bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Sustainability of Urban Leisure Agriculture in Shanghai
Authors: Nie Jianyun , Kiminami Akira , Yagi Hironori
Published: April 2022

Leisure agriculture is an essential part of urban agriculture in Shanghai. However, sustainable development for urban leisure agriculture has reached a critical point. In this paper, we attempted to analyze the sustainability status of 22 urban leisure farms in Shanghai using the IDEA (Indicateurs de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles) method for sustainability indicators. From this analysis, we found out that farms’ average sustainability scores were 25.72 on the agroecological scale, 32.5 on the socioterritorial scale, and 46.5 on the economic scale. This proved that urban leisure agriculture in Shanghai has high sustainability at the economic scale, followed by the socioterritorial scale and the agroecological scale. However, the overall sustainability of urban leisure agriculture in Shanghai was low, which indicates that Shanghai’s urban agriculture still needs to be strengthened for sustainability. Thus, this paper concludes with some policy recommendations for the future development of urban leisure agriculture in Shanghai.
Enhancing Competitive Capabilities of Healthcare SCM through the Blockchain: Big Data Business Model’s Viewpoint
Authors: Jung Dae Hyun
Published: April 2022

The reasons why supply chain management (SCM) needs blockchain technology include simplification of transaction procedures, time and cost reductions, and reliability improvement. This study emphasizes the necessity of introducing a blockchain-based joint logistics system to strengthen the competency of medical SCM and proposes a healthcare supply chain management (HSCM) competency measurement item through an analytic hierarchy process. The variables needed for using blockchain-based joint logistics are the performance expectations, effort expectations, promotion conditions, and social impact of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, as well as the HSCM competency results in increased reliability and transparency, enhanced SCM, and enhanced scalability. By analyzing the importance of securing reliability based on blockchain technology in the establishment of a supply chain network for HSCM competency, we reveal that joint logistics can be achieved, and synergistic effects can be created by implementing the integrated database to secure HSCM competency. Strengthening partnerships, such as joint logistics, will eventually lead to HSCM competency. In particular, HSCM should seek ways to upgrade its competitive capabilities through big data analysis based on the establishment of a joint logistics system.
Effects of Hospital Decentralization Processes on Patients’ Satisfaction: Evidence from Two Public Romanian Hospitals across Two Decades
Authors: Dulău Dorel , Craiut Lisa , Tit Delia Mirela , Buhas Camelia , Tarce Alexandra Georgiana , Uivarosan Diana
Published: April 2022

Patient satisfaction represents an essential indicator in assessing healthcare quality, as it is an extensive source of information regarding the healthcare provider’s ability to meet patients’ expectations and is a key predictor of patients’ behavioral approaches. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of satisfaction of patients who have been admitted for inpatient hospitalization in two public hospitals located in the North-West of Romania, during two different periods of administration/management of healthcare services, in the context of an ongoing decentralization process of public healthcare services (initiated in 2010). An exploratory study was conducted in the period of April–December 2021, based on a patient satisfaction survey, through which the quality of in-hospital services was evaluated at present and up until 2010, by the hospitalized patients in both periods. In total, 208 survey responses were validated and analyzed. The chi-square test and t-test were used for statistical processing. The results of the survey revealed that the percentage of patients that evaluated the inpatient experience as excellent was significantly higher during the period when hospitals were administered by local authorities than during the period of centralized administration (68.27% vs. 28.37%; p < 0.001), both in medical care as well as in hospital hotel services (71.63 vs. 29.81%), respectively (56.25 vs. 27.40; p < 0.001). The results obtained from this survey indicate that the decentralization of hospital units has had a positive effect on the quality of inpatient medical services and highlight the need for formulating and finalizing a policy aimed at developing and enhancing medical services.
Exploiting Marketing Methods for Increasing Participation and Engagement in Sustainable Mobility Planning
Authors: Morfoulaki Maria , Myrovali Glykeria , Chatziathanasiou Maria
Published: April 2022

Experience has shown that when a target group that benefits from or is affected by an intervention is included in the planning procedure from the beginning, underlying success factors are revealed and respected. Coming to sustainable mobility planning, an ideal participatory scheme (optimal synthesis of different perspectives) accompanying the sustainable mobility planning cycle would add to the interventions’ success. The current paper, based on the knowledge acquired within the e-smartec Interreg EUROPE project, is inspired by the wide spectrum of marketing techniques from the business sector and proposes the effective transfer of them to mobility co-planning and citizens’ engagement. The approach for developing this capacity-building guide (MOBENGAGE-RADAR) on engagement in mobility planning includes (i) review of existing appealing marketing techniques (1st level), (ii) extraction of the affiliated engagement methods (2nd level), (iii) identification of real-world examples of successful citizens’ engagement practices (3rd level), and (iv) correlation of methods and examples with SUMP steps. MOBENGAGE-RADAR visualizes the applicability of the different engagement and awareness raising methods for each step of mobility planning and can be used as the base for creative thinking while developing an engagement strategy.
Indication of Sr Isotopes on Weathering Process of Carbonate Rocks in Karst Area of Southwest China
Authors: Chang Cheng , Beckford Howard Omar , Ji Hongbing
Published: April 2022

