bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Labor Migration on Chemical Fertilizer Application of Citrus Growers: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Ruixin , Luo Lei , Liu Yuying , Fu Xinhong
Published: June 2022

Due to the growing trend of rural labor migration, farmers’ labor allocation under the condition of constant time endowment has gradually become a key factor in the transformation of green agricultural production methods. Using the propensity score matching method, this paper verified the influence of labor migration on citrus growers’ fertilizer application using 814 survey data from Sichuan Province, China. The study found that the boosting effect of capacity accumulation brought on by farmers’ labor migration was greater than the weakening effect of labor constraints and that the average chemical fertilizer application per acre decreased from 6.95 to 6.74 after farmers’ labor migration, a 3.06 percent decrease. Second, labor migration reduces chemical fertilizer application by allowing farmers to acquire knowledge and technology for green agricultural production and to increase off-farm income. Third, the choice of labor migration by farmers with higher agricultural incomes and younger ages promotes a reduction in their chemical fertilizer application. Therefore, this paper makes the following suggestions: the government should appropriately guide farmers in their labor migration decisions, increase public awareness of green agricultural knowledge and technology, and encourage farmers to to invest their off-farm income in green production. Farmers with higher agricultural income and younger ages, in particular, should be encouraged to choose labor migration and train to become new agricultural business entities.
A Study of the Relationship between Corporate Culture and Corporate Sustainable Performance: Evidence from Chinese SMEs
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Huang Linglan
Published: June 2022

Sustainable development is a significant issue facing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on the literature of corporate sustainable development and the resource-based view, this study aims to examine how corporate flexibility and control culture influence sustainable performance by triggering innovation capabilities and investigate the moderating role of leadership style (i.e., transformational and transactional). The 186 matched questionnaire data from managers and employees in Chinese SMEs reveal that the flexibility and control culture are positively and negatively related to innovation capability, respectively, and that the latter mediates their influence on sustainable performance. Moreover, transformational leadership positively (negatively) moderates the relationship between flexibility (control) culture and innovation capability, while transactional leadership positively moderates the relationship between control culture and innovation capability. This study enriches the theoretical literature on corporate sustainable performance and provides management insights into how SMEs could survive and achieve sustained growth through corporate culture.
The Carbon Footprint of Fruit Storage: A Case Study of the Energy and Emission Intensity of Cold Stores
Authors: du Plessis Martin Johannes , van Eeden Joubert , Goedhals-Gerber Leila Louise
Published: June 2022

Despite their importance in all transportation chains, logistical sites—and in particular refrigerated facilities—are the weakest link in current emissions literature. This is largely due to a lack of quantitative research that focuses on these facilities. This article is the first of its kind to assess the emissions of eight refrigerated facilities that handle and store fresh fruit. In 2020, the analyzed facilities moved a total of 646,572 pallets of fresh fruit and emitted 32,225 t of CO2e. Five of the largest facilities were responsible for handling 18.83% of the total fresh fruit exported from South Africa during 2020. The results revealed that storing and handling a pallet of fruit in a large-scale commercial cold store requires 7.62 kWh of electricity per day. Storing and handling fresh fruit is carbon intensive since each pallet stored translates to 7.52 kg CO2e d−1. However, other factors such as the seasonality and volume of fruit handled, facility characteristics and the availability of solar electricity systems, among others, all have a significant impact on the emissions value of the facility and on the emission intensity per pallet moved through the facility.
Identifying the Barriers to Sustainable Management of Construction and Demolition Waste in Developed and Developing Countries
Authors: Al-Otaibi Ali , Bowan Patrick Aaniamenga , Abdel daiem Mahmoud M. , Said Noha , Ebohon John Obas , Alabdullatief Aasem , Al-Enazi Essa , Watts Greg
Published: June 2022

The construction industry is a vital part of every nation’s economy. Construction activities influence the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability. There are so many barriers to sustainable construction and demolition waste management (C&DWM). This study aims to identify barriers for effective sustainable C&DWM in developed and developing countries. To achieve the objective, 11 barriers have been selected and identified based on an excessive and comprehensive literature review, and then reviewed by experts. These reviewed barriers were further examined by various experts within different organizations using a questionnaire survey. Ranking of the barriers was carried out using the Relative Importance Index (RI), and the results were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Practical solutions were proposed to overcome the identified barriers. The overall ranking of barriers by RI indicates that insufficient attention paid to C&DWM, lack of law enforcement, lack of regulation, and financial constraints represent the four major barriers to sustainable C&DWM in these countries. The findings of this study and the proposed solutions are enablers for decision-makers to develop effective strategies to tackle construction and demolition wastes in sustainable manners.
Development and Optimization of a Sustainable Process Assisted by Microwave Energy to Dye Cellulosic Fabrics by Juglans regia Barks Residues Extract
Authors: Slama Nourhene , Ben Ticha Manel , Skhiri Wiem , Boudokhane Chedly , Dhaouadi Hatem
Published: June 2022

