Macro Meso Micro Research Articles

Start-ups and entrepreneurial ecosystems in the circular economy: A multi-level approach for safe and just planetary boundaries

A circular economy (CE) addresses the shift in economic systems from an unsustainable linear approach to a sustainable circular approach through start-ups and entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE). A single level of focus on CE research limits an understanding of the mechanisms fostering a transition towards CE. We conduct a systematic review of the macro–meso–micro interconnections between start-ups and EE in CE using bibliometric and content analyses to scope the literature without time boundaries. This exercise led to 90 articles from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. We contribute to literature on entrepreneurship and CE by building an integrative multi-level framework linked to the just and safe planetary boundaries by bridging macro-level explanations (public policies, regulations and infrastructure) and the meso-level (circular supply chains and circular ecosystems) and micro-level (circular start-ups and circular business models). The framework highlights social and environmental sustainability challenges, and just and safe close-loop production patterns.

Theoretical Framework and Research Proposal for Energy Utilization, Conservation, Production, and Intelligent Systems in Tropical Island Zero-Carbon Building

This study aims to theoretically explore the technological systems of tropical island zero-carbon building (TIZCB) to scientifically understand the characteristics of these buildings in terms of energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system mechanisms. The purpose is to address the inefficiencies and resource wastage caused by the traditional segmented approach to building energy consumption management. Thus, it seeks to achieve a comprehensive understanding and application of the zero-carbon building (ZCB) technology system. This article focuses on the demands for energy-efficient comfort and innovative industrialization in construction. Through an analysis of the characteristics of TIZCB and an explanation of their concepts, it establishes a theoretical framework for examining the system mechanisms of these buildings. Additionally, it delves into the energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system from macro, meso, and micro perspectives. This approach results in the development of an implementation strategy for studying the mechanisms of energy usage, conservation, and intelligent production systems in TIZCB. The results show that: (1) this study delves into the theoretical underpinnings of TIZCB, emphasizing their evolution from a foundation of low-carbon and near-zero energy consumption. The primary goal is to achieve zero carbon emissions during building operation, with reliance on renewable energy sources. Design considerations prioritize adaptation to high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, integrating regional culture along with the utilization of new materials and technologies. (2) A comprehensive technical framework for TIZCB is proposed, encompassing energy utilization, conservation, production capacity, and intelligent systems. Drawing from systems theory, control theory, and synergy theory, the research employs a macro–meso–micro analytical framework, offering extensive theoretical support for the practical aspects of design and optimization. (3) The research implementation plan establishes parameterized models, unveiling the intricate relationships with building performance. It provides optimized intelligent system design parameters for economically viable zero-carbon operations. This study contributes theoretical and practical support for the sustainable development of TIZCB and aligns with the dual carbon strategy in China and the clean energy free trade zone construction in Hainan.

Internet Censorship in China: Looking Through the Lens of Categorisation

Despite the fruitful insights articulated by existing scholarship on internet censorship in China, the lack of a systematic overview of the field not only hinders reciprocal dialogue across different studies, but also prevents a reflective consideration of directions that could shed further light on the topic. To fill the gap, this study introduces the concept of “categorisation” as the analytical lens to scrutinise and synthesise the extant studies on censorship. It proposed two possible ways of categorising the current development of the topic: one is the macro–meso–micro level of analysis, and the other is about data and metadata. Our discussion addresses three contributions to studying internet censorship in China: the emerging computational methods for exploring censorship deletion practices on the micro level, the relevance of hard-to-observe, organisation-specific factors to understand the operationalisation of censorship, and method triangulation to strengthen the validity and reliability of studies of censorship phenomena.

Urban sensory map: How do tourists “sense” a destination spatially?

Tourism sensory experiences represent a spatially constrained and constructed process influenced by various environmental stimuli. Although growing academic attention has been devoted to sensory tourism, few studies have incorporated spatiality into investigations of sensory experiences. This study establishes a macro–meso–micro analytical framework to explore the relationships among sensory experiences and spatial environmental characteristics based on social media big data. This research also moves beyond the conventional five-sense framework to include a sixth sense—interoception. Results (a) uncover the spatial distribution and relationships among sensory experiences in a destination; (b) demonstrate associations between attraction types and sensory experiences; and (c) illustrate interactions between environmental attributes and sensory encounters. This study theoretically clarifies relevant antecedents, extends a sense-based framework, and multidimensionally enriches tourism sensory experiences; empirically offer guidance for sensory environment planning, marketing, and management. Results also produce methodological insights for adopting social media big data to capture sensory experiences.

