Scarce Resources Research Articles

To what extent do geopolitical conditions affect the environmental sustainability of the circular economy? A comparative LCA study of lactic acid production in Denmark and Iran

Transitioning to a circular economy is inevitable in well-developed and developing economies. Biowaste valorization into value-added products has shown a promising sustainable solution compared to its fossil-based counterparts. However, it has yet to be scientifically analyzed to what extent geopolitical conditions affect the environmental sustainability of the circular economy. To fill this gap, we conducted a consequential life cycle assessment of biorefining biowaste into lactic acid and bioenergy in Denmark and Iran as representative examples of developed and developing economies, respectively. Despite the notable environmental impacts associated with fossil-based energy consumption and infrastructural limitations, Iran could benefit more environmentally from the suggested biorefinery by 2030 than Denmark. This contrast arises from the fact that the existing dominant waste management solution in Iran consists of sanitized and unsanitized landfills, which appear likely to continue through 2030. Therefore, any alternative waste management scenario would help avoid the environmental impacts arising from landfills. In contrast, Denmark already has a well-established and sustainable waste management practice for biowaste, namely anaerobic digestion. Accordingly, the environmental impacts of the investigated scenarios in Denmark were, on average, 85 %, 855 %, 177 %, and 130 % higher than those in Iran regarding resource scarcity, ecosystem quality, human health, and climate change, respectively. In both countries, incineration, the culture medium, ion exchange, vacuum distillation, transportation, emissions from digestate applications on farmlands, and the inorganic waste landfilling process (only applied to IR scenarios) contributed most to the overall environmental impacts. Besides impacts arising from geopolitical conditions, our study revealed that abiotic augmentation and P. acidilactici bioaugmentation demonstrated superior environmental performance compared to other methods. The results also highlight the importance of international collaboration to implement circular economy approaches in developing countries and accelerating global environmental mitigation efforts. To comprehensively evaluate the environmental sustainability of circular bioeconomy, it is recommended to examine scenarios aligned with socio-economic pathways and various representative concentration pathways.

Environmental Impact Prediction of a New Tire Vulcanization Activator.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is the most common curing activator used to manufacture tires. To minimize environmental impacts by decreasing the zinc content and rolling resistance of tires, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on SiO2 NPs (ZnO@SiO2) are currently under development as new activators at the pilot scale. Here, we applied prospective life cycle assessment to predict the impacts on human health, ecosystem quality, and resource scarcity of synthesizing ZnO@SiO2 for the production of passenger car tires at an industrial scale. We found that the life cycle impacts of the synthesis are expected to decrease by 89 to 96% between the pilot and industrial scale. The largest contributors to the synthesis of ZnO@SiO2 were electricity consumption and waste treatment of the solvent. Using the new activator for tire production led to potential reductions of 9 to 12% in life cycle impacts compared to tires that are currently in use. Those reductions were due to the expected decrease in rolling resistance, leading to lower fuel consumption, which outweighed the additional environmental impacts of the synthesis, as well as the potential decrease in lifetime. Our work highlights an opportunity for manufacturers to mitigate their impacts over the full life cycle of the tire.

Fabrication and Characterisation of Sustainable 3D-Printed Parts Using Post-Consumer PLA Plastic and Virgin PLA Blends

