based on the chosen topic-core investigated in this review: business model and organization management, food loss and waste along the supply chain, analytical tools for the circular economy, stakeholder acceptance of the circular economy, and mitigation strategies and political approach. The findings show the need for the implementation of cleaner production models and consequent increases in stakeholder responsibilities and awareness, from both producers and consumers, as well as the need for the implementation of suitable policies and tools.
Determination of Changes in the Quality of Surface Water in the River—Reservoir System
Authors: Gruss Łukasz , Wiatkowski Mirosław , Pulikowski Krzysztof , Kłos Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Assessing the changing parameters of water quality at different points in the river–reservoir system can help prevent river pollution and implement remedial policies. It is also crucial in modeling water resources. Multivariate statistical analysis is useful for the analysis of changes in surface water quality. It helps to identify indicators that may be responsible for the eutrophication process of a reservoir. Additionally, the analysis of the water quality profile and the water quality index (WQI) is useful in assessing water pollution. These tools can support and verify the results of a multivariate statistical analysis. In this study, changes in water quality parameters of the Turawa reservoir (TR), and the Mała Panew river at the point below the Turawa reservoir (bTR) and above the Turawa reservoir (aTR), were analyzed. The analyzed period was from 2019 to 2020 (360 samples were analyzed). It was found that TN, NO2-N, and NO3-N decreased after passing through the Turawa reservoir. Nevertheless, principal component analysis (PCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that NO2-N and NO3-N contribute to the observed variability of the water quality in the river-reservoir system. PCA showed that pH and PO4-P had a lower impact on the water quality in the reservoir than nitrogen compounds. Additionally, RDA proved that the values of the NO3-N and NO2-N indicators obtained the highest values at the aTR point, PO4-P at the bTR, and pH at the TR. This allows the conclusion that the Turawa reservoir reduced the concentration of NO2-N and NO3-N in comparison with the concentration of these compounds flowing into the reservoir. PCA and RDA showed that both parameters (NO2-N and NO3-N) may be responsible for the eutrophication process of the Turawa reservoir. The analysis of short-term changes in water quality data may reveal additional sources of water pollution. High temperatures and alkaline reaction may cause the release of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds from sediments, which indicates an increased concentration of TP, PO4-P, and Norg in the waters at the TR point, and TP, PO4-P, and NH4-N concentrations at the bTR point. The water quality profile combined with PCA and RDA allows more effective monitoring for the needs of water management in the reservoir catchment area. The analyzed WQI for water below the reservoir (bTR) was lower than that of the reservoir water (TR), which indicates an improvement in water after passing through the reservoir.
Determinants of Corporate Anti-Corruption Disclosure: The Case of the Emerging Economics
Authors: Aldaz Odriozola Maider , Álvarez Etxeberria Igor
Published: March 2021

Corruption is a key factor that affects countries’ development, with emerging countries being a geographical area in which it tends to generate greater negative effects. However, few empirical studies analyze corruption from the point of view of disclosure by companies in this relevant geographical area. Based on a regression analysis using data from the 96 large companies from 15 emerging countries included in the 2016 International Transparency Report, this paper seeks to understand what determinants affect such disclosure. In that context, this paper provides empirical evidence to understand the factors that influence reporting on anti-corruption mechanisms in an area of high economic importance that has been little studied to date, pointing to the positive effect of press freedom in a country where the company is located and with the industry being the unique control variable that strengthens this relationship.
Innovations in Best Practices: Approaches to Managing Urban Areas and Reducing Flood Risk in Reggio Calabria (Italy)
Authors: Barbaro Giuseppe , Miguez Marcelo , de Sousa Matheus , Ribeiro da Cruz Franco Anna , de Magalhães Paula , Foti Giandomenico , Valadão Matheus , Occhiuto Irene
Published: March 2021

