bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service Learning as an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Teaching Strategy: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation in a STEM University Course
Authors: Martín-Sánchez Alberto , González-Gómez David , Jeong Jin Su
Published: June 2022

The continuous deterioration of the environment is one of the major concerns that societies are facing nowadays. As a response to this challenging situation, the general assembly of the United Nations (UN) created the 2030 Agenda, proposing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to foster sustainable development. Thus, the significance of educating in values related to sustainability and care for the environment must acquire a relevant importance in the education system to provide an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate teaching methodologies that are able to connect with students and to generate enriching experiences. In this regard, it can promote knowledge of the environment and provide a service to the community to ensure sustainable development. This research presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a Service Learning (SL) methodology as an ESD strategy in a university course. Precisely, it describes the development and evaluation of an SL project implemented in a general science subject during a 2020/2021 course taught at the Teacher Training College of the University of Extremadura (Spain). A total of 46 students participated in the study on a voluntary basis. A pre- and post-test methodology was used to assess the suitability of SL as an ESD strategy, resulting in a significant increase in the students’ knowledge about the innovative teaching strategies to work with suitable contents after the project, as well as in their knowledge about SDGs. Moreover, the students’ participation in the SL project made them aware of the community implications in maintaining the environment and generating benefit for the whole community. In addition, this research shows how the SL teaching methodology is an important tool for the achievement of both curricular competences and environmental awareness, since theoretical knowledge is applied to tangible work to perform a real community service, and therefore is a very suitable teaching strategy to be applied in EDS.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Light Precipitation Events in the Yellow River Basin, China, and Relationships with Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Ji Yan , Peng Jiaoting , Zhang Hongchang
Published: June 2022

Light precipitation events are an essential feature of rainfall for agricultural production, risk prediction of drought or flood disasters, and natural resource management in a certain area. We investigated the spatiotemporal variations in light precipitation events with intensities of 0.1–10 mm/day, based on daily precipitation data for the Yellow River Basin (YRB), China, during 1960–2018, and explored their relationships with large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns (LSACPs) and altitude. For further analysis of the changes in the light precipitation events, we classified light rain (0.1 ≤ P < 10.0 mm/day) into five grades of intensity by using equal interval division. Results indicate that the mean annual light precipitation amount and days were 182.7 mm and 80 days, respectively, from 1960 to 2018 over the YRB, accounting for 39.2% and 85.2% of the total annual precipitation amount and days, respectively. Both the amount of light rain and the number of light precipitation days declined by −1.3 mm/decade and −1.4 days/decade, respectively, and suggested that most rain events were of low intensity (0.1 ≤ P < 2.0 mm/day). Light precipitation events mainly occurred in the upper and middle reaches of the YRB and decreased from the southwest to the north. Additionally, changes in light rain events appear to be complex and possibly related to LSACPs and altitude. We found that the LSACPs were a possible mechanism for light precipitation events in the YRB over the past decades. With increasing elevation, light precipitation events decreased significantly throughout the study period. Thus, the decrease in precipitation days mainly occurred at lower altitudes in the YRB. The results also reflect the complexity of regional climate change in the YRB because atmospheric circulation related to climate phenomena not only causes the complex variation in precipitation but also changes its altitude dependence.
Supporting Sustainable Development by Identifying Ways to Enhance and Conserve Local Food Wisdom, Loei Province, Thailand
Authors: Pruksa Supannee , Sripoona Suwaree , Lowirakorn Suwalee , Chaitokkia Suradech , Hutchinson Carol
Published: June 2022

Traditional diets are generally nutrient-rich and utilise locally available resources. Strategies to help conserve local food wisdom and increase its value could facilitate a reduction in the burden of all forms of malnutrition and achieve global goals. Our objectives were to: (1) investigate the variety of local foods and food preparation methods in Loei province, Thailand; (2) investigate ways of increasing the nutritional, social, and economic value of local food in this province; and (3) construct a local food database to catalogue and conserve the local food wisdom. Nine out of fourteen districts in Loei province were purposively selected. All were designated key sustainable tourist destinations and represented a range of terrains. There were 423 interview participants, representing all villages in one subdistrict of each of the nine selected districts. We also conducted nine focus group discussions with a total of 90 participants. Data were analysed and categorised, based on the content analysis technique, and we created an online database of the catalogued recipes. There were 240 dishes, placed into seven categories of recipe type. Many of the characteristics of the local dishes from Loei province today remain closely connected to the history of this part of Thailand. We identified that the value of local foods could be improved by investing in technology used for home preservation, actively engaging younger generations to improve the transfer of local food wisdom, investment in technology to utilise local biodegradable materials, and tourist activities based around local food heritage. Future work will involve further development of the local food database, and research to evaluate the application of the database. Moreover, this research can serve as a model for retaining and valuing local food wisdom elsewhere, to promote food security, combat malnutrition, and benefit the local economy.
Seeking Genuine Vocations through Sustainability in Chemical Engineering
Authors: Karjanto Natanael
Published: June 2022

