bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of Youth Entrepreneurship in Medellín-Colombia Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ojeda-Beltrán Adelaida , Solano-Barliza Andrés , Arrubla-Hoyos Wilson , Ortega Danny Daniel , Cama-Pinto Dora , Holgado-Terriza Juan Antonio , Damas Miguel , Toscano-Vanegas Gilberto , Cama-Pinto Alejandro
Published: June 2023

The aim of this paper is to identify profiles of young Colombian entrepreneurs based on data from the “Youth Entrepreneurship” survey developed by the Colombian Youth Secretariat. Our research results show five profiles of entrepreneurs, mainly differentiated by age and entrepreneurial motives, as well as the identification of relevant skills, capacities, and capabilities for entrepreneurship, such as creativity, learning, and leadership. The sample consists of 633 young people aged between 14 and 28 years in Medellín. The data treatment was approached through cluster analysis using the K-means algorithm to obtain information about the underlying nature and structure of the data. These data analysis techniques provide valuable information that can help to better understand the behaviour of Colombian entrepreneurs. They also reveal hidden information in the data. Therefore, one of the advantages of using statistical and artificial intelligence techniques in this type of study is to extract valuable information that might otherwise go unnoticed. The clusters generated show correlations with profiles that can support the design of policies in Colombia to promote an entrepreneurial ecosystem and the creation and development of new businesses through business regulation.
The Development of Efficiency Analysis in Transportation Systems: A Bibliometric and Systematic Review
Authors: Victorino Thiago , Peña Carlos Rosano
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a literature review of efficiency analysis in transportation systems (TS). It builds a bibliometric review of published data-envelopment analysis and, for the first time, stochastic frontier analysis publications in TS. The retrieved publications were separated into five groups: highway/road transportation, air transportation, maritime/port transportation, railway transportation, and urban/bus transportation. The 135 data-envelopment-analysis rail-related publications were surveyed to assess the model used, the second-stage analysis (if any), the input–output variables, the model orientation, return-to-scale assumptions, and their methodological classification. The results show that frontier methods in transportation systems have gained relevance since 2017. Also, gaps in the literature and future directions have been identified in empirical rail research, such as eco-efficiency and safety-related issues, as well as the need for a better investigation of variable choice and scale return assumptions. Finally, this paper proposes a step-by-step methodology for data envelopment analysis in rail systems.
The Optimal Path for China to Achieve the “Dual Carbon” Target from the Perspective of Energy Structure Optimization
Authors: Jiang Qi , Yin Zhigang
Published: June 2023

Exploring the path of energy structure optimization to reduce carbon emissions and achieve a carbon peak has important policy implications for achieving the “Dual Carbon” target. To this end, this paper explores the optimal path for China to achieve the “dual carbon” target from the perspective of energy structure optimization in three steps: (1) we forecast China’s carbon emissions and carbon intensity during 2024–2035 based on a combined forecasting model; (2) we simulate the development of energy consumption and carbon emissions under the “economic development scenario-energy structure scenario” with the help of Markov chain forecasting model; (3) we construct a multi-attribute decision model to account for the above elements as variables to calculate a composite index to analyze the optimal path for China to achieve “Dual Carbon” target under different decision preferences. It is found that (1) potential negative effects caused by COVID-19 are not as serious as reported; (2) only the scenario with low-speed economic growth and effective policies guiding, which doesn’t follow laws of social development, can contribute to reaching carbon peaking by 2030 while maintaining a high-quality carbon intensity; (3) the optimal path that scenario with middle-speed economic growth and strict cost control is a sub-optimal choice subject to realities; (4) technologies innovations in green or low-carbon fields are needed to accelerate energy consumption structure optimization.
Experimental Study on Strength and Liquefaction Characteristics of Sand under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Cai Yongbo , Zhang Yanlu , Qi Qingjie , Cheng Ye , Shi Yongbo , Sun Zuo
Published: June 2023

To investigate the influence of moisture content, density, and loading frequency on the dynamic strength and liquefaction characteristics of sandy soil, a series of vibration triaxial tests were designed and conducted. The tests were divided into incremental loading tests and cyclic loading failure tests. The results of the incremental loading tests indicated that the shear modulus decreases with increasing moisture content and density, while it increases with increasing loading frequency. The damping ratio of unsaturated samples showed no significant correlation with moisture content, whereas samples with a density above 50% exhibited an increasing trend in damping ratio with increasing density. The damping characteristics of the sandy soil were found to be related to the loading frequency, exhibiting the characteristics of viscous damping. The results of the cyclic loading tests revealed that the dynamic failure mode of the sand soil is the ultimate equilibrium failure mode. Increasing moisture content and decreasing density make the samples more susceptible to failure. During the process of cyclic loading leading to dynamic failure, the shear modulus of unsaturated samples remains constant, while the shear modulus of saturated samples gradually decreases. The damping ratio of saturated soil is significantly higher than that of unsaturated soil. During the process of cyclic loading leading to dynamic failure, the damping ratio of saturated soil shows no apparent correlation with loading frequency, but it decreases with increasing density.
Empirical Research on the Sustainable Development of Ecotourism with Environmental Education Concepts
Authors: Huang Chih-Cheng , Li Shang-Pin , Chan Yung-Kuan , Hsieh Ming-Yuan , Lai Jiin-Chyuan Mark
Published: June 2023