Based on the determination of the major and trace element content, and the Sr isotope composition of soils from limestone and dolomite profiles in the karst area of Southwest (SW) China, this study discussed the distribution and migration characteristics of the elements and the influencing factors of Sr isotope fractionation, in order to better understand the chemical weathering and pedogenesis process, as well as to explore the material source of laterite. The chemical weathering analysis results (Chemical Index of Alteration, mass balance coefficient, and A-CN-K ternary) indicate that the weathering intensity of dolomite profile PB is higher than that of limestone profiles CZ and CY. The correlation analysis between Sr isotopes and P2O5 suggests that in addition to illite, apatite in the dolomite profile also affects the 87Sr/86Sr composition. Sr content and 87Sr/86Sr demonstrate two stages in the weathering process of the carbonate, carbonate dissolution stage, and residual silicate weathering stage. As the carbonate minerals dissolve at the beginning of weathering, the Sr content decreases and 87Sr/86Sr increases slightly. After the decomposition of carbonate, the Sr content remains unchanged and 87Sr/86Sr increases. Finally, the study suggests that the material source of laterite is more likely to be underlying bedrock rather than the aeolian source.
Design of Multi-Renewable Energy Storage and Management System Using RL-ICSO Based MPPT Scheme for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Sankaran Krishnan Sakthidasan , El-Bayeh Claude Ziad , Eicker Ursula
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, traditional power systems are being developed as an emergence for the use of smart grids that cover the integration of multi-renewable energy sources with power electronics converters. Efforts were made to design power quality controllers for multi-renewable energy systems (photovoltaic (PV), Fuel Cell and Battery) to meet huge energy demands. Though there have been several techniques employed so far, the power quality issue is a major concern. In this paper, a multi-objective optimal energy management system for electric vehicles (EVs) is proposed using a reinforcement learning mechanism. Furthermore, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT)-based Reinforcement Learning-Iterative cuckoo search optimization algorithm (RL-ICSO) along with the Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller is incorporated. For this, a renewable energy source is considered as input for eliminating voltage and current harmonics. Similarly, a DC to AC inverter using a Model Predictive Control (MPC) controller-based pulse generation process was carried out to incorporate the power quality compensation of multi-renewable energy microgrid harmonics in three-phase systems. The generated energy is checked for any liabilities by adding a fault in the transmission line and thereby rectifying the fault by means of the Unified Power Quality Controller (UPQC) device. Thus, the fault-rectified power is stored in the grid, and the transmitting power can be used for EV charging purposes. Thus, the energy storage system is effective in charging and storing the needed power for EVs. The performance estimation is carried out by estimating the simulation outcome on Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) values, parameters, load current and voltage. In addition, the performance estimation is employed, and the outcomes attained are represented. The analysis depicts the effectiveness of the power and energy management ability of the proposed approach.
The Effect of the Subsidiary on the Ultimate Controller’s Private Benefits: Enlightenment to the Risk Management Challenges for Sustainability of the Corporate
Authors: Cai Ming , Ma Zhong , Li Youhua
Published: April 2022

In a period of uncertainty about economic development, it is particularly important to maintain corporate sustainable growth in order to deal with the risk management challenge of sustainability. Private benefits of control in corporate governance play a crucial role in ensuring corporate financial sustainability to face the risk. The existing literature about private benefits of control mainly focuses on the assumption of absolute control by the ultimate controller, ignoring the influence of subsidiaries. This paper constructs a model of private benefits, based on a framework of the interaction of ultimate controllers and subsidiaries, and investigates how subsidiaries influence the ultimate controller’s expropriation. The model has proposed that: Subsidiary’s self-interest demand can prevent the ultimate controller’s private benefits; the autonomy owned by the subsidiary can be used to allocate resources, inhibiting the private benefits of control to some extent. Further research has found that when the proportion of funds that can be arranged by the subsidiary’s autonomy can meet the proportion of funds required for the subsidiary’s self-interest demand, as the subsidiary’s self-interest demand increases, the ultimate controller’s expropriation is reduced. This paper reveals the internal mechanism that private benefits of control are jointly determined by the ultimate controller and the subsidiary, expands the research on the decision mechanism of private benefits and provides new ideas for understanding the expropriation of the ultimate controller. Additionally, the solution to this problem can provide help and inspiration for risk management challenges for the sustainability of the corporate, as well as provide reference significance for economic sustainability.
Factors Affecting Multimodal Transport during COVID-19: A Thai Service Provider Perspective
Authors: Charoennapharat Teerasak , Chaopaisarn Poti
Published: April 2022