Sustainable manufacturing practices are becoming increasingly necessary due to the growing concerns regarding climate change and resource scarcity. Consequently, material recycling technologies have gradually become preferred over conventional processes. This study aimed to recycle waste polylactic acid (PLA) from household-disposed cups and lids to create 3D-printed parts and promote sustainable manufacturing practices. To achieve this, the current study utilised virgin and post-consumer PLA (PC-PLA) (sourced from household waste) blends. The PC-PLA wastes were shredded and sorted by size with the aid of a washing step, resulting in a filament with a 1.70 ± 0.5 mm diameter without fragmentation or dissolution. A 50:50 wt.% blend of virgin PLA (vPLA) and PC-PLA was selected as the standard recycling percentage based on previous research and resource conservation goals. The study investigated the impact of three 3D printing parameters (layer height (LH), infill density (I), and nozzle temperature (NT)) on the quality of 3D-printed parts using a three-level L9 Taguchi orthogonal array. The findings revealed that blending PC-PLA with vPLA led to significant improvements in tensile, flexural, and impact strengths by 18.40%, 8%, and 9.15%, respectively, compared to those of recycled PLA (rPLA). This conclusion was supported by the investigation of the fracture surface area, which revealed fractographic features associated with printing parameters, such as plastic deformation and interfilament debonding. An ANOVA analysis revealed a positive influence of a greater layer height and high nozzle temperature on mechanical properties. Subsequently, the optimal printing parameters (LH: 0.3 mm, I: 100%, and NT: 215 °C) were determined using the S/N ratio, and a confirmation test using the optimum printing parameters exhibited a strong correlation with the statistically predicted outcomes. Finally, the study used optimum printing parameters to fabricate 100% PC-PLA 3D-printed parts, demonstrating their potential for low-strength applications. The findings suggest that employing vPLA and PC-PLA blended filaments for fabricating 3D-printed components presents an effective means of promoting plastic recycling within a closed-loop recycling system and achieving a circular economy.

Nudging Sustainable Development: Reviewing Energy Transition and Economic Development

Recently, as more countries and regions have embarked on the path of energy transition, the speed and manner of economic development have been influenced in varying degrees. However, the relationship between energy transition and economic development remains unclear, as research conclusions are inconsistent. The aim of this study is to systematically examine the relationship between energy transition and economic development using the literature review approach. This study selected 102 studies from Scopus that explicitly address energy transition and economic development as our final sample for this investigation, aiming to clarify the current research status on factors, barriers, and pathways of energy transition, and discuss related theories about energy transition. The results indicate a significant increase in research volume on this topic over the past four years, with nearly half of the studies focusing on cross-regional countries or economic entities. The sampled literature reveals various relationships between economic development and energy transition, including one-way promotion, one-way inhibition, bidirectional causality, and ineffectiveness. Factors influencing energy transition include technology, financial support, environmental governance, human capital, taxation, rents, and foreign direct investment (FDI). The main obstacles to energy transition lie in the scarcity of environmental resources, path dependence, and uneven development. Based on these research findings, this study discusses prospects and potential directions for future studies.

The role of environmental knowledge, policies and regulations toward water resource management: A mediated‐moderation of attitudes, perception, and sustainable consumption patterns

AbstractWater is the lifeblood of our Earth, and sustainable water consumption is the key to preserving this scarce resource for future generations and upholding environmental sustainability. In this study, we investigate the relationship between environmental knowledge (EK), environmental policies and regulations (EPR), attitudes toward water resource management programs (APWRMP), perceived water quality (PWQ), and sustainable consumption (SC), enriching the existing literature by integrating the theoretical framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) alongside water management program (WMP) concepts. This integration forms a comprehensive model clarifying the influences on SC. Furthermore, this study investigates these relationships within the specific context of select regions in China, addressing a geographical gap in the current literature. With a sample size of (N = 336) participants, we employ partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) to explore the complex relationships within the proposed model. The finding confirms the hypothesized associations, validating the substantial positive impact of EK and EPR on APWRMP and SC. Additionally, we observe that PWQ notably strengthens the link between the perception and attitude of villagers toward SC of water. Our study explains the multifaceted dynamics underlying individuals' behavior and attitude in making decisions concerning sustainable water consumption.

Staying in Bad Jobs: An “Institutional Peg” as Poland’s Adaptation to Precarious Markets

Why and how do workers stay in bad jobs? Based on 972 questionnaires and longitudinal data from 45 interviews, the article finds substantial support for the labor of love and the psychic income theories and no support for the miscalculated risk and commitment device theories. It documents personal strategies (overworking and childlessness) and institution-related strategies (diploma-hoarding and institutional pegs—a term introduced in this article). The article argues that the existing dichotomy of market-driven art and the state-subsidy-driven art could be enriched by the third model epitomized by Poland—a country with neither the art market comparable to that of the United States or the United Kingdom nor a state spending on art comparable to that of France or the Netherlands—where free higher education is used as a fallback option in the context of scarce resources.

