bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Neural Network and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System Hybridized Models in the Sustainable Integration of Language and Mathematics Skills: The Case of Singapore and Hong Kong
Authors: Kalaycı Alas Dilan , Tezer Murat
Published: September 2024

The four basic language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing play, a crucial role in the development of an individual’s skills in other disciplines. The current study aims to underpin the relationship between language skills and mathematics skills by focusing on the language and mathematics curricula of two consistently high-achieving countries, Hong Kong and Singapore, in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings. In the current study, the convergent parallel mixed method was utilized that qualitative and quantitative data were composed together. Primarily, the outcomes of four language skills were determined in the native language teaching curricula of the two countries. The topics and themes related to four basic language skills were determined from the two mathematics curricula. The curricula were examined by document analysis from qualitative research methods. The analysis was conducted by examining the native language teaching and the mathematics curricula of both countries by the content analysis method. Later, the findings of the document analysis were used to develop machine learning models to find a possible positive relationship between language skills and the PISA scores. Although a number of previous studies have found a reasonable relationship between language skills and mathematics skills, the current study results were contradictory to the ones performed previously in the literature, and considering the curricula no positive relationship between the language and mathematics skills was found. The findings of the current study were further supported by the artificial neural network (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model performance metrics. Compared to an acceptable level of 0.80, significantly low R2 values of 0.35 and 0.39 for the ANN and ANFIS models, respectively, indicated very little relationship between the language and mathematics skills.
Subjective Well-Being and Successful Ageing of Older Adults in Eastern Croatia—Slavonia: Exploring Individual and Contextual Predictors
Authors: Barišić Marija , Mudri Željko , Farčić Nikolina , Čebohin Maja , Degmečić Dunja , Barać Ivana
Published: September 2024

The process of population ageing with socioeconomic and political implications necessitates the creation of sustainable social strategies aimed at societal inclusion, support of subjective well-being and successful ageing of older adults. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore individual and contextual factors and predictors which impede the possibility of successful ageing. The study was conducted from January to June 2024 through a questionnaire involving 403 elderly participants who live in the Eastern region of Croatia—Slavonia. The Diener Scale of Subjective Well-being and Self-assessment of Successful Ageing Scale were used in this research. A separate and model contribution of predictors (gender, age, subjective age, residence, level of education, marital status, comorbidities, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Prosperity Scale) were examined using bivariate and multivariate regression. Multivariate regression differentiated a statistically significant model, which as a whole explains between 41% and 55% of the variance of the present negative assessment of successful ageing, correctly classifying 80% of cases. The significant predictors included subjective age, place of residence, level of education, comorbidities, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Prosperity Scale. These findings underscore the importance of both individual and contextual factors in successful ageing within this specific regional context.
Application of Article 6-Linked Debt-for-Climate Swap for the Clean Energy Transition in Africa
Authors: Lee Hyun-Chool , Choi Youngbin
Published: September 2024

This study presents an innovative financial model that integrates the debt-for-climate swap mechanism with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, specifically designed to support Africa’s transition to clean energy. The model connects debt-for-climate swaps with the creation of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs), offering mutual benefits for both debtor and creditor nations. This approach aims to improve the debt sustainability of African countries while strengthening their climate resilience by combining Article 6 of the Paris Agreement with Official Development Assistance (ODA). Additionally, this model aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Furthermore, the study proposes a restructuring of existing environmental safeguards by incorporating the “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) criteria and environmental contribution indicators to ensure alignment with the minimum safeguards mandated by Article 6 and international development standards. Through quantitative analysis, our findings indicate that the proposed debt-for-climate swap model could significantly contribute to Africa’s clean energy transition, address the region’s external debt challenges, and enhance climate resilience.
The Impact of African Swine Fever on the Efficiency of China’s Pig Farming Industry
Authors: Piao Shiyong , Jin Xijie , Hu Shuangyu , Lee Ji-Yong
Published: September 2024

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease that has significantly impacted the pig farming industry in China. It first broke out in China in 2018 and quickly spread to multiple provinces, significantly affecting the production efficiency of the pig farming industry. This study utilized pig production data from 17 provinces in China from 2010 to 2022 and applied the Malmquist production efficiency index and panel regression methods to assess the impact of the ASF epidemic on the efficiency of the pig farming industry. The results indicated that the outbreak of ASF significantly reduced overall production efficiency, which magnified the vulnerabilities of the production system. Although there was a general decline in technological change and pure technical efficiency, the increase in scale efficiency suggested effective resource optimization by farmers under resource-constrained conditions. In light of these findings, it is recommended to strengthen biosecurity education and epidemic prevention measures in the pig farming industry and to enhance technological innovation and the application of smart technologies to improve production efficiency and disease response capabilities. Additionally, timely adjustments in farming scale and resource optimization will be key to addressing future challenges. Through these strategies, the pig farming industry can maintain stable production efficiency during future epidemics and push towards a more efficient and refined production model.
A Novelty Model Employing the Quality Life Cycle Assessment (QLCA) Indicator and Frameworks for Selecting Qualitative and Environmental Aspects for Sustainable Product Development
Authors: Pacana Andrzej , Siwiec Dominika , Ulewicz Robert , Ulewicz Malgorzata
Published: September 2024