Most governments, local organizations, tourism agents, and scholars have extensively promoted ecotourism in recent years. However, government policies have been ignored, public opinion has not been updated, the local tourism infrastructure is incomplete, and operational practices have been poor for a long time. This is because ecotourism has not made any empirical profits, and additionally, it has even incurred more practical costs, which have encouraged few tourism agents to execute and operate ecotourism correctly. The contributive findings of this study are the following: (1) Beyond the evaluated measurements of quantitative and qualitative analyses, the sustainable development of ecotourism essentially creates benefits for the local industry and the environment, and actively assists the industry in improving the business environment, in enhancing service quality, and in creating ecotourism benefits. (2) It is very apparent that the tourism offices of central and local governments, as well as related travel agents and local organizations, have to be trained with regard to the appropriate consumption of sightseeing products, with a consideration of productive yield and a critical focus on quality instead of quantity. Particular attention should also be given to local traveling capacity as well as support for regional development. The maintenance of the local cultural landscape or ecological integrity can directly offer tourists an unprecedented travel experience, which could encourage them to share their knowledge with others in society after traveling, and consequently promote the sustainable development of ecotourism. (3) The results point to the fact that the tourism offices of central and local governments, related travel agents, and local organizations require training in providing special assistance to local residents with regard to the conservation of natural resources. Special training must likewise be provided concerning environmental protection, allowing them to educate the tourists in terms of politely respecting local traditions, norms, and cultures while traveling, since these activities are directly related to the sustainable development of ecotourism. Predictably, beyond this research, these three contributive findings can directly become the research foundation of future works that intend to focus on the sustainability of global ecotourism.
Financial Technology Development and Green Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Hu Wentao , Li Xiaoxiao
Published: June 2023

As a new product resulting from the deep integration of the financial industry and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, financial technology (fintech) has a significant impact on the progress of green total factor productivity (GTFP). Based on city-level data from 2011 to 2021 in China, this paper used the super-efficiency SBM model with embedded non-expected output and the GML index method to measure the GTFP levels of 283 prefecture-level and above cities and to empirically test the impact of fintech on GTFP and its underlying mechanisms. The empirical results showed that the development of fintech had significantly promoted the improvement of GTFP, and the effect was dynamically stable. Specifically, fintech had a stronger and more significant incentive effect on GTFP in its more mature stage of development. By decomposing fintech into two dimensions, it was found that the depth of fintech development had a stronger impact on GTFP with dynamic superimposed characteristics. Mechanism analysis showed that fintech development can drive the progress of GTFP by improving resource allocation efficiency, optimizing human capital, and incentivizing technological innovation channels. Moderating effect analysis revealed that financial regulation and environmental regulation have a positive moderating effect on the baseline relationship between fintech and GTFP. Further research found that the moderating effects of financial regulation and environmental regulation exhibit significant nonlinear threshold characteristics, and the driving effect of fintech on GTFP can only reach its maximum when both are within the optimal range. This study provides valuable insights for the development and optimization of fintech, the green transformation of the real economy, and high-quality development.
Can We Find an Optimal Fatty Acid Composition of Biodiesel in Order to Improve Oxidation Stability?
Authors: Maes Rafael R. , Potters Geert , Fransen Erik , Geuens Jeroen , Van Schaeren Rowan , Lenaerts Silvia
Published: June 2023

Air quality currently poses a major risk for human health. Currently, diesel is widely used as fuel and is a significant source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both hazardous to human health. A good alternative for mineral diesel is biodiesel, not only for the improvement of hazardous components in the exhaust gases but also because it can be produced in view of a circular economy. Biodiesel consists of a mix of different fatty acid methyl esters, which can react with oxygen. As a consequence, the oxidation stability of biodiesel has to be studied, because the oxidation of biodiesel could affect the performance of the engine due to the wear of injectors and fuel pumps. The oxidation stability could also affect the quality of the exhaust gases due to increases in NOx and PM. The basic question we try to answer in this communication is: ‘Can we find an optimal fatty acid composition in order to have a maximal oxidation stability?’ In this article, we try to find the optimal fatty acid composition according to the five most common fatty acid methyl esters present in biodiesel in order to reach a maximal oxidation stability. The measurements and statistical analysis show, however, that there is no useful regression model because there are statistically significant two- and three-way interactions among the different fatty acids.
Analyzing the Factors for Implementing Make-to-Order Manufacturing System
Authors: Upadhyay Surbhi , Garg Suresh Kumar , Sharma Rishu
Published: June 2023

