Search

Today, zeolitic catalysts play an important role in catalytic processes such as cracking, alkylation, etc. However, shaping these catalysts for industrial applications remains a challenge. Despite extensive research in this area in recent years, the number of studies is limited, and detailed information is scarce. Consequently, this study aims to increase awareness of the challenges associated with catalyst shaping and to contribute to the body of knowledge in this field. Following an introduction to the fundamental concepts and shaping techniques, our focus in this review has been on the binder agent, whereby we have categorized the effects of binders that can influence catalyst performance. We demonstrate that while binders may not necessarily possess catalytic properties, the chemical interaction between the binder and the catalyst, as well as the extrusion process, can significantly impact the physicochemical characteristics of the final catalyst, including its acid characteristics, pore characteristics, distribution of loaded metals, and so on. Moreover, depending on the desired properties of the catalyst, different sequences can be employed to utilize the binder. Finally, we identify research gaps in this domain and present recommendations for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities and industrialization have significantly increased soil nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), profoundly impacting the composition and structure of plant community, as well as the ecosystem functions, especially in nutrient-limited ecosystems. However, as the key propagule pool of perennial grasslands, how belowground bud bank and its relationship with aboveground vegetation respond to short-term changes in soil nutrients was still unclear. In this study, we conducted a short-term (2021-2022) soil fertilization experiment with N addition (10 g N m-2 yr-1) and P addition (5 g N m-2 yr-1) in the meadow steppe of Inner Mongolia, China, to explore the responses of belowground bud bank, aboveground shoot population and their relationships (represented by the ratio of bud to shoot density-meristem limitation index (MLI)) for the whole community and three plant functional groups (perennial rhizomatous grasses-PR, perennial bunchgrasses-PB, and perennial forbs-PF) to nutrient addition. The short-term nutrient addition had no significant influences on belowground bud density, aboveground shoot density, and MLI of the whole plant community. Plant functional groups showed different responses to soil fertilization. Specifically, N addition significantly increased the bud density and shoot density of PR, especially in combination with P addition. N addition reduced the shoot density of PF but had no influence on its bud density and MLI. Nutrient addition had significant effects on the three indicators of PB. Our study indicates that the belowground bud bank and its relationship with aboveground vegetation in temperate meadow steppe are insensitive to short-term soil fertilization, but plant functional groups exhibit specific responses in terms of population regeneration, which implies that plant community composition and ecosystem functions will be changed under the ongoing global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global economic competition intensifies, collaborative innovation in strategic emerging industries has become a key factor in promoting economic growth and business development, attracting widespread attention. To delve into the mechanisms of collaborative innovation among China's strategic emerging industries, this study employs a social network analysis. It investigates the characteristics of these industries by analyzing 8,775,496 invention patents, exploring the impact of inter-industry innovation networks on collaborative innovation. Furthermore, this study incorporates industry knowledge acquisition as a mediating variable and the network density within individual industries as a moderating variable, to more comprehensively explain this impact mechanism. We find that relational and structural embeddings within inter-industry innovation networks significantly positively affect collaborative innovation performance, highlighting the importance of partnerships and the critical role of network configurations. Additionally, the breadth and depth of knowledge acquisition mediate the relationship between relational embedding in inter-industry innovation networks and collaborative innovation performance, emphasizing the pivotal role of knowledge acquisition in fostering collaborative innovation. Lastly, the network density within individual industries positively moderates the relationships between both relational and structural embedding in inter-industry innovation networks and collaborative innovation performance, revealing specific impacts of both internal and external industry innovation network characteristics on collaborative innovation. These findings not only provide practical guidance for collaborative innovation across industries but also offer new insights and implications for policy-making and academic research. In future industrial development, special emphasis should be placed on establishing and maintaining partnerships, optimizing inter-industry innovation networks, and enhancing the breadth and depth of knowledge acquisition to foster sustainable development of collaborative innovation. This is crucial for enhancing corporate competitiveness, creating more job opportunities, and driving innovative economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonial trade prompted the colonies to specialise in primary products. Did this eliminate industrialisation opportunities in the colonies, and did it make them more politically dependent on the coloniser? To answer these questions, we examine the impact of the World War I trade shock on industrial growth and support for the anti-colonial movement in India. We find that districts more exposed to a drop in imports experienced faster industrial growth in 1911–1921, thereafter remaining on a higher level of industrial employment. All evidence points to an increase in Indian productivities as the reason for this, suggesting that liberal trade policies may not have been optimal for colonial India. We also find that districts, which industrialised faster thanks to WWI were more likely to support the Indian National Congress. This is consistent with the view that specialisation in primary products made the colonies more politically dependent on the coloniser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of the book "Romantic Environmental Sensibility: Nature, Class and Empire" edited by Ve-Yin Tee. The book explores the contemporary significance of Romanticism and its relationship to environmentalism, postcolonialism, and class disparities. It examines the connections between Romanticism and imperialism, as well as the ethical considerations of land and creature ethics. The review praises the book for its wide range of perspectives and its sophisticated analysis, but suggests that it could benefit from including voices from outside the Anglo-American cultural circle. Overall, the book is recommended for scholars and students in various fields, including literary studies, philosophy, and environmental studies. [Extracted from the article]