The objective of this investigation was: (i) to develop a model that supports sustainable product development, considering the quality aspect and the environmental impact in the product life cycle, and (ii) to establish a framework to select the proportion of the share of these aspects during product development decisions. This research concentrates on achieving products that meet customer demand and have environmentally friendly life cycles. It also supports the implementation of design activities at an early stage of product development, positioning the share of quality in relation to environmental impact. The model is based on creating hypothetical prototypes of current products, and this approach concentrated on aggregating the quality (customer satisfaction) with life cycle environmental impacts (as in ISO 14040). The model was developed in five main stages, including: (i) defining product prototypes according to the modifications of quality criteria most desired by customers, (ii) assessing the quality of prototypes according to the Q quality index, (iii) prospective assessment of the environmental impacts of the life cycles of prototypes according to the LCA environmental index, (iv) methodical integration of the above-mentioned indicators into one quality and environmental indicator QLCA, and (v) analysis of possible production solutions and setting the direction of product development, taking into account both quality and environmental aspects. This research was extended with a sensitivity analysis of the QLCA indicator, after which a framework for selecting the proportion of the Q and LCA indicator’s share in product development decisions was established. The originality of this research is the ability of the developed model to facilitate eco-innovative product design and improvements while also selecting the share of qualitative and environmental aspects needed to develop sustainable products. The results provide a dynamic and effective tool for manufacturing companies; mainly designers and managers during qualitative and environmental prototyping of products commonly used by customers. The model will provide support in predicting a product that will be manufactured that will be satisfactory for customers and environmentally friendly based on LCA.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on the Sustainable Growth of Specialized, Refined, Differentiated, and Innovative Enterprises: Based on the Perspective of Dynamic Capability Theory
Authors: Sun Zhongyuan , Hu Di , Lou Xuming
Published: September 2024

The sustainable growth and development of SRDI (specialized, refined, differentiated, and innovative) enterprises is an important foundation for promoting critical core technology breakthroughs and achieving high-quality economic development. Digital transformation is a power source that cannot be ignored in the process of enterprise growth. Based on the dynamic capability theory, this paper takes the listed national-level SRDI “Little Giants” enterprises in China from 2015 to 2022 as the research sample and empirically analyzes the intrinsic influence mechanism of digital transformation on the sustainable growth of SRDI enterprises. The study results show that digital transformation has a positive impact on both dynamic capabilities and the sustainable growth of SRDI enterprises. Dynamic capabilities positively affect the sustainable growth of SRDI enterprises, and the coordination and integration capability and learning and absorption capability of dynamic capabilities play a mediating role between digital transformation and the sustainable growth of SRDI enterprises. In addition, this study further finds that the contribution of digital transformation to the sustainable growth of SRDI enterprises is more significant among smaller enterprises, non-state-owned enterprises, and manufacturing enterprises. The findings enrich the research on the theoretical mechanisms of digital transformation for enterprise growth and provide empirical evidence and practical insights for the survival and development of SRDI enterprises and other small and medium-sized enterprises.
Caffeinating Entrepreneurship: Understating the Factors Driving Coffee Farming Entrepreneurial Intentions among Potential Entrepreneurs
Authors: Alshebami Ali Saleh , Alamri Mahdi M. , Alzain Elham , Algobaei Faiz , Seraj Abdullah Hamoud Ali , Al Marri Salem Handhal , Al-duraywish Abdulelah Abdullah
Published: September 2024

While entrepreneurship continues to gain significance worldwide as a means for economic development and a tool for youth employment, coffee cultivation entrepreneurial intention becomes an essential goal to investigate and a necessary instrument. Accordingly, this research investigates the role of external factors, namely Access to Finance (ATF), Structural and Institutional Support (SIS), Physical Infrastructure Support (PIS), Social Influence (SIF) and Education and Training (ET), in stimulating Coffee Farming Entrepreneurial Intention (CFEI) among potential entrepreneurs (students). A sample of 318 participants from various universities in Saudi Arabia responded to an online questionnaire, forming the basis for analysis using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study reported different findings, such as a positive relationship between CFEI and other factors, namely PIS, SIF and ET. However, the study found no positive connection between ATF, SIS and CFEI. The study concluded by providing actionable recommendations for policymakers about stimulating coffee farming among students and contributing to the economic development process and youth employment. It also assists in the establishment of sustainable business environments for future generations.
A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses on the Impact of Formative Assessment on K-12 Students’ Learning: Toward Sustainable Quality Education
Authors: Sortwell Andrew , Trimble Kevin , Ferraz Ricardo , Geelan David R. , Hine Gregory , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Carter-Thuiller Bastian , Gkintoni Evgenia , Xuan Qianying
Published: September 2024

