Environmental Aspects Research Articles

Selected demographic determinants of CSR, financial & environmental management and business ethics in SMEs

Research background: Small and medium-sized enterprises are at the heart of the business environment in every country. At the same time, emphasis is placed on the environmental aspect and, in many cases, corporate social responsibility. In this context, business ethics is also a widely discussed topic. At the same time, financial management is one of the critical areas of business management. These aspects can be influenced by various demographic factors related to the company, as well as by the business owners or managers. Purpose of the article: The objective of this paper is to examine the influence of selected demographic factors on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), financial management, environmental practices, and business ethics in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Methods: The empirical research was carried out as part of a broad-based research that aimed to ascertain the attitudes of small and medium-sized firms. It was conducted in June 2022 in Slovakia and the Czech Republic using the CAWI Research Method. The questionnaire could be completed by the owner or the top manager of the SME. The questionnaire was secured against automatic computer completion. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyse the characteristics of the variable, and regression (LRM) and correlation analysis methods were applied to find statistically significant differences in the influence of each independent factor. Findings & Value added: The analysis suggests interesting differences in how demographic factors influence ethics, CSR, environment and financial management in the Czech and Slovak Republics. In general, the impacts of these factors on these areas are very weak. The results showed that firm size influences SMEs' attitudes towards the environment, financial management and CSR in all countries combined. The other independent variables of the sector, such as length of business and age, do not affect attitudes towards ethics, environment, CSR, or financial management. We can generalise that in the conditions of Slovakia and the Czech Republic, among demographic criteria, only firm size plays a significant role in determining the attitudes of SME managers.

Exploring Sustainability and Efficiency of Production Models in the Spanish Beef Cattle Industry through External Logistic Biplot

Livestock farming, especially the beef cattle sector, plays a crucial role in the economy and social and environmental balance and occupies a prominent position in Spain. The aim of this study is to highlight the positive impact of this sector in socioeconomic, food, natural heritage conservation, and environmental management aspects in order to obtain an accurate profile of the national panorama and to propose sample subgroups. For this purpose, 252 beef cattle farms in Spain were examined in detail, and the external logistic biplot (ELB) was used with a multivariate approach and from an algebraic and computational perspective. By addressing aspects such as infrastructure, feeding strategies, waste management, biodiversity, productivity, and sustainability, similarities and differences between cattle farms have been obtained, providing an analytical tool for the livestock sector and generating key knowledge on its functioning and contributions to society and the environment. The analysis revealed accuracy in the zootechnical classification of livestock farms, their feeding strategies, and genetics. Finally, significant regional differences in prevailing livestock practices were identified.

Bridging barriers: advances and challenges in modeling biological barriers and measuring barrier integrity in organ-on-chip systems.

Biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, skin, and intestinal mucosal barrier play key roles in homeostasis, disease physiology, and drug delivery - as such, it is important to create representative in vitro models to improve understanding of barrier biology and serve as tools for therapeutic development. Microfluidic cell culture and organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems enable barrier modelling with greater physiological fidelity than conventional platforms by mimicking key environmental aspects such as fluid shear, accurate microscale dimensions, mechanical cues, extracellular matrix, and geometrically defined co-culture. As the prevalence of barrier-on-chip models increases, so does the importance of tools that can accurately assess barrier integrity and function without disturbing the carefully engineered microenvironment. In this review, we first provide a background on biological barriers and the physiological features that are emulated through in vitro barrier models. Then, we outline molecular permeability and electrical sensing barrier integrity assessment methods, and the related challenges specific to barrier-on-chip implementation. Finally, we discuss future directions in the field, as well important priorities to consider such as fabrication costs, standardization, and bridging gaps between disciplines and stakeholders.