Make-to-order (MTO) is becoming vital for meeting ever-changing customer requirements. Growing demand for customized items has been linked to a rise in the proportion of MTO businesses. Many sectors and product categories have implemented the MTO concept and achieved a competitive edge in sustainable manufacturing. However, in the case of the automobile sector, little work has been carried out, both in research and practice. In this study, our objective is to identify and prioritize the critical success factors (CSF) which can affect the implementation of make-to-order and rank the different strategies to implement MTO manufacturing systems for passenger cars. This paper proposes an integrated approach where an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used for prioritizing factors and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used for ranking the strategies for implementation. The study shows that a customer-centric strategy would be the best solution to implement MTO in the automobile sector.
Quantitative Evaluation of Friendliness in Streets’ Pedestrian Networks Based on Complete Streets: A Case Study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Jiao Hongzan
Published: June 2023

In recent years, with the rapid growth in the number of cars, the safe and convenient street pedestrian traffic network in cities has been broken by motor vehicle lanes. The pedestrian traffic function of streets as an important urban public space has been lost, and the pedestrian friendliness of streets needs urgent improvement. However, the existing pedestrian-friendly street space assessment has not yet formed a set of full-factor quantitative evaluation systems, making the construction of pedestrian-friendly streets still in the conceptual stage and lacking practical significance. The complete streets design concept clarifies the goal of street pedestrian space construction and proposes the full elements of street pedestrian space design, which provides important support for the construction of the street pedestrian friendliness evaluation system. Based on the complete streets design concept, this study constructs a complete set of quantitative evaluation systems of street walkability from three aspects of street space: traffic, environment and function. Meanwhile, a street pedestrian usability evaluation method is proposed to further explore the actual demand of streets. Combined with the comprehensive evaluation matrix of street pedestrian friendliness and usability, the areas where the planning of street pedestrian space does not match with the actual space are explored. The case study in Wuhan found that the overall pedestrian friendliness was high in the area, but there was significant variability. The study area is dominated by streets in need of improvement, with medium demand–low friendliness, and both the pedestrian friendliness and usability of the streets need to be improved.
Research on the Mechanism of Heterogeneous Corporate Environmental Responsibility in Z-Generation Consumers’ Sustainable Purchase Intention
Authors: Zhao Xinhua , An Hui
Published: June 2023

As the public’s awareness of environmental protection and their concern for environmental issues increase, more and more companies are focusing on fulfilling their environmental responsibilities and meeting the green needs of consumers through diverse environmental behaviors. Based on the stimulus-organic-response model, this study adopts the scenario experiment method to explore the psychological response mechanism of consumers to heterogeneous corporate environmental responsibility behavior and their response to consumer behavior intentions using the two approaches of deep (psychological contract) and shallow (product sustainability perception) from the mechanisms of consumer psychological responses. Additionally, the research was conducted using the experimental scenario method and analyzed using an ANOVA and linear regression model. The results show that: consumers of Generation Z have stronger sustainable purchase intentions in the face of substantive environmental behaviors rather than symbolic environmental behaviors; consumers’ environmental self-efficacy plays a moderating role in the influence of corporate environmental responsibility behaviors on sustainable purchase intentions; and product sustainability perceptions and consumer psychological contracts have a dual mediating effect between corporate environmental responsibility behaviors and consumers’ sustainable purchase intentions. The conclusions enrich the diversity of the paths of influence of corporate environmental responsibility on consumer behavior and provide a theoretical basis for companies to effectively fulfill their environmental responsibility and choose environmentally friendly behaviors.
Application of Hydrogen-Based Denitrification: Simultaneous Removal of Nitrate and Reactive Black 5 Dye from Textile Wastewater Containing Organic Matter
Authors: Singhopon Tippawan , Rujakom Suphatchai , Shinoda Kenta , Kamei Tatsuru , Kazama Futaba
Published: June 2023

In this study, a hydrogen-based denitrification (HD) reactor was used to investigate the simultaneous treatment of nitrogen and decolorization in textile wastewater contaminated with organic matter. The reactor operated in two phases: without and with organic matter. Despite the short hydraulic retention time, the HD system successfully removed all pollutants, including nitrate, nitrite, reactive black-5 dye and chemical oxygen demand. The unhindered treatment efficiency for nitrogen and decolorization in the presence of organic pollutants was observed. With the addition of organic matter, the nitrogen removal efficiency increased slightly from 85% to 90–100%, and the decolorization rate doubled from 25% to 50–60%. Organic matter played a crucial role in stimulating heterotrophic bacteria during biological denitrification and acted as a carbon source facilitating biological denitrification and azo bond cleavage during dye degradation. Despite the generation of toxic byproducts and changes in the dominant microbial community, the treatment efficiency remained stable and improved. This approach offers a promising solution for enhancing treatment efficiency in textile wastewater, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for developing countries to treat wastewater before discharge.
Designing and Analysing a PV/Battery System via New Resilience Indicators
Authors: Amin S M Mezbahul , Hasnat Abul , Hossain Nazia
Published: June 2023

