bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airbnb and Mountain Tourism Destinations: Evidence from an Inner Area in the Italian Alps
Authors: Duglio Stefano , Mascadri Giulia , Salotti Giulia
Published: July 2024

Starting from this decade, peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation has witnessed a valuable growth that has interested both urban and rural environments. With reference to the Italian context, the Airbnb platform represents the main platform used by tourists, contributing to reshaping tourism offerings and to the “drive” of the image of tourism destinations. The aim of this study is to present insight into the Airbnb phenomenon in a marginal mountain destination in the Italian Alps, for a better understanding of how the environmental dimension is considered by both guests and hosts. In order to reach this goal, 727 guests’ reviews in 35 Airbnb accommodation facilities of the municipalities of Soana Valley were analyzed through a qualitative sentiment analysis performed with NVivo 14 software. The evidence was compared with the hosts’ viewpoint, thanks to semi-structured interviews with three local actors. Preliminary considerations of the guests’ reviews reported positive comments (79.5%) for both the accommodation per sé (perfect, excellent, beautiful, welcoming, and clean) and the mountainous area as well, particularly appreciated for its natural characteristics. These were confirmed by the hosts’ interviews, who underlined how nature represented one of the main guests’ highlighted aspects. Moreover, visitors’ needs and expectations have increased over the years, forcing the need to improve the quality of offerings. This contribution concludes with a reflection on the opportunities that second home tourism can represent for Italian inner mountainous areas.
A Systemic Review on the Adoption of Service Design Practices to Improve the Quality of User Experience and Organization in the Healthcare Environment
Authors: Palazzo Angela Cristiana , Bertelli Matteo , Gaspari Jacopo
Published: July 2024

Healthcare services and spaces are recognized as complex ecosystems where different user categories interact daily facing often urgent and difficult situations that challenge the established organizational and procedural models. The increasingly evolving needs and conditions influencing the processes affect the capacity to quickly adapt the available operational models as well as spaces to provide a timely and efficient response. This calls for new approaches and methods to enable the managing staff to overcome the conventional silos-based structure and integrate new methods and tools to facilitate interdisciplinary analysis and synergies. Some frontrunning healthcare structures started to adopt Service Design practices, which are largely grounded in the Design Thinking approach, to reshape the conventional models for improving the quality of user experience with remarkable expected impacts on social, economic, and environmental sustainability in the mid-long run. Following the rigorous investigation structure of Systemic Review, the paper explores the adoption of Service Design practices in frontrunner experiences focusing on organizational aspects to draft a reference framework, including successful factors, barriers, and viable pathways, which are currently missing. The main scope of the paper is accordingly to address the detected gaps in clarifying methods tools and goals of Service Design-oriented practices for improving healthcare processes and user experience quality. The main reported findings highlight the importance of introducing Co-Design and participative practices to integrate specialistic perspectives and organizational aspects as well as to engage all the key players at different levels.
Quality and Pricing Decisions in a Dual-Channel Closed-Loop Supply Chain Considering Imperfect Product Recycling
Authors: Feng Dingzhong , Mao Yongbo , Li Sen , Zhang Ye
Published: July 2024

Level of quality not only affects demand but also affects the proportion of imperfect products and then affects profit. This paper takes the quality level as a decision variable, considers both the consumer demand and the recovery of imperfect products in a dual-channel closed-loop supply chain (CLSC), and studies the significance of a revenue-sharing contract for coordination. The results show that the relationship between the optimal price and the quality level is affected by the repair cost of imperfect products and that the consumer’s attention to price and quality affects the trend of the overall profit with the quality level. In some cases, simply improving the quality level cannot expand the demand and is not even conducive to the improvement of green supply chain profits. It is also found that in both centralized and decentralized scenarios, coordination contracts can effectively motivate retailers to collect waste and help improve the economic efficiency of green supply chains.
Assessing and Predicting Ecosystem Services and Their Trade-Offs/Synergies Based on Land Use Change in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region
Authors: Gong Shengxuan , Zhang Yuhu , Pu Xiao , Wang Xiaohan , Zhuang Qiuyu , Bai Wenhui
Published: July 2024