Navigating the Energy Storage Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Improvements

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the cornerstone of the transition to renewable energy and can power a wide range of devices such as smartphones as well as electric vehicles, although they face some major challenges such as resource scarcity, safety risks and thermal runaway. This paper provides an insightful discussion on the mechanism of operation of LIBs, their applications, and its limitations, emphasizing that LIBs, while widely used in electric vehicles and portable electronics, have certain limitations, like thermal instability. The paper also explores new alternatives, including solid-state and lithium-metal batteries, which have higher energy densities but also suffer from problems such as dendrite growth, for which it cites improvement strategies, such as innovative cathode and negative electrode materials and electrolyte additives, with which to increase the lifetime, safety and performance of the batteries. At the same time, the paper also considers the issue of resource constraints and proposes a scalable and sustainable approach to energy storage needs with a multi-pronged strategy necessary to overcome existing barriers.

Ultra‐Strong and Tough Bio‐Based Polyester Elastomer with Excellent Photothermal Shape Memory Effect and Degradation Performance

AbstractThe exploitation of bio‐based materials derived from renewable resources represents a pivotal strategic approach in addressing environmental pollution and alleviating the scarcity of fossil resources. 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is the most potential substitute for terephthalic acid. Lignin is the most abundant aromatic biomass resource. However, the preparation of high‐performance lignin/FDCA‐based bio‐polyesters remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a multifunctional lignin‐modified polyester elastomer (LFPEe) is designed using FDCA‐based polyester oligomer (PPeF) and lignin (AOH) as building blocks. The LFPEe exhibits superior mechanical properties with the optimum tensile strength, fracture strain, and elastic recovery ratio up to 58.9 MPa, 610% and 88.9%, respectively, attributing to the formation of dual cross‐linking network with nanophase separation structure. Furthermore, leveraging the inherent characteristics of lignin, the LFPEe demonstrates excellent light‐controlled shape memory and excellent UV shielding performance. This innovative work not only breaks the performance dependence of FDCA‐based polyester on high molecular weight but also highlights a novel paradigm for value‐added utilization of lignin in sustainable bio‐polyesters.

Performance of Eco-Friendly Zero-Cement Particle Board under Harsh Environment

The increasing scarcity of virgin natural resources and the need for sustainable waste management in densely populated urban areas have heightened the importance of developing new recycling technologies. One promising approach involves recycling agricultural waste in construction applications and transforming it into secondary products. This is anticipated to reduce the demand for new resources and lower the environmental impact, aligning with industrial ecology principles. Combined with a low carbon emission binder (i.e., alkali-activated), utilizing agro-waste to produce zero-cement particle boards is a promising method for green construction. Traditionally, particle boards are engineered from wood or agricultural waste products that are pressed and bonded with a binder, such as cement or synthetic resins. However, alternative binders replace cement in zero-cement particle boards to address environmental concerns, such as the carbon dioxide emissions associated with cement production. This study investigated the effects of accelerated aging on the performance of alkali-activated agro-waste particle boards. Accelerated aging conditions simulate natural aging phenomena. Repeated wetting–drying and freezing–thawing cycles increased water absorption and thickness swelling and reduced flexural strength. The thermal performance of the alkali-activated particle boards did not exhibit significant changes. Hence, it was confirmed that agro-waste has a high potential for utilization in producing particle boards provided that the working environment is carefully selected to optimize performance.

COVID-19 critical care triage across Canada: a narrative synthesis and ethical analysis of early provincial triage protocols.

