Resource Substitution Research Articles

THEORY AND PRACTICE OF BIM TECHNOLOGY IN PROJECT OF PREFABRICATED BUILDING - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Prefabricated buildings represent a novel approach to construction, characterized by standardized designs, factory-based processing, and assembly-line operations. Over the recent years, the continuous advancement and maturation of BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology have fostered advantageous conditions for the enhancement and transformation of the construction sector. Prefabricated buildings integrate a variety of digital technologies to break down barriers in various links of the traditional construction industry. This approach effectively fosters information sharing and resource substitution across different stages and among various stakeholders in construction, thereby preventing issues such as inadequate information communication that often arise during the building process. This review elucidates the prevalent employment of BIM technology in PB (prefabricated buildings) through a systematic literature review and content analysis. A three-stage systematic literature review approach was adopted to identify and review 81 relevant articles, culminating in a summary outlining the contribution, development trends, and restriction of BIM technology in PB. The review also emphasises the potential of BIM technology, but the need for effective integration of the technology to improve future prefabrication practices

Global Biodiversity: Extinct Arctic Mammoth Tusks as Substitute Resource to Save Live Elephants

Objective: The aim of this article is to justify an approach to natural resource substitution using fossilised mammoth bones from the Arctic to conserve live elephants. Theoretical Framework - The theoretical idea and basis of the article is the replacement of ivory with the tusks of extinct mammoths against the background of melting permafrost in the Arctic. This approach is considered within the framework of a kind of 'mammoth pipeline' - the journey of extinct fossil mammoth tusks and their transformation into eternal values in the form of exclusive products, as well as their ultimate contribution to the conservation of living elephant populations. The theoretical basis of the study is the concept of sustainable development, the theory of natural resource substitution, biodiversity conservation, the concept of benefit sharing paradigm in Arctic mining. Method - The study is based on an interdisciplinary approach using methods from economics and management, ethnology and palaeontology, social research and monitoring. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the ivory to mammoth tusk substitution scheme is considered in terms of the benefits to global biodiversity conservation, including the maintenance of wild elephant populations and the development of traditional fisheries by indigenous peoples of the North. Results and Discussion - This article assesses the world resource of mammoth bone remains, concentrated in the Russian Arctic, and shows the possibilities of their use as a substitute natural resource for elephant conservation and socio-economic development of areas inhabited by indigenous peoples of the North. The influence of ongoing climate change on the increase in the extraction of fossil mammoth tusks is shown. The stages and links of the 'mammoth pipeline' under consideration, including the extraction of mammoth bones, the export and trade of tusks, and the substitution of mammoth tusks for ivory, are substantiated. The factors influencing the formation of the world demand for mammoth tusks are identified and the directions of their use for elephant conservation and socio-economic development of the local population in the Arctic territories in the areas of their extraction are shown. Research Implications - The results of the study can be used to conserve global biodiversity, develop a green economy, substitute mammoth tusks for ivory and conserve elephant populations. The authors estimate that supplying the world market with an average of 10 kilograms of mammoth ivory can save one elephant; exporting even half of the mammoth tusks extracted in Yakutia can save 60,000 elephants. At the same time, issues of social and economic support for the traditional trades and livelihoods of the indigenous peoples of the North are being addressed. Originality/ Value - The originality of the research and its value lie in the new scientific formulation of the solution to the scientific problem of global biodiversity conservation through the substitution of natural resources, the use of own empirical data obtained in the Arctic territories, as well as the possibility of practical application of the results obtained in the field of green economy.