Exploring the spatial and temporal dynamic changes in ecosystem service functions and trade-off/synergistic relationships over a long time series in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region is of great practical significance for regional high-quality development. Taking the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region as the research object, PLUS was used to predict the land use distribution in 2030 under three scenarios: business as usual (BAU), cropland protection scenario (CPS), and ecological protection scenario (EPS); the InVEST model was introduced to assess ecosystem services including water yield (WY), carbon stock (CS), habitat quality (HQ), and soil conservation (SC); trade-offs/synergies among ecosystem services were calculated by using R and GeoDa modeling. The results show the following: (1) Between 1980 and 2020, the study area witnessed varying trends in WY and SC, which initially decreased and subsequently increased, showing an overall upward trend. In contrast, CS and HQ consistently declined throughout the period; the HQ, CS, and SC values were high in the northwest and low in the southeast, while the WY value was high in the southeast and low in the northwest. (2) From 1980 to 2020, the relationships SC-HQ and CS-HQ, as well as CS-SC, were characterized by synergy. In contrast, the interactions CS-WY, SC-WY, and WY-HQ demonstrated trade-offs. On the whole, the trade-off/synergy degree showed a trend of fluctuating increase. From the perspective of the spatial scale, CS-HQ, CS-SC, SC-HQ, and WY-HQ were mainly cooperative relationships. CS-WY and SC-WY were trade-off relationships. (3) Compared with 2020, the total ecosystem service of the four types decreased, increased, and increased under business as usual (BAU), the ecological protection scenario (EPS), and the cropland protection scenario (CPS), respectively, and the increase was the highest under the ecological protection scenario. In terms of time scale, there were also differences in the trade-off intensity among ecosystem services under the three scenarios. In the EPS, the trade-off/synergy intensity among various ecosystem services was the highest, followed by the CPS, and the lowest was under BAU. The findings of this research offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for enhancing ecosystem services and zoning functions in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, while also providing fundamental support for refining the territorial spatial configuration.
How Corporate Social Responsibility Motivation Drives Customer Extra-Role Behavior and Green Purchase Intentions: The Role of Ethical Corporate Identity
Authors: Li Mengran , Rabeeu Ahmed
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the relationship between the motives behind CSR and consumer extra-role behavior, as well as green purchase intention, specifically within the hospitality industry of an emerging market. This study uses two scenario-based experiments with high and low CSR fit contexts to examine how ethical corporate identity moderates the relationship. Both studies examine the impact of customers’ perceptions of a company’s CSR motivation (public-serving or firm-serving), on their extra-role behavior towards the company and intention to make green purchases. This influence is particularly relevant when the company actively communicates its ethical identity. The first study is conducted within a high-fit setting where the company’s locus aligns with its CSR program. In contrast, the second study replicates the research in a low-fit situation. The results indicate that CSR activities have a favorable effect on customer extra-role behavior and green purchasing intention, regardless of the CSR fit contexts. This effect is shown when the company’s ethical stance is known before engaging in CSR activities and when the goal is to serve the firm. Nevertheless, these endeavors demonstrate limited efficacy in prompting such conduct when the organization’s ethical identity remains implicit, even within a context driven by a desire to serve the public.
Drivers of Environmental Sustainability in the Wine Industry: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach
Authors: Guerra Mariana , Ferreira Fátima , Oliveira Ana Alexandra , Pinto Teresa , Teixeira Carlos A.
Published: July 2024

The primary aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature to identify the most relevant environmental variables and other factors influencing the life cycle assessment of the wine industry. This research seeks to determine whether the type of wine significantly impacts the carbon footprint and to highlight the importance of production strategies over wine typology or grape variety in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This review encompasses an extensive analysis of previous studies on the environmental impact of wine production. This method involves synthesizing findings from life cycle inventory assessments to identify key variables contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This analysis also considers regional variations and the effectiveness of different production strategies in mitigating environmental impacts. This review indicates that wine typology (red or white) and grape variety are less significant in determining the carbon footprint than the production strategies employed. It identifies specific variables that contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions in wine production. The analysis highlights the need for standardized assessment methods to ensure accurate determination of influential factors in reducing emissions. This study concludes that achieving environmental sustainability in the wine industry requires a balanced approach that integrates environmental, economic, and social aspects. It emphasizes the necessity of developing standardized and universal strategies for assessing wine sustainability. The application of artificial intelligence is proposed as a crucial tool for improving data gathering, trend analysis, and formulating customized sustainability strategies for different wine regions. Addressing the challenges of sustainability in the wine industry is imperative for environmental preservation and the wellbeing of future generations.
Employment of Migrants as a Response to the Needs of Entrepreneurs in Rural Border Regions—Examples from Poland
Authors: Zabielska Izabela , Kowalewska Grażyna
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study was to identify the needs of entrepreneurs in the context of labor shortages on the local labor market and supplement them with immigrants from Ukraine. The focus was on border enterprises from rural areas located on the external border of Poland and the EU. It was determined in which industries cross-border entrepreneurs are looking for migrants to work. A research questionnaire was created to determine the migrant’s profile from the point of view of the entrepreneur’s needs. It covered 400 enterprises, 100 from each of the surveyed voivodeships of Eastern Poland: Warmia-Masuria, Podlaskie, Lublin and Subcarpathia. Correspondence analysis was used to help determine differences in entrepreneurs’ preferences in the studied voivodeships. Entrepreneurs are most likely to employ qualified immigrants with professional experience in flexible forms of work. They expect that immigrants will be more available and will have lower wage requirements compared to local workers, which will translate into lower labor costs and better economic results. They believe that employing immigrants will improve productivity, quality and work discipline. The main limitations include ignorance or poor knowledge of the language of the host country, premature termination of contracts and working under the influence of alcohol.
Research on the Coupling Effect of Water and Fertilizer on Maize under Multi-Objective Conditions and Its Application Scenarios
Authors: Ma Jianqin , Liu Lansong , Cui Bifeng , Hao Xiuping , He Qinxue , Yang Jiangshan , Xu Xiaolong
Published: July 2024