Factors Affecting User Satisfaction of Local Van (Songthaew): A Case Study of The Local Van (Songthaew) Route 1263 In Pattanakarn Road Soi 20, Bangkok

The research aims to identify the factors affecting satisfaction and suggestions from users of local van (songthaew) route 1263. This will propose measures to manage the operations and improve level of satisfaction. The researcher has established a set of questionnaires for 400 random respondents and using Multiple Regression Analysis to determine the correlation between factors that affect satisfaction. Discover correlations between factors influencing satisfaction using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. It was found that factors affecting user satisfaction of local van (songthaew) route 1263 in Pattanakarn road soi 20 by the average satisfaction score of the factors that affect satisfaction (Y1) would be management (X1), physical aspects of vehicles (X2), service (X3), safety (X4) and environment (X5). The equation of predicting satisfaction is Y1 = -2.164E-15 + 0.148 X1 + 0.333 X2 + 0.259 X3 + 0.148 X4 + 0.111X5 The variables can predict the overall satisfaction (Y1) with adjusted R-Square all four factors have equivalent to 1.000 for accuracy (100.0%), the relationship between variables is equal to 1.000. The above equation shows the overall satisfaction across all with an average predictive value (Predicted Y1) of 3.28 (moderate satisfaction). There is a correlation (Pearson Correlation) among there five factors and their satisfaction in the order of the relationship as follow: service (r = 0.764), safety (r = 0.739), environment (r = 0.638), physical aspects of vehicles (r = 0.236) and management (r = 0.058) a significant relationship except for management. The top three additional suggestions from users are installation of GPS systems on the local van (songthaew) route 1263 for convenient passenger tracking (23.0%), decreasing the running time (15.5%), and repairing damaged seats (14.5%). Prioritizing the bus operations management and safety regulations must be established by relevant governmental agencies to promote customer satisfaction. Vehicle examinations must strictly adhere to substantial practices. Operators should receive training on safe driving and outstanding service to boost passenger confidence and service. User suggestions regarding the management are, for example, an appropriate schedule and bus operation punctuality. There should be collaboration between government agencies and the private sector in order to accommodate passengers on main public transportation while connecting with local ones. A public hearing among stakeholders from both the private and governmental sectors should be held in order to gain ideas for improvement, such as fare promotion. Customer satisfaction will be improved if the above measures, along with all other recommendations, are taken into serious consideration by the operator and government agencies.

Analysis of Sustainability Performance and it’s Impact on the Firm Value of LQ-45 Low Carbon Leaders Indexed Companies with Profitability as a Moderating Variable

The shift in awareness of the importance of business sustainability requires companies not only to maintain business continuity but also to play a role in sustainable development. A Sustainability Report is a disclosure document provided by a regarding its performance in economic, environmental, and social aspects of its operations. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the GRI topic standards disclosed by companies affect the firm value, moderated by profitability. This study examines the impact of economic disclosure, environmental disclosure, and social disclosure on firm value, with profitability as a moderating variable. The research was conducted on LQ-45 Low Carbon Leaders index companies during the period from 2020 to 2022. The study was conducted by performing a content analysis of sustainability reports and subsequently conducting a regression test using EViews version 12. The results of the study indicate that 1) economic disclosure has a significant impact on firm value, 2) environmental disclosure does not have a significant impact on firm value, 3) social disclosure does not have an impact on firm value, and 4) profitability only moderates the impact of environmental disclosure on firm value.

Sustainability of the use of critical raw materials in electric vehicle batteries: A transdisciplinary review

The expected growth of electric mobility will have major sustainability implications in societies across the globe due to a global reliance on primary natural resources and the uneven distribution of benefits and impacts. There has been a call for comprehensive assessments that account for the complex causalities between technological, environmental, social, economic, and political aspects of electric mobility. We present a literature review examining the interconnections between aspects of sustainability in the use of critical materials in electric vehicle batteries. With a holistic review of social sciences, materials science, environmental policy, and innovation management literatures, five domains of sustainability tensions were identified: 1) resource sufficiency, 2) geographical distribution and global value chains, 3) regulation and policies, 4) circular economy, and 5) emerging battery technologies. The framework explicates the wickedness and complex causalities involved in the interdependencies of multiple sustainability dimensions and the related tensions. This study extends the examination to cover political aspects and adds to techno-industrial research on battery materials, supply chains and industrial policies and land use, electricity consumption and governance in EV battery production. This study proposes pathways forward that consider various sustainability interdependencies.