Quantitative simulation and validation of energy carbon emission efficiency changes in Chinese urban agglomerations

In the context of the global energy dilemma, enhancing energy efficiency has inevitably become a pivotal strategy for mitigating energy waste and promoting sustainable development. Urban agglomerations, as growth poles leading high-quality regional economic development, play a significant role in this process. Within these urban agglomerations, the aggregation of various factors and the substitution of energy resources substantially influence the energy carbon emission efficiency (ECEE) of surrounding cities during their development and maturation phases. This study initially employs a three-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to quantitatively analyze the ECEE values of 19 urban agglomerations from 2006 to 2020. It then establishes a methodology for calculating the joint intensity (JI) and joint threshold (JT) of ECEE within these urban agglomerations. Finally, a validation process is executed using MATLAB simulation and verification methodology to fit and authenticate the evolutionary patterns of ECEE in Chinese urban agglomerations. The primary objective of this research is to model the evolution of ECEE, thereby exploring the sustainable development pathways for urban agglomerations in China. The research findings indicate that: (1) The results from the three-stage DEA demonstrate that, after removing the influences of external environmental factors and random errors, the comprehensive technical efficiency (TE) of energy carbon emissions for the 19 urban agglomerations in China experienced a wave-like increase, rising from 0.410 to 0.506 between 2006 and 2020. (2) The calculation results of the constructed JI model indicate that the JT values of ECEE for national-level, regional-level, and local-level urban agglomerations are 1006.92, 226.60, and 160.14, respectively. The national-level urban agglomerations have significantly higher JT values and JI than the other two levels of urban agglomerations. (3) The results of the Matlab simulation verification show that 16 urban agglomerations fit well with the wave-like ascending evolutionary pattern. However, four urban agglomerations exhibit an opposite fitting effect due to the influence of their pillar industries or the small number of cities within these accumulations, making them unrepresentative. Consequently, the evolutionary curve of ECEE in Chinese urban agglomerations generally exhibits a wave-like upward trend over time.

Water Resistance Analysis of New Lightweight Gypsum-Based Composites Incorporating Municipal Solid Waste

Incorporating waste to produce new environmentally friendly construction products has become one of the great challenges of the industry nowadays. The aim of this research is to analyse the behaviour of novel gypsum composites against water action, incorporating recycled rubber aggregates (up to 8.5% vol.) and dissolved expanded polystyrene (up to 10.0% vol.). To this end, a total of 10 dosages have been proposed with the progressive substitution of natural resources by these secondary raw materials. The results show how it is possible to reduce the total water absorption of the gypsum composites by up to 8.3% compared to traditional gypsum material. In addition, it is also possible to reduce water absorption by capillary by up to 52.7%, resulting in lighter composites with good performance against water action. In all composites analysed, the mechanical strengths exceeded the minimum values of 1 MPa in bending and 2 MPa in compression, making them an optimal solution for the development of lightweight prefabricated products for damp rooms.

Contemporary Challenges in the Digitization of Companies' Foreign Trade Activities

Digitalisation enables companies to significantly reduce costs associated with their foreign trade activities. The implementation of digital technologies simplifies the organization and execution of foreign trade operations, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of exported goods. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of digital technologies within companies' foreign trade activities is driving the emergence of new trends in both the supply and demand of goods. This shift allows for the substitution of expensive resources with more cost-effective alternatives, reduces labour costs, and uncovers previously untapped resources in the production process. The article explores and substantiates the potential benefits of digitalization in the foreign trade activities of companies.

Regional variations in the chemical composition of fresh and composted beach wrack on the island of Gotland, Sweden – Considering future treatments