It is of great significance to establish maize water and fertilizer application schemes under multi-objective conditions to improve water- and fertilizer-use efficiency, reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable agricultural developments. This study aims to analyze the effects of different water and fertilizer combinations on the summer maize yield, water-use efficiency, and field N2O flux and to determine the optimal water and fertilizer application scheme for summer maize. Field experiments were conducted in 2023, with a total of 15 different combinations of upper and lower limits of irrigation and fertilizer levels. A binary quadratic regression model based on the yield, water-use efficiency, and N2O emission flux was constructed. The fast non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III) was employed for verification and solution finding to simulate the optimal water and fertilizer regime. The results indicate that with increasing water and fertilizer applications, the field N2O emission flux gradually increases. The summer maize yield and water-use efficiency show a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing. Compared to fertilization, irrigation has a more significant impact on the summer maize yield and water-use efficiency, while fertilization notably influences the field N2O emission flux to a greater extent. Using NSGA-III, the simulated optimal water and fertilizer combination showed no significant difference in the yield and water-use efficiency compared to the actual optimal water–fertilizer irrigation combination (moderate water and moderate fertilizer), with a 3.12% increase in the field N2O emission flux, a 15.30% decrease in the irrigation amount, and an 11.90% reduction in the fertilizer application. In conclusion, employing the optimized water and fertilizer combination can reduce agricultural irrigation and fertilization while ensuring crop yields, providing theoretical support for the green, efficient, and sustainable development of the summer maize industry.
Challenges and Factors Influencing the Implementation of Green Logistics: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khayyat Mashael , Balfaqih Mohammed , Balfaqih Hasan , Ismail Mahamod
Published: July 2024

Logistics operations significantly depend on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources, posing challenges to environmental sustainability. Achieving a balance between environmental protection and economic efficiency is vital in logistics decision-making. The concept of green logistics aims to reduce environmental externalities by adopting sustainable practices. This research explores the adoption and utilization of green logistics technologies and information systems through a structural equation model, focusing on key factors such as environmental awareness, organizational culture, and financial considerations. The research methodology involved using a specially designed questionnaire to collect data, which was subsequently analyzed through various stages. The study selected Saudi Arabia as a case study due to its rapid development in the logistics sector and its significant CO2 emissions. Initially, a general quantitative descriptive analysis was performed on the collected responses. This was followed by more detailed analyses to uncover the finer nuances in stakeholders’ perspectives. Additionally, correlation analysis was conducted to identify significant associations between variables and to understand their potential interactions. The findings reveal high environmental awareness among stakeholders, a positive organizational culture conducive to sustainability practices, and a strong recognition of the benefits of green logistics technologies. However, there is room for improvement in technological readiness and a need for clearer government regulations and more robust policy support. Financial considerations are complex, with significant initial investments required and long-term financial benefits recognized.
Synthetic Participatory Planning of Shared Automated Electric Mobility Systems
Authors: Yu Jiangbo , McKinley Graeme
Published: July 2024

Unleashing the synergies among rapidly evolving mobility technologies in a multi-stakeholder setting presents unique challenges and opportunities for addressing urban transportation problems. This paper introduces a novel synthetic participatory method that critically leverages large language models (LLMs) to create digital avatars representing diverse stakeholders to plan shared automated electric mobility systems (SAEMS). These calibratable agents collaboratively identify objectives, envision and evaluate SAEMS alternatives, and strategize implementation under risks and constraints. The results of a Montreal case study indicate that a structured and parameterized workflow provides outputs with higher controllability and comprehensiveness on an SAEMS plan than that generated using a single LLM-enabled expert agent. Consequently, this approach provides a promising avenue for cost-efficiently improving the inclusivity and interpretability of multi-objective transportation planning, suggesting a paradigm shift in how we envision and strategize for sustainable transportation systems.
The Effect of Financial Development on Industrial Green Technology Innovation Efficiency: Experience Analysis from 288 Cities in China
Authors: He Fang , Hu Li-Jun , Chen Lei
Published: July 2024