Multimodal transport is a critical component in developing the international trade economy, and logistics service providers are a critical component in multimodal transport. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected the transport system, especially in light of the ongoing rise in transportation costs which has increased firm operating costs. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely influenced the economic sector, resulting in decreased growth. This research aims to determine the priorities of the most important factors for developing and improving multimodal transport compared to pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 outbreak. This research consisted of two stages. The first stage used bibliometric analysis to define multimodal transport dimensions and criteria based on the previous and current literature studies on multimodal transport and used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify the relationship between factors and multimodal transport. The second stage used the fuzzy best-worst method (FBW) combined benefit, opportunity, cost and risk (BOCR) to prioritize the improvement and development of multimodal transport during the COVID-19 crisis, which considers the perspective of logistics service providers in Thailand. These factors, when identified, would help policymakers design more efficient policies to improve and solve multimodal transport problems mainly caused by strict public health measures during COVID-19.
Students’ Acceptance of Applying Cyber–Physical Integration Technique in an Automation Platform
Authors: Shyr Wen-Jye , Ho Chun-Min , Juan Hou-Chueh , Liau Hung-Ming
Published: April 2022

This study applied the technology acceptance model to the cyber–physical integration technique in an automation platform. A total of 34 students from a technological university in central Taiwan responded to a survey following the completion of a six-week teaching course. The course helps students develop cyber–physical integration concepts and improve their learning outcomes. Data were collected to examine the path relationships among all variables (i.e., perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward using, and behavioral intention to use) influencing the acceptance of the automation platform learning. Noteworthily, there is a correlation between the dimensions of the technology acceptance model, and all hypotheses are valid.
Modelling and Environmental Profile Associated with the Valorization of Wheat Straw as Carbon Source in the Biotechnological Production of Manganese Peroxidase
Authors: González-Rodríguez Sandra , Arias Ana , Feijoo Gumersindo , Moreira Maria Teresa
Published: April 2022

Interest in the development of biorefineries and biotechnological processes based on renewable resources has multiplied in recent years. This driving force is the result of the availability of lignocellulosic biomass and the range of applications that arise from its use and valorization. The approach of second-generation sugars from lignocellulosic biomass opens up the possibility of producing biotechnological products such as enzymes as a feasible alternative in the framework of biorefineries. It is in this context that this manuscript is framed, focusing on the modelling of a large-scale fermentative biotechnological process to produce the enzyme manganese peroxidase (MnP) by the fungus Irpex lacteus using wheat straw as a carbon source. The production scheme is based on the sequence of four stages: pretreatment of wheat straw, seed fermenters, enzyme production and downstream processes. For its environmental assessment, the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, which allows the identification and quantification of environmental impacts associated with the process, was utilized. As the main finding, the stages of the process with the highest environmental burdens are those of pretreatment and fermentation, mainly due to energy requirements. With the aim of proposing improvement scenarios, sensitivity analyses were developed around the identified hotspots. An improvement in the efficiency of steam consumption leads to a reduction of environmental damage of up to 30%.
Determination of Narrow Coal Pillar Width and Roadway Surrounding Rock Support Technology in Gob Driving Roadway
Authors: Chang Qingliang , Ge Shiguo , Shi Xianyuan , Sun Yesong , Wang Haibin , Li Mengda , Wang Yizhe , Wu Fengfeng
Published: April 2022

In order to determine the rational width of coal pillars and study the surrounding rock control technology of gob side entry driving with a narrow coal pillar, this paper first calculates the width of narrow coal pillar according to limit equilibrium theory; after that, the lateral support pressure and plastic zone development of the goaf is analyzed by numerical simulation to determine the rational width of reserved coal pillar; finally, through the ring breaking deformation regulation of surrounding rock of the gob side entry, the deformation and failure characteristics of the gob-side roadway during excavation and the influence of mining on the deformation and failure of the gob-side roadway are analyzed. The research results show that, combined with theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, the width of narrow coal pillar is decided to be 10 m; the deformation of the coal pillar side of the gob side roadway is much bigger than the roof subsidence, the deformation of the solid coal wall and the floor deformation; after the bolt support design of the gob side roadway, the deformation and damage of the gob side roadway during the driving period is small; during mining, the deformation of the narrow coal pillar wall is the key factor to determine the stability of the gob roadway; under the bolt support scheme, the overall deformation and failure of surrounding rock of the goaf roadway is small, and the control effect of the surrounding rock of the goaf roadway is good.
Fuzzy Hysteresis Current Controller for Power Quality Enhancement in Renewable Energy Integrated Clusters
Authors: Kumar Yellapragada Venkata Pavan , Rao Sivakavi Naga Venkata Bramareswara , Padma Kottala , Reddy Challa Pradeep , Pradeep Darsy John , Flah Aymen , Kraiem Habib , Jasiński Michał , Nikolovski Srete
Published: April 2022