Sustainability in education is essential in raising awareness among pupils regarding the interconnected global challenges that we are facing and, at the same time, cultivating and transforming their mindsets to embrace and adopt sustainable lifestyles. In particular, college students who might briefly encounter sustainability issues during their courses of study would bring their values and attitudes regarding sustainability into their future workplace and beyond. In this article, we focus on sustainability in engineering education at the tertiary level, particularly in chemical engineering, and reveal how these potential engineers could seek genuine vocations when choosing their careers without compromising sustainability. The article begins with a description of what constitutes chemical engineering and its branches in plain language. It then outlines what to expect when one enrolls in a chemical engineering program as an undergraduate or graduate student. This includes the core subjects to obtain, skill sets to master, and other essential expertise that could be useful in the workplace. Since chemical engineering is one of the disciplines where the paradox of improving and impairing is conspicuous, it is also essential to delve deeper into the sustainability facet of the field, specifically in higher education. The discussion continues with career options for enthusiastic chemical engineers and how these young and early-career graduates could discover their reason for well-being and life purpose as aspiring chemical engineers, while at the same time maintaining and enhancing the sustainability in their vocations.
Legal Aspect of Plastic Waste Management in Indonesia and Malaysia: Addressing Marine Plastic Debris
Authors: Kamaruddin Hanim , Maskun  , Patittingi Farida , Assidiq Hasbi , Bachril Siti Nurhaliza , Al Mukarramah Nurul Habaib
Published: June 2022

Marine plastic debris is a common issue faced by the entire international community, with some countries finding it exceptionally difficult to address and combat the issue, including Indonesia and Malaysia. The two neighboring countries are ranked as the largest contributors of plastic waste in the ocean. Unmanaged plastic waste that will ultimately end up in waters and seas has become a major issue that Indonesia and Malaysia must deal with, and a firm legal approach holds a key role for both countries in solving the issue. This paper is devoted to normatively analyzing the various legal approaches that are/can be used by Indonesia and Malaysia, and to identify the problems related to such approaches. This article applies normative legal research, in which various legal instruments and other secondary legal materials are descriptively analyzed to unravel the legal issues. The main findings reveal that laws and regulations, as well as public policies that serve as a legal basis and approaches to deal with plastic waste governance in Indonesia and Malaysia, still possess some weaknesses, including the absence of distinctive provisions specifically aimed at dealing with plastic waste, the lower legal binding power of some instruments due to their soft-law nature, and the application of rather ineffective approaches. One important initial step towards actually exerting the legal approaches in governing plastic waste in both countries is to strengthen the governing structure and legal culture surrounding the management of plastic waste. Finally, this paper encourages the establishment of a bilateral agreement between Indonesia and Malaysia that will allow both countries to formulate a more legally binding framework for tackling the issues of marine waste in general and marine plastic debris in particular.
ATS-STEM: Global Teaching Methodology to Improve Competences of Secondary Education Students
Authors: Fernández-Morante Carmen , Fernández-de-la-Iglesia Josefa-del-Carmen , Cebreiro Beatriz , Latorre-Ruiz Enrique
Published: June 2022

Previous studies agree on the benefits of improving the relevant competences in students by applying globalized learning methodologies and projects in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). However, few studies have focused on whether including other subjects in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) in these projects improves high school students’ perceptions on improvement in these skills. The objective of this work was to study the effect of participation in interdisciplinary teaching projects (STEM and HASS), which promote globalized and project-based learning, on the perception of self-efficacy of secondary school students in basic competences for learning. It also analyzes the modulating role of gender on said perception. High school students from Galicia participated in this study. Both before and after participating in teaching projects according to the MODEL of the ATS-STEM project, they completed a questionnaire on self-efficacy in the eight key competences for STEM learning defined in the model: disciplinary STEM competences, problem solving, innovation and creativity, communication, critical thinking, metacognitive skills, collaboration and self-regulation. The results showed an improvement in all the competences evaluated (although only the men showed an increase in collaboration). Nevertheless, there was a lower perception of competence in women than in men in discipline competences, problem solving and metacognitive skills. Therefore, the benefits of interdisciplinary ATS-STEM learning experiences on the self-efficacy perceived by high school students were confirmed, although the results continue to show a gender gap.
Greening Cities, Shaping Cities: Pinpointing Nature-Based Solutions in Cities between Shared Governance and Citizen Participation
Authors: Mahmoud Israa H. , Morello Eugenio , Salvia Giuseppe , Puerari Emma
Published: June 2022