Green industrial growth is at the core of the green and low-carbon transformation of the real economy. Financial services provide new channels for green innovation financing for enterprises. How to utilize financial development to enhance the industrial green technology innovation efficiency (GTIE) is the focus of this paper. Using data from 288 cities in China, this paper employs the Super-SBM model and the Network DEA model to measure the industrial GTIE and then investigates the complex relationship between financial development and industrial GTIE. The results show that, overall, financial development can promote the industrial GTIE. And alleviating enterprise financial constraints and increasing investment openness are effective pathways for this influence. In addition, we discuss the heterogeneous effects of financial development on industrial GTIE across different types of cities, manifested as a dual effect of “supporting” and “predation”. In regions with stronger financial power such as coastal and eastern cities, the “predation effect” is stronger, while the “support effect” is stronger in inland and central/western cities. Furthermore, the expansion of city size weakens the impact of financial development on industrial GTIE. This paper points out that financial development plays a crucial role in enhancing the industrial GTIE, but excessive financial power may crowd out the positive impact of financial development on the industrial GTIE. When promoting financial development, it should be matched with region development to avoid crowding out investment in green innovation by enterprises.
Consumer Acceptance of Drones for Last-Mile Delivery in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhothali Ghada Talat , Mavondo Felix T. , Alyoubi Bader A. , Algethami Haneen
Published: July 2024

The number of industries using drones is increasing. Although early research was conducted on drones, the prior literature has not emphasized consumer adoption of drones for item delivery. Consequently, this study investigates whether customers are open to receiving packages from drones. This study also examines the elements that influence customers’ willingness to adopt drone package delivery. This study fills a gap in the logistics and service research by examining people’s concerns regarding using drones. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) serves as the basis for the conceptual framework. A self-administered online survey is deployed. The results demonstrate that perceived privacy risks negatively influence performance and effort expectancy as well as facilitating conditions and social influence. This study further validates the UTAUT2 by confirming the influence of performance expectancy and facilitating conditions on attitudes toward adopting drones. Moreover, this study confirms the positive influence of attitude on behavior. This study has managerial implications, one of which is the suggestion that the deployment and use of drones should minimize interference with people’s privacy.
Assessing the Multifaceted Tradeoffs of Agricultural Conservation Practices on Ecosystem Services in the Midwest U.S.
Authors: Timilsina Amit P. , Steinbeck Garrett , Shah Ajay , Khanal Sami
Published: July 2024

A comprehensive understanding of the potential effects of conservation practices on soil health, crop productivity, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains elusive, despite extensive research. Thus, the DeNitrification–DeComposition (DNDC) model was employed to evaluate the impact of eleven commonly practiced management scenarios on ecosystem services in the Western Lake Erie Basin, USA, from 1998–2020. Out of eleven scenarios, eight were focused on corn–soybean rotations with varied nitrogen application timing (50% before planting and 50% at either fall or spring during or after planting), or nitrogen source (dairy slurry or synthetic fertilizer (SF)), or tillage practices (conventional, no-till), or cereal rye (CR) in rotation. Remaining scenarios involved rotations with silage corn (SC), winter crops (CR or winter wheat), and alfalfa. The silage corn with winter crop and four years of alfalfa rotation demonstrated enhanced ecosystem services compared to equivalent scenario with three years of alfalfa. Applying half the total nitrogen to corn through SF during or after spring-planted corn increased yield and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration while raising global warming potential (GWP) than fall-applied nitrogen. The no-till practice offered environmental benefits with lower GWP and higher SOC sequestration, while resulting in lower yield than conventional tillage. The incorporation of CR into corn–soybean rotations enhanced carbon sequestration, increased GHG emissions, improved corn yield, and lowered soybean yield. Substituting SF with manure for corn production improved corn yield under conventional tillage and increased SOC while increasing GWP under both tillage conditions. While the role of conservation practices varies by site, this study’s findings aid in prioritizing practices by evaluating tradeoffs among a range of ecosystem services.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Anti-Corrosion Coating Life Cycle Processes for Marine Applications
Authors: Borgaonkar Avinash , McNamara Greg
Published: July 2024