Steady increase in electricity consumption, fossil fuel depletion, higher erection times of conventional plants, etc., are encouraging the use of more and more onsite renewable energy. However, due to the dynamic changes in environmental factors as well as the customer load, renewable energy generation is facing issues with reliability and quality of the supply. As a solution to all these factors, renewable energy integrated cluster microgrids are being formed globally in urban communities. However, their effectiveness in generating quality power depends on the power electronic converters that are used as an integral part of the microgrids. Thus, this paper proposes the “Fuzzy Hysteresis Current Controller (FHCC)-based Inverter” for improving the power quality in renewable energy integrated cluster microgrids that are operated either in grid-connected or autonomous mode. Here, the inverter is controlled through a fuzzy logic-based hysteresis current control loop, thereby achieving superior performance. System modelling and simulations are done using MATLAB/Simulink®. The performance analysis of the proposed and conventional inverter configurations is done by computing various power quality indices, namely voltage characteristics (swell, sag, and imbalance), frequency characteristics (deviations), and total harmonic distortion. The results reveal that the proposed FHCC-based inverter achieves a better quality of power than the traditional ST-PWM-based multilevel inverter in terms of IEEE/IEC/EN global standards for renewable energy integrated cluster microgrids application.
Theoretical Perspectives on Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Digital Transformation: A Literature Review and a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Stroumpoulis Asterios , Kopanaki Evangelia
Published: April 2022

In an era where environmental and social pressures on companies are increasing, sustainable supply chain management is essential for the efficient operation and survivability of the organizations (members of the chain). Digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies could support the development of sustainable strategies, as they support supply chain processes, decrease operational costs, enable control and monitoring of operations and support green practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between sustainable supply chain management and digital transformation through the adoption of specific technologies (Blockchain technology, big data analytics, internet of things). It aims at theory building and the development of a conceptual framework, enabling the explanation of under which circumstances the above combination could lead to the development of sustainable performances. It also aims to examine how companies can increase their competitive advantage and/or increase their business performance, contributing both to academics and practitioners. After conducting a literature review analysis, a significant gap was detected. There are a few studies providing theoretical approaches to examining all three pillars of sustainability, while at the same time analyzing the impact of big data analytics, internet of things and blockchain technology on the development of sustainable supply chains. Aiming to address this gap, this paper primarily conducts a literature review, identifies definitions and theories used to explain the different pillars of flexibility, and examines the effect of different technologies. It then develops a theoretical conceptual framework, which could enable both academics and practitioners to examine the impact of the adoption of different technologies on sustainable supply chain management. The findings of this research reveal that digital transformation plays an important role to companies, as the combination of different technologies may lead to the development of significant capabilities, increasing sustainable performances and enabling the development of sustainable strategies, which can improve companies’ position in the market.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism Industry in Taiwan
Authors: Chan Ching-Tang , Chen Hsien-Wu
Published: April 2022

The initial outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic occurred at the end of 2019. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted the tourism industry, which is facing a critical moment of survival due to the government restrictions and tourism warnings in various countries. In Taiwan, despite effective epidemic prevention measures, the pandemic has significantly affected the country’s tourism industry, particularly the travel industry. This study provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry and discusses the fiscal stimulus measures and vaccinations provided by the Taiwan government to ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry in Taiwan from the start of 2020 to the end of 2021.
The Effectiveness of Utilizing Information and Communication Technology in Instructional Supervision with Collegial Discussion Techniques for the Teacher’s Instructional Process and the Student’s Learning Outcomes
Authors: Wiyono Bambang Budi , Samsudin  , Imron Ali , Arifin Imron
Published: April 2022

Information and communication technology has been widely used in educational activities, not only in the learning process but also in the teachers’ professional development programs. One of the most popular applied supervision techniques is teacher collegial discussion. Students’ learning outcomes are largely determined by the quality of the teacher’s instructional process, and the quality of the teacher’s instructional process is influenced by the effectiveness of supervision. However, there has not been much research on its effectiveness in development programs and their effects on student learning outcomes. This study aimed at examining the effectiveness of utilizing ICT in collegial discussions as an instructional supervision technique for the teachers’ teaching process and students’ learning outcomes. This research was conducted in the District and Malang City with a sample of 787 junior high school teachers selected randomly from 20 schools. The study used a descriptive correlational research design, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is applied to deal with its data analysis. The results showed that collegial discussion as an instructional supervision technique affected the quality of a teachers’ instructional process. Implementation of ICT in collegial discussions had an effect and a higher coefficient value than the collegial discussions. The utilization of ICT in collegial discussions also affects the intensity of the utilization of ICT in teachers’ instructional processes. Quality of teaching and the utilization of ICT in a teachers’ instructional process had significant effects on student learning outcomes.
Adolescents’ Self-Esteem Associated with Solitary, Passive, and Active Leisure Activities
Authors: Cho Dongwook , Kim Sung Kyeom
Published: April 2022