The Post-COVID-19 Era, Fourth Industrial Revolution, and New Globalization: Restructured Labor Relations and Organizational Adaptation

This paper explores the directions of adaptation for socioeconomic organizations in the current global crisis and restructuring. We carry out an integrative and critical review, presenting the main questions—and possible directions of response—concerning how the post-COVID-19 era, the fourth industrial revolution, and new globalization seem to affect contemporary labor relations. We focus on the different levels of their manifestation (macro, meso, and micro levels), emphasizing worsening inequality trends in the work environment and the resulting organizational readaptation that seems to be required nowadays. The restructured labor markets can benefit from the diffusion of institutional innovations based on integrated social partnership schemes at the macro–meso–micro levels. We emphasize organizational adaptation at the microlevel, as the innovation and change management mechanisms it enables, presupposes, and harnesses are imperative for exiting any crisis.

K‐Chabazite Zeolite Nanocrystal Aggregates for Highly Efficient Methane Separation

AbstractMethane (CH4) enrichment and purification is of great significance for increasing the heating value of unconventional natural gas sources and curtailing its effect on global warming. For a long time, commercial adsorbents for CH4 separation have been hampered by low adsorption capacities, sub‐optimal adsorption selectivities, or slow diffusion rates, which have significantly restricted separation productivity. Herein, we report a facile and green seed‐passaging method to fabricate donut‐like macro–meso–micro hierarchical zeolite K‐Chabazite nanocrystal aggregates. This consecutive seed‐inducing method requires no organic template. By utilizing this unique nanocrystallization technique, the CH4 adsorption capacity, gas diffusion rate, and separation productivity of the resultant material are dramatically increased compared with those of commercially available adsorbents, thus setting a new benchmark in CH4/N2 separation. More importantly, production of this adsorbent can be easily scaled‐up to the order of 100 kg using readily available raw materials in this environmentally friendly synthetic route, enabling potential industrial implementation.

A Rapid Realist Review of Effective Mental Health Interventions for Individuals with Chronic Physical Health Conditions during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using a Systems-Level Mental Health Promotion Framework.

The 2020 global outbreak of COVID-19 exposed and heightened threats to mental health across societies. Research has indicated that individuals with chronic physical health conditions are at high risk for suffering from severe COVID-19 illness and from the adverse consequences of public health responses to COVID-19, such as social isolation. This paper reports on the findings of a rapid realist review conducted alongside a scoping review to explore contextual factors and underlying mechanisms or drivers associated with effective mental health interventions within and across macro–meso–micro systems levels for individuals with chronic physical health conditions. This rapid realist review extracted 14 qualified studies across 11 countries and identified four key mechanisms from COVID-19 literature—trust, social connectedness, accountability, and resilience. These mechanisms are discussed in relation to contextual factors and outcomes reported in the COVID literature. Realist reviews include iterative searches to refine their program theories and context–mechanism–outcome explanations. A purposive search of pre-COVID realist reviews on the study topic was undertaken, looking for evidence of the robustness of these mechanisms. There were differences in some of the pre-COVID mechanisms due to contextual factors. Importantly, an additional mechanism—power-sharing—was highlighted in the pre-COVID literature, but absent in the COVID literature. Pre-existing realist reviews were used to identify potential substantive theories and models associated with key mechanisms. Based on the overall findings, implications are provided for mental health promotion policy, practice, and research.