Infusing Sustainability

Design for Sustainability has evolved rapidly over the last decades as a response to unprecedented global challenges. Several models have been developed to address the need to design more sustainable products, services, and policies. These strategies are oriented towards more sustainable ways of living. The Compass, developed by the Index Project in Denmark, is a method that offers a framework to structure the design process while considering social, environmental, and economic sustainability aspects. This article presents an exploratory case study to infuse sustainability in design education using this method in interdisciplinary teams. The context is a master’s degree offered by a design school in a Chilean university. The study's outcomes reveal that The Compass method is a dynamic and flexible structure for design in interdisciplinary teams. To strengthen its applicability, it could incorporate links to sustainability methods from various areas of knowledge that specifically address economic, environmental, or social aspects. Complementing The Compass with these sustainable approaches to confront the complexity of the challenges may facilitate the move from good ideas to feasible, sustainable design solutions in design and other fields.

Review of Methods for Obtaining Rare Earth Elements from Recycling and Their Impact on the Environment and Human Health

Rare earth elements (REEs) are at the forefront of discussions, given their crucial role in cutting-edge and eco-friendly innovations that propel the industrial revolution towards a green economy. These elements have become indispensable to various modern technologies, such as smartphones, electronic devices, and renewable energy sources. Many different concepts and analyses have been introduced, such as the chemical similarities among REEs, health risks and ecological damages, the negative environmental impacts of current recovery processes, and strategies for advancing REE recovery towards a circular economy. Although these elements have been widely used in various applications over the last 20 years, the literature on these aspects is fragmented and spread across different research areas, shared by multiple branches and application fields. These fields include safety concerns, economic challenges, and technology. Summarizing and classifying this literature is challenging due to its fragmented nature, the variety of topics, and the different approaches used. The quest for cleaner recycling strategies necessitates a comprehensive assessment covering economic, technological, and environmental aspects. The primary goal of this review is to provide a holistic perspective on REEs, with a central focus on their economic, technological, and environmental dimensions, particularly emphasizing reuse, recycling, and occupational safety. The review begins by addressing complexities of REEs, highlighting the associated technologies, environmental concerns, and economic considerations. It further explores the aspects of reuse and recycling of REEs, shedding light on the advantages, drawbacks, hazards, and costs associated with recycling technologies for REE recovery. Additionally, the review summarizes occupational exposure and safety considerations related to REEs.

Performance analysis of residential hybrid cooling and heating system operating under low solar radiation

Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important due to rising energy consumption and environmental pollution caused by greenhouse gases. In the study, a system was designed to provide year-round air conditioning in a residential located in regions with low solar radiation. This design consists of a single-stage absorption cooling system to meet the cooling need in summer and a solar energy-supported natural gas combi boiler heating system to meet the heating need in winter. The designed system was subjected to a comprehensive analysis, taking into account the integration of four different collector types: flat plate collector, evacuated tube collector, compound parabolic collector and parabolic trough collector. A thermal energy storage unit is integrated into the system to increase its efficiency. In the study, the feasibility and efficiency of the solar energy system recommended for residences in low-radiation regions were investigated. Appropriate system conditions were determined by evaluating economic and environmental aspects. In the study, a maximum net present value (NPV) of 3.941.49 US$ and 4 % exercise efficiency were calculated for the system designed using ETC collectors at 80°C generator and 6°C evaporator temperature. At the same time, the hybrid system can prevent annual carbon dioxide emissions of 800.28 kg compared to coal-fired systems and 62.42 kg annually compared to natural gas systems. These results show that the designed system is economically feasible and contributes positively to environmental sustainability.