Juglans regia barks contain a diversity of phenolic compounds. Two of the most important groups of phenolic compounds are tannins, and flavonoids. These latter, possess different antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. This paper explores the usefulness of dyeing cellulosic fabrics, namely cotton, with Juglans regia barks residues extract. The dyeing process proposed was assisted by microwave energy. The impact of the main dyeing conditions (percentage of cationizing agent, pH, dyeing duration, and microwave power) on the color strength (K/S) and the L*, a*, b*, C*, and h* coordinates were studied. Optimization experiments were carried out using a definitive screening type plan (MINITAB 19). It was found that the best conditions to achieve the dyeing of cellulosic fabrics were: a pH of 6.23; a percentage of cationizing agent of 6.5%; a microwave power of 690 W, and a dyeing duration of 4.5 min.
Alloy Profusion, Spice Metals, and Resource Loss by Design
Authors: Graedel Thomas E. , Miatto Alessio
Published: June 2022

One of the most unfortunate attributes of technology’s routine and widespread use of most of the elements in the periodic table is the abysmal functional recycling rates that result from the complexity of modern technology and the rudimentary technological state of the recycling industry. In this work, we demonstrate that the vast profusion of alloys, and the complexities and miniaturization of modern electronics, render functional recycling almost impossible. This situation is particularly true of “spice metals”: metals employed at very low concentrations to realize modest performance improvements in advanced alloys or complex electronics such as smartphones or laptops. Here, we present a formal definition of spice metals and explore the significant challenges that product design decisions impose on the recycling industry. We thereby identify nine spice metals: scandium (Sc), vanadium (V), gallium (Ga), arsenic (As), niobium (Nb), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), erbium (Er), and hafnium (Hf). These metals are considered fundamental for the properties they provide, yet they are rarely recycled. Their routine use poses severe problems for the implementation of closed material loops and the circular economy. Based on the data and discussions in this paper, we recommend that spice metals be employed only where their use will result in a highly significant improvement, and that product designers place a strong emphasis on enabling the functional recycling of these metals after their first use.
Can Energy Efficiency Help in Achieving Carbon-Neutrality Pledges? A Developing Country Perspective Using Dynamic ARDL Simulations
Authors: Hossain Md. Emran , Rej Soumen , Saha Sourav Mohan , Onwe Joshua Chukwuma , Nwulu Nnamdi , Bekun Festus Victor , Taha Amjad
Published: June 2022

The current research sheds light on the nexus between environmental degradation as proxied by carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), energy efficiency (EE), economic growth, manufacturing value-added (MVA), and the interaction effect of EE and MVA in India. Using yearly data from 1980 to 2019, the current study employs dynamic auto-regressive distribution lag (DARDL) simulations and Fourier Toda and Yamamoto causality techniques. The findings of DARDL reveal that as income and MVA rise, environmental quality decreases, while EE improves environmental conditions in both the long and short run. Surprisingly, the interaction term of EE and MVA has a detrimental influence on environmental quality, meaning that India remains unable to provide energy savings technologies to the manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is well-founded for India, as the long-run income coefficient is smaller than the short-run coefficient, implying that India is in its scale stage of economy, where economic growth is prioritized over environmental quality. The results of the causality technique reveal that CO2 emissions and EE have a bidirectional association. Therefore, policymakers in India should embrace realistic industrialization strategies combined with moderate decarbonization and energy efficiency initiatives under the umbrella of sustainable industrial and economic growth.
Spatial Distribution and Land Development Parameters of Shopping Centers Based on GIS Analysis: A Case Study on Kraków, Poland
Authors: Blazy Rafał , Łabuz Rita
Published: June 2022