In the present study, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of uncoated steel and alkyd-coated steel (using the sol–gel method) systems subjected to the marine atmosphere is performed to examine their environmental impacts. The LCA findings demonstrate a notable 46% reduction in the overall environmental impact of the coated system compared to the uncoated system. The findings of the sensitivity analysis indicate that a decreased mean time between repair and maintenance, along with an augmented quantity of coating, results in adverse environmental consequences. Furthermore, the LCA outcomes highlight the significant environmental impacts associated with 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and n-propanol within the coated system. Hence, there is a need for the development of commercial coatings with bio-based products to develop a greener solution.
A Novel Rotating Wireless Power Transfer System for Slipring with Redundancy Enhancement Characteristics
Authors: Wang Qiyue , Wang De’an , Zhang Jiantao
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the dynamics of wireless power supply technology under rotation and its system redundancy, aiming to design a redundant, rotating wireless power supply system. In order to satisfy specifications of redundancy and fault tolerance, the circuit design of the wireless power transmission system was developed, and a planar three-sector coil coupling mechanism was designed; finally, the stability and power output characteristics of the system were assessed under static and dynamic working conditions, and the results show that the maximum output power of the system can reach 3 kW and the efficiency is more than 91% under both static and dynamic working conditions. The study improved the rotating wireless charging system’s efficiency, which improves the energy utilization efficiency.
Assessing the Spatial Equity of Urban Park Green Space Layout from the Perspective of Resident Heterogeneity
Authors: Xia Geyang , He Guofeng , Zhang Xun
Published: July 2024

Urban park green spaces (UPGS) are essential resources for improving the urban ecological environment and meeting residents’ recreational needs. However, during rapid urbanization, the layout of UPGS often exhibits spatial inequity, with significant differences in the resources enjoyed by resident groups with different socioeconomic attributes. Accurately assessing the spatial equity of the UPGS layout (the equal accessibility of UPGS) is crucial for optimizing resource allocation and promoting social equity. This study takes the main urban area of Nanjing as an example and utilizes location-based service (LBS) data and multi-source geographic data to conduct an in-depth characterization of residents’ socioeconomic attributes, recreational behaviors, and park green space layout at the street scale. By constructing indicators of resident heterogeneity and UPGS supply–demand matching degree, it reveals the differences in park green space accessibility among different social groups and locations and explores the correlation between resident heterogeneity and UPGS spatial equity. The study finds that the layout of UPGS in the main urban area of Nanjing exhibits significant spatial inequity, with generally poor accessibility to park green spaces in the central urban area and low-income communities. The higher degree of diversification of residents’ socioeconomic attributes leads to a lower level of UPGS spatial equity in their streets. The results of the big data analysis verify the significant impact of resident heterogeneity on the equity of park green space layout. This study reveals the spatial equity issues of UPGS layout from the perspective of resident heterogeneity, providing new ideas and evidence for optimizing the allocation of park green space resources. Future UPGS planning should pay more attention to the diversity of residents’ recreational needs, focus on improving the accessibility of park green spaces in central urban areas and low-income communities, and balance the interests and demands of different stakeholders through public participation mechanisms.
Uncovering the Challenges and Cornerstones for the Governance of an Innovation Ecosystem in Organic and Agroecological Agriculture
Authors: Barreto Cristiane , Carlos Ana Clara , Silva Isabella , Nunes Renata , Lourenço Aline , Barbalho Sanderson
Published: July 2024

The concept of innovation ecosystems brigs to light a whole set of stakeholders that face an entire set of barriers to making new technologies change people’s lives. This research aimed to understand and analyze the innovation ecosystem in organic and agroecological production in the Federal District, Brazil, and its directly influenced area. The purpose was to analyze the role of each stakeholder in ecosystem governance and build strategies for boosting organic food value chains in the territory. A questionnaire was applied to 27 institutions identified as the potential backbone of the innovation ecosystem. The Gephi 0.10.1 software and the Force Atlas 2 network algorithm set up the relationship network. We verified a certain misalignment between expected roles and functions performed by 66% of the stakeholders. Low integration and dispersed relationships in the network were observed with a misalignment around the innovation concept in organic food production. This arrangement of the ecosystem is compatible with an initial stage, in which stakeholders and resources would be spread out and demobilized. Although shared governance is the most effective for an innovation ecosystem, the analyzed ecosystem demands centralized governance with a leading organization. Strengthening strategies were proposed to (i) define leadership, (ii) define roles or competencies, and (iii) strengthen community attributes.
Novel Copper Alginate Microspheres as Ecological Fungicides
Authors: Vinceković Marko , Jurić Slaven , Vlahoviček-Kahlina Kristina , Novak Adrijana , Ivić Dario , Hazler Laura , Jurkin Tanja , Bafti Arijeta , Šijaković Vujičić Nataša
Published: July 2024