The topic of pinpointing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in the urban context has been cultivating interests lately from different scholars, urban planning practitioners and policymakers [...]
Biogas Potential from Slums as a Sustainable and Resilient Route for Renewable Energy Diffusion in Urban Areas and Organic Waste Management in Vulnerable Communities in São Paulo
Authors: D’Aquino Camila Agner , Pereira Bruno Alves , Sawatani Tulio Ferreira , de Moura Samantha Coelho , Tagima Alice , Ferrarese Júlia Carolina Bevervanso Borba , Santos Samantha Christine , Sauer Ildo Luis
Published: June 2022

Slums are populated poor areas inside urban centers, mostly deprived of good-quality public services and exposed to inappropriate waste disposal and energy poverty. Using the organic fraction waste from these communities to generate high value-added products, including electricity, heat, and fertilizer, provides a circular bioeconomy with mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, reducing environmental pollution and diseases. The present study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of producing bioelectricity from the biogas obtained through the anaerobic digestion of the 400,000 tons of food waste generated in São Paulo’s slums, the largest city in Latin America. The biogas potential was calculated using results obtained from previous studies, expanded to the slums, mapped, and discussed the environmental impact of waste mismanagement and the renewable energy source (RES) integration into the local energy system. The results show a bioelectricity potential of up to 147,734 MWh/y, representing 1.3% of the residential electricity demand with an associated potential reduction of 2111.7 CO2eq Gg/y.
A Novel Approach for the Biological Desalination of Major Anions in Seawater Using Three Microalgal Species: A Kinetic Study
Authors: Ghobashy Madeha O. I. , Bahattab Omar , Alatawi Aishah , Aljohani Meshari M. , Helal Mohamed M. I.
Published: June 2022

The global water shortage alert has been upgraded to a higher risk level. Consequently, a sustainable approach for ecofriendly, energy efficient water desalination is required for agricultural and municipal water reuse. In this study, an energy-efficient biological desalination process was used to treat chloride anions, which are the most abundant anion salt in seawater. Three algal species were studied: Scenedismus arcuatusa (S. arcuatusa), Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris), and Spirulina maxima (Sp. maxima), under different operating conditions (saline concentrations, contact time, high light intensity, and CO2 supply), and two kinetic models were used. It was identified that under a high light intensity and CO2 supply, S. arcuatusa enhanced chloride removal from 32.42 to 48.93%; the daily bioaccumulation capacity (Qe), according to the kinetic models, was enhanced from 124 to 210 mg/g/day; and the net biomass production was enhanced from 0.02 to 0.740 g/L. The EDX analysis proved that salt bioaccumulation may be attributed to the replacement of Ca2+ and Mg2+ with Na+ and K+ through algal cells. The study’s findings provide promising data that can be used in the search for novel energy-efficient alternative ecofriendly desalination technologies based on algae biological systems with biomass byproducts that can be reused in a variety of ways.
An MHD Flow of Non-Newtonian Fluid Due to a Porous Stretching/Shrinking Sheet with Mass Transfer
Authors: Mahabaleshwar Ulavathi Shettar , Anusha Thippeswamy , Laroze David , Said Nejla Mahjoub , Sharifpur Mohsen
Published: June 2022

An examination is carried out for three-dimensional incompressible viscoelastic fluid flow over a porous stretching/shrinking sheet with hybrid nanoparticles copper-alumina (Cu−Al2O3) in base fluid water (H2O). The uniform magnetic field of strength B0 is applied perpendicular to the fluid flow and considered the Navier slip. The mass transfer is considered with the chemical reaction rate. The governing equation for the defined flow forms the system of partial differential equations, which are then transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations via similarity transformations. The goal is to find the exact analytical solution, and the unique solution is determined by considering the boundary layer theory. Furthermore, the obtained system is solved to get the exact analytical solution for velocity and concentration fields in exponential form and in hypergeometric form, respectively. The exact solutions are obtained for velocity and temperature profiles, Skin friction, and Nusselt number. These findings are beneficial for future research in the present area. The parameters magnetic field, Inverse Darcy number, slip parameter, chemical reaction parameter, stretching/shrinking parameter, and viscoelastic parameter, influence the flow. The effect of these parameters on fluid velocity and concentration field will be analyzed through graphs. Skin friction and Nusselt number are also analyzed. This work found many applications in machining and manufacturing, solar energy, MHD flow meters and pumps, power generators, geothermal recovery, flow via filtering devices, chemical catalytic reactors, etc.
Biofilm Structural and Functional Features on Microplastic Surfaces in Greenhouse Agricultural Soil
Authors: Chen Yue , Wang Xiaobing , Wang Xiaoli , Cheng Tong , Fu Kuankuan , Qin Zhentian , Feng Ke
Published: June 2022