The progressive development of shopping centers in the world affects the urban structure of cities. These facilities are constantly evolving, which also entails changes in the way their vicinity is shaped. In this context, this article deals with the trend in the way of locating and developing shopping center areas, showing the changes taking place over the years. The subject of investigations are the areas of Kraków’s shopping centers—their spatial distribution and the way the land is developed. The aim of the research was to characterize and assess the spatial development of the analyzed shopping centers, to determine the trends in the location and characteristic urban indicators. This made it possible to verify whether possible changes in the way new investments of this type are shaped should be sought in order to improve the quality of the urban environment. To assess the spatial distribution of shopping centers, standard deviation ellipse analysis was used, as well as the nearest neighbor method. In order to determine the parameters of development of shopping centers, basic urban indicators were used, i.e., building plot ratio (BPR), floor area ratio (FAR), and green plot ratio (GPR). Spatial analysis was performed using QGIS software. Studies have shown that brownfield investments are scattered along the north–south axis of the city, while greenfield investments are located at a greater distance from its central area. Over the years, there has been a gradual concentration of shopping centers, but they are still characterized by dispersion. The results of analyses of changes in the land development of their areas indicate that over the years there has been an imperceptible trend of creating objects occupying an increasing part of the investment plot. In turn, the share of total leaf area of greenery is slightly reduced. With the increase in distance from the city center, indicators regarding the floor area and gross floor area of shopping centers are clearly decreasing. On the other hand, the share of greenery increases mildly, although this index remains at a level not exceeding 20%. These results indicate the need to take action to enforce a greater share of greenery within the areas of shopping centers and the need to care for the quality of their surroundings in order to ensure sustainable spatial development of the city.
Economic–Environmental Performance of Reverse Logistics of Disposable Beverage Packaging
Authors: Malindzakova Marcela , Štofková Jana , Majernik Milan
Published: June 2022

The aim of this article is to provide analysis and description of deposit and recycling system of disposable beverage packaging, which started in the Slovak Republic in 2022. The article provides the review of relevant literature with a focus on circular economy and Deposit Refund System (DRS), where analysis of refund systems was performed for this work. The proposed model involving reverse logistics describes how such deposit and collection system can work in practice, highlighting potential disadvantages, mainly the high investment costs. Therefore, the article also includes a financial analysis exploring potential cost of establishing said deposit and collection system. The number of necessary collection point for Slovakia has been determined and the total investment costs for the vending machines installations and service in Slovakia has been calculated.
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain in China: Pricing and Production Decisions with Price-Sensitive and Uncertain Demand
Authors: Wu Suhan , Luo Min , Zhang Jingxia , Zhang Daoheng , Zhang Lianmin
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we apply game theory to study the price competition between drugstores and hospitals in China’s pharmaceutical supply chain. Motivated by drug shortages and price disparity problems, we build a simplified model with one supplier, one hospital, and one drugstore in which the sellers sell one kind of drug and compete on price. The hospital receives a discount from the government when ordering the drug and both sellers face a price-sensitive and uncertain demand. The existence and uniqueness of a Nash equilibrium are proved and closed-form solutions are found for linear demand cases. We characterize the pricing and ordering decisions of the hospital and drugstore. The analysis shows that high ex-factory price, high price sensitivity, and a small discount are three factors contributing to drug shortages. We consider two special kinds of linear demand to obtain insights into the drug price disparity problem.
Evaluation of Land-Use Layout of the Rail Station Area Based on the Difference in Noise Sensitivity to Rail Transit, Taking a Suburb of Tokyo as an Example
Authors: Zhai Zhijunjie , Yao Minfeng , Li Yueying
Published: June 2022

Rail transit has been deemed a sustainable means of transportation, but its agglomeration effect and the noise therefrom create conflict. Generally, such conflict can be solved by designing the architecture and facilities of rail transit using noise-reduction methods. However, relevant studies have pointed out the limitations of such methods from the perspective of enforceability and social justice. Specifically, extensive monitoring of noise is difficult, and the cost of noise reduction is mostly borne by the surrounding residents. Thus, another question has been raised: Can we apply a land-use layout that takes into account the difference in sensitivity to rail noise of different types of land so as to weaken the negative impact of rail noise? In this paper, we adopted various methods of the characteristic price method, progressive multivariate regression analysis method and noise simulation method, and adopted the suburban rail transit system in Japan as the research object to analyze the impact of rail noise on the price of residential land within 200 m of the rail line. Additionally, we investigated the impact of the accessibility to the station site on the price of commercial and residential land within 800 m of the rail line. We also established the evaluation model on this basis. Lastly, we conducted a further discussion on the evaluation model by studying the re-development project of Tokyo’s Futako Tamagawa Station. The major conclusions in this paper are the following: rail noise is negatively related to the price of residential land within 200 m of the rail line; the price of commercial land within 800 m of the station site is negatively related to the station’s accessibility; and the price of residential land is unrelated to the station’s accessibility. According to the results of the analysis of Tokyo’s Futako Tamagawa Station, designing and arranging commercial land that is insensitive to rail noise in the area surrounding the rail line and using commercial buildings as a shield for the residential land behind them will be beneficial for weakening the negative impact of noise and maximizing the use of the commercial value generated by the station’s accessibility.
The Impact of Multimorbidities on Catastrophic Health Expenditures among Patients Suffering from Hypertension in China: An Analysis of Nationwide Representative Data
Authors: Fu Yu , Chen Mingsheng
Published: June 2022