Urbanization increases imperviousness and reduces infiltration, retention, and evapotranspiration, frequently aggravating urban flooding due to greater runoff and higher and faster discharge peaks. Effective strategies to mitigate flood risks require a better understanding of the watershed dynamics and space to reverse the negative impacts. However, often cities do not have proper data sets to feed mathematical models that would be helpful in mapping water dynamics. Attempts to reduce flood risks have been made for decades by means of structural interventions but were frequently designed within the logic of a local scale, using limited available spaces and often merely shifting flooding downstream. Therefore, assessing urban floods requires a modeling approach capable of reflecting the watershed scale, considering interactions between hydraulic structures and urban landscape, where best practices and non-structural measures aim to improve community flood resilience through the reduction of social and financial costs in the long run. This paper proposes an integrated approach to analyze low impact development (LID) practices complemented by non-structural measures in a case study in southern Italy, supported by mathematical modeling in a strategy to overcome a context of almost no available data and limited urban open spaces.
Is Sustainable Consumption Translated into Ethical Consumer Behavior?
Authors: Tomșa Monica-Maria , Romonți-Maniu Andreea-Ioana , Scridon Mircea-Andrei
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, sustainability is assumed to have high potential for promoting ethical consumer behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of sustainable behavior on consumer intention to be ethical when it comes to political, social, and environmental dimensions. Therefore, insightful results can be brought forward to explain consumer ethical behavior from a different perspective. Covariance structural equation modelling in AMOS was used for data analysis. Three antecedents, namely environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable consumption, are found to have a significant and positive impact on intention to engage in ethically consumer behavior. In this context, companies seeking to proactively approach eco-friendly consumers will need to understand the complexity of the decision-making process of ethically minded consumers.
Comparing Lab-Measured and Surveyed Bread Waste Data: A Possible Hybrid Approach to Correct the Underestimation of Household Food Waste Self-Assessment Surveys
Authors: Ghaziani Shahin , Ghodsi Delaram , Dehbozorgi Gholamreza , Faghih Shiva , Rajabpour Ranjbar Yeganeh , Doluschitz Reiner
Published: March 2021

Among the common methods of quantifying household food waste, direct measurement is regarded as infeasible due to its prohibitive costs, and self-assessment methods tend to underestimate the actual values. This paper aims to propose a methodological approach to reach a compromise between feasibility and accuracy. Bread was studied, since it is a relatable example. The self-assessment method was used to survey 419 households in Shiraz, Iran, during 2019 to estimate household bread waste (BW) and to identify waste-causing consumption recipes (WCCR). These WCCRs were replicated in the lab, and the resulting BW was measured. The underestimation in the self-assessment method was revealed by comparing the survey results with the lab measurements. The underestimation ratio (UR) ranged between 1.24 and 1.80. The pattern of difference between these four bread types was similar among the survey and lab data. In conclusion, the lab measurements may estimate BW caused by the WCCRs more accurately. This suggests that URs can be applied to correct the underestimation in self-assessment surveys. Such an approach could provide the basis for further research on the development of cost-effective methods to quantify waste across a variety of food commodities.
Optimization and Evaluation of Platooning Car-Following Models in a Connected Vehicle Environment
Authors: Yu Guang , Liu Shuo , Shangguan Qiangqiang
Published: March 2021

With the rapid development of information and communication technology, future intelligent transportation systems will exhibit a trend of cooperative driving of connected vehicles. Platooning is an important application technique for cooperative driving. Herein, optimized car-following models for platoon control based on intervehicle communication technology are proposed. On the basis of existing indicators, a series of evaluation methods for platoon safety, stability, and energy consumption is constructed. Numerical simulations are used to compare the effects of three traditional models and their optimized counterparts on the car-following process. Moreover, the influence of homogenous and heterogeneous attributes on the platoon is analyzed. The optimized model proposed in this paper can improve the stability and safety of vehicle following and reduce the total fuel consumption. The simulation results show that a homogenous platoon can enhance the overall stability of the platoon and that the desired safety margin (DSM) model is better suited for heterogeneous platoon control than the other two models. This paper provides a practical method for the design and systematic evaluation of a platoon control strategy, which is one of the key focuses in the connected and autonomous vehicle industry.
Water Resource Management and Sustainability: A Case Study in Faafu Atoll in the Republic of Maldives
Authors: Acciarri Maurizio Filippo , Checola Silvia , Galli Paolo , Magatti Giacomo , Stefani Silvana
Published: March 2021