The COVID-19 pandemic created conditions of scarcity that led many provinces within Canada to develop triage protocols for critical care resources. In this study, we sought to undertake a narrative synthesis and ethical analysis of early provincial pandemic triage protocols. We collected provincial triage protocols through personal correspondence with academic and political stakeholders between June and August 2020. Protocol data were extracted independently by two researchers and compared for accuracy and agreement. We separated data into three categories for comparative content analysis: protocol development, ethical framework, and protocol content. Our ethical analysis was informed by a procedural justice framework. We obtained a total of eight provincial triage protocols. Protocols were similar in content, although age, physiologic scores, and functional status were variably incorporated. Most protocols were developed through a multidisciplinary, expert-driven, consensus process, and many were informed by influenza pandemic guidelines previously developed in Ontario. All protocols employed tiered morality-focused exclusion criteria to determine scarce resource allocation at the level of regional health care systems. None included a public engagement phase, although targeted consultation with public advocacy groups and relevant stakeholders was undertaken in select provinces. Most protocols were not publicly available in 2020. Early provincial COVID-19 triage protocols were developed by dedicated expert committees under challenging circumstances. Nonetheless, few were publicly available, and public consultation was limited. No protocols were ever implemented, including during periods of extreme critical care surge. A national approach to pandemic triage that incorporates additional aspects of procedural justice should be considered in preparation for future pandemics.

Value of Information for Clinical Trial Design: The Importance of Considering All Relevant Comparators.

Value of Information (VOI) analyses calculate the economic value that could be generated by obtaining further information to reduce uncertainty in a health economic decision model. VOI has been suggested as a tool for research prioritisation and trial design as it can highlight economically valuable avenues for future research. Recent methodological advances have made it increasingly feasible to use VOI in practice for research; however, there are critical differences between the VOI approach and the standard methods used to design research studies such as clinical trials. We aimed to highlight key differences between the research design approach based on VOI and standard clinical trial design methods, in particular the importance of considering the full decision context. We present two hypothetical examples to demonstrate that VOI methods are only accurate when (1) all feasible comparators are included in the decision model when designing research, and (2) all comparators are retained in the decision model once the data have been collected and a final treatment recommendation is made. Omitting comparators from either the design or analysis phase of research when using VOI methods can lead to incorrect trial designs and/or treatment recommendations. Overall, we conclude that incorrectly specifying the health economic model by ignoring potential comparators can lead to misleading VOI results and potentially waste scarce research resources.

Exploring the total cost of whole fresh, fresh-cut and pre-cooked vegetables

PurposeThe food industry should evolve towards new business models which take into account the damage cost in decision making, considering the impact that its products generate on the natural and human environment. Hence, the present study aims to calculate the damage cost caused by the production of whole fresh (as average of potatoes, aubergines, and broccoli), and processed vegetables (fresh-cut and pre-cooked).MethodsThe environmental life cycle approach was carried out per kilogram of assessed products (from cradle to the entrance of the market). The foreground Life Cycle Inventory was obtained from engineering procurement and construction projects of the whole fresh and processed vegetables industries. The Ecoinvent 3.8 and Agribalyse 3.0.1 databases were used for the background inventory. The ReCiPe 2016 method was used with a hierarchical perspective, evaluating eighteen midpoint categories as well as the endpoint categories (human health, ecosystems, and resources). The monetisation of these environmental impacts was then calculated using the endpoint monetisation factors developed by Ponsioen et al. (Monetisation of sustainability impacts of food production and consumption. Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen, 2020) for each product. It should be noted that this study does not include a comparative assessment. This study does not intend to compare the results for the three vegetable groups.Results and discussionThe damage costs were 0.16 €/kg for whole fresh vegetables, 0.37 €/kg for fresh-cut vegetables and 0.41 €/kg for pre-cooked vegetables. The agricultural production stage contributed most to these total damage costs due to the impact produced on land use and global warming in midpoint categories and human health and ecosystems in endpoint categories. In addition, the damage cost due to fossil resource scarcity (midpoint) and resource scarcity (endpoint) was mainly caused by the plastic packaging of fresh-cut and pre-cooked vegetables. The total cost was 1.02 €/kg for whole fresh vegetables, 2.99 €/kg for fresh-cut vegetables, and 3.43 €/kg for pre-cooked vegetables.ConclusionsThese results suggest that some efforts should be made to reduce both environmental impacts and damage costs. For instance, to improve agricultural production, special attention should be paid to fertilisation and water consumption. Additionally, new packaging options should be explored as well as the inclusion of renewable sources in the electricity grid, and finally, on transporting the finished products to the market, by using trucks that run on cleaner fuels.Graphical abstract