Background: Patients with hypertension are sensitive to multimorbidities (i.e., the existence of ≥2 chronic diseases), and the related treatment can create enormous economic burdens. We sought to examine the distribution of multimorbidities, the prevalence and factors of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), the impact of multimorbidities on CHE, and the variation in this relationship across age groups, work status, and combinations of socioeconomic status and health insurance types. Methods: Socioeconomic-related inequality associated with CHE was estimated by concentration curve and concentration index. We examined the determinants of CHE and the impact of age groups, work status, and combinations of socioeconomic groups and health insurance schemes against the relationship with multimorbidities and CHE using logistic regression. Results: 5693 (83.3%) participants had multimorbidities. In total, 49.8% of families had experienced CHE, and the concentration index was −0.026 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.032 to −0.020). Multimorbidities were related to the increased odds of CHE (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.18–1.25). The relationship between multimorbidities and CHE persisted across age groups, work status, and combinations of socioeconomic status and health insurance schemes. Conclusions: More than 80% of patients with hypertension had multimorbidities. The protection of health insurance schemes against financial risks is very limited.
A Freight Transportation Network Model with a New Bundling Option
Authors: Myung Young-Soo , Yu Yung-Mok
Published: June 2022

A bundling option in a freight transportation network model enables a certain amount of goods to be sent after grouping them into a bundle. Usually, each bundle occupies the space of a unit good and/or can be transshipped using a more economical transportation mode, which results in reduced transportation costs and carbon emissions. As bundling and unbundling also incur costs, it is important to use the bundling option in an economical way. Several freight transportation network models were developed to find an optimal bundling strategy that minimizes the total cost. The existing models assume that bundling and unbundling can be performed at all nodes, including transshipping nodes. However, in many applications, goods are bundled at the supply node and are not unbundled until they arrive at the demand node. A new model, proposed herein, allows bundling only at the supply nodes and unbundling at the demand nodes. We investigated the complexity of the new model and developed a solution method. Furthermore, we analyzed how the total cost is affected by the new assumption.
How Is Alumni Giving Affected by Satisfactory Campus Experience? Analysis of an Industry-Research-Oriented University in China
Authors: Mo Leiyu , Zhu Yuting
Published: June 2022

Alumni giving is an emerging funding source for industry-research-oriented universities in China, which show unstable and limited growth compared to their elite counterparts despite providing their alumni a satisfactory campus experience. Identifying the mechanisms whereby campus experience satisfaction results in steady alumni donation is essential for providing guidance on effective alumni relations practice in the Chinese context. Using structural equation modeling, this quantitative study surveyed 238 alumni of an industry-research-oriented university in China to explore the relationships among campus experience satisfaction, faculty-alumni contacts, trust in foundation, and alumni-giving intention. The results indicate that campus experience satisfaction is a significant predictor of the other three, while also indirectly affecting alumni donation willingness, which includes faculty-alumni contact and trust in foundation. It was also revealed that trust in foundation could be enhanced by strengthening contact between faculty and alumni. Theoretically, this study identifies and reveals the key determinants of increased alumni giving and their interactive mechanisms in the Chinese higher education ecosystem. For sustainability, suggestions for optimizing alumni relation practices are provided to university administrators and policymakers to advance higher education’s contribution to social and economic development.
Exploring High-Quality Institutional Internationalization for Higher Education Sustainability in China: Evidence from Stakeholders
Authors: Li Jian , Xue Eryong
Published: June 2022

The current study explored high-quality institutional internationalization for promoting sustainable development of higher education in China, from stakeholders’ perspectives. We assessed students’ and faculty members’ satisfaction regarding factors involved in the internationalization of higher education institutions. We recruited 498 students (undergraduate students and graduate students) and 209 faculty members (research track and administration track) and assessed their satisfaction with institutional internationalization initiatives in multiple dimensions, including international courses, research, cooperation and services. The results revealed that student satisfaction with institutional internationalization was influenced by four factors: international faculty resources, international curriculum, international services, and international campus. Of these factors, international faculty resources had the greatest influence, and international campus had the least influence. Teachers’ satisfaction was influenced by international services, international research, and international cooperation, of which international services had the greatest influence and international cooperation had the least influence. Based on the current results, we suggest that national and local government should promote institutional internationalization in the post-epidemic era, and that Chinese-foreign academic cooperation should be enhanced for both students and faculty members.
The Impact of Climate Change as Well as Land-Use and Land-Cover Changes on Water Yield Services in Haraz Basin
Authors: Emlaei Zahra , Pourebrahim Sharareh , Heidari Hamidreza , Lee Khai Ern
Published: June 2022