The increasing frequency of natural disasters in refugee camps has highlighted the urgent need for a dependable power source. In humanitarian camps, a reliable power supply is essential for meeting the basic daily needs of the residents. However, the conventional power systems in these camps often experience interruptions. To address this issue, microgrids have emerged as a viable solution. Although several studies have recognized the resilience benefits of microgrids, their application in refugee camps has been relatively limited. Hence, this study presents a grid-tied microgrid that combines photovoltaic and battery systems, designed using REopt lite web version software, to fulfill the energy requirements of Rohingya refugees in a selected camp located in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar. Additionally, this study introduces four new indicators of resilience to evaluate the performance of the designed system. The findings reveal that the proposed microgrid consists of 5685 kW of photovoltaic capacity and 9011 kWh of battery capacity, enabling it to handle a 15 h power outage and resulting in substantial life-cycle savings of USD 2,956,737. The payback period for this resilient system is calculated to be 6.37 years, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 12.2%. Furthermore, the system emits fewer emissions compared to other analysed modes in resilient operation, emphasizing its sustainability. In conclusion, the designed microgrid successfully enhances the reliability of the power supply in refugee camps.
From Neglect to Progress: Assessing Social Sustainability and Decent Work in the Tourism Sector
Authors: Santos Eleonora
Published: June 2023

Measuring social sustainability performance involves assessing firms’ implementation of social goals, including working conditions, health and safety, employee relationships, diversity, human rights, community engagement, and philanthropy. The concept of social sustainability is closely linked to the notion of decent work, which emphasizes productive work opportunities with fair income, secure workplaces, personal development prospects, freedom of expression and association, and equal treatment for both genders. However, the tourism sector, known for its significant share of informal labor-intensive work, faces challenges that hinder the achievement of decent work, such as extended working hours, low wages, limited social protection, and gender discrimination. This study assesses the social sustainability of the Portuguese tourism industry. The study collected data from the “Quadros do Pessoal” statistical tables for the years 2010 to 2020 to analyze the performance of Portuguese firms in the tourism sector and compare them with one another and with the overall national performance. The study focused on indicators such as employment, wages, and work accidents. The findings reveal fluctuations in employment and remuneration within the tourism sector and high growth rates in the tourism sector compared to the national average. A persistent gender pay gap is identified, which emphasizes the need to address this issue within the tourism industry. Despite some limitations, such as the lack of comparable data on work quality globally, incomplete coverage of sustainability issues, and challenges in defining and measuring social sustainability indicators, the findings have implications for policy interventions to enhance social sustainability in the tourism industry. By prioritizing decent work, safe working conditions, and equitable pay practices, stakeholders can promote social sustainability, stakeholder relationships, and sustainable competitive advantage. Policymakers are urged to support these principles to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry and foster a more inclusive and equitable society. This study provides insights for Tourism Management, sustainable Human Resource Management, Development Studies, and organizational research, guiding industry stakeholders in promoting corporate social sustainability, firm survival, and economic growth.
Marketing Tactics for Sustainable Fashion and the Circular Economy: The Impact of Ethical Labels on Fast Fashion Choice
Authors: Hamlin Robert P. , McNeill Lisa S.
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to contribute to the empirical literature on ethical fashion labelling. It investigates if complex, ethical, point-of-sale labels that ‘rate’ products’ ethical status on an ordinal scale influence consumer evaluations of fast-fashion garments (a) in any significant way at all and (b) in a way that is consistent with their reported ethical scores. In an experiment, 400 consumers evaluated a set of four fast-fashion garments with two levels of the Tearfund ordinal ethical label, a generic binary ethical label and garments with no label. Purchase intention was the dependent variable. The presence of a Tearfund label promoted significantly higher fast-fashion garment purchase intention, whatever ethical status the label was indicating. Thus, the rating label did significantly influence fast-fashion garment purchase intention, but not in any useful way. This is a novel and significant finding that indicates that fashion ethical labels are evaluated by using similar subconscious heuristic decision processes to those found in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) markets. Ethical labels that rely on cognitive processing by the consumer may therefore be ineffective, and simpler iconic brand-like label systems that can support subconscious processing may be more useful in a fast-fashion setting.
Sustainable Seismic Design of Triple Steel Structures
Authors: Grigorian Mark , Moghadam Abdolreza S. , Massumi Ali
Published: June 2023