Adolescents enjoy their free time in different ways including solitary, passive, and active leisure activities. The current special circumstance, the COVID-19 pandemic, provides adolescents with more free time that individuals have to spend by themselves. However, there has been little research devoted to their participation in different leisure activities and its effect on adolescent self-esteem. This study examined current adolescents’ self-esteem levels and frequency of participation among solitary, passive, and active leisure activities and how participation in different types of leisure activities affects adolescent self-esteem. A total of 1759 adolescents self-reported 13 self-esteem items and the frequency of different types of leisure activities. The results revealed that 12 items of the self-esteem scale were higher scores than the average among adolescents in this sample. Adolescents spent significantly more time on solitary leisure activity (M = 4.85) than passive (M = 2.54) and active leisure activities (M = 3.51). The results of regression indicated that solitary activities (β = 0.068, p = 0.007) and sport/exercise (β = 0.267, p < 0.001) and hanging with friends (β = 0.113, p < 0.001) of active leisure activities were positively associated with adolescent self-esteem. The findings suggest that parents, teachers, and administrators should recognize and apply appropriate directions or programs to optimize adolescents’ self-esteem by developing suitable leisure activities. It could be helpful to provide other active leisure activities such as socialized clubs or extracurricular physical activities to improve their self-esteem.
On the Micro-Foundations of Creative Economy: Life Satisfaction and Social Identity
Authors: Petrakis Panagiotis E. , Kanzola Anna-Maria
Published: April 2022

Incorporating the unavoidable changes manifesting in the behavior of individuals as an outcome of evolution at the level of development of the economy and society, we pinpoint a new theoretical background requiring the reconfiguring of the micro-foundations of economic theory regarding the creative economy. We thus set the theoretical micro-foundations of the creative economy where the main microeconomic incentive lies in life satisfaction attainment rather than utility maximization. At the macroeconomic level, we propose the pairing of sustainability with the creative economy. The objective is met through the vehicle of social identity derived from the responses to a questionnaire distributed in Greek society. Through principal components analysis, we locate two sets of variables shaping life satisfaction: the exogenous influences within social identity (state of health, age, and level of education) and the endogenous primary influences within social identity (lending, cultural change, and happiness). Each one of these variables is determined by other interpretative variables. Furthermore, we observe a weakness of economic policy to influence life satisfaction in advanced Western societies, resulting in a paradox of the economic toolkit. Our findings are relevant for policymaking to promote life satisfaction, especially within the creative economy context.
Sustainability Literacy: Assessment of Knowingness, Attitude and Behavior Regarding Sustainable Development among Students in China
Authors: Chen Chaofan , An Qi , Zheng Lijuan , Guan Chenghua
Published: April 2022

Education is critical to achieving the world’s sustainable development (SD). Assessment or measurement is a means to help an education system to accelerate integrating SD content. To have a perception of the gap in relation to the SD action goals, a basic understanding of current students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors (KAB) needs to be established. The study applied a survey to assess Chinses students’ knowingness, attitude and behavior regarding SD. Data were collected from students from all parts of China via an online survey tool, which consists of 887 primary-school students and 1661 secondary-school students. The results indicate a high level of KAB regarding SD among Chinese students, while this sustainability literacy is mainly embodied in the environmental dimension. In general, the results showed the better KAB of primary-school students than secondary-school students, while there was almost no difference between male and female students. Moreover, knowingness and attitude have significant and positive correlations with behaviors. These results constitute a general sketch of Chinese students’ sustainable knowledge, attitudes and behavior, which could be employed to monitor China’s efforts on education for sustainable development and also to foster curriculum developments and innovations in China.
Market Segmentation by Motivations in Ecotourism: Application in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, Spain
Authors: Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carrascosa-López Conrado , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: April 2022

Environmental awareness and carrying out tourism activities in nature are increasing today. Therefore, the present study has been conducted in a natural park, and its objectives are the following: (a) identify the motivation of ecotourism; (b) determine the segmentation by motivations of ecotourism; and (c) establish the relationship between the segments and variables of satisfaction and loyalty such as return, recommendation and saying positive things about the destination. The study was carried out in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park located in Spain, in the center of the Pyrenees mountain range. The sample consisted of 341 surveys obtained in situ. To analyze the data, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and nonhierarchical segmentation of K-means were used. The results in ecotourism applied to a natural park show seven motivational dimensions: self-development, interpersonal relations, construction of personal relations, escape, reward, appreciation of nature and ego defense function. The results also reveal the existence of three segments of ecotourists: “reward and escape”, “nature” and “multiple motives”. The “reward and escape” segment shows the highest score in satisfaction and loyalty variables. The results will serve as development guides for the administrators of the natural parks and in the elaboration of ecotourism products according to the demand found.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Fishermen: People Contributing towards Environmental Preservation
Authors: de Sousa Wandicleia Lopes , Zacardi Diego Maia , Vieira Thiago Almeida
Published: April 2022