Harvesting beach wrack biomass (stranded seaweed) from coastal zones to use in agriculture could mitigate eutrophication while contributing to resource substitution of fossil-based inputs in food production. As such, beach wrack holds great resource potential in a bio-based circular economy, but its chemical properties prove challenging, and more research is required to develop treatment techniques that will allow the realization of such a system. We compiled results from chemical analyses of fresh beach wrack conducted 2012–2023 from a database within the marine policy scheme LOVA in Gotland, Sweden, to study spatial and seasonal variations in macronutrients and cadmium (Cd) content since cadmium is a highlighted risk metal for beach wrack use. This data was complemented by sampling composted beach wrack from compost sites (passive pile treatment), including analysis of ammonium and nitrate.There was considerable variation in the chemical composition of the beach wrack depending on location and season. Fresh beach wrack from the LOVA-sampling exhibited an average C content of 17.32 %, N content of 1.24 %, P content of 0.17 %, and K content of 1.3 %, which is in line with earlier studies. Composted material also showed significant differences between locations in C, N, C/N, ammonium-N, nitrate-N, P, K and Cd.The C/N and ammonium-N/nitrate-N ratios in composted beach wrack differed significantly between different composts, indicating differences in mineralization processes and maturity.Average cadmium levels were below the EU cd-limit for biofertilisers 1,5 mg/kg DW, cd-level in fresh beach wrack (LOVA − 1,24 mg/kg), and in composted beach wrack (1,09 mg/kg DW). However, single values exceed the EU limit, and long-term effects of cadmium soil accumulation could not be ruled out.The results confirm that regional variations in beach wrack quality require investments in treatment techniques and strategies to make beach wrack usable.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ СИСТЕМЫ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ПРОЦЕССОВ ВОДОПОДГОТОВКИ И ОЧИСТКИ СТОЧНЫХ ВОД НА ОСНОВЕ ПРИНЦИПОВ РЕСУРСОСБЕРЕЖЕНИЯ И ПРИРОДОПОДОБИЯ

Environmental safety refers to the state of protection of the natural environment and humans by ensuring an acceptable level of negative impact of natural and anthropogenic environmental hazards on the environment and humans. Based on the principles of nature similarity, resource substitution and conservation, modules and components of environmental safety of drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment processes have been formed. The functions of each module of the aquatic safety ecosystem are disclosed. Dangerous events and hazard factors in the processes of water treatment and water treatment are presented. The content of the system components of environmental safety of water treatment and wastewater treatment processes has been established: sanitary and epidemiological safety, consumer safety, technical safety, environmental safety of production and environmental and economic safety. An algorithm for the environmentally sustainable functioning of water management facilities, long-term and trouble-free operation of water treatment equipment, preservation of the health of water consumers and minimizing the impact on reservoirs, natural water sources (underground and surface) is proposed.

Ethnopharmacology, ethnomedicine, and wildlife conservation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThere are longstanding traditions of animal-derived products being employed as medicines, and they continue to be important in many traditional cultural healthcare practices. However, the populations of numerous so-used animals are known to be threatened with extirpation by such practices. Ethnopharmacological studies documenting these animal-derived drugs are not only interesting from an anthropological standpoint, but they are also relevant from a wildlife conservation perspective – especially since ethnopharmacologists are intermediaries between indigenous and scientific communities, placing them at the forefront of being able to ethically access information to address these issues. MethodsUsing the example of documenting culturally acceptable substitute materials for animal products (which ultimately also extends to flora), we explore the intersection of ethnopharmacology, biocultural resources, and wildlife conservation. ResultsPharmacological efficacy and symbolism are factors influencing the utilization of traditional medicines. Achieving the integration of conservation aims with ethnopharmacology requires a nuanced understanding of both factors, along with fair adjudication when conservation and cultural aims diverge. Ethnopharmacology is suitably placed for making conservation-orientated recommendations – including investigating more sustainable substitutes for animal products in the context of medical efficacy, and for engaging ethically with local communities to facilitate information generation aimed at protecting the environment and their traditions. ConclusionWe suggest an integrative approach to ethnopharmacological studies investigating medicinal bioresource use. This approach is considerate of species' conservation profiles, the substitutability and pharmacological efficacy of biocultural resources, indigenous and cultural rights, and a collaborative ethos for stakeholder engagement.

Is Norway on the pathway to green growth? Evidence on decoupling between GDP and environmental footprints

AbstractProponents of green growth argue that technological advancements and price signals can decouple economic growth from environmental impact through resource substitution and enhanced efficiency. In this research, we investigate the extent to which economic growth in Norway is decoupling from three key indicators of environmental pressure: energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and material consumption. Our findings show efficiency improvements across all of these indicators, but no absolute decoupling for any of them, and less so, a sufficient absolute decoupling to meet global sustainability targets. Despite the prevalent discourse surrounding a purported ‘green shift’, the overall environmental pressure within Norway is still on an upward trajectory. Mounting evidence regarding the absence of sufficient absolute decoupling suggests that the time may be ripe for high‐income nations like Norway to transcend policy focus on green growth and engage in transitions towards a post‐growth economy.