The study analyzed the linkage among industrialization, trade openness, and consumption‐based carbon emissions in Sub‐Sahara Africa (SSA) to establish how Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8 and 9 can be achieved without negatively affecting the climate—SDG 13. Based on insights drawn from the environmental governance and economic integration theories, we developed a model that connects industrialization, trade openness and consumption‐based carbon emission in SSA, as the region strives to balance development with climate protection. We used purposive sampling to select 30 out of 46 countries in SSA with readily available data on the International Energy Agency and the World Development Indicators databases from 2000 to 2021. The study utilized the dynamic common correlated effect and the pooled mean group estimators for the empirical analysis. The results revealed that industry growth has an affirmative link with consumption‐based carbon emissions. Similarly, urban growth recorded a positive association with carbon emission. Moreover, trade openness positively moderates the link between industry growth and carbon emissions. The findings affirm the need for strengthening policies and regulations to promote industry growth (SDG 9), while ensuring climate protection in SSA to achieve SDG 13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, I‐III‐VI semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have shown significant improvements that have unlocked new capabilities and end markets. Some typical examples of I‐III‐VI QDs are CuAlS2 (blue), AgInS2 (green), CuInSe2 (red) CuInSe2 (near‐IR), but other compositions and alloys are possible. These materials exhibit tunable photoluminescence (PL) emissions, and can achieve near unity PL quantum yield. They can have efficient broad emission, but also can have narrow emission, large Stokes shifts, and high optical extinction coefficients. These materials are often more stable, safer, and lower cost than alternatives such as CdSe, InP, and PbS or PbSe QDs. In this work, we discuss industrialization and scale‐up of I‐III‐VI QDs, starting with critical end uses related to spectrum optimization for greenhouses and solar energy. We also update on recent progress narrowing the emission linewidth (full‐width at half maximum) of I‐III‐VI QDs to the point that they are becoming competitive with legacy QDs used in displays and lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discourses on sustainable development seldom question the mode of production behind so-called green technologies. Yet so long as these technologies are developed under a capitalist framework, they too will necessitate the cheapening of nature and labor. The socio-ecological costs of development in the Global North have long been borne by the Global South, and the production of green technologies risks reproducing this pattern. To critically engage with these dynamics, we use a political ecology framework to analyze lithium extraction in Bolivia. Supported by interviews with experts on Bolivian lithium extraction, we consider: (1) the anticipated socio-ecological impacts of lithium extraction; (2) the political economy of contemporary Bolivia; and (3) the governance/politics of lithium extraction at the local and global levels. The Bolivian state's effort to exercise its sovereignty and develop its economy through "100% state-led lithium industrialization" risks re-inscribing Bolivia's subordinate position in the world-system. Given the anticipated ecological impacts and unequal revenue distribution, local communities may be on the verge of accumulation by dispossession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have investigated the community structure of earthworm in industrial soils of Pandavapura Taluk of Mandya District, Karnataka, India. Soils from industrial sites were surveyed and sampled to assess earthworm diversity and community composition. Some selected ecological parameters such as soil temperature, soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, and heavy metal concentrations were measured to understand their potential influence on earthworm communities. The findings shed light on the impacts of industrial activities on earthworm populations and provide valuable insights into the resilience of soil ecosystems in industrialized regions. This study contributes to our understanding of the ecological consequences of industrialization on soil biodiversity and underscores the importance of sustainable soil management practices in mitigating these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's urban–rural dichotomy has resulted in a widening gap between urban and rural areas, posing significant challenges to rural development. This study aims to investigate the spatio-temporal differentiation and driving mechanisms of rural industry integration within the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle in China. Using panel data from 2011 to 2020, we employed the entropy weight TOPSIS method to construct a comprehensive index that charts the evolution of rural industry integration across various districts and counties. Additionally, we utilized fixed-effect and spatio-temporally weighted regression models to analyze the underlying driving forces behind this integration. Our findings reveal a dynamic and varied landscape of rural industry integration, with different levels of depth and breadth across various subsystems. Spatially, we observed a transition from a dispersed to a more concentrated agglomeration pattern within the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle. This shift suggests a diffusion effect emanating from core metropolitan areas, as well as an attracting force exerted by adjacent metropolitan circles. In terms of drivers, market demand, openness level, financial development, policy support, and agricultural insurance breadth significantly contribute to rural industry integration. However, technological progress and rural human capital exhibit a weaker correlation. Notably, our models identified pronounced spatial–temporal heterogeneity among these influencing factors, highlighting a nuanced and dynamic relationship between them. Overall, our study emphasizes the crucial role of rural industry integration in bridging the urban–rural divide and fostering sustainable agricultural development and rural revitalization. The insights gained from this research provide valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to optimize rural development strategies and unlock the potential of integrated rural industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The booming development of the digital economy is not only greatly affecting the establishment of a modernized industrial system but also contributing to tourism innovation and a new pattern of smart tourism. This study proposes a measurement system for the digital economy from the perspective of digital infrastructure, integrated industrial development and the environment on the basis of Chinese city-level data from 2011 to 2018. First, the empirical discussion indicates that the digital economy can accelerate the recovery of the tourism and travel market at a faster pace. Additionally, it can have an indirect effect on tourism development by influencing the employment structure, economic growth, the innovation level and educational progress. Furthermore, spatial econometric analysis reveals that tourism development exhibits spatial autocorrelation and spatial agglomeration. The influence of the digital economy shows a strong