Microplastics (MPs) enter the soil through a variety of pathways, including plastic mulching, sludge, and organic manure application. In recent years, domestic and foreign experts and scholars have been concerned about the residues and contamination of MPs in the soil of greenhouse agriculture. In this investigation, five types of MPs including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and two concentrations (1% and 5%, w/w) were used in a 30-day external exposure test. Evidence of microbial enrichment was found on the surface of the MPs. The total amount of biofilm on the surface of MPs increased dramatically with increasing exposure time and MP concentrations. The polysaccharide content of extracellular polymers (EPS) in biofilms was significantly different, and the maximum PS1 (1% (w/w) PS) concentration was 50.17 mg/L. However, EPS protein content did not change significantly. The dominant bacteria on the surface of MPs with different types and concentrations were specific, and the relative abundance of Patescibacteria was significantly changed at the phylum level. At the genus level, Methylophaga, Saccharimonadales, and Sphingomonas dominated the flora of LDPE1 (1% (w/w) LDPE), PS1, and PET5 (5% (w/w) PET). The dominant bacteria decompose organic materials and biodegrade organic contaminants. According to the FAPROTAX functional prediction study, chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophyplay a role in ecosystem processes such as carbon cycle and climate regulation. The application of LDPE1 has a greater impact on the carbon cycle. Plant development and soil nutrients in greenhouse agriculture may be influenced by the interaction between MPs and microorganisms in the growing area, while MP biofilms have an impact on the surrounding environment and pose an ecological hazard.
Spatial and Economic Effects of Yangtze River-Huaihe River Water Transfer Project on the Transportation Accessibility of Bulk Cargo within Anhui Province, China
Authors: Xie Huaming , Xu Tong , Wu Qianjiao , Zhang Mengya , Tong Ningning , Zhang Ting
Published: June 2022

This study examined the influence of the Yangtze River-Huaihe River Water Transfer Project (YHWTP) on the transportation accessibility of bulk cargo in 16 cities of Anhui Province based on modern transportation infrastructure. We also discussed the change in the strength of economic linkages affected by the YHWTP for 16 cities within Anhui Province and the Yangtze River Delta using the gravity model. The results demonstrate that: (1) The YHWTP will significantly improve the transportation accessibility of bulk commodities among the 16 cities in Anhui Province, especially the cities along the project route. It will reduce the minimum average transport cost (MATC) and the weighted average transport cost (WATC). (2) The YHWTP has a different influence on the transportation accessibility of the 16 cities, making the location conditions more unequal. (3) The change of spatial distribution of transportation accessibility of the 16 cities caused by YHWTP will be mainly concentrated in the triangular region, formed by Huainan, Anqing, and Wuhu. (4) The YHWTP will improve the total strength of economic linkages (TSEL) of the 16 cities within Anhui Province and Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, with an increase by 27.62% and 9.04%, respectively. (5) Overall, Hefei will benefit the most from the YHWTP.
Spatiotemporal Pattern Differentiation and Influencing Factors of Cultivated Land Use Efficiency in Hubei Province under Carbon Emission Constraints
Authors: Xiao Pengnan , Xu Jie , Yu Zupeng , Qian Peng , Lu Mengyao , Ma Chao
Published: June 2022

The rapid conversion of cultivated land resources has posed a severe danger to national food security, where the primary concerns are the quantity as well as the quality of the land being cultivated. Cultivated land use efficiency (CLUE) reflects the rational allocation and utilization level of cultivated land, labor, capital, and other factors so as to maximize output and minimize cost. In this study, carbon emissions were included as an unexpected output into the measurement framework of CLUE. The super SBM undesirable model, Spatial analysis model, and Tobit model were comprehensively used to measure the difference pattern and influencing factors of CLUE in 72 counties of Hubei Province from 2005 to 2020. The results show the following: the CLUE in Hubei Province showed significant regional differences and temporal variation characteristics. During the observation period of 2005 to 2020, the overall CLUE in Hubei Province increased, reaching 0.7475 by 2020, but was still at a low level (less than 1). Due to the limitation of topographic factors, this does not show obvious spatial agglomeration characteristics on the whole. In general, the CLUE value formed after considering the carbon emission index in most counties decreased by different ranges compared to the value formed without considering the carbon emission index. From the perspective of transverse terrain comparison, the measured results of the super SBM undesirable model showed that the cultivated land utilization efficiency of the mountain and hill was higher than that of the plain. From the vertical time comparison, the CLUE of different regions showed an upward trend, indicating obvious regional differences in the study period. The results of the Tobit model show that farmers’ income level can actively promote the improvement of CLUE in Hubei Province. Urbanization level, rural power consumption, per capita cultivated land scale, and agricultural mechanization level have an impact on cultivated land use efficiency as a whole, but the impact has topographic heterogeneity. This study can provide theoretical and technical reference for the improvement of regional cultivated land efficiency and the formulation of cultivated land protection strategies and policies.
Providing Safe Space for Honest Mistakes in the Public Sector Is the Most Important Predictor for Work Engagement after Strategic Clarity
Authors: Gargantini Thais , Daly Michael , Sherlock Joseph , Lazebnik Teddy
Published: June 2022