Phytopathogenic fungi are living organisms that cause plant diseases and great damage to agricultural products. Despite the wide range of commercial fungicide products in use, there is a clear need for new and environmentally friendly fungicides. Here we propose a new ecological fungicide, copper alginate microspheres prepared by ionic gelation. The microspheres were characterized (morphology and topography, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, swelling behavior, rheology, kinetics and mechanism of copper ions release) and their in vitro antifungal potential against selected genera of phytopathogenic fungi was evaluated. Copper alginate microspheres inhibited spore germination of Botrytis cinerea. Compared to the control, the inhibition of B. cinerea spore germination (48%) was greater than that of the commercial fungicide Neoram® (22%). The mycelial growth of Cercospora beticola and Phytophthora ramorum was also significantly inhibited by the addition of copper alginate microspheres. Novel fungicide offer effective disease control while minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
A Study on the Measurement of Relative Poverty in Developing Countries with Large Populations
Authors: Zheng Ruikun , Li Peiyun
Published: July 2024

Under the goal of global poverty eradication, it has become a forward-looking research aim to establish relative poverty criteria and identify people experiencing relative poverty in countries with different demographic characteristics. This paper introduces a new method to measure the relative poverty standard, which is to use the fuzzy decision tree algorithm to objectively estimate the relative poverty standard. The advantage of this algorithm lies in (1) it not only maintaining the regression idea of measuring absolute poverty, but also emphasizing the nonlinearity when the demand is increasing, which can reflect the change in human needs. (2) It overcomes the division of the traditional method which clearly distinguishes between those experiencing poverty and those who are not by means of a subjective threshold, and it also avoids the subjectivity of the selection of multidimensional indicators. (3) It overcomes the problems of data skewness and extreme value issues that traditional methods have, and can exhibit multi-dimensional characteristics. (4) Most importantly, this method can overcome the gap problem caused by the complex population structure in developing countries with huge populations, and is more adaptable under big data conditions than traditional methods. Taking China as an example, using data from the China Household Finance Survey for validation, the validation results show that the relative poverty standard in China in 2019 can be approximately delineated as 5288.5 RMB; this result is higher than the absolute poverty standard line delineated in China in that year, lower than the relative poverty standard line measured using the proportion method, and it can satisfy the average per capita food, tobacco, and alcohol consumption expenditure of Chinese residents in that year. Thus, compared with other methods, the fuzzy decision tree algorithm can better match the identification of relative poverty in developing countries with large populations.
Peak Load Shaving of Air Conditioning Loads via Rooftop Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems: A Case Study
Authors: Bakhshi-Jafarabadi Reza , Seyed Mousavi Seyed Mahdi
Published: July 2024

Over the past few decades, grid-connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVSs) have been consistently installed due to their techno-socio-economic-environmental advantages. As an effective solution, this technology can shave air conditioning-based peak loads on summer days at noon in hot areas. This paper assesses the effect of solely rooftop GCPVS installations on the peak load shaving of commercial buildings in arid regions, e.g., the Middle East and North Africa. To this end, the load profile of a large building with 470 kW of unshaved peak power in Mashhad, Iran (36.2972° N, 59.6067° E) is analyzed after commissioning an actual 51 kW GCPVS. The results of this experimental study, exploiting 15 min resolution data over a year, endorse an effective peak shaving of the GCPVS without employing a battery energy storage system, with 12.2–18.5% peak power shaving on a summer day at noon. The monthly GCPVS self-sufficiency is also 10.2%, on average. In accordance with the studied case’s results, this paper presents valuable insights and recommends actionable policies to regions with similar solar potential and electricity supply challenges, aiming to expedite GCPVS development.
Molecular Mechanisms of the Cyanobacterial Response to Different Phosphorus Sources
Authors: Zhang Qi , Jia Lu , Chen Yuchen , Yan Hanlu , Chen Qiuwen , Zhang Jianmin , Sun Hao
Published: July 2024