Benign synthesis of terpene-based 1,4-p-menthane diamine

Terpenes represent a promising renewable feedstock for the substitution of fossil resources in the synthesis of renewable platform chemicals, like diamines. This work describes the synthesis and full characterization of 1,4-p-menthane diamine (1,4-PMD) obtained from α-terpinene (1). A two-step procedure using dibenzyl azodicarboxylate (DBAD) and H2 as rather benign reagents was employed under comparatively mild conditions. Both C–N bonds were formed simultaneously during a visible-light mediated Diels–Alder reaction, which was investigated in batch or flow, avoiding regioselectivity issues during the amination steps that are otherwise typical for terpene chemistry. Heterogeneously catalyzed quadruple hydrogenation of the cycloadduct (2a) yielded 1,4‑PMD (3). While the intermediate cycloadduct was shown to be distillable, the target diamine can be sublimed, offering sustainable purification methods.

Targeted sanctions, resource substitution, and violence against civilians: Localized evidence from African states

Since the 1990 s, the UN Security Council increased its use of targeted sanctions, yet we know very little about their unintended impact on civilian victimization, especially at the local level. This study argues that imposing sanctions on armed actors may compel them to seize non-sanctioned agricultural resources to replenish lost revenues and use violence to facilitate appropriation. A new dataset on sanctioned group violence in agricultural areas is developed by matching UN sanctions data with information on local attacks on civilians from the UCDP GED and combining these data with a new geographic dataset. Quantitative analyses establish that monthly changes in cash crop productivity affect political violence by sanctioned actors in Africa, while violence by unsanctioned and pre-sanctioned actors is unaffected. A short case study of Somalia validates the hypothesized mechanism by showing that al-Shabaab actively engaged in violence over such substitution dynamics.

Does Grit Compensate for Family Background Disadvantage in Predicting Mental Health Difficulties? A Longitudinal Study of Chinese Migrant and Urban Children.

The significant population of Chinese rural-to-urban migrant children has sparked considerable domestic and international concern regarding their disadvantaged family circumstances and their escalating prevalence of internalizing and externalizing problems. Derived from the resource substitution hypothesis, non-cognitive factors such as personality traits may act as "substitution" resources for educational outcomes of children from less privileged families. Yet, the compensatory role of personality traits as substitution resources in children's mental health has received limited attention, including that of migrant children. This study examined the interplay of trait-like grit and family SES on emotional and conduct problems among Chinese migrant and urban children. The current sample consisted of 770 migrant children (Mage = 10.45 and SDage = 0.68 years; 38.4% girls) and their 222 urban counterparts (Mage = 10.34 and SDage = 0.46 years; 45.5% girls). Moderated polynomial regressions with response surface analysis on a two-wave data with an interval of over six months showed that grit served as a "substitution" resource for the less socioeconomically advantaged children. The compensatory effect of perseverance of effort on urban children's emotional problems and that of consistency of interest on migrant children's conduct problems were visualized. Moreover, the two compensatory effects were found to be robust and unique, even after children's effortful control, a grit-related construct, was taken into account. These findings not only support the resource substitution hypothesis, but also underscore the protective role that grit plays in children under less privileged environments.

The interaction between socioeconomic status and personality traits in predicting parental warmth among parents in Lebanon

ABSTRACT Parents’ socioeconomic status and personality traits are important predictors of parental warmth. The aim of the present study was to examine the multiplicative relations between parents’ socioeconomic status and personality traits in predicting parental warmth. Parents’ education was used as the indicator for parent’s socioeconomic status. Building on the resource substitution hypothesis, we expected that the associations between parents’ personality traits and parental warmth will be stronger among parents of lower socioeconomic status. Our sample comprised of 378 Lebanese parents who completed an online survey. We found significant interactions between parents’ socioeconomic status and three personality traits, which are agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. Generally, we found evidence that personality traits compensate for low socioeconomic status in predicting parental warmth. Our findings call for further investigations of the complex relations between socioeconomic status and the different determinants of parenting, and allay concerns about the negative influence of socioeconomic status on parental warmth.