Multiple studies highlight the link between engagement at work and performance, influencing organizations to put more effort into improving employee engagement levels. In this study, we begin to examine the influence of multiple psychological parameters on employees’ work engagement (WE) within the public sector. The idea is to break the concept of WE down into eight individually measurable parameters that will allow for a better understanding and development of stronger interventions. Based on this analysis, we reproduce the outcome that strategic clarity is the most connected property to WE. More importantly, we introduce a new concept, honest mistakes, and show that having a safe space for making mistakes and learning from it is the second most important property of WE. This result is of interest, as allowing mistakes, even if they were made innocently, is considered taboo in the public sector. These outcomes are based on the reports of n=7682 public sector employees from Brazil. In particular, the analysis shows that these outcomes hold for both professional and management positions across the health, administrative, justice, police, social work, and education offices.
Mapping the Field of Value Chain: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Gu Zhouyang
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the interest in academic research in the field of the value chain has increased rapidly. However, there is a lack of bibliometric and visualization research on this subject. This paper aims to analyze the main trends of the value chain in multidomain-related literature in the past decade. Thus, we used bibliometric 2002 documents data from the Scopus to generate figures like the trend, co-occurrence and proportion of the value chain by using Rstudio and VOSviewer. The results not only explained the main modern trends under the time series, but also showed the evolution of the development of the theme of the value chain. Additionally, the paper also determines the impact of the value chain in different journals and documents and analyzes the impact of themes, countries and keywords on the publication of the value chain literature. After identifying the most popular themes and keywords in the past decade, we predicted the trend and direction of future value chain research. Due to the lack of literature for data analysis on value-chain-related innovation, this study is a unique contribution to the literature on the measurement method as a supplement. This study also provides a visual and schematic framework for the relevant research in the field of the value chain and summarizes the trend and trajectory. This may help researchers understand the current trend of the research on the value chain and grasp the future research direction.
Geomorphoedaphic Itinerary of Arribes Del Duero (Spain)
Authors: Merchán Leticia , Martínez-Graña Antonio Miguel , Egido Jose Antonio , Criado Marco
Published: June 2022

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the Geological Heritage, its evaluation, protection and promotion. The Geomorphological Heritage also interests the scientific community, especially those sectors of great scientific relevance that are characterized by its reliefs. For its part, the soil study provides information about the genesis of the soils and places them as a non-renewable natural resource and highlights the importance of its conservation for future generations. The methodology followed consisted in the valuation of the geological heritage, identifying different places and taking into account the geomorphological and pedological interests, presenting the latter, an innovative character. In this way, a “Geomorphoedaphic” itinerary of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park has been made. This is one of the first steps to its inclusion as a Geopark.
Nutritional Demand and Consumption Pattern: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Hayat Naveed , Mustafa Ghulam , Alotaibi Bader Alhafi , Traore Abou
Published: June 2022

Nutrition problems persist over several decades in most developing countries. Poor and vulnerable households in low-income countries do not have sufficient disposable sources to access adequate and diverse diets. This study analyzes the household nutrition consumption patterns in Pakistan at a provincial level. The log-linear Engel’s curve approach is applied using household-level data comprising 16,340 households from the Pakistan Household Integrated Expenditure survey (HIES) between 2018 and 2019. The results of the estimated income and household size elasticities reveal that any variation in the households’ income brings major changes in their diets, whereas an increase in household size, ceteris paribus (impact of all other factors are held constant), increases the demand for all nutritional intakes except thiamine and cholesterol. Furthermore, the estimated income elasticities for the four provinces provided similarities and differences in the nutritional consumption patterns of households. On the basis of income elasticities, we find the same nutrition pattern in Sindh and Baluchistan and a similar nutrition pattern in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Finally, the estimated income elasticities show poor nutritional consumption patterns in Sindh and Baluchistan as compared to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Thus, there is a need to generate nutritional policies in each province, and people should make wise nutrient-dense choices from all food commodities groups. Moreover, this study applies a unique approach to estimate the income elasticities for 17 nutrients using household survey data within the same framework of Engel’s curve. The findings of this study have important implications for public policy aiming at malnutrition alleviation and understanding dietary change in Pakistan.
The Correlation Analysis between Air Quality and Construction Sites: Evaluation in the Urban Environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Haoran , Cheshmehzangi Ali , Zhang Zhiang , Su Zhaohui , Pourroostaei Ardakani Saeid , Sedrez Maycon , Dawodu Ayotunde
Published: June 2022