There are different phosphorus (P) sources of varied concentrations in aquatic ecosystems. The sensing of P by cyanobacteria in the environment is predominantly regulated by two-component signal transduction systems in which the phosphate (Pho) regulon plays a crucial role in maintaining phosphate homeostasis. It responds rapidly and connects to metabolic processes through cross-talk mechanisms. However, the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of the cyanobacterial response to different P sources remain unclear. This review article aims to integrate the physiological and molecular information on the regulatory mechanisms of the cyanobacterial response to different P sources in terms of hydrolysis, transport, and inorganic P (DIP) utilization strategies. Topics covered include enzymatic utilization of DOP (C-O-P, C-P), phosphate transport systems, and exploring the potential P metabolic pathways that might occur in cyanobacteria. This is of great significance for mitigating eutrophication and maintaining the sustainable development of aquatic systems.
Sustainable E-Procurement: Key Factors Influencing User Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction
Authors: Ragin-Skorecka Katarzyna , Hadaś Łukasz
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence satisfaction and dissatisfaction in the use of public e-procurement. The use of IT solutions promotes sustainable development. Hence, there is a need to conduct research that will allow for the best possible adjustment of e-procurement solutions in order to implement them as widely as possible in business practice. This study used a quantitative exploratory survey-based approach. The obtained research results were analyzed using statistical methods, including factor analysis PCA. Factor analysis identified three main satisfaction factors and two dissatisfaction factors in e-procurement use, highlighting the importance of support, intuitiveness, and security in user satisfaction. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing user satisfaction and dissatisfaction within e-procurement systems, specifically highlighting the role of intuitive design and technical support. It offers a unique perspective by integrating these insights with the specific requirements of public procurement, thereby filling a gap in the research on enhancing user experience in the context of sustainable purchasing practices.
ESG Scores and Performance in Brazilian Public Companies
Authors: Possebon Edna Aparecida Greggio , Cippiciani Felippe Aparecido , Savoia José Roberto Ferreira , de Mariz Frédéric
Published: July 2024

Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices are gaining prominence globally and in Brazil, as it is home to invaluable environmental assets. This article presents new evidence on the impact of ESG scores on publicly traded Brazilian companies, contributing to the growing body of literature that examines the relationship between ESG practices and corporate financial performance, while addressing a gap in the analysis of the Brazilian market, the eighth-largest economy globally. By testing two main hypotheses—that ESG scores are negatively associated with the cost of capital and positively associated with return on assets—this study aimed to advance both our theoretical and empirical understanding of how sustainable practices influence financial performance within the Brazilian context. Using quantitative methods with Refinitiv data and scores from 2018 to 2022, panel regression analysis, and quantile regression, with fixed effects, this study revealed significant connections between high ESG scores and lower cost of capital, in addition to better operating performance. When the scores were evaluated separately, only the impact of environmental performance was statistically significant in the cost of capital. The environmental, social, and governance scores were statistically significant and positive for operational performance.
Trends and Perspectives of Nostalgia in Tourism: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Moreno Angie Lorena Salgado , Forero Jorge Alexander Mora , García Revilla Raquel , Martínez Moure Olga
Published: July 2024

The main objective of this bibliometric review is to identify and analyze the development of the field of nostalgia tourism through a comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature. To this end, this article performs a bibliometric analysis in R Core Team 2022-Bibliometrix software 4.2.3, complemented by VOSviewer software 1.6.20 and a systematic review of the Scopus and Science Direct database to provide information on the most researched topics, the most influential authors and publications, as well as the areas requiring further research. The findings underscore the significance of nostalgia tourism in addressing the growing demand among travelers for authentic and meaningful experiences. By invoking emotional memories, fostering connections to the past, and emphasizing the quest for authenticity, this form of tourism enables visitors to engage deeply with destinations and activities that transcend conventional tourism. Consequently, it enriches their journeys with a profound sense of discovery, belonging, and cultural identity. The findings of this study make a valuable contribution to the literature on nostalgia tourism by providing a relevant and comprehensive analysis of the current state of the art. This analysis provides a better understanding of the theoretical and conceptual framework of the articles published to date, which is important to consider to enrich the academic debate on nostalgia tourism and for future research.
Assessment of Mycological Possibility Using Machine Learning Models for Effective Inclusion in Sustainable Forest Management
Authors: Martínez-Rodrigo Raquel , Águeda Beatriz , Ágreda Teresa , Altelarrea José Miguel , Fernández-Toirán Luz Marina , Rodríguez-Puerta Francisco
Published: July 2024

The integral role of wild fungi in ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, is well recognized. However, quantifying and predicting wild mushroom yields is challenging due to spatial and temporal variability. In Mediterranean forests, climate-change-induced droughts further impact mushroom production. Fungal fruiting is influenced by factors such as climate, soil, topography, and forest structure. This study aims to quantify and predict the mycological potential of Lactarius deliciosus in sustainably managed Mediterranean pine forests using machine learning models. We utilize a long-term dataset of Lactarius deliciosus yields from 17 Pinus pinaster plots in Soria, Spain, integrating forest-derived structural data, NASA Landsat mission vegetation indices, and climatic data. The resulting multisource database facilitates the creation of a two-stage ‘mycological exploitability’ index, crucial for incorporating anticipated mycological production into sustainable forest management, in line with what is usually done for other uses such as timber or game. Various Machine Learning (ML) techniques, such as classification trees, random forest, linear and radial support vector machine, and neural networks, were employed to construct models for classification and prediction. The sample was always divided into training and validation sets (70-30%), while the differences were found in terms of Overall Accuracy (OA). Neural networks, incorporating critical variables like climatic data (precipitation in January and humidity in November), remote sensing indices (Enhanced Vegetation Index, Green Normalization Difference Vegetation Index), and structural forest variables (mean height, site index and basal area), produced the most accurate and unbiased models (OAtraining = 0.8398; OAvalidation = 0.7190). This research emphasizes the importance of considering a diverse array of ecosystem variables for quantifying wild mushroom yields and underscores the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and remotely sensed observations in modeling non-wood forest products. Integrating such models into sustainable forest management plans is crucial for recognizing the ecosystem services provided by them.
Effect of Appointed Directors on Corporate Carbon Emission Intensity: Evidence from Mixed-Ownership Reform in Chinese Private Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Qian Aimin , Li Jingyan
Published: July 2024