First-generation college graduates have similar depressive symptoms in midlife as multi-generational college graduates

PurposeHigher education may protect an individual against depressive symptoms, yet, disadvantaged socioeconomic status (SES) during childhood, often measured by lower parental education, may put them at higher risk for depressive symptoms later in life. This study evaluates if midlife depression is similar for first-generation and multi-generation college graduates. MethodsFor US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants ages 55–63 (N = 16,752), we defined a 4-category exposure from parents' (highest of mother or father's) and participant's own years of education, with 16 years indicating college completion: multi-gen (both ≥ 16 years: reference); first-gen (parents <16; own ≥ 16); only parent(s) (parents ≥ 16; own <16); and neither (both <16) college graduates across three birth cohorts. We used linear regressions to evaluate relationships between college completion and depressive symptoms measured by an 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression (CES-D) scale. Models pooled over time evaluated differences by sex, race/ethnicity, and birthplace. ResultsFirst-gen and multi-gen college graduates averaged similar depressive symptoms in midlife (β: 0.01; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.13). Results were similar by sex and race/ethnicity. ConclusionConsistent with resource substitution theory, college completion may offset the deleterious effects of lower parental education on midlife depressive symptoms for first-generation graduates.

Rationality and the exploitation of natural resources: a psychobiological conceptual model for sustainability

AbstractThis article proposes a psychobiological conceptual model that incorporates the vulnerability and exhaustibility of the ecosystem into the notion of rational behavior. After providing a review of relevant literature in economics, psychology and sociology, we analyze the theoretical and practical limitations of economic rationality under conditions of climate devastation. By employing a logical consequence approach, we describe and broaden the cognitive process of rational choice to include the influence of externalities, institutions, markets, and the ecosystem. We propose two existing constructs as perceptual conditions restraining the rational exploitation of natural resources: restitution and substitution. These constructs are conditioned by the degree of the irreplaceability of materials. Under these premises, we purport that individuals act in a rational manner subject to the extent of restitution and substitution of resources, depending on their perception of economic, environmental, and social risk.

IGCC: An alternative to the use of mineral coal

The expectation of reducing reserves of non-renewable resources, as well as the growing concern for environmental preservation has been encouraging the substitution of conventional resources and technologies in electricity generation by alternatives for higher performance and / or renewable sources. In this context, the gasification of coal is gaining ground because of technological developments, enabling the generation of electricity cleanly and with greater efficiency when compared with consolidated thermoelectric plants. From these premises, this paper will address the national energy demand growth, cost analysis and deployment of IGCC technology comparison with other economic means of generating clean.

A switchable hydrogenation chemoselectivity of biomass platform compounds based on solvent regulation

Selective catalytic conversion of biomass-derived compounds to fuels and fine chemicals serves as a renewable energy pathway for the partial substitution of fossil resources, in which reaction pathway and selectivity control are key issues. Herein, we report a fully exposed Pt clusters immobilized on CoAl mixed metal oxides catalyst (denoted as Ptn/CoAl-MMOs), which exhibits prominent catalytic performance towards liquid phase hydrogenation reaction of furfural (FAL). Noteworthily, the hydrogenation chemoselectivity can be switched among four products via using four different solvents: tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA; yield: 91.4%), furfuryl alcohol (FA; yield: 97.7%), 2-methylfuran (2-MF; yield: 92.1%) and furan (FU; yield: 90.8%) are obtained in ethanol, dioxane, isopropanol and n-hexane solvent, respectively. Experimental studies (in situ FT-IR and TPSR-Mass) combined with theoretical calculations (DFT) reveal that solvent molecules exert an essential influence on the adsorption configuration of FAL via changing the solvent-catalyst and/or substrate-catalyst interaction, which ultimately determines the hydrogenation pathway, key intermediate and final product. This work demonstrates a facile solvent-dependent product-switching strategy within one catalytic system, which opens up potential opportunities for tailoring hydrogenation selectivity in liquid-solid catalytic reactions towards biomass upgrading.