This research studies the data on air quality and construction activities from 29 January 2020 to 30 April 2020. The analysis focuses on three sample districts of Hangzhou’s Xiacheng, Gongshu, and Xiaoshan districts. The samples, respectively, represent low-level, mid-level, and high-level districts in the scale of construction projects. The correlative relationships are investigated, respectively, in the periods of ‘pandemic lockdown (29 January 2020–20 February 2020)’ and ‘after pandemic lockdown (21 February 2020–30 April 2020)’. The correlative equations are obtained. Based on the guideline values of air parameters provided by the Chinese criteria and standards, the recommended maximum scales of construction projects are defined. The numbers of construction sites are 16, 118, and 311 for the Xiacheng, Gongshu, and Xiaoshan districts during the imposed lockdown period, respectively, and 19, 88, 234, respectively, after the lockdown period. Because the construction site is only one influential factor on the air quality, and the database is not large enough, there are some limitations in the mathematical model and the management plan. Possible problem solving techniques and future studies are introduced at the end of the research study.
Life Cycle Assessment and Preliminary Cost Evaluation of a Smart Packaging System
Authors: Stramarkou Marina , Boukouvalas Christos , Koskinakis Sokratis E. , Serifi Olga , Bekiris Vasilis , Tsamis Christos , Krokida Magdalini
Published: June 2022

Smart food packaging (SP) is an innovative packaging system that can extend the shelf life of the product and reduce food waste. The objective of the study is the estimation of the environmental and economic sustainability of the overall life cycle of a SP including a chemical sensor able to detect modifications in the concentration of CO2, which is an indicator of food spoilage, and encapsulated oregano essential oil (OEO), capable of inhibiting the microbial growth. For this purpose, a life cycle assessment (LCA), following the ISO 14040 series and ReCiPe methodology, and an economic evaluation of SP, were performed. The environmental footprint (EF) of SP was compared to that of a conventional packaging (CP) in terms of packaging production, use and end of life (EoL) of both the packaging and the contained food product. The results demonstrated that the production of SP burdened by 67% the impact category of climate change. However, when adapting four use and EoL scenarios, namely the CP generates 30% food waste, whereas SP can generate 5% (optimistic scenario), 10% (realistic) or 20% (conservative) waste, SP proved to be environmentally superior in most impact categories.
The Spatial Correlation Effect of Real-Estate Financial Risk in China: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Xu Yunsong , Li Jiaqi , Qi Hanying
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we draw on real-estate finance data from 31 provinces in China over the period between 2006 and 2018 in order to develop a comprehensive index of real-estate finance risk. Our principal innovation lies in our use of the social network analysis method to portray the spatial correlation characteristics of real-estate financial risk dynamically. We find that (1) the spatial correlation effect of real-estate financial risks in China is increasing and exhibits multiple superposition characteristics and spatial spillover effects; (2) current trends in real-estate financial risk suggest that the eastern region has a strong contagion potential, that the middle region is highly vulnerable, and that the level of risk in the northwest is high; (3) the spatial network of real-estate financial risks in China can be divided into four functional blocks, namely a strong net-spillover block, a weak net-spillover block, a broker block, and a main damaged block. There is significant gradient transmission between them. The network structure of real-estate financial risks poses serious challenges to the formulation and implementation of regulatory policies. However, it creates favorable conditions for the construction of cross-regional risk prevention mechanisms as well as a practical basis for preventing systemic risks in the new era. (4) Meanwhile, the formation of a spillover network of real-estate financial risks is driven by the high dependence of local fiscal resources on land finance, not by local GDP growth.
CO2 Absorption from Biogas Using Piperazine-Promoted 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol: Process Performance in a Packed Column
Authors: Rajiman Viga , Abdul Halim Hairul Nazirah , Shariff Azmi Mohd , Shahid Muhammad Zubair , Maulud Abdulhalim Shah , Lau Kok Keong , Tan Lian See
Published: June 2022