Formative assessment in K-12 education has been a notable teaching and learning focus area in schools over the last 20 years, as evidenced by numerous recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating and summarizing the evidence for formative assessments’ effectiveness and sustainability. This umbrella review systematically reviews meta-analyses investigating the effects of formative assessment on learning, summarizes the current findings, and assesses the quality and risk of bias in the published meta-analyses. Meta-analyses were identified using systematic literature searches in the following databases: Scopus, ERIC, Academic Research Complete, ProQuest, APA PsycArticles, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Humanities International Complete. Thirteen meta-analyses, each of which examined the effects of formative assessment on learning in K-12 students, were included in this umbrella review. The review considered evidence for the potential effectiveness of using formative assessment in class with primary and secondary school students. Formative assessment was found to produce trivial to large positive effects on student learning, with no negative effects identified. The magnitude of effects varied according to the type of formative assessment. The 13 included meta-analysis studies showed moderate (n = 10), high (n = 1), and low (n = 2) methodological quality (AMSTAR-2), although the robustness of the evidence (i.e., GRADE analysis) was very low (n = 9), low (n = 3), and moderate (n = 1). These findings offer valuable insights for designing and implementing different types of formative assessment aimed at optimizing student learning and ensuring the sustainability of assessment practices. However, the low-to-very-low certainty of the available evidence precludes robust recommendations regarding optimal formative assessment strategies for learning in K-12 students.
Nexus of Regenerative Tourism Destination Competitiveness, Climate Advocacy and Visit Intention: Mediating Role of Travel FOMO and Destination Loyalty
Authors: Zaman Umer
Published: September 2024

The Game Theory is aiding global tourism research to leverage destination appeal and competitiveness in the context of climate change advocacy. As global tourism continues to play a vital role in economic development and cultural exchange, there is a growing need to unravel the complexities of tourist behavior and destination competitiveness. Therefore, this study aims to utilize the Game Theory to investigate the relationships between Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), Regenerative Tourism Destination Competitiveness (RTDC), Tourist Visit Intention (TVI), and Destination Loyalty (DL) within the UAE, with the moderating role of Climate Advocacy. An online survey (using Google Forms) was distributed via social media platforms (primarily Facebook groups), resulting in data collection from 296 respondents. Smart PLS 4 and SPSS were utilized for data analysis. The findings revealed that RTDC had significant positive relationships with FOMO, DL, and TVI, thus supporting hypotheses 1 to 10. However, the hypothesis regarding Climate Advocacy moderating DL and TVI was not supported. Based on the Game Theory, this study contributes to the theoretical understanding of regenerative tourism destination competitiveness and offers practical implications for destination management strategies. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and context-specific considerations. Future studies should also consider cultural contexts, to enhance the external validity of research outcomes.
Optimal Battery Storage Configuration for High-Proportion Renewable Power Systems Considering Minimum Inertia Requirements
Authors: Guo Xu , Li Yang , Wu Feng , Shi Linjun , Chen Yuzhe , Wang Hailun
Published: September 2024

With the continuous development of renewable energy worldwide, the issue of frequency stability in power systems has become increasingly serious. Enhancing the inertia level of power systems by configuring battery storage to provide virtual inertia has garnered significant research attention in academia. However, addressing the non-linear characteristics of frequency stability constraints, which complicate model solving, and managing the uncertainties associated with renewable energy and load, are the main challenges in planning energy storage for high-proportion renewable power systems. In this context, this paper proposes a battery storage configuration model for high-proportion renewable power systems that considers minimum inertia requirements and the uncertainties of wind and solar power. First, frequency stability constraints are transformed into minimum inertia constraints, primarily considering the rate of change of frequency (ROCOF) and nadir frequency (NF) indicators during the transformation process. Second, using historical wind and solar data, a time-series probability scenario set is constructed through clustering methods to model the uncertainties of wind and solar power. A stochastic optimization method is then adopted to establish a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for the battery storage configuration of high-proportion renewable power systems, considering minimum inertia requirements and wind-solar uncertainties. Finally, through a modified IEEE-39 bus system, it was verified that the proposed method is more economical in addressing frequency stability issues in power systems with a high proportion of renewable energy compared to traditional scheduling methods.
Study on Non-Point Source Pollution Prevention and Control System in Nansi Lake Basin Based on System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Liu Jiachen , Liu Chunqiang , Xiao Min , Li Meirui , Jiang Mingjun , Wang Shicai , Yin Le , Zhang Baolei
Published: September 2024