Water-yield assessment is crucial to effectively achieve water supply management at the basin scale. It is affected by climate change, and Land Use/Land Cover Change (LULCC). This paper quantifies the combined impact of LULCC and climate change on water yield over short and long-term periods in the Haraz basin, Iran. This basin has experienced severe forest degradation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization. Most agricultural lands are within the plains and coastal areas, and 25% of the basin is covered by forest, which includes part of the Hyrcanian conservation forests. Four scenarios to distinguish the relative portion of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and climate for water supply variations are considered, including real conditions at the beginning of the period (Sn1), real conditions without changes in LULC (Sn2), real conditions without climate change (Sn3), and real conditions at the end of the period (Sn4). Four study periods include 1992–2007, 2007–2016, 2016–2026 as a short term, and 1992–2026 as a long-term period. The spatial patterns of annual precipitation showed decreasing amounts in the three studied years from the northwest to the south. Water yield also reduced during the study period 1992–2007 and 2007–2016, and climate change plays an essential role in this reduction. Forecasts show that rainfall will recover in 2026 and water yield will increase in the northern sub-basins. In the long run, from 1992 to 2026, the contribution of LULCC and climate change factors to water yield are equal. The results can provide references for land use management to enhance water yield considering global climate change.
Empirical Analysis of Population Urbanization and Residents’ Life Satisfaction—Based on 2017 CGSS
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Si Wanwan , Song Huilin , Yao Liang , Xiang Kaibiao , Cheng Zhenmin
Published: June 2022

As the greatest potential of domestic demand, new urbanization shoulders the important mission of improving the living standards of residents. Based on the theory of exploitation, this paper systematically established the theoretical relationships among population urbanization rate, human capital, family capital, and life satisfaction. Through the 2017 China Comprehensive Social Survey of 1940 micro-individuals for empirical analysis, the results show that: (1) the urbanization rate of the core explanatory variable has a significant and robust positive effect on individual life satisfaction and on human capital and family capital; (2) the urbanization rate of the core explanatory variable has a significant positive effect on human capital and family capital; (3) human capital and family capital have significant positive effects on life satisfaction; (4) in the heterogeneity discussion, the male capital accumulation is higher than the female, but life satisfaction is the opposite. With the increase in age, the individuals accumulated the highest human capital and family capital in 26–34 years old and reached the peak in life satisfaction after retirement in 60–83 years old. As far as regional differences are concerned, individual human capital, family capital, and life satisfaction are decreasing from the east to the west. The results of the study will help to establish a healthy and perfect regional urbanization and to enhance the mental health of residents by promoting talent development and advocating family-friendly construction.
Adsorption of Methylene Blue on Azo Dye Wastewater by Molybdenum Disulfide Nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Xiangxiang , Zhang Pengyu , Xu Fangwen , Sun Bai , Hong Guiyun , Bao Lining
Published: June 2022

In this study, flower-like MoS2 nanomaterials were synthesized by hydrothermal method with excess thiourea. The adsorption performance of MoS2 adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) in azo dye wastewater was studied. The morphology, crystal phase, and microstructure of nano MoS2 samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of adsorption isotherm, kinetics, different hydrothermal time, and pH on the adsorption experiment were studied. The results showed that the MoS2 adsorbent with a hydrothermal time of 1 h had good adsorption properties for MB. The adsorption data accord with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacity of MoS2 adsorbent is 200 mg/g, and the adsorption kinetics agrees well with the pseudo two-level model. The removal rate of MB is not significantly affected by the pH values. The large pH range can still maintain the removal rate above 93.47%, and the regeneration and recovery properties of MoS2 were also explored. Finally, the adsorption mechanism of MoS2 on MB is discussed.
Application of Machine Learning and Remote Sensing in Hydrology
Authors: Mohammadi Babak
Published: June 2022

Water is vital to all life on earth, but its management is becoming more difficult owing to the behavior of water in nature such as water dynamics, water movements, and different forms of water in nature [...]
Water Splitting by MnOx/Na2CO3 Reversible Redox Reactions
Authors: Liu Jia , Li Shuo , Dewil Raf , Vanierschot Maarten , Baeyens Jan , Deng Yimin
Published: June 2022