A process evaluation of a randomized-controlled trial of community gardening to improve health behaviors and reduce stress and anxiety

As part of the Community Activation for Prevention (CAPS) randomized controlled trial (RCT) of community gardening, we conducted a process evaluation to assess the implementation of a community gardening intervention over nine months, as measured by reach, fidelity (delivery, receipt, enactment), and acceptability. Evaluation instruments included repeated semi-structured interviews with study participants, direct observation of community garden sites, and an exit survey of participants. Primary outcomes were diet, physical activity, and anthropometry; secondary outcomes were stress and anxiety. The CAPS trial included 291 participants (19% non-white; 34% Hispanic/Latino; 35% without a college degree; 58% with income < $50,000 per year). Intervention delivery and receipt were high for environmental supports. Garden social events were offered by 73% of gardens, although only 48% of intervention participants reported attending these events. Of the 145 participants assigned to the gardening intervention, 97 (67%) reported gardening the entire season and reported visiting the community garden a median of 90 min per week (range: 0–840). Of the participants who completed the exit survey (48%), 89% were highly satisfied with the overall garden experience. The CAPS trial was favorably received and implemented with high fidelity, supporting the validity of the trial outcomes. These findings suggest that community gardens are a viable health promotion strategy that can be successfully implemented among new gardeners from diverse backgrounds. Strategies that engage new gardeners in the social aspects of the garden environment and connect gardeners with garden “mentors” or “buddies” to ensure new gardeners achieve success in their first years of gardening are recommended.Trial registration: NCT03089177. Registered 24 March 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03089177.

Environmental and socioeconomic aspects related to the acceptance of direct potable reuse in a metropolitan city in Brazil

Water scarcity is a real global threat that must be tackled to ensure biodiversity conservation, human welfare and development, and sustainability. Direct potable reuse (DPR) has been considered a promising strategy to guarantee public supply in regions with severe problems with water scarcity and high-water demand. The success of reuse practices mainly depends on the triad technology, regulation, and public acceptance. This study investigated public acceptance as a technical parameter to assess the implementation feasibility of DPR in large cities of developing countries. Residents of Campinas City (São Paulo, Brazil) were consulted through a multiple-response questionnaire addressing sociodemographic aspects, personal environmental perceptions, and the acceptable uses for wastewater reuse. The results showed a low rejection rate (∼7%) to DPR despite this not being regulated in Brazil. A total of 47% of the volunteers declared that they would accept the DPR of domestic sewage after appropriate treatments and technologies approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), and 46% would accept it after more information. Age was an essential factor for DPR acceptance, being greater among those between 30 and 45 years old. No statistically significant differences in potable reuse acceptability were observed among participants' sex and self-declaration of race. The majority of volunteers (85%) considered water reuse very important, and most participants (51%) already practice non-potable household water reuse daily and do so out of environmental awareness. Trust in the water supply concessionaire was a key factor in DPR acceptance. This study is essential for discussing innovative public-oriented solutions to achieve water security in developing countries, especially considering the scarcity of investigations on DPR acceptability in South America.

Exploring engineering properties of sustainable multi‐grade concrete: Materials, structural, and environmental aspects

AbstractThrough experimental and theoretical studies, this research explores the materials, structural, and environmental aspects of multi‐grade concrete (MGC), a potentially sustainable structural concrete. The experimental part investigates the compressive, split cylinder, flexural, and shear strengths of MGC, essential parameters for the design of structural members composed of MGC. It also provides the relationships between various strengths. The compressive behavior is correlated with the cracking pattern and the confinement effect caused by the end platens. The theoretical study involves determining the carbon emissions (CEs) and modifying ASTM/ACI expressions for the flexural tensile strength (FTS) and shear capacity applicable to MGC. Three uni‐grade concretes (UGCs) with distinct materials, properties, and grades: grade 17 (G17), grade 25 (G25), and grade 30 (G30), were poured in layers of varied thicknesses to make two variants of MGC. Experimental investigations showed that the higher‐strength concrete (HSC) confined the lower‐strength concrete (LSC) part thus increasing the compressive strength. Replacing 50% of LSC with HSC led to an increase in compressive and shear strengths by 21% and 40%, respectively. The shear strength values of reinforced MGC beams observed experimentally are aligned with those obtained through the modified expressions developed by the authors. A trade‐off analysis among the strengths, CEs, and costs of UGC and MGC can aid in selecting MGC customized to specific requirements, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable structural concrete.

