Empirical Data Research Articles

Harnessing Quantum Materials for Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Storage: A Comprehensive Study of Electronic Properties and Performance Optimization

This research explores the exciting potential of various quantum materials to enhance energy efficiency and storage capabilities, filling in a crucial gap in our understanding of their electronic properties and interactions. A major hurdle in this field is the lack of empirical data on key factors such as conductivity, charge mobility, and thermal stability—elements that are vital for optimizing the performance of these materials in energy applications. Our study aims to blend experimental data with computational simulations to create a robust framework for modelling how quantum materials behave under different conditions. This comprehensive approach helps lay a solid foundation for their practical use in energy technologies. We focus on an array of fascinating quantum materials, including topological insulators, transition metal dichalcogenides, and superconductors. To investigate these materials, we employ advanced techniques like scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, which allow us to delve deep into their unique properties. While pursuing this research, we do encounter challenges. Variations in sample quality, environmental factors during experimentation, and the complexities of theoretical modelling can affect the consistency of our results and the interpretation of our data. Despite these obstacles, our findings suggest that certain quantum materials hold remarkable potential for enhancing energy storage and conversion systems through improved charge mobility and thermal stability. In fact, some materials have demonstrated conductivity levels that surpass those of traditional options, hinting at transformative applications in energy technologies. These insights highlight the importance of continuing our exploration of quantum materials, positioning them as promising candidates for tackling today’s energy challenges and paving the way for advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

Refugee recognition: reconsidering Honneth in light of Benjamin and Klein

AbstractUsing data collected from participant observation through creative workshops in two regions of the UK in 2019 and 2020 with participants going through the asylum system, this paper seeks to redress the under-theorisation of Axel Honneth’s use of critical and psychoanalytic theory including the work of Donald Winnicott within Honneth’s book The Struggle for Recognition. Crucially, this approach sees Honneth’s primary intersubjective process of recognition, love, as ambivalent, as opposed to monolithically conceived, a common criticism of Honneth’s early work, and applies this conception to empirical data. Following the work of philosopher Amy Allen, this paper also resolves to apply Jessica Benjamin’s use of the Third to a number of empirical case studies relating to creative workshops conducted with participants going through the asylum system. By taking this ambivalent approach, this paper shows how meaningful recognition might more successfully be achieved beyond the limits of such the punitive regimes of asylum.

Using a Phenomenological and Fanon Analytic: A Methodological Framework and Method for Research with Impoverished Black Male Youth

While there is a good amount of general literature on the experiences of Black men in Canada, there is a paucity of empirical data regarding the specific lived experiences of first- and second-generation, Canadian-born, impoverished Black young men (ages 15–29). Black male youth are often impoverished due to anti-Black racism and classism, which together further social and economic barriers. While many methods of data collection and analysis provide a useful snapshot of the experiences of young Black men, many traditional methods are unable to highlight the nuance that lies in complex intersections of identity for Black young men experiencing poverty and un(der)employment. This article demonstrates the success of practices rooted in phenomenology to understand and articulate the unique, heterogeneous lived experiences of first- and second-generation impoverished Black young men who utilize youth employment training programs in three Canadian cities. Further, this article demonstrates how using Frantz Fanon’s scholarly work and applied phenomenology can inform future research on Black and other underserved youth who face complex marginalization.

Redefining health, risk, and safety for occupational settings: A mixed-methods study

Clear and specific definitions are essential in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practice and research, guiding the development of methods, tools, and metrics for effective management. However, there remains a lack of consensus within the field when defining health, risk, and safety. This study addresses this gap by proposing comprehensive definitions of these constructs based on the combination of empirical data from workshops conducted at a major construction company in Australia with literature from various disciplines. The qualitative analysis of participant responses and thematic coding of definitions from various disciplines revealed diverse perspectives on health, risk, and safety, highlighting the need for context-specific definitions tailored to different organisational levels. Hence, this study recommends simplified, summarised, and comprehensive definitions of these constructs to enhance clarity and consistency in OHS communication and practice. These definitions aim to foster a shared understanding and improve the effectiveness of OHS initiatives across different contexts. The paper also discusses several theoretical, practical, and ethical implications these definitions may have for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers regarding the scope of health, risk, and safety, their relationships, and the validity of related constructs such as risk assessment and safety performance. Finally, our study advocates a shift from mainly approaching OHS as a business objective towards viewing it more as a positive duty and public health area.