Dual systems composed of steel Moment Frames (MFs) and Eccentric Braced Frames (EBFs) are some of the most popular earthquake-resisting structures (ERSs) worldwide. Triple systems are similar to ERSs but with added hybrid rigid rocking cores (HRRCs) that render the trio sustainable against seismic events. Economy-based Sustainable Seismic Design (SSD) is a new concept with a view to achieving financial benefits and environmental protection. Earthquakes impose the utmost load conditions accompanied by large inelastic distortions of almost all structures. The challenge is always the same: to prevent collapse and attempt repairs. Hence, the aim is to design ERSs with an emphasis on the economy and Post-Earthquake Realignment and Repair (PERR), rather than complying with antiquated guidelines. In conventional ERSs, the aim is to satisfy code requirements, whereas in SSD, the economics and post-earthquake attributes of the system are as important as those during the event. The physical effort involved in PERR is directly affected by the design objectives. SSD is part of neither college curricula nor design guidelines. This article promotes the notion that seismic sustainability (SS) in a structure can be highly economical and environmentally friendly if it can prevent collapse, overcome residual effects, and lend itself to PERR. To gain insight into the inner workings of SSD, this report discusses the principles of performance control (PC), design-led analysis (DLA), and the use of replaceable energy-dissipating devices (REDDs). In conclusion, the main contribution of this paper is that it shows that the conventional design can be upgraded to economy-based SSD without resorting to untenable costs and technologies. All the results have been verified via independent computer analysis.
Preliminary Study of Bioelectricity Generation Using Lettuce Waste as Substrate by Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Rojas-Villacorta Walter , Rojas-Flores Segundo , Benites Santiago M. , Nazario-Naveda Renny , Romero Cecilia V. , Gallozzo-Cardenas Moisés , Delfín-Narciso Daniel , Díaz Félix , Murga-Torres Emzon
Published: June 2023

Agricultural waste negatively impacts the environment and generates economic difficulties for agro-industrial companies and farmers. As a result, it is necessary for an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to managing this type of waste. Therefore, the research aimed to investigate lettuce waste as an alternative substrate to generate bioelectricity in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (scMFCs). It was possible to report voltage and electric current peaks of 0.959 ± 0.026 V and 5.697 ± 0.065 mA on the fourteenth day, values that were attained with an optimum pH of 7.867 ± 0.147 and with an electrical conductivity of 118.964 ± 8.888 mS/cm. Moreover, as time passed the values began to decline slowly. The calculated value of maximum power density was 378.145 ± 5.417 mW/cm2 whose current density was 5.965 A/cm2, while the internal resistance reported using Ohm’s Law was 87.594 ± 6.226 Ω. Finally, it was possible to identify the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacterium (99.59%) on a molecular scale, as one of the microorganisms present in the anodic biofilm. The three microbial fuel cells were connected in series and demonstrated that they were capable of lighting an LED bulb, with a voltage of 2.18 V.
Brief Overview of Refuse-Derived Fuel Production and Energetic Valorization: Applied Technology and Main Challenges
Authors: Santos Santa Margarida , Nobre Catarina , Brito Paulo , Gonçalves Margarida
Published: June 2023

A large part of municipal solid waste (MSW) still goes to landfills, representing an environmental concern. A circular economy approach can enable safe management of MSW while mitigating the increasing energy needs when waste is used as a feedstock in energy production processes (waste to energy). Currently, MSW can be converted into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) through mechanical and biological treatment processes. This study analyzes the status of MSW and RDF production, as well as its main destinations in Portugal and Europe. The legislation applied, possible energy-recovery routes, and challenges associated with energy recovery are discussed throughout this paper. This research finds that the production of RDF in Portugal has been neglected, mostly because of RDF composition being quite heterogeneous and its poor fuel properties. Therefore, the need to improve and upgrade the characteristics and properties of RDF for waste-to-energy processes was detected. RDF can be pretreated to be further applied to waste-to-energy and waste-to-gas processes, such as incineration and gasification. The technology readiness level data, costs, and SWOT analysis allowedto assess that although incineration is the most mature and widely used technology, gasification becomes more attractive, having lower costs and gaseous emissions, proving to be more efficient and sustainable for MSW and RDF conversion.
Ancestral Practices for Water and Land Management: Experiences in a Latin American Indigenous Reserve
Authors: Román-Chaverra David , Hernández-Peña Yolanda Teresa , Zafra-Mejía Carlos Alfonso
Published: June 2023