negative spatial spillover effect, which diminishes as the geographical threshold value increases. In addition, a difference-in-differences (DID) model and a spatial difference-in-differences (SDID) model derived from the "Broadband China" policy are used to establish causality between the digital economy and tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technologies and digitalisation are emerging as new drivers of structural transformation in developing countries. At the firm level, adopting advanced digital technologies offers prospects for improved productivity and competitiveness and, hence, digital industrialisation. However, the determinants of adopting digital technologies in manufacturing firms in developing countries remain anecdotal. This paper uses unique survey data on 516 manufacturing firms in South Africa and a multivariate probit model to examine the determinants of digital technology adoption in South African manufacturing firms. Our results show heterogeneity in the factors explaining digital technology adoption across business functions. Overall, the empirical results reveal that innovation, foreign ownership, exposure to export markets, and higher skilled human capital propel the adoption of digital technologies. In contrast, the lack of capital inhibits the adoption of digital technologies in sampled manufacturing firms in South Africa. We discuss the possible policy implications of these findings and how they fit into the South African Digital Skills policy discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh, being the fastest growing economy in the South Asian region, necessitates a comprehensive study to evaluate the influence of various socio-economic factors. The primary objective of this study is to get a comprehensive understanding of the concept of sustainable development and its relationship to carbon emissions. This analysis will specifically consider the current status of economic and anthropogenic activities within the context of Bangladesh. This research examines the aforementioned matter by utilizing the latest accessible yearly data spanning from 1990 to 2020, as well as employing advanced econometric models including the dynamic autoregressive distributed lag approach and frequency domain causality test. The analysis of empirical data reveals that the economic growth experienced in Bangladesh has yielded a discernible and favorable influence on the degradation of the environment, in both the immediate and extended periods. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the observed impact holds no statistical significance. Furthermore, it is apparent that energy consumption has a substantial impact on the escalation of carbon emissions, in both the immediate and prolonged periods. Additionally, the processes of industrialization and foreign direct investment have also exerted adverse effects on short-term carbon emissions. A frequency domain causality test is used in this work to do a robustness analysis and confirm that there are causal links between economic growth, energy use, development, and carbon emissions over a range of time frames, such as the short, middle, and long terms. The above studies have given us a lot of useful information about how economic growth, energy use, industrialization, and environmental sustainability all affect each other in Bangladesh. Bangladesh should prioritize the formulation of policies and regulations that are centered around specific goals. These objectives include: (a) enhancing government engagement in activities related to environmental innovation, (b) integrating ecologically sustainable development targets by adopting renewable energy sources, and (c) devising strategies and initiatives to attract foreign direct investment, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote energy-efficient manufacturing to stimulate economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Business & Development Studies is the property of University of Sistan & Baluchestan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of the most crucial instruments for regional development is organized industrial zones, as these zones contribute to development in many areas, especially regarding the economy and social life in the regions where they are established. This situation has revealed the necessity to investigate the relationship between organized industrial zones and regional development. No single measurement tool has been identified in the literature review to quantify this link. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the literature by developing a scale to explain the relationship between organized industrial zones and regional development. The sample of the study consists of 600 people aged 18 or over living in the districts where organized industrial zones are located in Trabzon, Türkiye. The programs SPSS23 and AMOS26 are used to analyze the research data. The analysis findings show the scale's item factor loadings to range between 0.606-0.860, with the total explained variance being calculated as 67.00%. The Organized Industrial Zones Perception Scale is comprised of 21 items and 5 components according to the findings from the confirmatory factor analysis (CMIN / df = 2.824; RMSEA = 0.055; GFI = 0.928; AGFI = 0.905; NFI = 0.923; CFI = 0.949; IFI = 0.949; TLI = 0.939). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipase is one of the most commonly used biocatalysts in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, and can be produced by Yarrowia lipolytica yeast. Despite the intensive studies of lipase from Yarrowia, there are still many open questions regarding the enzyme secretion process, especially by new isolates of this genus as well as the effect of substrates or surfactants, or both on the production of lipase. This research focused on the effect of olive oil and surfactant Tween 80 including the optimisation of the concentration of these compounds on the production of lipase by some novel Yarrowia isolates. Moreover, the optimal environmental parameters (pH, temperature) of crude enzyme synthetised by Yarrowia strains were determined. All investigated strains were able to produce lipase in both intracellular and extracellular fractions. The extracellular lipase activities were higher than the intracellular ones (Y. divulgata Y.02062 and Yarrowia lipolytica 854/4 147 U/L, 80 U/L and 474 U/L, 122 U/L, respectively). In the case of extracellular lipase, supplementing olive oil and Tween 80 enhanced significantly the synthesis and secretion of the enzyme. The lipase activity can even be enhanced by 20 times higher from 25 U/L to 474 U/L in the case of Yarrowia lipolytica 854/4 strain. In the case of intracellular, supplementation of Tween 80 generally reduces lipase activity except for the Y. lipolytica 1/4 strain, which was affected by two times the increase. The optimised concentration of olive oil and Tween 80 were determined for Y. divulgata Y.02062, Y. divulgata 5257, Y. lipolytica 1/4, and Yarrowia lipolytica 854/4 strains as 1.6% olive oil and 0.09% Tween 80, 1.6% olive oil and 0.06% Tween 80, 1.4% olive oil and 0.09% Tween 80 as well as 1.6% olive oil and 0.065% Tween 80, respectively. The optimum pH and temperature of crude lipases (intra and extracellular) synthetised by the tested Yarrowia lipolytica and Y. divulgata yeast strains were found to be pH 7.2 and 37 °C, respectively. Our results confirmed that the new isolate Y. divulgata