Agriculture, as an important activity on which human beings depend for their livelihood, brings serious environmental problems while meeting the needs of human survival, among which agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution is one of the most urgent environmental problems. This study quantitatively assessed the loading characteristics spatial and temporal evolution patterns of two agricultural NPS pollutants, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), from 2010 to 2020 in the Nansi Lake Basin as an example, and constructed a system dynamics (SD) simulation model to simulate and analyze agricultural NPS pollution under different development and treatment scenarios, based on an investigation of the regional prevention and control strategy of agricultural NPS pollution and the technological system. The results show that the current status of agricultural NPS pollution load in the Nansi Lake Basin is poor, and the level of pollution load is high, showing obvious geographical differences. In terms of temporal changes, the pollution loads of the two pollutants showed a decreasing trend from 2010 to 2020, among which the pollution load of NH3-N showed the largest change. Spatially, the spatial distribution of each type of pollutant has some similarities, with smaller pollution loads in Jining and Zaozhuang and relatively larger pollution loads in Heze and Ningyang. The main source of COD pollution in the Nansi Lake Basin is rural life, with an emission proportion of 52.85%, and the main sources of NH3-N pollution from agricultural NPS pollution in the area are rural life and livestock and poultry farming, with emission proportions of 47.55% and 35.36%, respectively. Under the status quo continuum scenario, the pollution load values for COD are consistently higher than those for NH3-N, so the relative impact of COD is greater. In this study, the principles and methods of SD in system science are adopted to deal with the agricultural NPS pollution of Nansi Lake Basin, and the evolution of its behavioral characteristics are simulated, forecasted, and predicted, and policy experiments are conducted, with a view to providing references for the prevention and control of agricultural NPS pollution in Nansi Lake Basin and further research.
Effects of Industrial Structure on the Green Utilization Efficiency of Urban Land: A Case Study of the Bohai Rim Region, China
Authors: Guo Tiantian , Wang Xiaoming
Published: September 2024

The green utilization of urban land is a critical component of regional high-quality development. Enhancing the green utilization efficiency of urban land (GUEUL) is of great significance to improving the quality of ecological environment and achieving a green lifestyle and low-carbon production. With the process of urbanization, the industrial structure is constantly adjusted, which has an impact on the structure and efficiency of urban land utilization. Taking 43 cities in the Bohai Rim region as an example, the super-efficiency slack-based measure model with undesirable outputs (super-SBM-undesirable model) was employed to evaluate the GUEUL from 2006 to 2021, and the panel quantile model was used to explore the impact of industrial structure on GUEUL. The results showed that the GUEUL in the Bohai Rim region appeared a fluctuating upward trend from 0.664 in 2006 to 0.837 in 2021. High-value zones shifted from western Liaoning province and southern Shandong province to a “C”-shaped belt around the coastline and expanded continuously, while low-value zones decreased significantly. Furthermore, the influence of industrial structure on GUEUL was significantly positive, but there were significant differences among different efficiency levels. Industrial structure upgrading exerted the most significant effect on GUEUL improvement in low-value zones, while industrial structure rationalization was dominant in high-value zones, and the influence of industrial structure technologization was more significant in medium-low-value zones. Therefore, differentiated industrial structure adjustment policies should be formulated based on the actual condition of each city to improve GUEUL.
Removal of Trace Cu2+ from Water by Thermo-Modified Micron Bamboo Charcoal and the Effects of Dosage
Authors: Li Xinmei , Gui Wenqian , Batzorig Uulen , Zhang Rong , Li Hui , Pan Dandan
Published: September 2024

Chronic copper intoxication via drinking water induces diseases and physiological toxicity. Bamboo charcoal has been applied in the treatment of copper (Cu2+) in water. However, the adsorption by micron bamboo charcoal (MBC) of trace Cu2+ in tap drinking water and the underlying factors behind it have not been sufficiently reported. In this study, to improve the adsorption by MBC of trace levels of Cu2+ in drinking water, MBC was thermo-modified and characterized. Through batch experiments, the adsorption equilibrium was analyzed, and isotherm models were simulated. The removal rates and the optimization were investigated through a general full factorial design including the thermo-modified temperature (MT), initial concentration (C0), and dosage. The results indicated that the thermo-modification significantly improved the removal by MBC of Cu2+ at trace level C0. The satisfactorily low level of 0.12 ± 0.01 mg⋅L−1 was achieved in the range of C0 from 0.5 to 2.0 mg⋅L−1 within the short contact time of 0.5 h. The processes conformed to the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isothermal models at a C0 lower than 4.0 mg⋅L−1 and higher than 8.0 mg⋅L−1. The correlation between C0 and dosage played an important role in the removal of Cu2+. This work proposes the application of the ecofriendly material MBC and an optimization mode in the removal of trace Cu2+ from tap drinking water. It is also revealed that the positive and negative correlation and the “critical point” of the removal rate with dosage depend on the initial concentrations.
Labile Fraction of Organic Carbon in Soils from Natural and Plantation Forests of Tropical China
Authors: Zhao Zeyang , Dong Peng , Fu Bo , Wu Dan , Zhao Zhizhong
Published: September 2024