The identification and analysis of mythical images and ancestral practices that make up the ethnos of a community allow us to know its ways of existing in the cosmos. The objective of this paper is to analyze the ancestral experiences associated with the dynamics of socio-environmental management that the Emberá Indigenous reserve (Chocó, Colombia) carries out for the conservation of water and land. This study is qualitative and ideographic. We also adopted an ethnographic approach to provide a detailed description of water and land management practices, which correspond to their cultural patterns. Using Atlas Ti V.6.0 software, we identify and analyze these cultural patterns. The results show that the ecosystemic relationships offered by the Emberá worldview are part of a true connection with their spiritual world, which fosters respect for the natural elements and understanding of universal natural laws. These relationships are manifested through gifts and penance. The Emberá beliefs and religion are a possible methodology for the sustainable management of water and land and, consequently, of the basin where they live. The success of their ethnodevelopment depends significantly on the power figures of their culture: the Jaibana (their gods), the elders, and the Emberá woman as a cultural agent. The Emberá worldview is possibly a valid instrument to enable the sustainable development of modern communities.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution, Trade-Offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in the Qinba Mountains
Authors: He Xiaofeng , Li Wenqing , Xu Xingchao , Zhao Xueyan
Published: June 2023

A scientific understanding of the trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services is the prerequisite for maintaining the structure, function and health of forest ecosystems, which is conducive to promoting the “win-win” goal of economic development and ecological protection. As an important ecological function area in China, the Qinba Mountain region is responsible for important ecological services such as biodiversity conservation and water conservation, and exploring the trade-offs and synergistic relationships of ecosystem services is important for ecological conservation and high-quality development in this region. This paper analyzes the spatial and temporal characteristics of water conservation, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and habitat quality services and their synergistic/balancing relationships in the Qinba Mountain region from 1990 to 2020 using tools such as the InVEST model, ArcGIS, and Matlab. The results showed that (1) the overall trend of water connotation, soil conservation and carbon sequestration in the Qinba Mountains is increasing, while the trend of habitat quality is fluctuating and decreasing. The spatial distribution pattern of water conservation and soil conservation services was “high in the southwest and low in the northeast”, while the spatial pattern of habitat quality services was the opposite; the spatial distribution pattern of carbon sequestration services was “low in the middle and high around”. (2) Habitat quality in the Qinba Mountains has a trade-off relationship with water connotation and soil conservation, as water connotation–soil conservation is a synergistic relationship, while carbon sequestration is unrelated to water connotation–soil conservation and habitat quality. (3) The area of habitat quality–water conservation showed a decreasing trend; the area of habitat quality–soil conservation showed an increasing trend; the area of habitat quality-water conservation showed a decreasing trend; the area of habitat quality-soil conservation showed an increasing trend; the area of water conservation-soil conservation service synergistic relationship showed a decreasing and then increasing trend; while the area of carbon sequestration service and In most of the regions, carbon sequestration, soil conservation and habitat quality services are not related to each other.
Organic and Slow-Release Fertilizer Substitution Strategies Improved the Sustainability of Pineapple Production Systems in the Tropics
Authors: Cai Jinwen , Cheng Wenxiao , Liang Zhenghao , Li Changzhen , Deng Yan , Yin Tao , Li Changjiang
Published: June 2023

The partial substitution of chemical nitrogen fertilizers with organic fertilizer and slow-release fertilizer could improve pineapple yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the effect of organic and slow-release fertilizer substitution strategies on the carbon footprint (CF), nitrogen footprint (NF) and net ecosystem economic benefits (NEEB) from pineapple fields in the tropics remains largely unclear. Therefore, we conducted a long-term pineapple field trial (2017–2021) for the first time with five fertilization strategies (CK: no fertilizer; F: conventional fertilization(nitrogen (N) 817 kg ha−1, phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) 336 kg ha−1, potassium oxide (K2O) 945 kg ha−1); RF: reduction of 41.7% N, 72.0% P2O5 and 33.1% K2O on an F basis; RFO: replacement of 20% N input with organic fertilizer on an RF basis; RFOS: replacement of 15% N input with slow-release fertilizer on an RFO basis) to identify the pineapple fruit yield, NUE, CF, NF and NEEB in the tropics. The results showed that in comparison to the F treatment, the RF, RFO and RFOS treatments improved pineapple yield (7.6%, 12.4% and 26.3%, respectively), NUE (66.4%, 75.5% and 87.7%, respectively, p < 0.05) and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) fertilizer (84.8%, 92.8% and 116.7%, respectively, p < 0.05). Additionally, of all the treatments, the RFOS treatment had the highest yield (87.8 t ha−1). N leaching (50.1–69.1%) and ammonia volatilization (21.6–26.2%) were the two primary routes for reactive nitrogen (Nr) loss. The field soils (36.8–45.7%) and N fertilizer production and transportation (21.2–29.5%) dominated the GHG emissions. Compared to the F treatment, the RF, RFO and RFOS treatments showed decreases in Nr losses, NF, GHG emissions and CF of 36.6–41.1%, 43.3–51.9%, 19.0–29.1% and 24.5–41.7%, respectively. Of all the treatments, the RFOS treatment had the lowest CF (191.8 kg CO2eq ha−1 season) and NF (1.9 kg N t−1 season). Additionally, the NEEB of the RF, RFO and RFOS treatments improved by 13.0–39.9% over that of the F treatment. The RFOS treatment (54,880 USD ha−1) resulted in the highest NEEB of all treatments. Therefore, the substitution of conventional inorganic fertilizers with organic and slow-release fertilizers is an effective method for achieving sustainable pineapple production. However, a process for further reducing GHG emissions from farmland soils and Nr losses from organic fertilizer addition still need attention in terms of pineapple production.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of Methylene Blue Adsorption on a New Raw Material, Cynara scolymus—A Statistical Physics Assessment
Authors: Djama Chaker , Bouguettoucha Abdallah , Chebli Derradji , Amrane Abdeltif , Tahraoui Hichem , Zhang Jie , Mouni Lotfi
Published: June 2023