In this work, CO2 absorption from simulated biogas is investigated using different blends of a PZ + AMP solution in an absorption system at CO2 partial pressures ranging between 20 and 110 kPa. The collected data were presented as CO2 removal profiles along the packed column and were evaluated in terms of CO2 removal efficiency (%) and average overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient in the gas phase (KGav¯). An increased PZ concentration in the AMP solution was found to significantly increase the CO2 removal efficiency and KGav¯ values. It was observed that, when conducted at different CO2 partial pressures, gas and liquid flow rates, and chemical concentrations, the Lamine/GCO2 ratio strongly influenced the process behaviour in the packed column. Additionally, the optimal inlet liquid temperature was observed to be 35 ± 2 °C in this study.
Effects of Interface Design and Live Atmosphere on Consumers’ Impulse-Buying Behaviour from the Perspective of Human–Computer Interaction
Authors: Yang Jinjing , Cao Cong , Ye Chensang , Shi Yangyan
Published: June 2022

Since its introduction, live e-commerce has shown rapid growth, especially in regions such as China, where the total market size has exceeded trillions of RMB. However, e-commerce live streaming has also caused widespread consumer impulse-buying behaviour during the development process. Therefore, based on stimulus–organism–response theory, from the perspective of human–computer interaction, this paper develops an impulse-purchase model for live e-commerce consumers, uses partial least squares structural equation modelling to process and analyse 339 valid questionnaires and, finally, validates the proposed hypotheses. The findings show that consumers’ visual appeal, perceived arousal and engagement play a mediating role in the relations among interface design, live atmosphere and impulse purchase. To promote the sustainability of a live-streaming economy, live-streaming platforms need to design attractive live-streaming interfaces, build a pleasant live-streaming atmosphere and enhance consumers’ positive emotions, while preventing their irrational purchasing behaviour. An in-depth analysis of the formation mechanism of this behaviour can help in alleviating the limitations of the lack of rich research results and a single perspective in this field. In addition, it can help stakeholders promote the sustainability of e-commerce live streaming in practice.
Evaluation of Regional Carrying Capacity under Economic-Social-Resource-Environment Complex System: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Zhang Zhimin , Ou Guoli , Elshkaki Ayman , Liu Ruilin
Published: June 2022

As a rigid constraint of the scale and speed of regional economic-social development, carrying capacity is an endogenous variable of regional sustainable development potential. Concepts such as ecological footprint and virtual water have been introduced into the research field of carrying capacity, but dynamic and comprehensive problems in carrying capacity have not been effectively solved. This paper attempts to overcome these limitations by taking the regional factor aggregation degree as the weight and the regional green GDP as the carrying object. Based on the economic-social supplying force, resource supporting force, and environmental constraint force, from the perspective of comprehensive factors assessment, we have constructed an evaluation system of regional carrying capacity index, including mineral, water, and bioecological resources, as well as labor and other factors, and evaluated the regional carrying capacity of 11 provinces and cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The results indicate that (1) the supporting force of the resource subsystem becomes the most critical factor affecting the carrying capacity of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the cross-regional flow potential of resource factors increases the regional carrying capacity threshold. (2) The regional carrying capacity, economic-social, resource and environmental subsystems of the Yangtze River Economic Belt are steadily improving, and the overall trend is positive. The quantified dynamic evaluation of regional economic-social, resource and environmental carrying capacity provides a theoretical support for the construction of the Yangtze River Economic Belt eco-priority green development demonstration area.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind? A Longitudinal Investigation of Smart Working and Burnout in the Context of the Job Demands–Resources Model during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: De Carlo Alessandro , Girardi Damiano , Dal Corso Laura , Arcucci Elvira , Falco Alessandra
Published: June 2022

The academic interest in smart working, a form of flexible work characterized by the use of technology to conduct one’s work, has dramatically increased over recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, in this study we investigate whether smart working affects the longitudinal association between perceived work characteristics, such as workload and social support (SS), and workers’ health and well-being, in terms of exhaustion. Overall, 185 workers completed a self-report questionnaire at two time points (four-month time-lag) during the COVID-19 outbreak. The results from moderated multiple regression analysis partially support our predictions. The longitudinal association between workload and exhaustion was positive—although marginally significant—for smart workers, but nonsignificant for in-person workers. Contrarily, the longitudinal association between SS and exhaustion was negative for in-person workers, but nonsignificant for smart workers. Overall, this study suggests that, to support employees’ health and productivity, work characteristics—both physical and psychosocial—should fit the new way of working as well as remote workers’ specific needs and expectations. Hence, to promote sustainable work, interventions should be aimed at helping smart workers to manage their workload effectively, as well as reducing professional and social isolation.
An Integrated DPSIR-SD Framework for Sustainability Assessment of Roads in Australia
Authors: Kaira Sneha , Sahin Oz , Rahman Anisur , Mohamed Sherif
Published: June 2022