Studies on traditional ecological knowledge are relevant from the point of view of valuing traditional populations and environmental preservation of ecosystems throughout the planet. We aim to analyze the environmental preservation practices transmitted from the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of traditional fishermen. In this narrative literature review, we rely on information available in articles available in the Web of Science database. We inductively analyzed the convergences and divergences of the articles. Studies on TEK are spread around the world, with an emphasis on Brazil. Studies on TEK by fishermen demonstrate the importance of recording the memory of actions in the effort of transmitting traditional ecological knowledge, helping in the process of management and conservation of natural resources in different environments.
Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation on Growth of Common Bean in Low-Fertility Tropical Soil Amended with Phosphorus and Lime
Authors: Razafintsalama Harimenja , Trap Jean , Rabary Bodovololona , Razakatiana Adamson Tsoushima Ernest , Ramanankierana Heriniaina , Rabeharisoa Lilia , Becquer Thierry
Published: April 2022

The cultivation of grain legumes (e.g., common bean) in sub-Saharan Africa contributes to the provision of food for a growing population and delivers environmental benefits such as inputs of nitrogen (N) to crops and soil via symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). However, the success of SNF is constrained by several factors such as the poor efficiency of native rhizobial strains to fix N, the low availability of phosphorus (P) and the acidity of soils. Two trials have been conducted in low-fertility tropical soils at the smallholder farm scale in Madagascar to assess the effects of Rhizobium inoculation together with inputs of P and lime on the growth of the common bean. We showed that inoculation with native strains of Rhizobium had significant effects on bean root nodulation, which was increased by up to 15-fold on plant growth, which increased by 78% and on bean yield, which increased by 126%. Moreover, we observed positive and significant relationships between inoculation with Rhizobium and P fertilization on nodulation, plant growth and yield. However, the addition of dolomite lime did not show any effect in our study. The addition of P decreased the mycorrhization rate of roots. Additional research is still needed to improve our understanding of soil fertility conditions (mainly on nutrient availability, including micronutrients) allowing better efficiency of legume symbionts (rhizobium and mycorrhiza) in such low-fertility soils.
Consumer Acceptance and Production of In Vitro Meat: A Review
Authors: Kantono Kevin , Hamid Nazimah , Malavalli Maya Murthy , Liu Ye , Liu Tingting , Seyfoddin Ali
Published: April 2022

In vitro meat (IVM) is a recent development in the production of sustainable food. The consumer perception of IVM has a strong impact on the commercial success of IVM. Hence this review examines existing studies related to consumer concerns, acceptance and uncertainty of IVM. This will help create better marketing strategies for IVM-producing companies in the future. In addition, IVM production is described in terms of the types of cells and culture conditions employed. The applications of self-organising, scaffolding, and 3D printing techniques to produce IVM are also discussed. As the conditions for IVM production are controlled and can be manipulated, it will be feasible to produce a chemically safe and disease-free meat with improved consumer acceptance on a sustainable basis.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Grassland Vulnerability on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Based on a Comprehensive Framework
Authors: Zhao Zhengyuan , Zhang Yunlong , Sun Siqi , Li Ting , Lü Yihe , Jiang Wei , Wu Xing
Published: April 2022

Grasslands are globally important for providing essential ecosystem services and maintaining ecological security. Monitoring and assessing grassland vulnerability are critical for developing long-term grassland management policies and strategies. The grassland vulnerability on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is considered high, but its spatial and temporal variations in response to human activities and climate change are not well understood. In this study, a comprehensive grassland vulnerability index (GVI), which includes natural factors (VNF), environmental disturbances (VED), and socioeconomic impacts (VSI), was developed by using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), principal component analysis (PCA), and environmental vulnerability distance index (EVDI). Our results showed that the spatial distribution of GVI had obvious heterogeneity, decreasing from northwest to southeast; the regions with serious and extreme vulnerability were mainly concentrated in the north-western alpine steppe and desert steppe. From 2000 to 2018, GVI decreased from 0.61 in 2000 to 0.60 in 2010 and then to 0.59 in 2018, demonstrating a healthy tendency. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land desertification, and population were the factors that had the most significant impact on VNF, VED, and VSI, respectively. The global Moran’s I index of grassland vulnerability was greater than 0, with a significant positive spatial correlation. The number of High-High and Low-Low units decreased, indicating that the High-High and Low-Low cluster regions tended to be discrete. Moreover, our results suggest that understanding the variations in grassland vulnerability on the QTP is important for regional sustainable development in the context of intensified climate change and human disturbances.
Toxicity and Uptake of CuO Nanoparticles: Evaluation of an Emerging Nanofertilizer on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Plant
Authors: Ibrahim Amany S. , Ali Gomaa A. M. , Hassanein Amro , Attia Ahmed M. , Marzouk Ezzat R.
Published: April 2022