Effects of Water Stress and NPK Levels on Growth and Yield Attributes of Greenhouse-Grown Cucumbers

Judicious use of water and nutrients is a key factor for successful off-season vegetable production in greenhouses. This experiment was conducted under plastic tunnels to evaluate the effect of water stress and NPK levels on the growth and yield attributes of greenhouse-grown cucumbers. Effect of three irrigation levels viz., 100%, 80% and 60% of actual crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and three drip fertigation levels, viz., 100%, 80% and 60% of the recommended dose of NPK (RDF) with control (furrow irrigation with 100% RDF) were studied in a randomized complete block design experiment. The study indicated better plant growth, a greater number of fruits per plant and enhancement in the yield under drip irrigation. Among the various treatments, T5 (W80%ETc.F80% RDF) resulted in the highest mean fresh fruit yield (66.7 ton/ha) while the full irrigation treatments T1 (W100%ETc.F100% RDF) and T2 (W100%ETc.F80%RDF) recorded the lowest mean fresh fruit yield of 12.9 t/ha and 13.9 t/ha, respectively, as against 9.6 t/ha for the control plot. Conversely, the fully stressed T7, T8 and T9 treatments reduced the irrigation requirement by 29%, 26% and 21% but the mean cucumber yield was significantly decreased by 40%, 70% and 59%, respectively. These results suggested that drip irrigation has a great scope for the production of off-season vegetables. A water deficit level of 80% ETc with 80% RDF is the most appropriate treatment and optimal level to obtain better yield, quality and profitability of greenhouse-grown cucumbers under scarce water resources.

Recalling experiences of scarcity reduces children’s generosity relative to recalling abundance

Does a sense of having less or more than what one needs affect one’s generosity? The question of how resource access influences prosocial behavior has received much attention in studies with adults but has produced conflicting findings. To better understand this relationship, we tested whether resource access affects generosity in the developing mind. In our preregistered investigation, we used a narrative recall method to explore how temporary, experimentally evoked states of resource abundance or scarcity affect children’s sharing. In this study, 6- to 8-year-old American children (N = 148) recalled an experience of scarcity or abundance and then chose how many prizes to share with another child. We found that children in the scarce condition rated themselves as sadder, viewed their resource access as more limited, and shared fewer tokens than children in the abundant condition. Our results indicate that recalling past experiences of resource access creates distinct behavioral consequences for children and suggest that a sense of “having less” may encourage a strategy of resource conservation relative to a sense of “having more,” even at a young age.

The Influence of Entrepreneurial Spirituality and Social Media Adoption on the Sustainability of MSME Performance Mediated by Innovation Capability (Survey on MSMEs in the Tourism Area Sunan Drajat Lamongan)