Thermal water splitting by redox reactants could contribute to a hydrogen-based energy economy. The authors previously assessed and classified these thermo-chemical water splitting redox reactions. The Mn3O4/MnO/NaMnO2 multi-step redox cycles were demonstrated to have high potential. The present research experimentally investigated the MnOx/Na2CO3 redox water splitting system both in an electric furnace and in a concentrated solar furnace at 775 and 825 °C, respectively, using 10 to 250 g of redox reactants. The characteristics of all reactants were determined by particle size distribution, porosity, XRD and SEM. With milled particle and grain sizes below 1 µm, the reactants offer a large surface area for the heterogeneous gas/solid reaction. Up to 10 complete cycles (oxidation/reduction) were assessed in the electric furnace. After 10 cycles, an equilibrium yield appeared to be reached. The milled Mn3O4/Na2CO3 cycle showed an efficiency of 78% at 825 °C. After 10 redox cycles, the efficiency was still close to 60%. At 775 °C, the milled MnO/Na2CO3 cycles showed an 80% conversion during cycle 1, which decreased to 77% after cycle 10. Other reactant compounds achieved a significantly lower conversion yield. In the solar furnace, the highest conversion (>95%) was obtained with the Mn3O4/Na2CO3 system at 775 °C. A final assessment of the process economics revealed that at least 30 to 40 cycles would be needed to produce H2 at the price of 4 €/kg H2. To meet competitive prices below 2 €/kg H2, over 80 cycles should be achieved. The experimental and economic results stress the importance of improving the reverse cycles of the redox system.
External Monitoring, ESG, and Information Content of Discretionary Accruals
Authors: Hong Kihoon , Kim Jinhee , Kwack So Yean
Published: June 2022

Discretionary accruals reflect the management’s accounting choices made within the flexibility of accounting standards. Discretionary accruals can be used by the management to better reflect the economic value of the firm and to signal their private information about a firm’s future prospects to the market, but they can also be used opportunistically by managers. However, the prior literature documents mixed evidence related to the information content in discretionary accruals. Thus, we examine the association between discretionary accruals and analysts’ forecast dispersion to provide further evidence on the information content in discretionary accruals. Moreover, as greater external monitoring and rigorous ESG management allow less room for manager’s manipulation of discretionary accruals, we investigate whether greater external monitoring by institutional owners and higher ESG scores moderate the relationship between discretionary accruals and analysts’ disagreements on long-term EPS growth forecasts. We find a positive association between discretionary accruals and analysts’ forecast dispersion, which suggests there is low information content in discretionary accruals. Furthermore, we find that a greater concentration in institutional ownership, greater blockholders’ institutional ownership, and a positive ESG score mitigate the positive relationship between discretionary accruals and analysts’ forecast dispersion. Thus, better external monitoring and higher quality ESG enhance the information credibility of a firm’s disclosure.
Development of High-Strength Geopolymer Concrete Incorporating High-Volume Copper Slag and Micro Silica
Authors: Arunachelam Nagarajan , Maheswaran Jeyaprakash , Chellapandian Maheswaran , Murali Gunasekaran , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich
Published: June 2022

The present work investigates the mechanical and chemical characteristics and durability of high-strength geopolymer concrete (HSGPC) developed using high-volume copper slag and micro silica. The objective of the study was to explore the feasibility of deploying high-volume copper slag as a replacement for river sand in the fabrication of high-strength geopolymer concrete. In total, 11 different trials were cast by varying copper slag up to 100% as a potential alternative for the river sand. The mixture of alkaline activators for the preparation of the geopolymer concrete (GPC), such as sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (12 M NaOH), was used in the ratio 2.5:1. The optimum mix was selected from different copper slag dosages based on the characteristics of the HSGPC, such as mechanical strength and workability. For the selected optimized mix, micro silica was added up to 5% by volume of the binder (i.e., 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) to improve the particle packing density of the developed HSGPC mix which in turn further enhances the strength and durability properties. Two different curing methods, including (a) ambient curing and (b) steam curing at 80 °C, were deployed for achieving the polymerization reaction (i.e., the formation of Na-Al-Si-H gel). Experimental outcomes reveal a maximum compressive strength of 79.0 MPa when 2% micro silica was added to the optimized GPC mix. In addition to the mechanical tests, the quality of the developed HSGPC was assessed using the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests, water-absorption tests, sorptivity tests and microstructural analyses.
Does the Adoption of Mobile Internet Technology Promote Wheat Productivity? Evidence from Rural Farmers
Authors: Khan Nawab , Ray Ram L. , Kassem Hazem S. , Khan Farhat Ullah , Ihtisham Muhammad , Zhang Shemei
Published: June 2022