The relationship between implicit motives and physical activity: a scoping review

BackgroundInterventions that leverage implicit motives — affect-based, non-conscious motivational dispositions — may increase physical activity by making physical activity more pleasurable. However, there is no evidence synthesis of the empirical data linking the major implicit motives (achievement, affiliation, and power motives) and physical activity. We aimed to close this research gap.MethodsFollowing a systematic literature search in the PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science databases until August 2024, we performed a scoping review. We included German- or English-language publications in peer-reviewed journals or books that followed an observational or intervention study design. Studies had to link ≥ 1 major implicit motive measured via a well-established method to physical activity behavior. We critically appraised the methodological quality of the included studies using an adaptation of the JBI critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies and synthesized the evidence qualitatively.ResultsOut of 1047 potentially relevant records, five publications (seven studies, N = 550) were included. All eligible studies were observational (six cross-sectional, one prospective longitudinal). The achievement motive was researched the most. The data indicated a relatively consistent positive association between physical activity and the achievement motive, particularly in athletes and in sports-specific settings. The associations with the affiliation and power motives were more mixed. Most studies were conducted in sports-specific settings. All studies elicited methodological concerns, to varying degrees.ConclusionsThe available data indicate a positive association between achievement motive strength and physical activity. However, important limitations, especially the lack of intervention studies and the use of non-gold standard assessment methods, limit the confidence in the findings. More, methodologically sound research is needed to better understand the link between implicit motives and physical activity, especially in the general population.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023392198.

Endangered Commons? Modeling the Effects of Demographic Trends Coupled with Admission Rules to Common Property Institutions

This study investigates the long-term effects of demographic trends and admission rules on common properties in the Province of Trento, Italy, which we refer to as historical commons. Historical commons have evolved into socio-ecological systems over the centuries, meaning that communities governed collectively natural resources and lands essential for community survival. Communities and the admission rules that determine their composition are an important constituting element of historical commons because they have developed local ecological knowledge and practices of sustainable use of natural resources. Our study hypothesizes that commons continuity is endangered because of the declining trend of the size of communities being influenced by demographic trends coupled with admission rules. Grounding our research in systems dynamics, we use empirical data including demographic projections and existing admission rules to simulate their effect on the site of the community using the Province of Trento, Italy, as our study region. To achieve that, three types of historical commons are identified: open, semi-open, and closed, each with different admission criteria based on inheritance and/or residency. Results indicate that inheritance-based admission rules can significantly reduce the number of commoners over time, potentially endangering the continuity of these self-governance institutions. The study discusses the results in light of the literature on historical commons’ continuity to evaluate different policies affecting the size of the community grounding on different mental models. The study concludes that a simulation approach can promote an anticipatory approach to the co-design of policies to ensure inclusive continuity of historical commons.

Why You Should Not Estimate Mediated Effects Using the Difference-in-Coefficients Method When the Outcome is Binary

Despite previous warnings against the use of the difference-in-coefficients method for estimating the indirect effect when the outcome in the mediation model is binary, the difference-in-coefficients method remains readily used in a variety of fields. The continued use of this method is presumably because of the lack of awareness that this method conflates the indirect effect estimate and non-collapsibility. In this paper, we aim to demonstrate the problems associated with the difference-in-coefficients method for estimating indirect effects for mediation models with binary outcomes. We provide a formula that decomposes the difference-in-coefficients estimate into (1) an estimate of non-collapsibility, and (2) an indirect effect estimate. We use a simulation study and an empirical data example to illustrate the impact of non-collapsibility on the difference-in-coefficients estimate of the indirect effect. Further, we demonstrate the application of several alternative methods for estimating the indirect effect, including the product-of-coefficients method and regression-based causal mediation analysis. The results emphasize the importance of choosing a method for estimating the indirect effect that is not affected by non-collapsibility.