Reconnecting sustainability reporting with earnings management: empirical evidence from Kuwait

Reconnecting sustainability reporting with earnings management: empirical evidence from Kuwait

Non-financial reporting in the industrial sector

Non-financial reporting has become an important aspect of corporate reporting, especially in the industrial sector, providing enhanced information on the social, environmental and ethical aspects of a companyʼs activities. By promo­ting transparency and accountability, non-finan­cial reporting (NFR) can help companies mitigate negative environmental impacts and strengthen their overall sustainability efforts. The aim of the article is to review the regulatory framework and international practice of preparing non-financial reports by industrial enterprises, to identify the specific features of ESG reporting and to provide recommendations on the content of non-financial reports of industrial enterprises in Ukraine. The methods of theoretical generalization and grou­ping of information, induction, analysis, synthesis and logical generalization were applied. It was determined that the unification of regulatory and legal regulation in the field of NFR is an important issue for business entities, including industrial enterprises. Many international organi­zations ha­ve developed a set of their own regulations in the field of non-financial reporting, which reflect public attention to important issues and the actual practice of solving them by enterprises and organi­zations. Based on the international practice of non-financial reporting, the lack of universal approa­ches to the preparation of NFR was revealed. Companies should adapt to certain environmental conditions, take into acco­unt the specifics of their activities, organizational structure and strategic goals. The relevance and benefits of implementing ESG principles are determined. The article highlights the shortco­mings of information disclosure in the NFRs of Ukrainian industrial enterprises. An important result of the study is the provision of recommend­dations on the content of non-financial reports of industrial enterprises in Ukraine. Taking into account the experience of international companies will allow them to improve their approach to business, improve their NFR, and provide a comprehensive and transparent view of their ESG performance.

The environment to the rescue: can physics help predict predator–prey interactions?

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the factors that determine the occurrence and strength of ecological interactions under specific abiotic and biotic conditions is fundamental since many aspects of ecological community stability and ecosystem functioning depend on patterns of interactions among species. Current approaches to mapping food webs are mostly based on traits, expert knowledge, experiments, and/or statistical inference. However, they do not offer clear mechanisms explaining how trophic interactions are affected by the interplay between organism characteristics and aspects of the physical environment, such as temperature, light intensity or viscosity. Hence, they cannot yet predict accurately how local food webs will respond to anthropogenic pressures, notably to climate change and species invasions. Herein, we propose a framework that synthesises recent developments in food‐web theory, integrating body size and metabolism with the physical properties of ecosystems. We advocate for combination of the movement paradigm with a modular definition of the predation sequence, because movement is central to predator–prey interactions, and a generic, modular model is needed to describe all the possible variation in predator–prey interactions. Pending sufficient empirical and theoretical knowledge, our framework will help predict the food‐web impacts of well‐studied physical factors, such as temperature and oxygen availability, as well as less commonly considered variables such as wind, turbidity or electrical conductivity. An improved predictive capability will facilitate a better understanding of ecosystem responses to a changing world.

Multi-retailer joint replenishment problem under different carbon regulation policies

ABSTRACT This paper considers a coalition of retailers who are engaged in a horizontal collaboration, pooling their orders for a single item from a mutually shared supplier. Simultaneously, it explores the impact of carbon cap and carbon tax policies on the coalition’s operations. A mathematical model for the carbon cap constrained joint replenishment problem (JRP) is developed along with a computationally efficient solution algorithm. An extensive numerical analysis is conducted to investigate the impact of the carbon cap on the operational and environmental performance of JRP solutions. Several managerial insights are obtained which shed some light on the trade-offs involved upon integrating environmental aspects. The numerical experiments illustrate that by making minor adjustments to their operational strategies, substantial reductions in carbon emissions are achievable. Furthermore, the computational experiments consistently demonstrate the superiority of the carbon cap policy over its carbon tax counterpart. This emphasises the potential for retailers to make environmentally responsible choices without significantly compromising their financial performance.