This paper contributes to the existing literature in proposing an integrated approach to water management and energy renewable production in a fragile environment. After the 2004 tsunami, in many outer islands in The Republic of Maldives, the lens freshwater natural reservoir was deeply damaged. Currently, the populations of rural atolls use rainwater and water in plastic bottles imported from the mainland for drinking. To provide safe and sustainable drinking water, we analyze the feasibility of two different actions: a desalination system fed by a diesel plant or by a photovoltaic (PV) plant with batteries. The current situation (business as usual, (BAU)) is also evaluated and taken as a benchmark. After illustrating the technical and economic features of desalination and PV plants, a financial and environmental analysis is conducted on the two alternatives plus BAU, showing that the desalination fed by the PV plant results in optimization both on the financial and the environmental side. The levelized cost of water (LCOW) and the CO2 levelized emissions of water (LEOW) are calculated for each alternative. The case study is developed in Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll and can be extended to other islands in The Republic of Maldives and in general to small island developing states (SIDS).
Borrowing Hong Kong’s International Standards: A Steppingstone for the Chinese “Belt and Road” Going Out?
Authors: Gong Zhiwen , Chan Fung , Wu Yan
Published: March 2021

When the Chinese government proposed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)in 2015, Hong Kong was positioned as a “super-connector” responsible for bridging the mainland and global markets and was planned to integrate into the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area. The objective of this article is to analyze the Chinese designs to promote its BRI collaboration through Hong Kong to enhance foreign confidence and ensure that the related institutional transplantation is sustainable in other countries and that it is on par with international standards. However, the rise of neighboring cities and the changing Sino–American relationship in recent years has provided uncertainties for the future development of Hong Kong. Due to these factors, this article argues that Hong Kong may not effectively share the functions in the BRI planning designed by the Chinese authorities. Because Hong Kong’s role and how it influences the policy outcomes within the BRI framework have not been thoroughly studied, this article will supplement the current literature vacuum on this specific issue and its future development.
FoodSQRBlock: Digitizing Food Production and the Supply Chain with Blockchain and QR Code in the Cloud
Authors: Dey Somdip , Saha Suman , Singh Amit Kumar , McDonald-Maier Klaus
Published: March 2021

Food safety is an important issue in today’s world. The traditional agri-food production system does not offer easy traceability of the produce at any point of the supply chain, and hence, during a food-borne outbreak, it is very difficult to sift through food production data to track produce and the origin of the outbreak. In recent years, the blockchain based food production system has resolved this challenge; however, none of the proposed methodologies makes the food production data easily accessible, traceable and verifiable by consumers or producers using mobile/edge devices. In this paper, we propose FoodSQRBlock (Food Safety Quick Response Block), a blockchain technology based framework that digitises the food production information and makes it easily accessible, traceable and verifiable by the consumers and producers by using QR codes. We also propose a large-scale integration of FoodSQRBlock in the cloud to show the feasibility and scalability of the framework, as well as give an experimental evaluation to prove this.
Industry 4.0 and Sustainability: A Bibliometric Literature Review
Authors: Tavares-Lehmann Ana Teresa , Varum Celeste
Published: March 2021