Integrative models for environmental forecasting of phthalate migration from microplastics in aquaculture environments

The pervasive utilization of plastic tools in aquaculture introduces significant volumes of microplastic fibers, presenting a consequential risk through the leaching of additives such as phthalates. This study scrutinizes the leaching dynamics of six prevalent phthalate esters (PAEs) from thirteen plastic aquaculture tools comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE), with ΣPAEs ranging from 0.24 to 4.26 mg g−1. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) emerged as predominant, marking significant environmental concern. Over a 30-day period, leaching quantities of Σ6PAEs from PET, PP, and PE fibers reached 36.65 μg g−1, 21.87 μg g−1 and 19.11 μg g−1, respectively, influenced by factors such as time, temperature, turbulence, and salinity. Notably, turbulence exerted the most pronounced effect, followed by temperature, with negligible influence from salinity. The kinetic models aligning with interface diffusion control was developed, predicting PAEs' leaching behavior with activation energies (Ea) indicative of the process's thermodynamic nature. The application of this model to real-world aquaculture waters forecasted significant risks, corroborating with empirical data and underscoring the pressing need for regulatory and mitigation strategies against PAEs contamination from aquaculture practices.

Assessing the viability of using ground-air heat exchangers during winter months in different climatic conditions of Iran

ABSTRACT Ground combined with subsurface tubes as heat exchangers, known as Ground-Air Heat Exchangers (GAHEs), have recently gained attention for heating and cooling. However, several simplifications were used to capture complex airflow characteristics in previous studies which potentiate inaccuracy in their results. This gap is addressed in this study by developing a 3D transient model incorporating realistic heat dynamics and turbulent airflow simulation using the k-epsilon model over a complete temperature cycle. The experimental result serves to corroborate the model’s accuracy. Further, the model is utilised to assess energy-conversion potential of GAHEs for heating a generic building during January in four Iranian cities with different climates. Findings show distinct differences between the GAHE’s energy-conservation capacity in these cities. The GAHE can conserve up to 714.6 kWh of energy monthly in the coldest climate and reduce peak heating loads by up to 36.0% in the hottest climate, with these averages observed across all soil types. GAHE energy saving is increased up to 27.7% when the soil around it is silt with a higher conductivity. Additionally, an adverse impact on building’s heating is created by the GAHE in some cases, highlighting the significance of hourly management of the system. Highlights A 3D transient numerical scheme was created based on fluid mechanics principles to simulate a multitube GAHE, and the solution was verified using empirical data. The effectiveness of the GAHE and its ability to reduce the maximum heating demand of a particular building for different climates within Iran in January were examined. The impact of soil characteristics on the energy-saving capability of the GAHE was found to be significant in the four cities under study, and a distinct difference in heat flux to the working fluid was discovered in different climates.

Relationship functioning and impact of health coverage models for parents of childhood cancer patients: A systematic review.

The current systematic literature review aimed to summarize and evaluate existing literature regarding parental relationship functioning during and after childhood cancer, with an exploratory evaluation regarding the impact of national health coverage model (proxy for finances). This review used MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase, and CENTRAL search database. Articles were reviewed (N = 3060) against inclusion criteria, with 512 abstracts screened and 87 full-text retrieved and reviewed. Inclusion criteria: (1) childhood cancer, (2) measures parental relationship functioning, (3) English, and (4) new, empirical data. A modified version of the Downs and Black checklist was used to assess risk of bias. Narrative synthesis was used to present and discuss results. Final included articles (N = 36) revealed mostly positive or neutral findings across parental relationship functioning subdomains within 6months (T1) and after 6months (T2) of childhood cancer diagnosis. Sexual intimacy was negatively impacted across timepoints. Parental stress was higher than norms at T1. Marital conflict and adjustment were also worse at T1 but returned to previous levels at T2. Some variability in parental relationship functioning was observed among the different health coverage models, but these differences were not significant. Results support systematic screening and systems-based parent support programs for families of children with cancer. Mixed-methods studies examining parental relationships longitudinally and utilizing operational definitions for out-of-pocket spending are needed.