Technological advancements, computerization, and globalization have made businessescompetitiveacrossallindustries. Micro, small, and medium-sizedenterprises (MSMEs) continue to encounter difficulties with resource scarcity and technology adoption, although accounting for over 80% of employment and contributing to 61.97% of the GDP (gross domestic product). The Sunan Drajat Lamongan Religious Tourism Area is a home to hundreds of MSMEs, ranging in size from apparel and souvenir shops to restaurants. The number of visitors rises dramatically throughout the holiday season before becoming quiet, as is common with tourism in general. Entrepreneurship is a key factor in economic growth and serves as the primary driving force for innovative and long-term growth. By leveraging social media to enhance a company’s competitive advantage throughout the entrepreneurship and operation phases, entrepreneurs who possess an entrepreneurial mindset can aid their organizations in efficiently adapting their organizational framework and processes, thereby mitigating environmental conflicts and tensions within the intricate framework of a dynamic business environment. By using social media, MSMEs may reach their target audience with content and information without having to personally meet them. Social media also offers information in the form of customer reviews of goods, services, and even new ideas for sustainable MSMEs. This study aimed to determine how MSMEs’ use of social media and their ability for innovation can impact their success in Sunan Drajat Lamongan’s religious tourism industry. The data were obtained from 132 small and medium-sized enterprises using questionnaires. Path Least Square (PLS) and descriptive analysis were the methods utilized to analyze the data.
 Keywords: entrepreneurial spirituality, social media adoption, innovation capability, sustainability of MSMEs performance

Advance directive in a young patient: Palliative care in the context of grade 3 lupus nephritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune systemic disease that compromises several organ systems, being able to reduce the quality of life of patients in many cases. Early diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis, since the period of activity of the disease is longer. Lupus nephritis is one of the consequences that can arise, and chronic kidney disease that follows becomes terminal in 10% of cases. The present study reports the case of a young patient, carrying lupus, with grade 3 lupus nephritis, who, in the face of the scarcity of resources that could alleviate her suffering and return her quality of life, chose not to receive advanced life support in future hospitalizations.

Leisure Ex Machina: The Leisure Lives of Digital Minds

Humans may soon succeed in the creation of sentient artificial intelligence (SAI) that experiences human-like consciousness. Such SAI would have a claim to the same rights and moral considerations afforded to biological humans, including a right to leisure. Particular to this special issue, I explore the implications of such a development from the context of leisure studies; specifically, I apply utilitarian moral theory and the concept of a “utility monster,” as an analytical framework to consider the potential for SAI to degrade the wellbeing of humans and non-human animals through their leisure experiences. Throughout this essay, my overarching goal is to provide a thought provoking argument that serves as the context for fruitful reflection and discussion in the field of leisure studies. Due to their potentially superhuman efficiency in deriving benefits (“utility”) from experiences, SAI may become a “utility monster,” or a being with superior moral claim to scarce resources. As SAI will (a) likely be “human-like,” and (b) exist independent of the physiological needs/limits inherent to biological humans, it is likely that a large proportion of the experiences chosen by SAI would be categorizable as leisure. Following a utilitarian logic that the only morally acceptable action is the one that raises net utility by the greatest amount, other beings would be morally compelled to transfer all available resources to satisfy the leisure preferences of the SAI utility monster. I examine the implications of this moral quandary for leisure studies and wider society, and discuss three potential paths forward: total transfer of resources to a leisure-focused SAI utility monster; strict limits on the development of SAI; and a middle path where the interests of SAI and humans align. Although the topic of artificial intelligence is increasingly relevant in discussions within our broader society, and specific to the field of leisure studies, to date that conversation has largely focused on how technological advances in artificial intelligence will impact humans, and how that technology can be used in an ethical fashion; this essay refocuses the conversation to the implications for a potential SAI that may look and feel very much like we do.

Template-free efficacious morphology of electrosynthesized polyaniline/β-cyclodextrin host-guest complex on Au/rGO modified electrode for removal and recovery of rare-earth and heavy elements from seawater