Industry 4.0 (I4.0), Sustainability, and the Circular Economy are recently popularized concepts likely to redefine how economies and industries work. This paper, as the opening piece of this Special Issue, consists of a bibliometric study of 393 articles linking the Issue’s key themes: Industry 4.0, Sustainability and the Circular Economy. Given that this is still a recent area of the literature, and the fact that it already commands a fast-growing number of publications, the provision of an updated overview of the relevant scientific production in the field is a relevant contribution.
Fostering Sustainability Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours through a Tutor-Supported Interdisciplinary Course in Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Braßler Mirjam , Sprenger Sandra
Published: March 2021

Extant research into the efficacy of—especially interdisciplinary—higher education for sustainable development (HESD) is limited. A need exists to investigate students’ development of sustainability knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. Furthermore, universities have experienced difficulties implementing interdisciplinary HESD because of organisational barriers due to monodisciplinary structures, as well as educators’ and students’ reservations. This study introduces an interdisciplinary approach to HESD and investigates its efficacy regarding students’ development of sustainability knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours at a university in Germany. The approach applies a series of lectures by different sustainability experts accompanied by several tutorials that support students’ interdisciplinary learning and teamwork towards an interdisciplinary sustainability product. Tutors were trained in interdisciplinary teaching methods, as well as interdisciplinary communication and conflict management, beforehand. Before participating in the interdisciplinary course, the students had a moderate level of sustainability knowledge and behaviour, and a high level of sustainability attitudes. The results from the pre–post-test analysis indicate an increase in students’ sustainability knowledge and behaviours, and no change in students’ sustainability attitudes. If typical barriers to interdisciplinarity are mitigated, interdisciplinary HESD can facilitate students’ development.
Evaluation of Medicine Reverse Logistics Practices in Hospitals
Authors: Ribeiro Diego Pereira , de Oliveira Ualison Rébula , da Silva César Aldara , Aprigliano Fernandes Vicente
Published: March 2021

Initiatives related to reverse logistics are increasingly common in companies that produce tires, lubricating oils, batteries, and electronic equipment, among others. In the pharmaceutical sector, reverse logistics is also relevant, contributing to reduce medication exposure to other people and the environment. Thus, this research seeks to find out which practices related to reverse logistics are used in 13 hospitals in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Regarding the methodological procedures, this research is supported by interviews with those responsible for disposing of medicines from hospitals, and the best practices were ranked using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Among the main difficulties for performing Medicine Reverse Logistics practices in hospitals, the absence of a standard process for medicine disposal and medications held by nurses or satellite pharmacies—for being out of control—stand out.
Biomass Content in Scrap Tires and Its Use as Sustainable Energy Resource: A CO2 Mitigation Assessment
Authors: Mora Pedro , Alarcón Arturo , Sánchez-Martín Laura , Llamas Bernardo
Published: March 2021

This project aims to present a methodology to establish the biomass content of unused tires as a typical fuel in cement factories. To this end, between 2011–2016 samples were collected every 2 years (four surveys) to assess natural and synthetic rubber in scrap tires through the thermodynamic analysis. Ninety-six samples were used in the study, 803.6 tonnes of scrap tires, as fuel. Knowing the Spanish vehicle fleet and considering undifferentiated tires, it is possible to predict the biomass content. The methodology has also been evaluated taking into consideration mono-brand samples. The simplicity of the methodology makes it possible to apply it in different regions and countries. New materials included in current and future tires will require constant samples and an assessment of the formulae state. Lastly, the biomass content in non-conventional fuels and its use in the cement sector will reduce CO2 emissions in said sector, with significant economic implications for it is regulated by the 2003/87/EC Directive, with up to 2792.91 tonnes of CO2 reductions.
Potential for Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) in South Bihar, India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Somnath , Sharma Aviram , Sahoo Satiprasad , Dhavala Kishore , Sharma Prabhakar
Published: March 2021