is a very promising species for further development for industrial use as Y. lipolytica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin pumping and spin-orbit torques play important roles in advancing spintronic device technologies. Our curated special issue focuses on these phenomena in magnetic heterostructures, which are critical for various applications. The high-quality papers1,2,3,4,5,6,7 delve into spin pumping and spin-orbit torques in diverse heterostructures, addressing topics such as insulating/metallic interfaces tailoring spin-to-charge conversion, the influence of HfOx capping layers on perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, anisotropy-controlled spin current generation, sputter pressure-dependent spin Hall angle, the effect of oxygen ion irradiation on spin-orbit torques, and a review paper of emerging two-dimensional/ferromagnetic interfaces. This Editorial discusses the reported articles and the future perspective of these topics. With this special issue, we anticipate significant contributions to both academic research and industrial developments in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the establishment of Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIDZ) in North Macedonia. These zones are aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and represent an innovative strategy to promote business relations that were previously unavailable in North Macedonia. If their output is sold to international markets, companies operating within the TIDZ benefit from incentives and subsidies. In addition to the legally announced incentives available to investors within the TIDZ, the government offers extra incentives on a case-by-case basis, in agreements with significant overseas partners. Since the introduction of this approach, the government has made a public display of its benefits. The consequences of the implemented strategy for FDI attraction deserves an effort for its analysis by all available means. Using the available data and sources from relevant documents, the focus in the paper will be put on the impact of the creation of such zones on the FDI inflow. North Macedonia is an attractive investment destination for international investors because of the fiscal, economic, and financial benefits provided by the actual law, as well as the excellent business climate, as measured by the ‘Doing Business’ indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to major global urbanisation, a careful evaluation of plans (town planning and mobility) and projects (industrial and development) is required in order to measure their impact on health and environmental matrices. In Italy, Legislative Decree No 152/06 introduced two procedures: the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and SIA (Strategic Impact Assessment). Their focus, however, does not consider human health. Recently, the Integrated Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (IEHIA) was introduced; this defines the parameters necessary to provide an EIA that includes human health as a factor. This systematic review was conducted, including both the population impacted by new facilities and the method used to define their impact. Our database search produced 724 articles, of which 33 were eligible. Studies included landfill plans, manufacturing industries, mobility policies, energy production, and the environmental health of an area. All studies show how an approach encompassing multiple parameters can analyse the impact of a new facility in a comprehensive manner. This review shows that the use of health-related environmental impact parameters is essential for the integration of a project into a community, and can allow a wider understanding of the possible impacts on human health, both direct and indirect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterprise creation, destruction and evolution support the transition to modern economic growth, yet these processes are poorly understood in industrialising contexts. We investigate Imperial Russia's industrial development at the firm level by examining entry, exit and persistence of corporations. Relying on newly developed balance sheet panel data from every non-financial Russian corporation (more than 2,500 of them) between 1899 and 1914, we examine the characteristics of entering and exiting corporations, how new entrants evolved and the impact of founder identity on subsequent outcomes. Russian corporations evolved within a market environment, conditional on overcoming distortionary institutional barriers to entry that slowed the emergence of these leading firms in the Imperial economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A functional and efficient financial sector is essential for the industrial advancement of a nation. In the context of Ethiopia's rapidly growing economy, this study examines the limitations imposed by its underdeveloped financial sector on the country's economic advancement and explores viable policy interventions. Characterized by state-owned bank dominance, a scarcity of non-bank financial institutions, and deficient infrastructure, Ethiopia's financial system perpetuates widespread financial exclusion. This exclusion hinders industrial transformation, stifles local business growth, and narrows financing avenues for foreign entities. Insights from China's shift toward market-oriented financial reforms and Kenya's fintech innovations suggest a path for Ethiopia involving clear, gradual reforms. Strategic steps could include diversifying financial institutions, improving financial infrastructure, advancing mobile payment solutions, and adopting more versatile financing methods to address the financial challenges of industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization is a global phenomenon and is influenced by complex processes in the society. In Kazakhstan, the formation of towns was based on the implementation of a policy of the Russian Empire, which put in motion the processes of urbanization there. This policy was later continued in the Soviet times too. It began with the discovery of rich deposits of minerals on the sites of small Kazakh vernacular settlements, and their extraction. Gradually, these settlements turned into towns: infrastructure was built; population increased. Invariably, the living conditions of people engaged in industrial production also improved. However, at the end of the 20th century, these small towns are still experiencing a deep social and economic crisis. Although the modern independent Kazakhstan has begun to address them, this issue is still urgent. This paper examines the process of the formation of urban vernacular settlements in Kazakhstan with a case study of East Kazakhstan. The research employs archival documents containing objective information. It uses comparative historical analysis to identify the causes and reveal the processes of transformation of vernacular settlements into towns. It concludes that the emergence of some settlements in East Kazakhstan has been associated with the colonial policy of the Russian Empire. The towns are an important and inevitable part of urbanization. It is easier for the migrants and the villagers to adapt to the towns. This is because towns lack tensions and survival problems of the big cities, but retain all of their symbols and infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term Industry 4.0 has been coined in Germany in 2011 and