The adoption of mobile Internet technology (MIT) in organizational systems is rapidly increasing. MIT has developed agricultural structures and dramatically altered farming activities to improve agricultural systems. MIT is considered one of the most essential technologies because of its huge impact on agriculture, economy, and our daily lives. In this study, we utilized sample data from 460 wheat growers in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan to analyze the adoption of MIT and its impact on the promotion of wheat productivity. This study used the propensity score matching (PSM) technique to address probable self-selection bias. Existing research outcomes show that decision making, education, farm size, cooperative membership, gender, extension services, access to credit, weather forecast information, risk perception, market distance, and other factors significantly affect productivity and subsidy awareness agendas. However, outcomes signify that MIT adoption will have a significant positive impact on wheat productivity. This research concludes with a policy impact, emphasizing that it is essential to accelerate MIT adoption by wheat growers as a policy to enhance Pakistan’s agriculture or wheat productivity and food security.
Supporting Agri-Food SMEs in Italy in the Post-COVID-19 Context: From Horizon 2020 to Horizon Europe
Authors: Zarbà Carla , Bracco Salvatore , Pecorino Biagio , Pappalardo Gioacchino , Chinnici Gaetano , D’Amico Mario
Published: June 2022

In recent decades, European policy has targeted specific measures towards SMEs. The recently concluded Horizon 2020 Programme, under the Europe 2020 Strategy, has provided economic support to stimulate competitiveness and boost the economy of member states by focusing on innovation. The SME Instrument, through a structure of multiple calls, constituted the vehicle for SMEs to access the funds made available by the European Union with disruptive innovation proposals. The initial structure of the SME Instrument, developed in phases and along the lines of the US Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Programme, was afterwards simplified in the design of its successor, the EIC Accelerator Pilot. The success of the above mentioned economic instruments led the European institutions to develop a new instrument, the EIC Accelerator, supported by the current Horizon Europe programme. After outlining the main features of this transition and the novelties introduced, this paper aims to ascertain the extent to which SMEs in the agri-food sector in Italy have had the ability and opportunity to intercept funds by measuring participation in the SME Instrument. Furthermore, it intends to verify which type of firms in the agri-food sector, divided into agricultural and industrial enterprises, intercepted more of the examined funds, and which organisational phase, productive or commercial, the enterprises have been oriented towards, also giving relevancy to the specific objects of the winning projects.
Combined ERT and GPR Data for Subsurface Characterization of Weathered Hilly Slope: A Case Study in Zhejiang Province, Southeast China
Authors: Yan Yajing , Yan Yongshuai , Zhao Guizhang , Zhou Yanfang , Wang Zhoufeng
Published: June 2022

Rain-triggered landslides frequently threaten public safety, infrastructure, and the economy during typhoon seasons in Zhejiang Province. Landslides are complex structural systems, and the subsurface features play a significant role in their stability. Their early identification and the evaluation of potential danger in terms of the rupture surface and unstable body are essential for geohazard prevention and protection. However, the information about the subsurface acquired by conventional exploration approaches is generally limited to sparse data. This paper describes a joint application of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with a 100 MHz antenna and the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method with the Wenner configuration to identify the stratum structure and delineate the potentially unstable body of a clay-rich slope, the results of which were further verified using borehole data and field observation. The acquired results from the GPR and ERT surveys, consistent with each other, indicate two stratigraphic layers comprising silty clay and silty mudstone. Moreover, the potential rupture zone very likely exists in the highly weathered mudstone in the depth range of 3–7 m, and the average depth is 5 m. In addition, the thickness of the unstable mass is greater on the east and crest parts of the slope. Conclusively, the optimum combination of ERT and GPR is reliable for conducting rapid and effective delineation of subsurface characteristics of clayey slopes for risk assessment and mitigation during the typhoon season.
Intermediary Organizations in Nature Conservation Initiatives: The Case of the EU-Funded LIFE Programme
Authors: Rigo Alessandra , Andriollo Elena , Pisani Elena
Published: June 2022

This study was aimed to identify intermediary organizations active in nature conservation initiatives by adopting a multi-level (ML) and network governance (NG) framework and using social network analysis (SNA). We identified 256 coordinating beneficiaries and 1090 associated beneficiaries connected through 8310 project relations and financed through the EU-funded LIFE Programme from 2014 to 2020. Our results evidence a central component of the network where organizations from Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom play a central role. In contrast, peripheral components return a framework of partnerships mainly constituted by actors of the same country (68%). Moreover, the characterization by type of actor confirms the widespread implementation of a multi-level governance approach in LIFE-Nature (NAT) projects, evidencing the significant presence of non-governmental organizations and foundations, mainly at a national level, in nature conservation initiatives. Our findings reveal that the intermediary capacity of key actors should be further reinforced, particularly toward the promotion of transnational cooperation and cross-sector alliances, by encouraging the involvement of stakeholders operating at the ground level (i.e., provincial and municipal levels).
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Choice of Transport Means in Journeys to Work Based on the Selected Example from Poland
Authors: Szczepanek Wojciech Kazimierz , Kruszyna Maciej
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the problem of overusing cars has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand this problem, we analyzed the results of a survey dedicated to mobility patterns of employees of the Wroclaw University of Sciences and Technology conducted in June and July 2021. Consideration was given to the share of different means of transport and their changes in pre-, through and post-COVID-19 periods and factors such as the distance, population and public transport standards specific for various journeys. Overall, we found that the pandemic strongly influenced the choice of transport means. We did not identify any significant influence of the distance or population on the share of transport means between various periods. However, regardless of the period, dependencies between the public transport standards and the share of transport means were evident.
Analysis of Urban Woody Plant Diversity among Different Administrative Districts and the Enhancement Strategy in Changchun City, China
Authors: Chang Yufei , Wang Zihan , Zhang Dan , Fu Yao , Zhai Chang , Wang Tong , Yang Yihan , Wu Junjie
Published: June 2022