Case studies on the impact of ex-post legislative evaluations in Dutch healthcare: a within and cross-case analysis

ABSTRACT Globally, ex-post legislative evaluations are becoming increasingly important for understanding how laws function in practice and identifying their limitations and their effects upon stakeholders. This study delves into the impact of ex-post legislative evaluations within the Dutch healthcare system. Building upon insights from previous literature, we aim to refine existing ideas within the field through empirical data. Utilising the realist evaluation method, we examine three distinct case studies followed by a cross-case analysis. Our research underscores that the impact of these evaluations extends beyond policy and politics to the broader societal arena. Our findings also point towards opportunities for strengthening the impact of ex-post legislative evaluations within this broader societal arena. Specifically, we identify strategic phases within the evaluation process through which we aim to maximise impact. Finally, the study emphasises the importance of context awareness, the strategic utilisation of research quality as well as interactional factors for enhancing impact.

Impacts of Industrial Disharmony on Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

The issue of disharmony in Nigerian tertiary institutions has become a significant challenge, affecting academic quality, institutional stability, and national development. This paper examines the various cases and underlying causes of disharmony within Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Through a critical review of the literature and empirical data, the paper highlights the adverse impacts of disharmony, such as reduced academic productivity, a decline in the quality of graduates, infrastructural decay, and loss of public trust in higher education. The study argues that addressing disharmony requires collaborative efforts between government, management of institutions, staff unions, and students. By promoting inclusivity, strengthening institutional autonomy, and ensuring effective conflict management mechanisms, Nigerian tertiary institutions can foster a more harmonious and productive academic environment.

Detection, Patterns, and Outcomes of Recurrent HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Recurrent human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a relatively rare but serious disease with little empirical data. Previous works have studied patterns of recurrence in HPV-positive OPSCC, but only one has studied truly recurrent disease as opposed to persistent disease, and no work systematically analyzed posttreatment surveillance imaging strategies and how recurrences were detected. To refine the understanding of HPV-positive OPSCC recurrence and inform optimal imaging surveillance strategies. This retrospective cohort study involved electronic medical record review at a tertiary care hospital. Patients treated for OPSCC from 2012 to 2019 were extracted, and patients diagnosed with HPV-positive OPSCC were identified. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to May 2023. Percentage of patients with a true recurrence, location of recurrence, time of recurrence detection, and method of recurrence detection. Recurrence was demonstrated with a scan after an imaging-established disease-free state 3 to 6 months posttreatment. Of the 367 patients with HPV-positive OPSCC (mean [SD] age, 60.6 [9.2] years; 310 [84.5%] male), 37 (10.1%) experienced true disease recurrence. Median (IQR) follow-up time of the cohort was 3.6 years (8.5-88 months), defined as time from diagnosis to death or last contact. Within the true recurrence cohort, 21 patients (56.8%) experienced local, regional, or local and regional recurrence (LRR); 15 (40.5%) experienced distant metastasis (DM); and 1 (2.7%) experienced both LRR and DM. The mean (SD) time for detecting LRR was 2.46 (1.94) years and was considerably longer compared to the 1.89 (0.87) years for detecting DM (difference, 0.57 [95% CI, -0.29 to 1.02] years). The majority of patients identified their recurrence through symptom changes (31 [81.1%]) rather than through surveillance imaging (3 [8.1%]). In this cohort study, 10.1% of patients experienced true HPV-positive OPSCC disease recurrence, with most incidences of DM occurring in the lung and brain. Disease recurrence was identified primarily through symptomatic change, suggesting that further research may be needed to understand the optimal surveillance strategies after definitive treatment.

Context matters: The importance of investigating random effects in hierarchical models for early childhood education researchers