Methylene blue (MB) adsorption was performed on a natural material powder of Cynara scolymus as a new inexpensive adsorbent identified by Cs. To analyze the Cs material, FTIR, SEM, isoelectric point (pHpzc) analysis, TGA, and DRX were used. The maximum experimental adsorption capacity of the Cs material was 203.333, 192.187, and 179.380 mg•g−1 at 298, 303, and 313 K, respectively. The correlation coefficients (R2) and average percentage errors APE (%) values for the kinetic and isotherms models indicated that the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-nth order model and that the traditional isotherm model Redlich–Peterson (R–P) correctly described the experimental data obtained at 298, 303, and 313 K, respectively. The steric, energetic, and thermodynamic characteristics of the most relevant advanced model (double-energy single-layer model (AM 2)) were analyzed in detail. The number of active sites for the first receptors (n1) was determined to be 0.129, 0.610, and 6.833, whereas the number of second active sites (n2) was determined to be 1.444, 1.675, and 2.036 at 298, 303, and 313 K, respectively. This indicated the presence of both multi–docking and multimolecular modes for the first style of MB ions (n1), while only a multimolecular mode for the second style of MB ions (n2). Thermodynamic characteristics demonstrated that MB adsorption onto the Cs adsorbent is spontaneous and feasible.
Regional Synthetic Water Pollutants Embodied in Trade and Policy Simulations for Mitigating Pollutant Discharge in China
Authors: Li Xuefeng
Published: June 2023

Inter-regional trade in commodities causes the flow of water pollutants, referred to as virtual pollutant transfer. However, existing studies usually focus on a single water pollutant and cannot characterize the integrated discharge of multiple ones. As a result, it is impossible to analyze the integrated virtual flow of multiple water pollutants among regions, much less simulate the effects of possible water pollutant reduction scenarios. To this end, we empirically synthesize several water pollutant indicators as a whole and then make it the occupancy in the framework of input–output analysis, which helps us to quantify the virtual transfer of water pollutants and simulate scenarios’ mitigating effects. The constructed indicator is called the synthetic water pollutant (SWP) discharge index. By accounting for SWP and then its virtual flows based on the compiled multi-regional input–output tables, we analyze the temporal and spatial differences in synthetic net virtual transfer of regional multiple water pollutants occurring with inter-regional trade. The results show that the national SWP discharge scale of six water pollutants (chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, petroleum, and volatile phenol) is falling from 2012 to 2020. The net intake of virtual pollutants has become more concentrated. Central (e.g., Shanxi and Hunan) and western (Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia) China are the central regions of net virtual receiving. The simulation results show that reducing 10% of importing regions’ inputs while cutting 10% of exporting regions’ consumption mitigates the SWP discharge of the entire economic system by 3.45%. The decrease rate is 3.02%, increasing international imports by 10% in all regions. An incremental SWP reduction of 2.75% by reducing SWP discharge per output unit by 10% in the top 10 regions of discharge intensity indicates reducing the SWP discharge intensity is the most direct and effective approach. However, the growth of fixed asset investment in wastewater treatment and its recycling seems to contribute little to achieving China’s policy target of wastewater treatment capacity increase by 2025. This study provides regional results for managing water pollutants in China and a basis for future policymaking.
Decoupling Analysis of Water Consumption and Economic Growth in Tourism in Arid Areas: Case of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Cao Shanshan , He Zhaoli , Wang Songmao , Niu Jinlan
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the rapid development of tourism in China’s arid areas has led to a continuous increase in water consumption, heightening the tension between water supply and demand in the region. For this reason, drought-type tourist destinations require a method for estimating the tourism water demand and analyzing the sustainable state of water resources. Existing studies focus on the impact of tourism development on the water resources and environment of tourist destinations. However, few scholars have paid attention to whether tourism development is decoupled from the tourism water footprint. Using an analysis of the tourism water footprint based on the TWF-LCA model and Tapio decoupling theory, this study investigates the relationship between the tourism water footprint and tourism economic growth in Xinjiang from 2003 to 2021. The results show that from 2003 to 2021, the water consumption footprint of the tourism industry in Xinjiang was generally on the rise, and the virtual water consumption of tourists was 3.5 times that of direct water consumption. S-WF is the largest contributor to the total TWF, accounting for 46.13% on average, followed by C-WF, V-WF, Tr-WF, and finally, A-WF, which has the smallest share (less than 5%). The decoupling model shows that, in most years, the tourism water consumption and economy have been in a weak decoupling state, and the growth rate of the tourism water footprint is smaller than the growth rate of the tourism economy. However, in 2007 and 2016, the two were in an expansionary negative decoupling state, that is, the growth rate of the tourism water footprint was greater than the growth rate of the tourism economy. In 2008 and 2019, they were in a weak negative decoupling state, that is, the decline rate of the tourism water footprint was less than the tourism economic recession rate. In 2013, the growth rate of the tourism economy and tourism water footprint declined. Our analysis enriches the literature on tourists’ WF and the impact of tourism activities on water resources, providing a reference for estimating the WF of drought-type tourism and analyzing the sustainability of tourism water resources.
Lauric Acid from the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and Its Potential Applications
Authors: Suryati Tuti , Julaeha Euis , Farabi Kindi , Ambarsari Hanies , Hidayat Ace Tatang
Published: June 2023