Labile organic carbon (LOC) is a key driver of forest ecosystem function and may mitigate global climate change through carbon sequestration. To explore the accumulation of LOC in tropical forest soils, we sampled from both planted and natural forests in Hainan Province, the southernmost province of China. We analyzed the concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) and LOC and characterized various physicochemical properties such as pH and soil texture to understand their inter-relationships in tropical natural and plantation forests. Although the TOC concentration was higher in plantation forests (88.61 g/kg) than in natural forests (68.73 g/kg), the LOC concentration was higher in natural forests (5.12 mg/g) than in plantation forests (4.07 mg/g). Over a depth range of 0–50 cm from the surface, both forest types showed decreasing TOC and LOC concentrations with increasing soil depth, indicating surface aggregation. The soil is slightly acidic and primarily composed of sand particles. Correlation analysis showed a highly significant negative correlation between LOC concentration and soil pH in both forest types (p < 0.01). Soil LOC was positively correlated with soil clay and silt particles and negatively correlated with sand particles. This study provides valuable insights into soil carbon sequestration in tropical rainforest ecosystems in both plantation and natural tropical forests.
Ensuring Tree Protection, Growth and Sustainability by Microbial Isolates
Authors: Valiullin Lenar R. , Gibadullin Ascar R. , Egorov Vladislav I. , Mukhammadiev Rinat S. , Mukhammadiev Rishat S. , Sakhnov Vladimir V. , Singh Rupesh Kumar , Sushkova Svetlana N. , Kozmenko Svetlana V. , Minkina Tatiana M. , Rajput Vishnu D. , Ranjan Anuj , Zamulina Inna V. , Baryshev Mikhail G. , Sevostyanov Mikhail A. , Budynkov Nikolai I. , Sviridova Larisa L. , Mandzhieva Saglara S. , Kalinitchenko Valery P. , Cherniavskih Vladimir I.
Published: September 2024

Antimicrobial properties of the new strains of micro-organisms isolated from natural sources of various ecological niches in the Moscow region and the Republic of Tatarstan were studied. Antifungal activity of isolates was detected in a test culture of toxin-producing microscopic fungi that can cause animal and plant diseases: Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium spp. Of the 46 studied micro-organisms of genera Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Streptomyces isolates, there are four strains (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Propionibacterium freudenreichii and Streptomyces spp.) that showed an ability to produce biologically active metabolites with a pronounced antimicrobial potential against phytopathogenic fungi metabolites. Based on the selected four strains, a Bacterial product LRV composition has been created. Scots pine, pedunculate oak and small-leaved linden seedlings with single and double foliar treatment and Bacterial product LRV at a concentration of 10 mL/L led to an increase in the growth of the aboveground part by 31.8, 51.9 and 25.4%, respectively, and the underground part by 25.0, 37.2 and 25.7%, respectively, compared to the control. The weight of seedlings at the end of the study exceeded the control variant by an average of 26.0, 44.0 and 78.0%, respectively. Plant protection Bacterial product LRV use did not have a significant effect on the group of molds that caused the powdery mildew and Schütte disease damage to trees. The Biological product LRV provided plant protection from fungal diseases caused by Lophodermium pinastri Chev. and Microsphaera alphitoides.
Development of Ecological Low-Carbon Agriculture with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era: Features, Practical Issues, and Pathways
Authors: Guo Shuaichen , Guo Hongpeng
Published: September 2024