Technical, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Reclaimed Asphalt and Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Pavements

In the era of the global drive for sustainability in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), sustainability measures are encouraged to be taken at all levels. This study explores a novel mix design integrating Reclaimed Asphalt (RAP) with waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) to enhance pavement performance and sustainability. It adopts a holistic approach by investigating the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of the proposed mix to assess its sustainability. Industry experts emphasize the necessity of mitigating the resource intensiveness of pavement construction to foster sustainable infrastructure. RAP enables resource-efficient pavement construction by promoting asphalt recycling. However, increasing RAP quantity in the mix compromises asphalt structural stability, making it more susceptible to moisture damage and rutting. In this study, PET-modified Bitumen (PMB) is incorporated in higher RAP quantities in the asphaltic mix without compromising asphalt’s structural performance and durability. Various PMB amounts (2% to 10% by mass of mixture) were tested with 40% RAP (by mass of mixture), evaluating performance in terms of moisture damage, Marshall stability, rutting, etc. Optimal results were achieved with 6% PET and 40% RAP, showing a 7%, 57%, and 23% improvement in moisture resistance, rutting resistance, and Marshall stability, respectively, compared to unmodified asphalt (technical aspects). The novel asphalt mix demonstrated a 17% reduction in material cost (economic aspect) and a 53% decrease in CO2 emissions (environmental aspect) using Building Information Modeling (BIM). This study devises a prospective solution for the construction of resilient, resource-efficient, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable pavements in line with UN SDGs and circular economy goals.

Visitors’ attraction and co-creation at World Expo – a qualitative study unveiling visitors’ delight and engagement with immersive technology

ABSTRACT Global business events like World Expo attract massive numbers of visitors to attend this event. The present study investigates internal and external factors that attracted visitors to attend World Expo – Dubai 2022 and uncovers the core elements of these factors which are important for the strategic & planning context too. To this end, the attendees of this Expo were interviewed using the in-depth interview technique. The results revealed that internal factors such as functional, mechanic, and human cues affect visitors’ perception, whereas external factors, which include technological, socio-cultural, political, economic, and environmental aspects, contribute to the collaborative process of shaping visitor experience. The results also demonstrate that strategic planning and marketing strategies align with the AIDA model and that technological integration can help attract more visitors to Business-Expo, thereby boosting local tourism. Taken together, our findings provide meaningful implications for marketers, stakeholders, and governments.

Vehicle Platooning: A Detailed Literature Review on Environmental Impacts and Future Research Directions

This paper provides a detailed literature review of the environmental implications of vehicle platooning, a topic gaining significant attention in transportation. While previous reviews have focused on the safety, planning, fuel economy, and microsimulation aspects of platooning, this paper delves into environmental aspects. It identifies a lack of research adopting a holistic approach to transport and environmental benefits and emphasizes the need for further research to enhance vehicle efficiency and improve air quality and health conditions. This study traces the historical evolution of platooning, highlighting the shift in research focus over the decades. It advocates for more research on platooning’s environmental aspects, particularly pollutant emissions and air quality. The primary contributions of this work are threefold and include the following: firstly, it delineates simulation methodologies for platooning and the associated pollutant emissions; secondly, it offers a critical assessment of the existing literature on vehicle emissions, fuel consumption, and energy savings; and thirdly, it illuminates the prospective research challenges within the specialized domain of vehicle platooning.

Artificial-intelligence-model to optimize biocide dosing in seawater-cooled industrial process applications considering environmental, technical, energetic, and economic aspects

This research introduces an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based model designed to concurrently optimize energy supply management, biocide dosing, and maintenance scheduling for heat exchangers. This optimization considers energetic, technical, economic, and environmental considerations. The impact of biofilm on heat exchangers is assessed, revealing a 41% reduction in thermal efficiency and a 113% increase in flow frictional resistance of the fluid compared to the initial state. Consequently, the pump’s power consumption, required to maintain hydraulic conditions, rises by 9%. The newly developed AI model detects the point at which the heat exchanger’s performance begins to decline due to accumulating dirt, marking day 44 of experimentation as the threshold to commence the antifouling biocide dosing. Leveraging this AI model to monitor heat exchanger efficiency represents an innovative approach to optimizing antifouling biocide dosing and reduce the environmental impact stemming from industrial plants.