Black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) larvae are currently being developed as bioconversion agents for organic waste treatment. The resulting larvae or prepupae have a high protein and lipid content, primarily used as feed for fish, poultry, and other animals. The lipid content of BSF larvae/prepupae is influenced by the feed for growth and can reach up to 57.8%. BSF lipids mainly consist of medium-chain saturated fatty acids, with lauric acid (LA) being the dominant component. The LA content in BSF larvae/prepupae can be enhanced by incorporating or utilizing substrates containing highly digestible carbohydrates for larval growth. The LA content can reach 76.13% in larvae reared on fruit waste. LA has been reported to exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Moreover, it has applications in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, cosmetics, body care, soaps and detergents, plastics, and textiles. This review aims to investigate the LA content in BSF larvae and explore its potential applications, thereby establishing BSF larvae/prepupae as a novel source of LA for diverse fields.
The Docking Mechanism of Public and Enterprise Green Behavior in China: A Scenario Game Experiment Based on Green Product Classification
Authors: Li Chuang , Li Chen , Wang Liping
Published: June 2023

In the international context of pursuing green development, a good connection between the production and consumption ends is a necessary condition for forming a diversified governance interaction system. The academic community has conducted in-depth discussions on green behavior among enterprises and the public. However, few studies have focused on the docking process between the subjects. Therefore, this paper takes Chinese participants as an example to design a game experiment, considering the role of government regulation. From a dynamic, interactive perspective, it explores the motivation for green behavior between the public and enterprises, as well as the effectiveness of government subsidies. The research results indicate that: (i) The public is willing to burden a premium for the green behavior of enterprises, which has significant differences in substantive and symbolic green behavior. (ii) In green consumption scenarios, public purchasing information can be transmitted to enterprises, but the reverse path has not yet been verified. (iii) Government subsidies have a strong incentive effect on public green behavior. (iv) There are significant differences in the impact of public environmental awareness on public green behavior, but there is no significant difference in the green behavior of enterprises. The research conclusion provides theoretical support for the study of public and enterprise behavioral variables and provides a practical basis for enterprise management and government governance. This will facilitate the construction of a systematic and effective environmental governance framework, thereby promoting coordinated green development among entities.
The Impact of Low-Carbon Pilot Cities on the Development of Digital Economy: Empirical Evidence from 284 Cities in China
Authors: Zhang Hongfeng , Ding Xiangjiang , Liu Yue
Published: June 2023

The launch of the low-carbon city pilot policy is of great significance to promoting China’s economic structural transformation, especially for the development of the digital economy. This paper took the low-carbon city pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment. By matching the panel data of 284 cities in China from 2007 to 2020, this paper studied the impact of the low-carbon pilot cities on the development of the digital economy by using the differences-in-differences(DID) method. The results show the following: (1) The low-carbon city pilot policy significantly promoted the development of the digital economy in the pilot areas, and the promotion effect was the most significant in the eastern region and the pilot areas of non-resource-based cities. (2) Through a mechanism analysis, it was found that government intervention and human capital play a mediating role between low-carbon pilot cities and digital economy development, while the mediating effect of industrial structure upgrading was not verified in this paper. (3) The mechanism of action is also heterogeneous in different regions; that is, the magnitude and direction of action vary across regions. This paper attempts to provide theoretical support for the green and sustainable development of the Chinese economy.