Among the several options of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques, the aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is a well-known sub-surface technique to replenish depleted aquifers, which is contingent upon the selection of appropriate sites. This paper explores the potential of ASR for groundwater recharge in the hydrological, hydrogeological, social, and economic context of South Bihar in India. Based on the water samples from more than 137 wells and socio-economic surveys, ASR installations were piloted through seven selected entrepreneurial farmers in two villages of South Bihar. The feasibility of ASR in both hard rock and deep alluvial aquifers was demonstrated for the prominent aquifer types in the marginal alluvial plains of South Bihar and elsewhere. It was postulated through this pilot study that a successful spread of ASR in South Bihar can augment usable water resources for agriculture during the winter cropping season. More importantly, ASR can adapt to local circumstances and challenges under changing climatic conditions. The flexible and participatory approach in this pilot study also allowed the farmers to creatively engage with the design and governance aspects of the recharge pit. The entrepreneurial farmers-led model builds local accountability, creates avenues for private investments, and opens up the space for continued innovation in technology and management, while also committing to resource distributive justice and environmental sustainability.
Understanding the Relationship between Past Experience of a Sports Mega-Event and Current Spectatorship: The Mediating Role of Nostalgia
Authors: Hahm Jeongbeom , Kang Tae-Ahn , Matsuoka Hirotaka
Published: March 2021

Mass sport participation has received considerable attention in the recent sport management literature. However, little is known about sport spectatorship as an outcome of sports mega-events (SMEs). This is the first study to use cross-cultural analysis to examine the relationship between the 2002 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup Korea/Japan and current football spectatorship in the host countries. In the context of SMEs, this study uses the psychological construct of nostalgia as a mediator to identify the relationship with spectatorship. Data from 416 and 408 respondents from South Korea and Japan, respectively, were collected through online surveys and analysed cross-culturally using Hayes’ PROCESS macro model 4. We find that the nostalgia evoked by the 2002 World Cup has positively influenced the host nations’ current football spectatorship. While this SME has a strong impact on evoking nostalgia, the effect of nostalgia on spectator behaviour is significant, yet comparatively weak.
The Drivers of Green Investment: A Bibliometric and Systematic Review
Authors: Chițimiea Andreea , Minciu Mihaela , Manta Andreea-Mariana , Ciocoiu Carmen Nadia , Veith Cristina
Published: March 2021

Considering the growing of high alarm signals on environmental issues, the implementation of green, sustainable, responsible investments has become a priority for each organization, in addition to maximizing profits and harmonious development with the environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of implementing green investments within organizations and to identify the drivers that influence decisions for the implementation of green investments. In order to achieve this, two types of analyses were used: bibliometric analysis and systematic analysis, researching the representative studies in the field. The search was carried out for the period 1990–2020, and the analyzed sample comprised 444 articles. Following the application of the two methods of analysis, the results show that in the last 6 years the interest of companies in green investments has increased significantly, organizations being concerned with the efficient use of resources and environmental issues. This research highlights the internal and external drivers over which companies have a higher or lower control, as the case may be, in order to involve in green investments. The article offers new pathways for future research on this matter. Therefore, future research may develop a detailed description of the identified drivers for green investment. In addition, further research can calculate the level of the drivers’ impact on green investment and can identify that certain drivers should be more attentively treated. Moreover, subsequent works in this field can continue to identify new drivers or new ways of promoting the already identified drivers in the present research. Consequently, green investment could produce positive effects related to the reduction of pollution and global warming.
Radiating Benefit of Windbreak and Sand Fixation in the Baijitan Nature Reserve of Lingwu, Ningxia, China
Authors: Song Chao , Yu Qiyin , Wang Ruixia , Cui Guofa
Published: March 2021