Biomass wood-derived efficient Fe–N–C catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were the key for scalable application of metal–air batteries and fuel cells. Herein, iron-based nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts (Fe–N–Cwood) were prepared, using hydrothermal-pyrolysis-treated wood-derived nitrogen-doped carbon as the support. This support possessed large specific surface area and macro–meso–micro hierarchical porous networks, ensuring fluent mass transfer of electrolyte and oxygen species. In the ORR electrochemical test, Fe–N–Cwood catalyst showed an excellent activity, with a half-wave potential of 0.90 V in 0.1 M KOH, and a half-wave potential of 0.70 V in 0.1 M HClO4. Moreover, durability tests illustrated that Fe–N–Cwood possessed high stability and methanol tolerance. The Fe–N–Cwood-based Zn–air battery delivered a peak power density of 231 mW cm−2, suggesting its potential applications in sustainable energy conversion systems. A highly efficient ORR electrocatalyst was obtained by embedding iron nanoparticles with hydrothermal-pyrolysis-treated wood-derived carbon.

Network motifs: A key variable in the equation of dynamic flow between macro and micro layers in Complex Networks

Complex Networks theory represents a powerful tool to model real-world systems as graphs with non-trivial topological features. Static by their definition, complex networks are limited to be the reflection or the snapshot of the dynamical systems they encode in a given moment. Frankly, studies show that the network preserves the characteristics of the dynamic flow between various structures evolved at different scales: micro, meso, and macro, respectively.Considering that micro components will end by encapsulating any stability state initiated by a perturbation of the macroscale, the most popular framework used to analyze complex networks associates in a reverse-engineering manner properties of the micro-scale components with global network characteristics. Although the principle of convergence is widely agreed upon, we consider the transition from micro to macro one not studied enough, and the highlighting of an in-between layer being necessary exemplifies the convergence mechanism better. Our work is willing to improve existing approaches of understanding the intricate beauty behind network dynamics by embracing the chaos they evolve and not order it using inflexible analytical mechanisms. We formulate a series of research questions that are willing to demonstrate that the existence of a mesoscale structure, namely network motifs, is connected with a variety of microscale, respectively, macroscale properties - hence strengthening the proof of macro–meso–micro convergence.Our approach could provide a substantial improvement in the models used to understand molecular self-assembly, protein-based cellular adaptation, social interactions, and many other fields, where connections between structures or components play an essential role.

Macro–meso–micro experimental studies of calcined clay limestone cement (LC3) paste subjected to elevated temperature

In this study, the macro properties (residual compressive strength), meso properties (mesoscopic images), and micro properties (reaction products and pore structures) of paste specimens with various limestone and calcined clay contents at elevated temperatures (20, 300, 550, and 900 °C) are experimentally investigated. According to the experimental results, (1) the strengths of all samples increase at 300 °C, while those of the LC3 ternary blended pastes increase more significantly because of the formation of katoite and the further hydration of binders. After the treatments at 550 and 900 °C, the reduction in the strengths of the LC3 samples is greater than that of the plain paste. (2) With further increasing temperature, all samples generate more meso cracks. (3) At 900 °C, a large gehlenite crystalline phase is formed in the samples with calcined clay. In summary, the microscopic explanation for the macroscopic and mesoscopic properties of LC3 paste at elevated temperature is investigated.

The brokering role of technology transfer offices within entrepreneurial ecosystems: an investigation of macro–meso–micro factors

Previous studies have identified the importance of entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems, however, few have considered in an integrated multi-level way, the key influencing factors on technology transfer mechanisms within these ecosystems. In particular, none have considered such factors from a technology transfer office (TTO) perspective. To address this gap, this research examines how macro–meso–micro factors shape the role of TTOs within an entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. Taking an in-depth exploratory approach set in the New Zealand context, data for this study was collected over two time periods, 4 years apart, and included inputs from all eight university TTO offices. Incorporating the perspective of TTO executives, our study unearths novel insights on a range of macro, meso and micro factors influencing their office, and how TTOs respond by synthesizing and balancing these factors across levels. The primary contribution of our research is extending the framing of TTO executives as typically portrayed in the literature, beyond important intermediaries between universities and industry, to pivotal cross-level brokers within entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.

Who Counts as Family Later in Life? Following Theoretical Leads

A critical, multilevel conceptual framework provides alternative ways of addressing the question, Who counts as family later in life? The conceptual approach incorporates core ideas from life course, critical, and feminist perspectives, as well as the concept of ambivalence. Three meanings of the word count are used to address who should be included as family, which family ties are personally meaningful in the second half of life, and which family ties are significant sources of support. The article closes by exploring how to make research count: What are the policy and research implications of variations in who should be counted as family, who counts subjectively, and who can be counted on in mid‐ and later life? The macro–meso–micro framework connects societal and institutional arrangements to individuals and their family ties, emphasizing the need to balance individual and collective responsibility in order to support family relations across the life course.