Agriculture is not only the source of carbon emissions, but also an important carbon sink. The development of low-carbon agriculture in China is closely related to achieving the national strategic goal of “dual carbon.” Reducing carbon emissions in China’s agricultural sector and accelerating the development of ecological low-carbon agriculture (ELA) are extremely important and urgent, both from the perspective of the long-term common welfare for mankind and from the perspective of maintaining the sustainable development of agriculture itself. However, ELA is still an emerging concept in China, and its connotation and characteristics are not yet clear. There is a lack of effective paths for orderly and scientific promotion of the development of ELA in China. Based on this, this paper focuses on the emerging concept of ELA and examines ELA with Chinese characteristics from the dimensions of connotation, features, practical issues, and pathways, aiming to provide guidance for the sustainable development of ELA in China. The research results indicate that there are regional development imbalances, low willingness of farmers to participate, insufficient technological reserves, and difficulties in realizing the value of ecological products in China’s ELA. It is necessary to improve the modern agricultural production and operation system, tap into the potential of agricultural emission reduction and carbon sequestration, build a technical system to support the development of ELA, and establish a sound mechanism for realizing the value of ecological products. By continuously improving the regional organizational capacity and performance of ELA, accelerating the advancement of ELA technology and demonstrating its regional promotion, and by establishing and continuously improving the support system for ELA, one can promote the sustainable development of ELA in China. In addition, the research findings of this paper can also provide reference for the ecological low-carbon development of the global agricultural sector, supporting the contribution of the agricultural sector to achieving high-quality global sustainable development goals.
A Kinetic Study of Silver Extraction from End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels through Gold-REC1 Process
Authors: Romano Pietro , Lanzone Chiara , Rahmati Soroush , Ippolito Nicolò Maria , Ferella Francesco , Vegliò Francesco
Published: September 2024

Recycling materials from end-of-life devices and products is becoming increasingly a fundamental activity for the sustainable development of nations. With the return from the market of immense quantities of photovoltaic panels at the end of their life, it is essential to foresee processes for recovering and valorizing all the raw materials present in them to avoid wasting important flows of raw materials. This research introduces a novel process aimed at the recovery of silver and silicon from end-of-life photovoltaic panels. The leaching efficiency and kinetics of ground cake powder in sulfuric acid, ferric sulfate, and thiourea were investigated in the leaching system. In particular, the influences of significant parameters, including particle size, leaching temperature, and stirring rate, on the extraction kinetics were analyzed using the shrinking core model. The results showed silver dissolving mechanisms, in which more than 90% of silver recovery at 60 min of reaction time and 99% at 120 min was achieved (120 rpm, 53–125 µm, and 40 °C). The significant effect of the leaching temperature suggests that the process is under the control of the chemical reaction. Moreover, these results were confirmed by the regression analysis of the experimental data with the shrinking core model. It can be concluded that this newly proposed process, called Gold-REC1, allows the recovery of Ag and Si (solid residue from the process) with extremely high yields and rapid kinetics. The obtained results can provide fundamental data for developing end-of-life photovoltaic recycling on an industrial scale.
Unveiling the Canvas: Sustainable Integration of AI in Visual Art Education
Authors: Su Hanjun , Mokmin Nur Azlina Mohamed
Published: September 2024

The rapid advancement of technology is transforming the landscape of art education, fostering a new era of creativity and learning with a focus on sustainability. By optimizing resources and reducing the reliance on physical materials, AI-supported art education enhances sustainability, broadens accessibility, and lowers environmental impacts. Despite some research on the application of smart tools in art education, there remains a gap in robust evidence supporting their effectiveness and long-term impact. This study undertakes an in-depth examination of the intersection of sustainable technologies, pedagogical theories, and assessment methods within visual art education. By reviewing 685 research articles from the past decade, we ultimately filtered them down to 36 completely relevant studies that illuminate the technological advancements in teaching visual art. Our analysis focuses on emerging trends, the theoretical frameworks underpinning learning, hardware platforms, application categories, and dependent variables used to assess the impact on sustainability. Our findings indicate that the use of technology in art education is still in its nascent stages, yet it holds significant potential for sustainable development. These insights are crucial for developers and educators, offering guidance on creating user-friendly, interactive, and sustainable art education programs that enhance student comprehension and engagement beyond the current offerings.
Economic and Environmental Implications of Introducing Green Own-Brand Products on E-Commerce Platforms
Authors: Wang Peng , Guo Siqi , Choi Hyoung-Yong
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the impact of introducing a green own-brand product on an e-commerce platform, the incumbent competing sellers, and the environment. We develop a stylized model wherein a green seller and a non-green seller directly sell products to consumers through an e-commerce platform. The platform has the option to introduce its own-brand product and sell it within its marketplace. In scenarios where no brand introduction occurs, only two incumbents compete in the marketplace. However, with the introduction of the platform’s own brand, three products compete in the marketplace. Our findings reveal several noteworthy results. Firstly, the introduction of the platform’s own brand may diminish its profit, even when there are no development costs associated with the brand. Particularly intriguing is the observation that the platform’s profit may decrease as the product greenness of its own brand increases. Secondly, under certain conditions, both incumbent sellers can experience improved outcomes with the introduction of the platform’s green brand. Thirdly, while the platform’s green brand introduction does not invariably enhance the supply chain’s environmental performance, it may diminish it in instances where the base demand for the platform’s own brand is substantial and the eco-friendliness of the brand falls within a mid-range spectrum.
Environmental Awareness and Social Sustainability: Insights from an Agent-Based Model with Social Learning and Individual Heterogeneity
Authors: Zhang Chengquan , Wu Xifeng , Qian Kun , Zhao Sijia , Madani Hatef , Chen Jin , Chen Yu
Published: September 2024