Many important ecosystem services show spatial flow characteristics, which are crucial for the study of environmental processes, such as the transformation, correlation, coordination, and management of ecosystem services at different scales. As a result, flow characteristics should be taken into account when it comes to the evaluation of ecosystem services. The study area was the Baijitan Nature Reserve, used to assess the radiating benefits of the windbreak and sand fixation from 2000 to 2019, based on wind erosion loss and sand spatial erosion models. The main results are as follows: Firstly, the fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) clearly increased over the last 20 years and the medium coverage, which accounted for 66.13%, became the main vegetation cover. The wind speed in the reserve dropped gradually as well. Secondly, sand only affected the nature reserve and the surrounding communities. When the wind speed was above a strong breeze (10.8–13.8 m/s), coarse silt could affect 26 downwind administrative regions, with an affected area of 2.13 × 106 km2. Thirdly, the benefits of windbreak and sand fixation varied with the beneficial range, including distance from the Baijitan Nature Reserve and the beneficial area. Dust deposition decreased as the beneficial distance increased. For instance, Shaanxi Province saw the greatest benefit of windbreak and sand fixation, with a dust deposition reduction of 6.87 × 107 t (1 t = 103 kg), followed by Hubei and Henan Provinces, with reductions of 5.31 × 107 t and 5.59 × 107 t, respectively. Fourthly, the periodical deposition in administrative regions decreased gradually, as did the different influence ranges. The dust depositions in the five phases of Shaanxi Province were 2.04 × 107, 1.83 × 107, 6.63 × 106, 4.65 × 106, and 3.48 × 106 t. Fifthly, medium silt, fine silt, and clay silt could easily drift long distances under the influence of sand-driving wind, thus affecting the air quality in downwind administrative regions. Sixthly, the sand source in Baijitan Nature Reserve was an important factor that caused sand–dust weather in downwind areas. The frequency of sand–dust weather was significantly higher in cities near the sand source than in other regions in downwind areas, and the correlations between particle concentrations less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) and the time sequences of sand-driving wind reached significant levels in certain cities. We found that the windbreak and sand fixation in Baijitan Nature Reserve could offer great benefits to the downwind area. Establishing a desert nature reserve could be a great way to promote environmentally sustainable development since it could effectively reduce dust deposition and the frequency of sand–dust weather in downwind areas.
Production of High Added-Value Chemicals in Basfia succiniciproducens: Role of Medium Composition
Authors: Bartos Hunor , Balázs Márta , Kuzman Ildikó Hajnalka , Lányi Szabolcs , Miklóssy Ildikó
Published: March 2021

Succinic acid production through biological fermentation led to new pathways in the integration of renewable feedstock from different industries into biosynthesis. In this article, we investigate the population growth dynamics and succinic acid production potential of the recently isolated natural succinic acid producer, Basfia succiniciproducens, using in silico constraint-based metabolic models as well as in vitro experiments. Our work focuses on the influence of different renewable substrates and added yeast extract on fermentation dynamics, and the produced metabolites of the strain cultured in mineral (minimal) medium. According to our experiments, which were carried out as small-scale fermentations and in bioreactor conditions, glucose is the preferred carbon source, while the addition of 1% yeast extract has a significant positive effect on biomass formation. In the case of B. succiniciproducens cultured in minimal salt medium, a production potential as high as 47.09 mM succinic acid was obtained in these conditions. Industrial applications related to this bacterial strain could contribute to new possibilities for the re-use of byproducts by using fermentation processes, leading to high added-value compounds.
Investigating the Relative Performance of Bricks-and-Mortar, Clicks-and-Mortar, and Pure-Click Firms in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Irene Y. L. , Wang Yi-Shun , Li Bo-Ruei
Published: March 2021

The study compares the relative performance among bricks-and-mortar, clicks-and-mortar, and pure-click firms. The research model was tested in the Taiwan service industry using a Taiwan Economic Journal dataset of 1448 firms. Using regression analysis, the study provides empirical evidence that clicks-and-mortar firms outperform pure-click firms in terms of efficiency, but not better in profitability and even worse in efficiency than bricks-and-mortar firms. Pure-click firms need to improve their accounts receivable turnover ratio and total assets turnover. While the findings are not in full congruence with past studies, we provide theoretical explanations. Based on the findings, a strategic guide on going clicks and mortar is provided to practitioners.
Accessibility of Transit Stops with Multiple Feeder Modes: Walking and Private-Bike Cycling
Authors: Song Mingzhu , Zhang Yi , Li Meng , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2021