This paper highlights the importance of examining individual, classroom, and school-level variables simultaneously in early childhood education research. While it is well known that Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) in school-based studies can be used to account for the clustering of students within classrooms or schools, less known is that HLM can use random effects to investigate how higher-level factors (e.g., effects that vary by school) moderate associations between lower-level factors. This possible moderation can be detected even if higher-level data are not collected. Despite this important use of HLM, a clear resource explaining how to test this type of effect is not available for early childhood researchers. This paper demonstrates this use of HLM by presenting three analytic examples using empirical early childhood education data. First, we review school-level effects literature and HLM concepts to provide the rationale for testing cross-level moderation effects in education research; next we do a short review of literature on the variables that will be used in our three examples (viz., teacher beliefs and student socioemotional behavior); next we describe the dataset that will be analyzed; and finally we guide the reader step-by-step through analyses that show the presence and absence of fixed effects of teacher beliefs on student social outcomes and the erroneous conclusions that can occur if school-level moderation (i.e., random effects) tests are excluded from analyses. This paper provides evidence for the importance of testing for how teachers and students impact each other as a function of school differences, shows how this can be accomplished, and highlights the need to examine random effects of clustering in educational models to ensure the full context is accounted for when predicting student outcomes.

A New Extension of Topp-Leone Distribution (NETD) Using Generalized Logarithmic Function

Study’s Excerpt New Extension of Topp-Leone Distribution (NETD), derived using a generalized logarithm function, expanding the Topp-Leone family of distributions, is introduced. Mathematical properties of the NETD, including its quantile function, moments, Renyi entropy, and order statistics were investigated. The model demonstrates superior goodness-of-fit over existing models across four real-world datasets. Full Abstract In this study, we introduce a novel statistical model termed the New Extension of Topp-Leone Distribution (NETD), constructed using a generalized logarithm function. The derivation of the cumulative density function (CDF) and the probability density function (PDF) for this new distribution is thoroughly detailed. A validity test was conducted to confirm the legitimacy of the proposed NETD, and the results affirm that it is indeed a valid probability distribution. We investigate several key mathematical and statistical properties of the NETD, including the quantile function, moments, Renyi entropy, probability-weighted moments, and order statistics. These properties provide a comprehensive understanding of the distribution's behaviour and characteristics. To estimate the parameters of the NETD, we applied the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) method, which is known for its efficiency and asymptotic properties. The flexibility, versatility, and performance of the NETD were evaluated using four diverse real-world datasets. Through the application of model selection criteria such as the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Corrected Akaike Information Criterion (CAIC), and Hannan-Quinn Information Criterion (HQIC), we demonstrated that the NETD exhibits superior goodness-of-fit compared to existing variants of the Topp-Leone distribution. Our findings suggest that the NETD is a robust and adaptable distribution, capable of effectively modelling a wide range of empirical data. This new extension not only broadens the applicability of the Topp-Leone family of distributions but also enhances the toolkit available for statistical analysis and modelling in various fields.

The Experiences and Views of Employees on Hybrid Ways of Working

The contemporary post-COVID-19 corporate environment of instant response and hybrid work settings motivates employees to learn to adjust their expectations. This new corporate working model incorporates flex locations and flex schedules by working at home 1–2 days per week and staying connected for non-urgent requests, even outside business hours. This work setting empowers employees to prioritize work accordingly and to accommodate the fluid schedules of their coworkers. As a result, this new hybrid workplace requires leaders and their teams to face new challenges in terms of communication, coordination, and team connection to remain effective. This research examines the experiences of employees in an SME that applied a hybrid work policy following the post-pandemic crisis, bringing additional complexity to their modern work system. This study investigates employees’ views on the changing work environment as important evidence for HR management to incorporate into future organizational practices. To understand the various principles at play and provide more granular results, this paper includes a business case study (N = 25) where semi-structured interviews were used to identify the views and concerns of employees regarding hybrid work settings. The scope of this case study was to collect empirical data regarding this new agile way of working while understanding participant thinking. The findings suggest that while there are clear benefits in terms of efficiency and flexibility in hybrid work settings, there are also challenges related to social interactions and non-verbal clues. This study enhances conceptual and empirical understanding and supports contemporary research on the future of work.

Interference length reveals regularity of crossover placement across species

Crossover interference is a phenomenon that affects the number and positioning of crossovers in meiosis and thus affects genetic diversity and chromosome segregation. Yet, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood, partly because quantification is difficult. To overcome this challenge, we introduce the interference length Lint that quantifies changes in crossover patterning due to interference. We show that it faithfully captures known aspects of crossover interference and provides superior statistical power over previous measures such as the interference distance and the gamma shape parameter. We apply our analysis to empirical data and unveil a similar behavior of Lint across species, which hints at a common mechanism. A recently proposed coarsening model generally captures these aspects, providing a unified view of crossover interference. Consequently, Lint facilitates model refinements and general comparisons between alternative models of crossover interference.