Social sustainability requires both technological innovations and societal changes within energy systems, with decentralization playing a critical role. This shift emphasizes the increasing importance of individual user decision-making, posing significant management challenges. An individual’s environmental awareness has a key influence on their energy decisions. However, the relationship between individual environmental awareness and social sustainability, particularly from a systemic perspective, remains underexplored. Our study uses agent-based modeling to examine this relationship within Japan’s electricity market, focusing on social learning and consumer heterogeneity. We find that social learning leads to the formation of consumer clusters with specific electricity preferences, affecting environmental awareness differently across high- and low-carbon groups. This process reveals the nuanced role of social learning in promoting low-carbon technology adoption, which varies according to the market share of low-carbon energy. Additionally, our results suggest that initial heterogeneity in environmental awareness among consumers has a limited and varied effect on sustainable transition pathways. However, the diversity resulting from social learning significantly shapes these trajectories. These insights highlight the complex interplay between individual behaviors, societal dynamics, and technological advancements in steering the sustainable transition, providing valuable considerations for future energy system management.
What Is Your Building Doing for the City? Systematic Literature Review on the Potential of Façade Design for the Mitigation of Urban Environmental Problems
Authors: Prieto Alejandro , Pastén Marcela
Published: September 2024

Rising urban temperatures, noise and air pollution, and the loss of biodiversity are pressing problems in cities worldwide that call for action at different scales to improve the livability of urban areas. This study focuses on the role that buildings and façade design play in the urban environment, exploring how their informed design might help mitigating these environmental issues at a local scale. It explores the field by means of a systematic review aimed at identifying the impact of façade design choices focusing on three main design variables: material, geometry, and vegetation in façades. Scopus and Web of Science databases were explored between 17 April and 20 April 2023, ending up with 121 scientific articles, then categorized and data-mined to allow for descriptive statistical analysis to discuss scientific results obtained via digital simulation or empirical measurements. Risk of bias was addressed through double revision of the gathered sample. This study ends with the identification of desirable façade attributes based on their reported impacts, in terms of material properties, geometric operations, and main vegetation parameters, which we discuss by outlining compatibilities and clashes between them to guide conscious building design decisions to improve the urban ecosystem.
Employment Quality and Migration Intentions: A New Perspective from China’s New-Generation Migrant Workers
Authors: Wei Yigang , Chen Chaoyi , Tao Li , Huang Wenyang
Published: September 2024

This study explores the factors influencing the migration intentions of the new generation of migrant workers from the perspective of employment quality. Utilizing differential analysis, correlation analysis, and the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) model, this study analyzes data on hukou transfer intention obtained through an exploratory questionnaire survey. The results indicate significant differences in migration intentions among new-generation migrant workers differentiated by job industry, job position, gender, household registration type, and housing type. Additionally, age, the number of local family members, and housing satisfaction are strongly correlated with migration intentions. Path analysis reveals that employment stability, income–expenditure match, and social integration significantly positively affect migration intentions. This research provides a unique perspective on employment quality and offers theoretical foundations for policies related to migrant workers’ hukou transfer intention.
The Impact of the Circular Economy Pilot Policy on Carbon Emissions in Chinese Cities and Its Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Li Shanshan , Hu Zhengjun
Published: September 2024

The development of the circular economy is an important way for China to achieve its carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals on schedule. In this paper, we use the construction of circular economy demonstration cities as a quasi-natural experiment to systematically evaluate the carbon reduction effect of the circular economy pilot policy using the multi-period Differences-in-Differences (DID) model and Spatial-Differences-in-Differences (Spatial-DID) model. The research findings indicate that the circular economy pilot policy may effectively restrain the intensity of carbon emissions and the volume of carbon emissions, primarily driving carbon reduction in resource-based cities, old industrial base cities, and cities in the central regions, rather than universally exerting a significant impact on energy conservation and carbon reduction in all cities. Government investment in technology and the improvement of factor allocation structure play a mediating role in the carbon reduction effect of the circular economy pilot policy, while the intensity of public management plays a moderating role. When considering the externalities of urban networks, it becomes evident that the policy exhibits a notable spatial spillover effect. This not only significantly propels local efforts to reduce carbon emissions but also exerts a “demonstration effect” on the surrounding areas. The spillover effect on carbon emissions volume surpasses that on carbon emission intensity. This study offers empirical evidence for the ongoing promotion of the circular economy pilot policy nationwide, facilitating the achievement of cities’ dual carbon goals.
Goals and Pathways of Public Governance Contribution to Achieve Progress in the Quality of Life
Authors: Lobonț Oana-Ramona , Criste Cristina , Bovary Ciel , Moț Ariana-Denisa , Vătavu Sorana
Published: September 2024