since then, it has officially started the so-called fourth industrial revolution. In the herein presented review, the industrial digitalization process of Italy is explored and cross-compared to the German one, in order to unearth and analyze the intrinsic systemic key-elements, which are responsible for the differentiated digital industrial development among the examined countries. As evidenced by the analytical study, which also entails the results of a survey conducted over 238 companies in Italy, the main responsible factor for the industrial digital gap among the countries seems to be represented by a digital holistic-based approach across the entire value chain of the product. This finding, besides being reflected into the very different nature of the two Industry 4.0 policy frameworks, is also supported by survey data, since the majority of the investigated performed interventions can mainly be applied to the production process, rather than to other crucial steps of the value chain. In this regard, the survey analysis suggests also that a lack of perception of the beneficial potential effect of the change of "digital paradigm" from the production process to the product itself is yet lacking within the Italian industrial mindset. Finally, the survey results support the widely discussed synergistic beneficial effect among ecology and digitalization. Indeed, the majority of the interviewed companies have reported that many of the carried-out digitalization measures have positively affected the energetic and sustainability-related dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the advancing generation, commercialization and industrial development are on the incessant proliferation. Due to this unremitting need for development, the danger to the biological health of the environment is on the assurgent rise. Many "clean and green" industrial protocols have been generated and taken into purview but has been ineffective in keeping abreast with the ever‐growing pace of environmental threats. Technology in today's world has been the game changer in revolutionizing the way humans live their lives today but at the same time, has also become the greatest source of threat to the very sustainability of the planet. Thus, newer technological enhancements have been initiated to compensate for the harm to the environment. Of these, green and sustainable nanotechnological methodology and tools to be used as zero waste tools have been developed to efficiently beat the crisis of the hour. For example, the development of various nano‐based zero‐waste tools to the introduction of nanotechnology in various industries like automobiles, water, agriculture, and so on, has changed the way sustainable development has been adopted. This article aims to enhance the success of nanotechnology in the various sustainable developments done in industrial fields to cope up with the need of a "clean and green" environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals on clean and responsible energy consumption, climate change mitigation, and sustainable economic growth (UN-SDGs-7, 11–13), this study examines institutional quality (IQ)–carbon emissions nexus in the framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Six dimensions of IQ from the World Governance Indicators (WGIs) were used while focusing on Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries between 1996 and 2019. After controlling for growth, energy use, and industrialization levels, the empirical results validated the EKC hypothesis for the SSA as a unit increase in economic growth initially worsens the environment while further economic expansion eventually improves the environment. However, mixed results were obtained on the effects of IQ indicators. CO2 emissions are only substantially reduced by corruption control, regulatory quality, and the rule of law among other IQ measures. Furthermore, the causality analysis showed a unidirectional causality between growth and environmentally detrimental energy consumption levels coupled with a two-way emission-population growth causality flow as well as a two-way emissions—IQ causality channel. While economic growth, energy use, and industrialization levels undermine environmental sustainability in the SSA region via increased carbon emissions, the overall findings signal the moderating roles of IQ. Hence, the strengthening of institutions is recommended for environmental sustainability enhancement in the SSA region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last twenty years, there has been swift growth in industrialization and technological advancements, driving economic progress. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that these sectors will bring about environmental shifts. Thus far, endeavors have been undertaken to assess the influence of industrialization and technological advancements on environmental deterioration. Additionally, the extensive discussion surrounding the impact of financial development, trade openness, and technological innovation on the environment has not yielded conclusive empirical findings. Studies often operate under the assumption of symmetric relationships, potentially leading to biased results. Adding to the discussion on the drivers of carbon neutrality, the time-dependent effects of critical aspects such as financial development and technological innovation should inform meaningful policies for environmental management. This article explores the time-varying causal association between trade openness, industrialization, financial development, technological innovation, and CO2 emissions in Thailand using novel time-varying Granger causality tests. The time-varying causality outcomes demonstrate that the associations change significantly over time, in contrast to the results of Toda-Yamamoto causality. Overall, there exists a bidirectional relationship between industrialization, financial development, trade openness, technological innovation, and CO2 emissions over different time sequences. These outcomes have implications for both policy and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy storage and vehicle industries are heavily investing in advancing all-solid-state batteries to overcome critical limitations in existing liquid electrolyte-based lithium-ion batteries, specifically focusing on mitigating fire hazards and improving energy density. All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs), featuring earth-abundant sulfur cathodes, high-capacity metallic lithium anodes, and non-flammable solid electrolytes, hold significant promise. Despite these appealing advantages, persistent challenges like sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, lithium metal failure, solid electrolyte degradation, and manufacturing complexities hinder their practical use. To facilitate the transition of these technologies to an industrial scale, bridging the gap between fundamental scientific research and applied R&D activities is crucial. Our review will address the inherent challenges in cell chemistries within ASSLSBs, explore advanced characterization techniques, and delve into innovative cell structure designs. Furthermore, we will provide an overview of the recent trends in R&D and investment activities from both academia and industry. Building on the fundamental understandings and significant progress that has been made thus far, our objective is to motivate the battery community to advance ASSLSBs in a practical direction and propel the industrialized process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of digital industrialization on regional pollution control and carbon reduction in China is an area that remains largely unexplored despite being a new driving force in promoting high-quality economic development. This study constructs a combined system synergy model to measure the synergistic governance effect of regional pollution and carbon reduction in China from 2011 to 2020 and then estimates the direct impact and spatial spillover effect using a spatial dual-weight model. Our findings indicate that digital industrialization has a greater impact on regional pollution reduction and carbon reduction as geographical distance decreases, with the spillover effect with close geographical relationships being higher than that of adjacent. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that the added value of digital technology and services has a significantly positive effect, while the spatial spillover effect of the added value of digital infrastructure is significantly negative. Finally, our mechanism judgements prove digital industrialization can impact the level of regional co-governance of pollution and carbon reduction through source prevention, process control, and end-treatment. Our study provides a factual basis for further promoting China's environmental pollution control and carbon reduction behavior and offers a method to use different spatial weights in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) serve as effective tools for understanding cellular phenotypes and predicting engineering targets in the development of industrial strain. Enzyme-constrained genome-scale metabolic models (ecGEMs) have emerged as a valuable advancement, providing more accurate predictions and unveiling new engineering targets compared to models lacking enzyme constraints. In 2022, a stoichiometric GEM, iDL1450, was reconstructed for the industrially significant fungus Myceliophthora thermophila. To enhance the GEM's performance, an ecGEM was developed for M. thermophila in this study. Results: Initially, the model iDL1450 underwent refinement and updates, resulting in a new version named iYW1475. These updates included adjustments to biomass components, correction of gene-protein-reaction (GPR) rules, and a consensus on metabolites. Subsequently, the first ecGEM for M. thermophila was constructed using machine learning-based kcat data predicted by TurNuP within the ECMpy framework. During the construction, three versions of ecGEMs were developed based on three distinct kcat collection methods, namely AutoPACMEN, DLKcat and TurNuP. After comparison, the ecGEM constructed using TurNuP-predicted kcat values performed better in several aspects and was selected as the definitive version of ecGEM for M. thermophila (ecMTM). Comparing ecMTM to iYW1475, the solution space was reduced and the growth simulation results more closely resembled realistic cellular phenotypes. Metabolic adjustment simulated by ecMTM revealed a trade-off between biomass yield and enzyme usage efficiency at varying glucose uptake rates. Notably, hierarchical utilization of five carbon sources derived from plant biomass hydrolysis was accurately captured and explained by ecMTM. Furthermore, based on enzyme cost considerations, ecMTM successfully predicted reported targets for metabolic engineering modification and introduced some new potential targets for chemicals produced in M. thermophila. Conclusions: In this study, the incorporation of enzyme constraint to iYW1475 not only improved prediction accuracy but also broadened the model's applicability. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating of machine learning-based kcat data in the construction of ecGEMs especially in situations where there is limited measured enzyme kinetic parameters for a specific organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge and innovations have the greatest importance in the development of society, since the very beginnings of human civilization. With globalization and the technological revolution during the last few decades, knowledge has become a key resource for the economic growth and development of both nations and individual economic entities. Both developed and developing countries strive to raise the level of their own readiness for the development of the knowledge economy as much as possible. By promoting knowledge as the most important production resource, the world economy is rapidly transforming into an economy of knowledge and innovation. Accordingly, innovation has become a key condition for both global and local competitiveness of the organization. Innovations represent the commercialization of knowledge, turning ideas and research into added value of products, processes or services. Innovation occurs in order to create better performance, but the process is not exclusively automatic and always positive in nature. The innovation process should be carefully planned and clearly directed towards obtaining a positive final result. Large investments in research and development activities and other elements of the innovation process do not necessarily result in successful innovations. Innovation efforts and activities can be misdirected, and there is a possibility that good ideas will not be realized due to the creation of a bottleneck in some part of the innovation process. The innovation process is composed of different activities that interact with each other according to a clear order of execution: gathering information about the problem, research (general or applied), ideas and development, finding solutions. The basic stages of the innovation process are identifying an idea or problem (focusing), modeling innovation (invention), evaluating alternatives, making decisions and implementing the innovation. In the changed conditions of the economy, finding effective models of knowledge production and its commercial valorization into innovations gains importance. In this connection, the paper places special emphasis on the apostrophizing of the logic of spiral models in the creation and commercial valorization of knowledge. The conclusion was reached that these models have undoubtedly contributed to world economic development, but that with the emergence of the economic crisis caused by the Covid19 virus and, somewhat later, war events on Ukrainian soil, innovation in the service sector is growing compared to the improvement of innovation in the real sector. Many aspects of the valorization of knowledge into innovations dominantly in the service sector, characteristic of the period of globalization, with the change of geopolitical conditions in the world, starting with the emergence of the global crisis caused by the Covid19 virus, and especially with the outbreak of the war conflict in Ukraine, have been called into question until today. As a result, the economic theories that support it have largely lost their relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—are committed to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, which focuses on mitigating climate change. To attain this goal, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of ICT, renewable energy sources, industrialization, and institutional quality. This study contributes to the literature by examining the potential role of these factors in environmental sustainability in the BRICS economies from 2000 to 2021, utilizing cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) estimation and other novel econometric techniques. Accordingly, the study suggests that BRICS governments and policymakers prioritize the use of ICT in the industrial and institutional sectors to achieve faster environmental sustainability in the short-run, as per the CS-ARDL results. However, the study advises caution in the long-term as the interaction between ICT and renewable energy sources, industrialization, and institutional quality may not favour environmental quality. Although the renewable energy sources interaction with ICT may not yield immediate progress, strong measures need to be taken to ensure that short-term gains are not nullified. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of ICT, renewable energy sources, industrialization, and institutional quality in achieving environmental sustainability in the BRICS countries, while recommending cautious measures in the long run to safeguard the progress made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large and premature organ abscission may limit the industrial development of fruit crops by causing serious economic losses. It is well accepted that ethylene (ET) is a strong inducer of organ abscission in plants. However, the mechanisms underlying the control of organ abscission by ET are largely unknown. We previously revealed that LcKNAT1, a KNOTTED-LIKE FROM ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA1 (KNAT1)-like protein, acted as a negative regulator in control of fruitlet abscission through suppressing the expression of ET biosynthetic genes in litchi. In this study, we further reported that LcKNAT1 could also directly repress the transcription of LcEIL2 and LcEIL3, two ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3-like (EIL) homologs in litchi, which functioned as positive regulators in ET-activated fruitlet abscission by directly promoting the expression of genes responsible for ET biosynthesis and cell wall degradation. The expression level of LcKNAT1 was downregulated, while LcEIL2/3 was upregulated at the abscission zone (AZ) accompanying the fruitlet abscission in litchi. The results of electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and transient expression showed that LcKNAT1 could directly bind to the promoters of LcEIL2 and LcEIL3 and repress their expression. Furthermore, the genetic cross demonstrated that the β-glucuronidase (GUS) expression driven by the promoters of LcEIL2 or LcEIL3 at the floral AZ was obviously suppressed by LcKNAT1 under stable transformation in Arabidopsis. Taken together, our findings suggest that the LcKNAT1-LcEIL2/3 regulatory module is likely involved in the fruitlet abscission in litchi, and we propose that LcKNAT1 could suppress both ET biosynthesis and signaling to regulate litchi fruit abscission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial policy can play a role in India's elusive quest for jobs, particularly "good jobs," and technology upgrading as it seeks to traverse the first stage of industrialization driven by abundant cheap labor and high investment rates, to reach the second stage which requires higher productivity levels and a capacity to innovate. There are lessons to be learned from the past in the success stories of Asian industrialization—including some from India itself. Yet, the past may not be the perfect recipe for the future given a changing global landscape characterized by increasing industrial automation, rising concerns about market access, and the increasing interdependence between the manufacturing and services sectors. Going forward, the role of policy coordination in improving the effectiveness of industrial policy to spur India's industrialization will take center-stage. New policy directions that leverage possibilities of technological leapfrogging—including through the services sector—as well as the synergies between manufacturing and services will be equally important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2001, our curiosity to understand the stereochemistry of C−H metalation with Pd prompted our first studies in Pd(II)‐catalyzed asymmetric C−H activation (RSC Research appointment: 020 7451 2545, Grant: RG 36873, Dec. 2002). We identified four central challenges: 1. poor reactivity of simple Pd salts with native substrates; 2. few strategies to control site selectivity for remote C−H bonds; 3. the lack of chiral catalysts to achieve enantioselectivity via asymmetric C−H metalation, and 4. low practicality due to limited coupling partner scope and the use of specialized oxidants. These challenges necessitated new strategies in catalyst and reaction development. For reactivity, we developed approaches to enhance substrate–catalyst affinity together with novel bifunctional ligands which participate in and accelerate the C−H cleavage step. For site‐selectivity, we introduced the concept of systematically modulating the distance and geometry between a directing template, catalyst, and substrate to selectively access remote C−H bonds. For enantioselectivity, we devised predictable stereomodels for catalyst‐controlled enantioselective C−H activation based on the participation of bifunctional ligands. Finally, for practicality, we have developed varied catalytic manifolds for Pd(II) to accommodate diverse coupling partners while employing practical oxidants such as simple peroxides. These advances have culminated in numerous C−H activation reactions, setting the stage for broad industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores media depictions of industrial labour in Italy, with a special focus on visual, film and television portrayals, spanning from the 1960s to the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Rather than delving into an analysis of labour processes, the primary objective of the article is to scrutinise the gendered representations of work and whether and how the representation of work, including all professions, has played a pivotal role in shaping narratives about Italian society and its inherent contradictions. In this context, the article also emphasises the significance of what remains unrepresented, highlighting the absence of work as equally consequential as its presence. Of particular importance within this exploration is the examination of women's work, a realm less frequently depicted than that of men. The article dedicates specific attention to unravelling the nuances of women's role in the workforce, recognising their portrayal as a key element in understanding broader narratives about Italian society and its complexities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of industry, urban areas, and populations has substantially increased waste production worldwide. The inadequacy of robust waste management systems and limited resources poses significant challenges for many emerging economies, including Bangladesh, resulting in environmental contamination. Despite numerous academic studies on sustainable waste management, there is a noticeable gap in the literature concerning identifying, evaluating, and modeling critical risks associated with adopting sustainable municipal waste management systems, particularly in emerging economies like Bangladesh. This study, therefore, aims to fill this gap by identifying, categorizing, and assessing the crucial risks in implementing sustainable municipal waste management