Wet chemistry was used to produce copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). The results indicated that most nanoparticles were bacillus-shaped and relatively uniform in size (less than 30 nm). The effect of synthesized CuO NPs on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germination and growth parameters was studied and compared to bulk Cu. The results showed that no significant difference was obtained in germination rate among all treatments. Bulk Cu additions significantly affect the mean germination rate and mean germination time. On the contrary, germinability was significantly affected by CuO NPs additions. Seed vigor index was calculated to demonstrate the superior treatment in wheat germination parameters, and the results confirmed that 0.1 mg L−1 of CuO NPs could be successfully used to improve wheat seed germination. Moreover, the general average Cu concentrations in the plant tissue were 139 and 103 mg kg−1 dry weight for bulk and CuO NPs, respectively, indicating the dissolution behavior of CuO NPs. The addition of CuO NPs (0.1 mg L−1) promotes chlorophyll formation equal to 0.5 mg L−1 of the bulk Cu addition. This means using nanoparticles as fertilizer could reduce 80% of traditional fertilizers. Nonetheless, Cu additions in both forms (NPs and bulk) reduce root growth substantially compared to control. The effective toxic dose (EC50) for bulk Cu and CuO NPs was 0.37 mg L−1 and 0.94 mg L−1, respectively. The results indicated that approximately 2.5 times CuO NPs concentration is equal to the toxicity dose of bulk Cu due to lowered CuO NPs dissolution. Our study showed that Cu phytotoxicity is a non-nanosized effect and showed that plant-induced changes under environmentally real conditions should be considered when measuring the dissolution of CuO NPs near wheat plant roots. This study implies that using nano-CuO as a micronutrient amendment has a potential benefit rather than the soluble Cu salt for plant growth.
“If You Don’t Know Me by Now”—The Importance of Sustainability Initiative Awareness for Stakeholders of Professional Sports Organizations
Authors: Cayolla Ricardo Roseira , Quintela Joana A. , Santos Teresa
Published: April 2022

This study explores the importance of sustainable initiatives (SI) in sport for the stakeholders of a professional sports organization (PSO) after three months of absence of the public at the stadiums due to the pandemic situation. Two topics—diversity and inclusion (DIVIN) and the attraction and retention of human capital (ARHC)—were considered and analyzed. A third factor—the distance of residence of the members and the PSO—was considered as an element of the possible relationship between the awareness of the SI and the assessment of the topics in question. A total of 5694 PSO members took an online survey. Through the description of the data, the results show that being aware of the SI performed is a crucial factor for the success of the SI. Distance positively influences SI awareness. The topics considered are rated most positively by members with awareness of the SI, with a higher rating for the topic with the highest external visibility.
Calcium-Rich Pigeonpea Seed Coat: A Potential Byproduct for Food and Pharmaceutical Industries
Authors: Susmitha Dhanapal , Kalaimagal Thiyagarajan , Senthil Ramachandran , Vetriventhan Mani , Anitha Seetha , Manonmani Swaminathan , Jeyakumar Prabhakaran , Reddymalla Surender , Peerzada Ovais , Arveti Venkata Narayana , Azevedo Vania C. R. , Singh Kuldeep
Published: April 2022

Pigeonpea is a protein-rich legume which is consumed worldwide in a variety of forms (whole seed, dhal, and as a green vegetable). In India, pigeonpea is milled to yield dhal (cotyledon) and this process generates 25–35% waste byproducts. The hull (seed coat) which accounts for 10% of the byproduct is disposed of either as waste or low-cost cattle feed. To recycle the waste byproducts into the food value chain, this study was conducted with the objectives: (i) to estimate nutrient accumulation in the major seed fractions (cotyledon and seed coat), (ii) to estimate the percentage of nutrient contribution by major seed fractions, (iii) to assess the percentage of nutrient loss due to dehulling, and (iv) to determine the scope of seed coat in nutritional value addition. For this, a subset of 60 diverse pigeonpea accessions selected from 600 pigeonpea accessions raised during the 2019 and 2020 rainy seasons at ICRISAT, Patancheru, India, was subjected to a cotyledon and seed coat nutrient analysis. The three-way analysis of variance revealed the significant influence of cropping years, seed fractions, genotypes, and their interactions on nutrient accumulation. The nutrients, namely protein (32.28 ± 2.29%), P (476.51 ± 39.05 mg/100 g), K (1557.73 ± 66.82 mg/100 g), Fe (4.42 ± 0.41 mg/100 g), Zn (2.25 ± 0.21 mg/100 g), and Cu (0.95 ± 0.07 mg/100 g) were enriched in cotyledon. Mn was equally enriched in both the cotyledon and seed coat (1.02 ± 0.12 mg/100 g and 0.97 ± 0.34 mg/100 g, respectively). The seed coat had a high concentration of Ca (652.02 ± 114.82 mg/100 g), and Mg (249.19 ± 34.12 mg/100 g) with wide variability for Fe (2.74–5.61 mg/100 g), Zn (0.88–3.95 mg/100 g), Cu (0.38–1.44 mg/100 g), and Mn (0.58–2.18 mg/100 g). It is noteworthy that the protein and P contents in the cotyledon were 7 and 18 times higher than that in the seed coat, respectively, and the Ca content in the seed coat was 12 times higher than that in the cotyledon. A correlation study revealed that for overall nutrient improvement in dhal, selection for a small seed size was desirable. On an average, the percentage of nutrient contribution by major seed fractions revealed that the cotyledon portion contributed around 95% protein and P; 90% K and Zn; 85% Fe, Cu, and Mn; and 75% Mg, while the seed coat portion contributed nearly 65% Ca to the whole grain. The findings of high Fe and protein concentrations in the cotyledon and high Ca accumulation in the seed coat can serve as a new guide for improved technological fractionation of these components to serve as a novel functional food ingredient and as a dietary supplement that can address malnutrition.
Baseline Marine Litter Surveys along Vietnam Coasts Using Citizen Science Approach
Authors: Nguyen Thu-Trang T. , Ha Ngan-Ha , Bui Thanh-Khiet L. , Nguyen Kieu Lan Phuong , Tran Diem-Phuc T. , Nguyen Hong Quan , El-Arini Ashraf , Schuyler Qamar , Nguyen Thu Thi Le
Published: April 2022