Normativity in the embedded language policy of the Beijing subway’s spatial expression

ABSTRACT Public space plays a pivotal role in translating language policy into real-world practice. This study is grounded in empirical data collected through ethnographic fieldwork and semi-structured interviews from the Beijing Subway Line 1, which is typical of the normativity of a public space. The findings indicate that the linguistic landscape (LL) serves as a tangible representation of the inherent normativity within the subway space. Language policy implemented in the subway LL is achieved through hierarchical, process and result intervention. Hierarchical intervention addresses the synchronic stratification of normativity represented by the subway LL and its evolving connotation over time. Regarding process intervention, the subway LL utilizes two approaches to express normativity: the unity of semiotic features and indirect speech acts. Result intervention means that passengers perceive the normative representations of LL as knowledge and transform de facto language policies into experience. These intervention methods illuminate the intricate mechanism of language policy embedding in the normative representation of the LL within subway space. The harmonization of language policy with the LL, subway space, and passenger behavior collectively shapes the subway into a vital transportation hub.

Democratization and Peace after Civil War—What Difference Can International Engagement Make? Insights from Liberia

Abstract What role can international engagement play for the relationship between post-conflict democratization and conflict recurrence? Empirical evidence indicates that democratization risks triggering violence. Consequently, some scholars criticize the liberal peacebuilding approach, which centers on the promotion of democracy and competitive elections with the aim of fostering peace after civil wars. This article (1) illustrates the risks and potential of post-conflict democratization and (2) traces the effect of international support in this context. It builds on the existing literature yet goes beyond the concentration on peacekeeping forces and places particular attention on democracy promotion. The analysis draws on rich empirical data from Liberia, which is an ideal case to explore this relationship. Twice, democratic elections followed in the wake of a devastating civil war in Liberia. The first post-war elections in 1997 are often cited as an example of how externally induced democratization triggers renewed violence. The democratization process following the end of the second civil war in 2003, in contrast, is regarded as having strengthened peace. The analysis shows that international (democracy) support constitutes a key explanatory factor in the Liberian case by reducing and even substituting for the weakness and lack of credibility of local democratic institutions and procedures.

VERMICULTURE AND VERMICOMPOSTING: TWIN EARTHWORM TECHNOLOGIES, SUITABLE FOR HOUSEHOLDS AND SMALLHOLDER FARMERS TO CONVERT WASTES TO WEALTH – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Many smallholder farmers in developing countries face interconnected challenges, including poor soil fertilisation, low agricultural output, and inefficient conversion of agricultural wastes into biofertilisers, all of which can be sustainably addressed through vermiculture and vermicomposting—twin earthworm-based technologies. This review aims to explore vermiculture and vermicomposting, their interconnections, and key optimisation factors, while also guiding smallholder farmers on setting up simple vermiculture and vermicomposting units using locally sourced materials. A wide literature search was conducted across databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on vermiculture, vermicomposting and earthworm utilisation in waste management. From an initial pool of articles, 35 studies were selected for their relevance, empirical data, and rigorous methodology. Findings show that earthworms' natural behaviours, such as burrowing, soil ingestion, excretion and rapid reproduction, are exploited by vermiculture and vermicomposting to produce both earthworm mass and vermicompost, a sustainable and efficient biofertilizer. Vermiculture focuses on maximising earthworm harvest, with vermicompost as a secondary product, while vermicomposting aims to maximise vermicompost production, often resulting in increased earthworm mass. Vermicomposting units can be constructed from locally available materials, including wood, organic and agricultural wastes, and earthworm food sources, like fermented cow and sheep dung. The review assesses the potential of these technologies for small-scale farms, emphasising their feasibility and benefits in resource-limited settings. Since low agricultural output by smallholder farmers is partly traceable to unaffordable costs of chemical fertilisers, this review will draw attention to the use of vermicompost as a cheap and sustainable alternative