The accessibility of transit stops (ATS) is a critical index for the evaluation of transit service, focusing on the first/last mile portions of transit trips. It is significantly affected by feeder modes, such as walking and cycling. Comparison of the application of different modes has been addressed in previous research, thus there is mostly only one feeder mode considered in this case study. This study has proposed a model for ATS with multiple feeder modes (ATSMFM), capable of integrating multiple feeder modes and considering the heterogeneity of travellers from the perspective of city managers. It is a bi-level model, combining cumulative and utility-based approaches. The final form of ATSMFM is developed referring to the cumulative approach, while the determination of the catchment area is utility-based. A numerical experiment has been conducted to demonstrate the necessity and applicability of ATSMFM. The results show that the ATS with a single feeder mode, such as cycling or walking, underestimates the catchment area of nearly one-third or two-thirds of travellers. As for ATSMFM, this proposed approach can automatically select the feeder mode from alternatives according to traveller attributes, thus removing the limitation of a single feeder mode, and is suitable for calculating ATS in the complex environment with multiple feeder modes. Besides, the ATSMFM model can support city managers with different emphases in transit planning via flexibly setting the threshold.
Revealing an Integrative Mechanism of Cognition, Emotion, and Heat-Protective Action of Older Adults
Authors: Yang Hee Jin , Yoon Heeyeun
Published: March 2021

This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of what motivates older adults to take their adaptive behaviors during extreme heat events. Elaborating the mediating role of emotion in human behaviors, we empirically explore an interrelationship between individuals’ cognition, emotion, and heat-protective action in response to heat warning system alarms. Through face-to-face surveys and structural equation modeling, this study reveals that an increased level of cognition about climate change, heat waves, and local policy measures leads to emotional responses such as concern and worry, and consequently encourages people to comply with heat-related public guidelines. Furthermore, we also consider individuals’ pre-existing health conditions and their previous experiences of heat-related illnesses together with the emotional factors. The role of emotion in mediating between cognition and heat-protective action is much greater than in mediating between pre-existing health conditions and heat-protective action. We conclude that policy interventions to educate older adults can effectively increase the likelihood of individual compliance with the relevant preventive measures beyond their individual health and experiences.
Solution of Some Impulsive Differential Equations via Coupled Fixed Point
Authors: Boudaoui Ahmed , Mebarki Khadidja , Shatanawi Wasfi , Abodayeh Kamaleldin
Published: March 2021

In this article, we employ the notion of coupled fixed points on a complete b-metric space endowed with a graph to give sufficient conditions to guarantee a solution of system of differential equations with impulse effects. We derive recisely some new coupled fixed point theorems under some conditions and then apply our results to achieve our goal.
Anomalous Diffusion with an Apparently Negative Diffusion Coefficient in a One-Dimensional Quantum Molecular Chain Model
Authors: Nakade Sho , Kanki Kazuki , Tanaka Satoshi , Petrosky Tomio
Published: March 2021

An interesting anomaly in the diffusion process with an apparently negative diffusion coefficient defined through the mean-square displacement in a one-dimensional quantum molecular chain model is shown. Nevertheless, the system satisfies the H-theorem so that the second law of thermodynamics is satisfied. The reason why the “diffusion constant” becomes negative is due to the effect of the phase mixing process, which is a characteristic result of the one-dimensionality of the system. We illustrate the situation where this negative “diffusion constant” appears.
Modeling the Dynamics of Heavy-Ion Collisions with a Hydrodynamic Model Using a Graphics Processor
Authors: Słodkowski Marcin , Setniewski Dominik , Aszklar Paweł , Porter-Sobieraj Joanna
Published: March 2021