Species diversity plays an important role in urban ecosystem stability and sustainability. Research on woody plant diversity among different administrative districts is vital to effectively improving urban biodiversity. In this study, a stratified random sampling method was used to set the sample plot, a spatial mapping of the diversity indices was conducted, and methods of principal component analysis and similarity analysis were used to analyze the species composition and dissimilarity among different administration districts. Finally, the model based on the relationship between the diversity indices and forest landscape pattern indices was built. The results showed that woody plant species diversity differed significantly among different administrative districts in Changchun. The species diversity levels in the Qikai (QK), Lvyuan (LY), and Kuancheng (KC) districts were higher, and those in the Nanguan (NG) and Erdao (ED) districts were lower. The species composition of every district basically complied with the 10/20/30 “rule of thumb”. The most common species, genera, and families in urban forests should not exceed the proportion of the total abundance of all species. There was a significant correlation between the diversity indices and the forest landscape indices of each district. The Margalef index (dMa) and the Shannon–Wiener index (H′) decreased significantly while CONTIG-MN increased, and increased significantly while LSI increased. Species evenness index J decreased significantly while LPI increased, and increased significantly while DIVISION increased. In future tree species selection, native tree species should be given priority as much as possible, the planting of Salicaceae should be reduced, and the species diversity of each district should be increased. Chaoyang (CY), ED, and LY districts should strengthen the links between forest patches.
The Legal Framework for Combating Gas Flaring in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: Can It Promote Sustainable Energy Security?
Authors: Olujobi Olusola Joshua , Yebisi Tunde Ebenezer , Patrick Oyinkepreye Preye , Ariremako Afolabi Innocent
Published: June 2022

Gas flaring is a global problem affecting oil-producing countries. The Nigerian petroleum industry is not an exemption. Gas flaring is responsible for the emission of greenhouse gas, depletion of the ozone layer, global warming, and climate change. The study aims to offer legal panaceas to the menace of gas flaring, which has affected Nigeria’s economy. Many scholars have raised concerns and the need for discontinuance of gas flaring in Nigeria due to its adverse effect on oil-producing areas and human health. The study adopts a doctrinal legal research method, exploring both primary and secondary sources of information to achieve its aim. The study finds that weak enforcement of the existing anti-gas-flaring laws in Nigeria made some oil companies flare gas. The study designs a hybrid model or mechanism for combating the menace and advocates that defaulting companies should be made to pay dearly for violation of anti-gas-flaring laws to promote the commercialisation of fled gas. The study recommends stringent enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and advocates replication of the provisions of the anti-gas-flaring laws of other advanced climes, especially the selected case-study countries where gas flaring has been abated. The study further advocates the need for the use of sophisticated or advanced technologies in oil and gas operations. In conclusion, it is believed that if the government adopts and implements stringent laws, it would combat gas flaring in Nigeria.
Exploring Blockchain Technology and Enterprise Resource Planning System: Business and Technical Aspects, Current Problems, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kitsantas Thomas
Published: June 2022

An Enterprise Resource-Planning (ERP) system is a complex, highly integrated software package for business organizations. However, an ERP system still has its limits, since the ERP business model is centered around individual enterprises. Today there is a great need for closer interactions between enterprises worldwide, a necessity that ERP systems face great difficulties with, when expanding to a full-on ecosystem. By integrating Blockchain Technology (BT) with ERP, we are entering a new epoch of decentralization, allowing organizations to function frictionless in a unified ecosystem. This study highlights the importance of integrating BT and ERP systems as well as explores the major prospective pillars for utilizing BT and ERP. This paper contributes to the academic literature, since there is little research evidence concerning the technical and business aspects of BT and ERP, so it fills the gap by exploring the main potential areas for deploying BT and ERP systems.