The growing prominence of global warming has led to a worldwide consensus on the need to reduce carbon emissions. Employing a sample of private industrial enterprises listed on the Chinese stock market from 2008 to 2021, this study explores the effect of directors appointed by non-controlling state shareholders (appointed directors), which is a growing type of mixed-ownership reform, on corporate carbon emission intensity. The results show that appointed directors significantly reduce corporate carbon emission intensity. Mechanism tests suggest that this reduction is achieved through developing environmental strategies and increasing executive compensation incentives. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that the effect of appointed directors is more pronounced for firms with lax regional environmental regulation, in non-heavily polluting industries, with low analyst coverage, and with poor green innovation abilities. Our findings shed light on the effectiveness of mixed-ownership reform from the perspective of appointed directors and offer new implications and evidence for environmental protection and the sustainable development of enterprises in emerging markets.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Social Innovation Programming at Advancing Rural Development in the Context of Exogenous Shocks
Authors: Espinoza Mauricio , Rivarola Rodrigo , Fort Ricardo , Fisher Joshua
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we design and deploy an experimental approach to evaluate the efficacy of a social innovation initiative implemented in rural communities situated in the highlands of Peru, which confronted the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of its implementation. Using three rounds of information collected before, during, and after participation, we examine the efficacy of the social innovation economic development approach at increasing household livelihoods. We present robust, statistically significant improvements in household economic well-being, food security satisfaction, and community outlook for participating households compared to non-participating households following program engagement. The results presented in this study suggest that the social innovation program facilitated a notable restructuring of the portfolio of household income and livelihood activities towards more lucrative and value-added pursuits. This transition manifested in increased involvement in entrepreneurial ventures and specialized labor associated with both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors while distancing from traditional agricultural and livestock-related endeavors. The income gains stemming from self-employment activities and wage labor outweigh the losses incurred from reduced agricultural and livestock earnings. Furthermore, our analysis underscores the resilience of innovative income-generating pathways in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, outperforming traditional agrarian value chains. These findings highlight the efficacy of social innovation programming in facilitating economic development and also shed light on sustainable strategies for economic resilience amidst unforeseen challenges such as the recent global health crisis.
G-Protein Coupled Receptor 1 Is Involved in Tetrachlorobisphenol A-Induced Inflammatory Response in Jurkat Cells
Authors: Lu Xiaoyu , Yu Mengjie , Yang Yingxin , Zhang Xiaolan , Chen Tian , Lei Bingli
Published: July 2024

Estrogens can affect the immune inflammatory response through estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), but the specific role of estrogen member receptor G-protein coupled receptor 1 (GPER1) in this process remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA), which has estrogen activity, on immune inflammatory-related indicators of Jurkat cells, as well as investigated the role of GPER1 in these effects. The results showed that TCBPA at lower concentrations significantly promoted the viability of Jurkat cells, whereas higher concentrations decreased cell viability. TCBPA at concentrations ranging from 1 to 25 μM increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Additionally, treatment with 10 μM TCBPA increased the protein expression of ERα and GPER1, elevated the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (p-Akt), and upregulated the mRNA levels of GPER1, Akt, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) genes. Treatment with 10 μM TCBPA also upregulated the protein or gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins (IL1β, IL2, IL6, IL8, IL12α) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in Jurkat cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with a GPER1 inhibitor G15 significantly reduced the mRNA levels of Akt induced by 10 μM TCBPA. Moreover, the upregulation of mRNA expression of RelA (p65), TNFα, IL6, IL8, and IL12α induced by 10 μM TCBPA was also significantly attenuated after G15 pretreatment. These findings suggest that TCBPA upregulates the expression of genes related to inflammatory responses by activating the GPER1-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of TCBPA-induced inflammatory response.