Marine litter is a significant threat to the marine environment, human health, and the economy. In this study, beach litter surveys along Vietnamese coasts were conducted in a local context to quantify and characterize marine litter using the modified GESAMP marine litter monitoring guideline. A total of 21,754 items weighing 136,820.2 g was recorded across 14 surveys from September 2020 to January 2021. Plastic was the most abundant type of litter by both quantity (20,744 items) and weight (100,371.2 g). Fishing gear 1 (fishing plastic rope, net pieces, fishing lures and lines, hard plastic floats) and soft plastic fragments were the most frequently observed items (17.65% and 17.24%, respectively). This study not only demonstrates the abundance and composition of marine litter in Vietnam, it also provides valuable information for the implementation of appropriate preventive measures, such as the redesign of collection, reuse, and recycling programs, and informs policy and priorities, with a focus on action and investment in Vietnam. Moreover, insights from this study indicate that citizen science is a useful approach for collecting data on marine litter in Vietnam.
Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in Effluents of Wastewater Treatment Plant by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Authors: Hernández Fernández Joaquín , Cano Heidis , Guerra Yoleima , Puello Polo Esneyder , Ríos-Rojas John Fredy , Vivas-Reyes Ricardo , Oviedo Juan
Published: April 2022

In this research, the presence of microplastics was detected through a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of three wastewater treatment plants. One of these plants applied only a preliminary treatment stage while the others applied up to a secondary treatment stage to evaluate their effectiveness. The results showed the presence of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which were classified as fragments, fibers or granules. During the evaluation of the plants, it was determined that the preliminary treatment did not remove more than 58% of the microplastics, while the plants applying up to a secondary treatment with activated sludge achieved microplastic removal effectiveness between 90% and 96.9%.
Photodegradation of Organic Pollutants in Seawater and Hydrogen Production via Methanol Photoreforming with Hydrated Niobium Pentoxide Catalysts
Authors: Asencios Yvan J. O. , Machado Vanessa A.
Published: April 2022

In this work, the photocatalytic activity of Hydrated Niobium Pentoxide (synthesized by a simple and inexpensive method) was explored in two unknown reactions reported for this catalyst: the photodegradation of phenol in seawater and the photoreforming of methanol. The Hydrated Niobium Pentoxide (Nb1) was synthesized from the reaction of niobium ammoniacal oxalate NH4[NbO(C2O4)2·H2O]•XH2O with a strong base (NaOH). Further treatment of this catalyst with H2O2 led to a light-sensitive Hydrated Niobium Pentoxide (Nb2). The photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, DRS, SEM Microscopy, FTIR-ATR, EDX, and specific surface area (SBET). The characterization results demonstrate that the treatment of Hydrated Niobium Pentoxide sensitized the material, increased the surface area of the material, diminished the average particle size, and modified its surface charge, and formed peroxo groups on the catalytic surface. Although both photocatalysts (Nb1 and Nb2) were active for both proposed reactions, the sensitization of the photocatalyst was beneficial in distinct situations. In the photocatalytic degradation of phenol in seawater, the sensitization of the photocatalyst did not enhance the photocatalytic activity. In both photoreactions studied, the addition of the Pt° promoter readily increased the photocatalytic performance of both photocatalysts; in this case, the sensitized photocatalyst recorded the best results. The presence of OH• radicals was confirmed, and the great contribution of the Pt° promoter was in the increase in OH• radical generation; this increase was more effective in the sensitized photocatalyst. Our work demonstrated a simple and inexpensive way to synthesize niobium photocatalysts that can effectively be used in the photodegradation of phenol in seawater and in the photoreforming of methanol to produce hydrogen.