Research on Hotel Green Management Model Based on Sustainable Development Strategy

Currently, the traditional hotel business model urgently needs to be transformed and upgraded. It should be combined with sustainable development strategies, integrate green development concepts, and create a hotel green management model based on sustainable development strategies. Meanwhile, scientifically improving the green management system of hotels cannot be achieved overnight. It requires the joint efforts of hotels and customers to fully implement the concept of green development. It can be said that implementing and improving the green management model of hotels, following the sustainable development strategy, not only requires the participation of hotel managers but also the cooperation of consumer groups. Therefore, this article explores the definitions of sustainable development strategy and hotel green management, emphasizes the significance of hotel green management model based on sustainable development strategy, and points out the basic principles of hotel green management model based on sustainable development strategy, including resource reduction principle, resource substitution principle, resource reuse principle, and resource recycling principle. It also points out the problems that hotels currently face in implementing a green management model and proposes targeted solutions.

Thermodynamic modelling of cements clinkering process as a tool for optimising the proportioning of raw meals containing alternative materials

The valorisation of waste or by-products in Portland clinker production is a promising alternative for developing sustainable cements. The complexity of the chemical reactions during clinkering demands an adequate dosing method that considers the effect of feedstock impurities to maximise the potential substitution of natural resources by waste or by-products, while guaranteeing the clinker reactivity requirements. This study proposes a raw meal proportioning methodology for optimising co-processing of natural feedstocks with alternative raw materials in clinker production, intending to reduce the content of natural raw materials needed, while promoting an optimal clinker reactivity. A thermodynamic modelling sequence was developed considering the variability of raw materials composition and heating temperatures. The model was then validated by comparing simulation outcomes with results reported in previous studies. An experimental case study was conducted for validation of the proposed method using a spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (SFCC), a by-product from the oil industry as an alternative alumina source during clinkering. The modelling simulations indicated that substitution of natural feedstocks by 15 wt% SFCC promotes the formation of reactive clinkers with more than 54% tricalcium silicate (C3S). Mixes with the potential to form the highest C3S were then produced, and heating microscopy fusibility testing was applied for evaluating the clinkers’ stability. The main factors governing the reactivity and stability of the clinker phases were the melt phase content, alumina modulus, and formation of C3S and dicalcium silicate (C2S). The self-pulverisation of clinker during cooling was observed in selected mixes, and it is potentially associated with high viscosity and low Fe content in the melt phase. The proposed framework enables optimisation of the dosing of raw meals containing alternative alumina-rich feedstocks for clinker production and allows a deeper interpretation of limited sets of empirical data.

Multilayer perceptron and Markov Chain analysis based hybrid-approach for predicting land use land cover change dynamics with Sentinel-2 imagery

As urbanization accelerates, the degree of human impact on land use is increasing. land use land cover change (LULC) is acknowledged as crucial factor in environmental change. The best way to understand historical land use patterns, changes, drivers, and developments is through a rigorous assessment of LULC changes. In this study, we aim to identify LULC changes from 2015 to 2022, and predict changes for 2030. Sentinel-2 images were employed to analyze LULC change patterns and predict future trends. The Random Forest algorithm was used to classify the various LULC classes with high accuracy and reliability. Multilayer Perceptron and Markov Chain Analysis (MLP-MCA) based Hybrid-Approach was employed to predict the future dynamics of LULC change for 2030. The study revealed that built-up area expanded 90.64 km2 from 2015 to 2022 due to natural resource substitution. Predictions indicate that 58.84% of the study area will be transform into built-up by 2030.