Multifunctional flexible membranes from sponge-like porous carbon nanofibers with high conductivity

Conductive porous carbon nanofibers are promising for environmental, energy, and catalysis applications. However, increasing their porosity and conductivity simultaneously remains challenging. Here we report chemical crosslinking electrospinning, a macro–micro dual-phase separation method, to synthesize continuous porous carbon nanofibers with ultrahigh porosity of >80% and outstanding conductivity of 980 S cm−1. With boric acid as the crosslinking agent, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and poly(vinyl alcohol) are crosslinked together to form water-sol webs, which are then electrospun into fibrous films. After oxidation and pyrolysis, the as-spun fibers are converted into B-F-N triply doped porous carbon nanofibers with well-controlled macro–meso–micro pores and large surface areas of ~750 m2 g−1. The sponge-like porous carbon nanofibers with substantially reduced mass transfer resistances exhibit multifunction in terms of gas adsorption, sewage disposal, liquid storage, supercapacitors, and batteries. The reported approach allows green synthesis of high-performance porous carbon nanofibers as a new platform material for numerous applications.

A Multilevel Intervention: The Case of the Cyprus Gender Advisory Team (GAT) Achievements and Challenges

In this article, we discuss Gender Advisory Team (GAT)’s multilevel linkage strategy—Macro–Meso–Micro—in promoting women’s ideas and views on the different issues discussed at the negotiating table and raising public awareness on GAT’s recommendations regarding the issues of governance and power-sharing from a gender and feminist perspective as well as on property, economy, citizenship, and education in a federal reunited Cyprus. In this article, we give examples only on governance and citizenship. Our feminist take on these issues necessitates a perspective that transcends the ethnic divide and includes the Women, Peace and Security agenda. We argue that Cypriot women’s concerns, needs, and gender mainstreaming as well an inclusive process should be prioritised at all levels of institutions. We conclude with GAT’s impact and challenges.

Competitive Productivity (CP) at macro–meso–micro levels

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advance our understanding of competitiveness. The authors introduce the concept of Competitive Productivity (CP), supplementing shortcomings of traditional understandings of national, organisational and individual productivity which overlook the nature of competitiveness, i.e. outperforming the competition, or at least bettering one’s own performance. The authors offer definitions, components and construct measurements of CP at three levels: macro, meso and micro.Design/methodology/approachA review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the need for combining productivity and competitiveness into one new construct. There are theories that combine these ideas – e.g., the resource-based theory of the firm – but the authors are presenting these concepts differently, or in a novel way. The authors’ focus on CP makes necessary a new group of construct measures which are different from that of the strategy literature: the authors measure an agent’s tendency “to be better than the competition” along multiple dimensions. Based on the CP construct, the authors present three testable models to uncover determinants of CP at three levels (macro, meso and micro). Finally, the work around “emergent property” can be applied to examine CP itself as being a determinant for other higher-order outcomes such as welfare, profits and life satisfaction. CP forms a platform to explore likely interplay (bottom-up and/or top-down mechanisms) within the micro–meso–macro architecture.FindingsThree CP models were developed and are briefly discussed in this paper: first, a National Competitive Productivity (NCP) model to capture the components/drivers of national CP (macro level). Second, a Firm Competitive Productivity (FCP) model to capture the components/drivers of firm CP within an industry context (meso). And finally, an Individual Competitive Productivity (ICP) model capturing the components/drivers of CP at the individual (micro) level.Originality/valueThe study provides a combined approach to capture productivity and competitiveness within one innovative concept: CP. It can be used by government and policy makers (NCP model), managers and organisations (FCP model), and individuals such as workers and students (ICP model) to evaluate and enhance their performance. A better understanding of the components/drivers of CP at the three levels and the suggested measurement of CP should provide a stronger theory of competitiveness of nations, firms and individuals. Not least should a focus on the three levels (macro, meso and micro) better prepare citizens, firms, workers and students to effectively function and work in the marketplace and in society. The authors’ work should eventually contribute to more effective benchmarking and continuous improvement in the competitiveness domain. Crucially, this conceptual paper forms the foundation for future empirical testing of CP components in the context of the relative values and moderated behaviour as captured by the ReVaMB model.