Global water pollution and scarcity of water resources are turning increasingly into serious threats to the survival of all living organisms on Earth. This study offers an influent strategy for the electrosynthesis of reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline/β-cyclodextrin (rGO/PAni/βCD) nanocomposite and its application to the removal/recovery of heavy elements (HEs) and rare-earth elements (REEs). Besides physicochemical and electrochemical studies, the surface morphological and statistical properties of fabricated nanocomposite electrode were examined. The textural and morphological characteristics of nanocomposite electrode were investigated via AFM data based on statistical, stereometric, and fractal theory. The cohesive, porous, and well-developed morphology of fabricated nanocomposite electrode has enabled the electrodeposition technique to achieve significant simultaneous removal/recovery efficiency of HE and REE ions such as Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Ce(IV), and Nb(V). Therefore, using rGO/PAni/βCD, considerable removal of HEs and REEs was achieved under optimized pH, 0.1 M KNO3, and 35 mg L−1 metal ion initial concentration during 20 min. Removal capacity of the nanocomposite electrode is preserved subsequent to 10 cycles of electrodeposition/desorption, according to the desorption investigation through eluted adsorbent at time intervals in deionized water and adjusted acidic pH values. Then, using rGO/PAni/CD nanocomposite, simulated seawater remediation was accomplished successfully. This interdisciplinary approach reveals that the removal/recovery efficiency enhance linearly along with the improvement of well-developed morphology for electrosynthesized composites. Thus, these results suggest how the morphological features of the polymer composites could improve remediation of water resources.

An analysis of the relationship between organisational resilience and Local Educational Management Units’ responses on education services delivery in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Local Educational Management Units (UGELs), the key government stakeholders in the provision of education services in Peru, implemented responsive interventions. This paper analyses the relationship between UGEL organisational resilience and their responses during this period.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to measure UGEL management practices, with 251 valid responses from directors and managers. Based on organisational resilience theory, 67 questions were grouped into 13 factors and 3 components: (1) leadership and organisational culture, (2) preparation for change, and (3) networks building on the Organisational Resilience Index (ORI). These factors correlated with the number of interventions and the impact of those interventions implemented by UGELs.FindingsThe findings indicated that of all ORI components, leadership and organisational culture ranked the highest. Moreover, the ORI is positively associated with the number of interventions and the perceived impact produced by those interventions. Interestingly, it was found that when the gender variable is included in the correlation between the ORI and the number of interventions, women leading UGELs display a higher number of interventions than their male counterparts; and the coefficient increases even more when women lead a UGEL in a more challenging context (i.e., when the UGEL is located in a low-income area and operates under scarce resources).Originality/valueThis is the first study in Peru which analyses organisational resilience in the education sector, specifically about UGELs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may help set priorities for institutional strengthening initiatives aimed at improving organisational resilience, which is particularly important in such uncertain and changing contexts.

Enhancing Sustainable Practices in Screen-printing Businesses through Community Engagement: A Case Study of the Tegal Screen Printing Community

Objective: This study aims to describe the role of the Tegal T-shirt screen printing community (Tegal Screen Printing) in the t-shirt screen printing business in Tegal Regency, Indonesia, and to find out the obstacles faced by screen printing business actors and how to overcome them. Theoretical Framework: Community of Practice (CoP) theory, Resource Dependency Theory, Social Learning Theory Method: This study employs a qualitative case study methodology. The participants included Tegal Screen Printing's founders, community leaders, and community members. Included among the data collection methods are interviews, observations, and documentation. The validity of the data is carried out by triangulating the source and method. Data collection, reduction, display, and conclusion are the data analysis techniques used. Results and Discussion: The study underscores the Community's importance in fostering business ethics and management skills while enhancing product quality. However, technical challenges like screen clogging and material scarcity persist, prompting the Community to offer support through technical assistance and guidance on financial reporting. Research Implications: The research implications suggest that community platforms play a significant role in fostering business ethics, management skills, and product quality improvement. Additionally, addressing technical challenges and resource scarcity within communities can enhance overall support mechanisms for members. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of integrating practical assistance, such as technical support and financial guidance, into community initiatives to facilitate members' success in their endeavors. Originality/Value: This research stands out for its focused exploration of the Tegal Screen Printing Community, shedding light on the distinct challenges and opportunities within this industry niche. By integrating business ethics with technical issues, it offers a comprehensive perspective rarely seen before. Moreover, its emphasis on practical solutions grounded in real experiences adds significant value. Through its empirical approach, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how niche communities foster skill development and resource support among members, enhancing the broader discourse on community development within the screen printing industry.