This research examines the importance of effective public governance in maximising the well-being of citizens in EU member states. Our research strategy used an integrated modelling framework involving data mapping and an autoregressive model with distributed lags (ARDL) for 2012–2022 in the EU member countries. The results demonstrated that the World Governance Indicator (WGI) has a mixed impact on Quality of Life (QL). In the short term, the impact is positive if there is an increase in the level of the public governance indicator, and in the long term, the effect of public governance on the quality of life is negative due to the challenges associated with implementing reforms. Additionally, our results highlighted that, to improve citizens’ quality of life, policies should focus on increasing the Purchasing Power (PP) and Safety of Society (SS) as well as on issues related to Pollution (P) and the Cost of Living (CL). There are similarities between the long-term ARDL analysis estimate and the short-term one, with the latter pointing out that they will be able to have quick positive effects, while pollution and increased living costs have immediate adverse effects on quality of life.
Regenerating and Developing a National Botanical Garden (NBG) in Khartoum, Sudan: Effect on Urban Landscape and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Fadelelseed Safa , Xu Dawei , Li Lianying , Tran Ducthien , Chen Xi , Alwah Abdulfattah , Bai He , Farah Zoheir
Published: September 2024

This research focuses on the National Botanic Garden in Khartoum, Sudan, proposing tools and methods to assess botanical garden quality from multiple perspectives. It explores the related concepts between national botanical gardens and landscapes, regeneration landscapes and their components such as botanical gardens, their effects on urban regeneration in cities, urban environments, and environmental sustainability. This study aims to: regenerate and develop a National Botanical Garden in the Almogran area of Khartoum, Sudan, and highlight the importance of establishing a national botanical garden for each climatic region in Sudan. The study used questionnaires to identify the necessary needs for regeneration, and the opinions of employees of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry were surveyed about the purposes of: (1) evaluating the garden’s total area and interior design; (2) building regeneration; (3) establishing constructions, such as a library, seed gene bank, tissue culture laboratory, etc.; (4) emphasizing the need for modern technology to enhance quality. The study summarizes five regeneration technology methods: environmental plant restoration, water body restoration, building and facility restoration, reconstruction technology, and resource utilization; (5) botanical gardens were proposed for each climatic region in Sudan, and we studied the effects of establishing a botanical garden for each climate region in Sudan on environmental resilience, the effect of the botanical gardens’ regeneration on gardens within the cities, and effect of a national botanical garden on the urban landscape and environmental sustainability. These findings suggest that the comprehensive regeneration of the National Botanical Garden, integrating it with the urban regeneration of cities, especially urban greening regeneration, is important for enhancing urban landscapes, enhancing environmental resilience, environmental sustainability, climate change, and achieving land development goals, thus helping to address actual requirements and develop sustainable cities.
Circular Economy Implementation in an Organization: A Case Study of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation
Authors: Sah Amit Kumar , Hong Yao-Ming
Published: September 2024

The implementation of circular economy principles is increasingly seen as a viable way to promote sustainable development and reduce environmental impact. This case study examines the implementation of circular economy principles at the Taiwan Sugar Company (TSC), a leading sugar manufacturer in Taiwan. This study analyzes the company’s efforts to redesign its production processes, develop closed-loop systems, and promote resource efficiency. It also explores the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing circular economy principles in the sugar industry, such as the complexity of supply chains, the need for stakeholder engagement, and the availability of sustainable technologies. This study follows the principles of British standard 8001:2017 to implement the concept of a circular economy into the organization. This study finds that the Taiwan Sugar Company has made significant progress in implementing circular economy principles, including adopting renewable energy sources, using byproducts as raw materials, developing sustainable packaging solutions, and using the output products of the company to make another useful product for industrial or agricultural use. These initiatives will result in the reduction of waste, an increase in resource efficiency, and enhanced environmental performance. However, this study also identifies several challenges that the company faces in implementing circular economy principles, such as the lack of standardized regulations and guidelines, the need for investment in sustainable technologies, and the need for stakeholder collaboration. Overall, this case study provides valuable insights into the implementation of circular economic principles in the sugar industry and offers practical recommendations for other organizations seeking to adopt circular economy principles. This study highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, technological innovation, and regulatory support in promoting a transition toward a more sustainable and circular economy.