3D-printed zeolite monoliths with hierarchical porosity for selective methanol to light olefin reaction

Herein, we report the rapid synthesis of customized zeolite monoliths with various compositions and hierarchical porosity (macro–meso–micro) using a 3D printing technique.

The ethical dimension of teacher practical knowledge: a narrative inquiry into Chinese teachers’ thinking and actions in dilemmatic spaces

Previous research concerning teacher practical knowledge has revealed its epistemological foundations, content structure and research methodology, but little research examines its ethical dimension. Based on a four-year project in China, this study probes the ethical dimension of an experienced teacher’s practical knowledge, explicated in a dilemmatic but teachable moment. Narrative inquiry is used as both a research method and a representational form to reveal the teacher’s ethical decisions and actions in the nested macro–meso–micro dilemmatic spaces. It is found that the teacher’s practical knowledge is embedded in a complicated web of meanings, and tapestried by her compromise to the national policies, her negotiation with the school governance and her caring for her students with diverse backgrounds. The ethical dimension of her practical knowledge provides her a vital power to carry out her educational practice. It is advocated that an ‘ethical turn’ for research and practice in teacher professional development is needed, so as to authorize teachers’ professionality reflected in their roles as humanity cultivators and transformative intellectuals. Moreover, under the global educational reform context since late 1990s, this article can be seen not only as a case from China, but also has implications for other countries in the world.

Chimaera simulation of complex states of flowing matter.

We discuss a unified mesoscale framework (chimaera) for the simulation of complex states of flowing matter across scales of motion. The chimaera framework can deal with each of the three macro-meso-micro levels through suitable 'mutations' of the basic mesoscale formulation. The idea is illustrated through selected simulations of complex micro- and nanoscale flows.This article is part of the themed issue 'Multiscale modelling at the physics-chemistry-biology interface'.

Microwave synthesis of hierarchically porous activated carbon from lignite for high performance supercapacitors

A hierarchically porous activated carbon (HPAC) with high surface area (3064 m2/g) and large pore volume (2.319 cm3/g) was prepared from lignite using KOH as activation agent by microwave heating. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption at −196 °C, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the HPAC. Because of its high surface area, macro–meso–micro hierarchically porous structure and oxygen-enriched surface, the HPAC exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacitance, energy density and cycling stability as electrode material for supercapacitors. The HPAC showed a high specific capacitance of 390 F/g in aqueous electrolyte at a current density of 50 mA/g and 94.1 % of the initial specific capacitance was retained after 2000 cycles. Furthermore, this HPAC displayed a high specific capacitance of 198 F/g in an organic electrolyte.

Macro Meso Micro: Systemic Territory Framework from the Perspective of Social Innovation

The place matters. We were born there, have been living and working there, entered there and exited from there. Places are an object of observation from the outside while we experience them from the inside. A place is the most ethnographic level of observation of relational territorialisation. However, do we really know how territories behave? Can we really observe in practise the notion of the Network Territory? How does the dynamic concept of a territory fit and juxtapose with that of a network? Some territories are putting all their efforts, thanks to the common work of public, private, and civil agents, into restructuring the post-crisis economic and social system. Nevertheless, can we observe and see what is occurring in these places and territories? How are we supposed to observe those big black boxes with input and output but with an unknown and hardly explainable process? How can we apply hermeneutics to the socially innovating processes in the networked territories at any scale? What tools should we use for this observation? What tools do we want and can we use to intervene? What effect do we ultimately want to have? All these elements may demand a systemic vision in the cybernetic multi-disciplinary sense that Social Innovation requires and that links with the two main currents of Social Innovation in a coherent way: we are referring to, on the one hand, the more academic approach, with a social justice dimension, aligned towards the Territory and Social Economy and, on the other hand, the more practitioner and policy-making approach, championed by the third-way labour school of thought of the Young Foundation, Nesta and Demos. Keywords: social innovation, territory, cities, regions, city-regions, processes, scales, methodology, framework, social transformation, democracy, identity, networks, land, action research, place, space