The Australian Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) Summit in 2018 attracted much-needed national attention towards environmental goals and targets compared with other aspects of sustainability. Road infrastructure is the backbone of modern society and plays a crucial role in accomplishing a targeted balance between these aspects of sustainability and achieving the SDGs. This article presents an integrated sustainability performance assessment methodology that acts as a decision support tool. A series of two conceptual modelling techniques—drivers—pressure—state—impact—response (DPSIR) and system dynamics (SD)—is employed, with the cause-and-effect relationships of the sustainability indicators developed utilising the DPSIR framework, and a quantitative analysis carried out through a subsequent SD model. The end result is the generation of a Sustainability Performance Index (SPI) for road infrastructure created by analysing the SD model and DPSIR index layer relationship. The benefits and applicability of the proposed methodology are validated through case study analysis. The overall aim is to determine restricting factors and response strategies influencing road infrastructure and transport sustainability performance during the operation and maintenance phase. Thus, a significant contribution is made through the proposed methodology for assessing factors influencing the long-term achievement of the SDGs.
Empirical Research on the Influence Mechanisms of Digital Resources Input on Service Innovation in China’s Finance Industry
Authors: Liu Mingxia , Jiang Wei
Published: June 2022

In today’s era, digital technology and the digital economy are the forerunners of the scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation in the world. This paper chooses the organization and executive integration perspectives, studies the effects of relationship between digital resources input and service innovation in China’s finance industry, and the path and the mechanism of the transmission process. Through empirical research, we find that digital resource input has a significant positive impact on service innovation, and information sharing and value creation have significant mediating effects on the relationship between digital resource input and service innovation. Network openness significantly promotes the positive relationship between digital resource input and value creation, while big data technical ability significantly promotes the positive relationship between information sharing and service innovation. Our findings have some significant meanings for China’s financial enterprises.
Evaluation of Regional Water Use Efficiency under Green and Sustainable Development Using an Improved Super Slack-Based Measure Model
Authors: Gong Zhenjie , He Yanhu , Chen Xiaohong
Published: June 2022

Enhancing water use efficiency (WUE) is essential for the sustainable and green development of water utilization. The conventional Super Slack-Based Measure (CSSBM) model is commonly employed to measure WUE, however, it is prone to underestimating WUE due its exaggeration of the slack variable. Recognizing the need to deal with problems involving the slack variable without limitation, we propose an improved Super-SBM (ISSBM) model that assigns an upper bound to the slack variables. In addition, the general deprivation index (GDI) of water resource exploitation is then introduced as the output indicator representing the social equality, resulting in a comprehensive set of output indicators related to the economy, society, and ecological environment. The ISSBM and CSSBM models were applied to determine the WUE in Guangdong province, China from 2009 to 2018, and the results indicate that the WUE calculated via CSSBM exhibited relatively extreme performance (i.e., the high and low values were greater than 2 and less than 0.1, respectively), while the ISSBM-estimated WUE showed relatively stable performance (i.e., the majority of the city’s WUE was located in the range between 0.5 and 1). The WUE determined from the output indicators involving GDI thus demonstrated stronger discriminating power compared to that without GDI. Furthermore, the spatial pattern of WUE in Guangdong province presents an essentially radial distribution, with high WUE located in Pearl River Delta and low WUE located North, East, and West of Guangdong. These results verify that the proposed ISSBM model can obtain a relatively appropriate WUE and could potentially be applied to other regions.
The Functional Zoning of the Syr Darya River’s Delta
Authors: Zinabdin Nurlybek , Akiyanova Farida , Yegemberdiyeva Kamshat , Temirbayeva Roza , Mazbayev Ordenbek
Published: June 2022

The article presents the results of the functional zoning of the delta of transboundary river Syr Darya, which is located in an ecological disaster zone and is the only watercourse in modern conditions that supplies the remained part of Aral Sea. Under the conditions of global climate change, the territories of river deltas in arid regions are subject to active degradation processes, which are associated both with decrease of their water content and increase of anthropogenic impact. To determine the current condition of Syr Darya river delta landscapes, a component-by-component analysis of its main components was carried out. Based on the assessment of use of delta natural resource potential, the degradation processes associated with the types and intensity of anthropogenic impact in the conditions of arid climate were identified. The conducted studies formed the basis for the functional zoning of the territory of Syr Darya river delta, which is a spatial planning of sustainable land use and landscapes preservation. The developed scheme of functional zoning of Syr Darya River delta allowed to propose a number of measures with allocation of landscapes recommended for conservation, restoration, or sustainable use by the certain type of land use with the minimization of degradation processes.