Dense bulk matter is formed during heavy-ion collision and expands towards a vacuum. It behaves as a perfect fluid, described by relativistic hydrodynamics. In order to study initial condition fluctuation and properties of jet propagation in dense hot matter, we assume a Cartesian laboratory frame with several million cells in a stencil with high-accuracy data volume grids. Employing numerical algorithms to solve hydrodynamic equations in such an assumption requires a lot of computing power. Hydrodynamic simulations of nucleus + nucleus interactions in the range of energies of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) are carried out using our program, which uses Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA). In this work, we focused on transforming hydrodynamic quantities into kinetic descriptions. We implemented the hypersurface freeze-out conditions using marching cubes techniques. We developed freeze-out procedures to obtain the momentum distributions of particles on the hypersurface. The final particle distributions, elliptic flow, and higher harmonics are comparable to the experimental LHC data.
The Prevalence of Inorganic Mercury in Human Kidneys Suggests a Role for Toxic Metals in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Pamphlett Roger , Doble Philip A. , Bishop David P.
Published: March 2021

The kidney plays a dominant role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, but the initial pathogenic events in the kidney leading to hypertension are not known. Exposure to mercury has been linked to many diseases including hypertension in epidemiological and experimental studies, so we studied the distribution and prevalence of mercury in the human kidney. Paraffin sections of kidneys were available from 129 people ranging in age from 1 to 104 years who had forensic/coronial autopsies. One individual had injected himself with metallic mercury, the other 128 were from varied clinicopathological backgrounds without known exposure to mercury. Sections were stained for inorganic mercury using autometallography. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used on six samples to confirm the presence of autometallography-detected mercury and to look for other toxic metals. In the 128 people without known mercury exposure, mercury was found in: (1) proximal tubules of the cortex and Henle thin loops of the medulla, in 25% of kidneys (and also in the man who injected himself with mercury), (2) proximal tubules only in 16% of kidneys, and (3) Henle thin loops only in 23% of kidneys. The age-related proportion of people who had any mercury in their kidney was 0% at 1–20 years, 66% at 21–40 years, 77% at 41–60 years, 84% at 61–80 years, and 64% at 81–104 years. LA-ICP-MS confirmed the presence of mercury in samples staining with autometallography and showed cadmium, lead, iron, nickel, and silver in some kidneys. In conclusion, mercury is found commonly in the adult human kidney, where it appears to accumulate in proximal tubules and Henle thin loops until an advanced age. Dysfunctions of both these cortical and medullary regions have been implicated in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, so these findings suggest that further studies of the effects of mercury on blood pressure are warranted.
Reduction of Ochratoxin A during the Preparation of Porridge with Sodium Bicarbonate and Fructose
Authors: Lee Hyun Jung , Li Shufang , Gu Kejia , Ryu Dojin
Published: March 2021

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potential human carcinogen that poses a significant concern in food safety and public health. OTA has been found in a wide variety of agricultural commodities, including cereal grains. This study investigated the reduction of OTA during the preparation of rice- and oat-based porridge by a simulated indirect steam process. The effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and fructose on the reduction of OTA were also investigated. During the processing, OTA in rice- and oat-porridge was decreased by 59% and 14%, respectively, from initial OTA artificially added at 20 μg/kg (dry weight basis). When 0.5% and 1% of sodium bicarbonate were added to rice porridge, increased reduction of OTA was observed as 78% and 68%, respectively. The same amounts of added sodium bicarbonate also further reduced OTA in oat porridge to 58% and 72%, respectively. In addition, increased reduction of OTA in the presence of fructose was observed. A combination of the two, i.e., 0.5% sodium bicarbonate and 0.5% fructose, resulted in a 79% and 67% reduction in rice porridge and oat porridge, respectively. These results indicate that indirect steaming may effectively reduce OTA in preparation of porridge-type products, particularly when sodium bicarbonate and/or fructose are added.