systems. Through an extensive review of existing literature and validation with expert feedback, this study employs a fuzzy synthetic evaluation method-based framework to prioritize the identified risks. The study calculates the probability of occurrence and degree of impact values to provide decision-makers with insights into the severity of different risk categories, aiding in case-by-case attention. Scores assigned on a 1 to 5 scale range from 2.59 to 4.14 for the various risk categories. Notably, "Industrial challenges related'' and "Community and infrastructure requirements related'' emerge as the most significant risk categories among those analyzed. This study contributes to the existing literature by employing fuzzy synthetic evaluation, a methodology rarely used to determine critical risks in municipal waste management. Furthermore, it is poised to offer valuable insights to industrialists and waste management authorities, empowering them to develop responsive strategies and contribute to the sustainable development of cities and urban communities. H) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern China, industrialization has formed a critical foundation for the transition to modernization. However, the spatiotemporal evolution patterns and driving mechanisms of urban industrial development in Nanjing from 1840 to 1949 remain unclear. Based on textual historical sources, this study examined the spatiotemporal patterns of urban industrial development in Nanjing from 1840 to 1949 by using spatial analysis methods, GeoDetector, regression models and industrial structure indices. The results reveal the following: (1) The overall spatial distribution pattern of the industry in modern Nanjing exhibited a "one main, one secondary" dual-center "ladle-shaped" arrangement. Over time, industry has expanded from the urban center toward the east and north. (2) The modernization level of different industries was uneven, exhibiting a "center-periphery" spatial pattern. (3) At the micro level, transportation and population density were the primary influencing factors for industrial location, whereas at the macro level, government intervention mainly affected the industrialization pattern. (4) The industrial development pattern in modern Nanjing, in alignment with the "pole-axis" spatial system, serves as a microcosm of China's urban modernization transition. This study represents the application of GIS methods in the humanities and provides valuable insights for urban planning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the history of the Soviet human acclimatization project in the North and Siberia, which spanned from medical experiments in Stalin's forced labor camps to the subsequent wave of industrialization in the region. The author argues that human acclimatization in the North was a settler colonial science project aimed at facilitating Russian administrators and engineers in asserting control over the territory and its resources, while creating a new homogeneous 'indigenous population' in Siberia and the North. This envisioned population, referred to as Homo Polaris by the author, was intended to emerge through a two-way transformation: the adaptation of Indigenous peoples into Soviet ideologies and practices, and the acclimatization of settlers coming from the European part of the country to the Arctic environment. Although the administrators and medical doctors were unable to achieve this biopolitical objective, the complexities and dialogues surrounding these transformations shed light on the late Soviet settler-colonial ideologies and their impact on social life in Siberia from the 1950s to the 1980s. The research is based on a comprehensive analysis of both published and archival works by scholars involved in the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study, a conceptual paper, aims an answer the question, how significant cluster ambidexterity is for the resilience of individual clusters. Design/methodology/approach: The authors draw up an abductive synopsis of empirical information and relevant theoretical sources. A case study is used to illustrate some of the findings. Findings: The results of the analysis show that the ambidexterity of a cluster can contribute to its resilience when adverse external developments arise. Ambidexterity proves to be simultaneously a common strategy of key cluster actors and a mechanism for coping with critical situations and developments that can be activated by the cluster actors and may – eventually – lead to cluster resilience. While ambidexterity does not guarantee cluster survival, it can contribute significantly to their economic resilience under adverse conditions. Research limitations/implications: The concept is developed on a limited empirical basis and would need to be tested and deepened by comparing a wide range of case studies from different clusters. Practical implications: A better understanding of the importance of ambidexterity for the development of industrial clusters contributes to a better fine-tuning of cluster support policies. Originality/value: Ambidexterity as a concept originating from business administration has so far only been rudimentarily tapped for empirical and theoretical cluster research. The paper identifies and develops a path how this could be accomplished to a greater extent in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This study aims to analyse economy-wide implications of electricity production from wind and solar sources. • Analyse the mitigation strategies, such as carbon taxes and carbon finance. • Examine the environmental performance of China. • Using GHG emissions as a measure of environmental performance carbon finance. There has been an acceleration in global warming and other environmental issues due to industrialization, high population growth and other socio-economic factors in China. Besides, electricity volume generated through non-renewable resources directly contribute majorly in environmental pollution. The present study, therefore, aims to analyse economy-wide implications of factors such as electricity production from wind and solar sources, and mitigation strategies, such as carbon taxes and carbon finance, on environmental performance in China. The article uses population growth and industrialization as control variables to predict environmental performance. The study employs the dynamic auto-regressive distributed lag (DARDL) and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) models to determine the nexus among the variables. The outcomes indicate that electricity production from wind and solar sources, carbon taxes, carbon finance, population growth, and industrialization have positive links to environmental performance and negative links to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in China. This implies that as an emerging renewable pioneer, China is advised to have less reliance on coal-based resources in electricity grid and expand its interest in renewable resource through the help of environmental technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Central Asian Economic Review is the property of Narxoz University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The forest-based wellness industry, as a rapidly growing sector that integrates various business forms with extensive coverage and an extended industrial chain, is undergoing rapid development due to the increasing aging population and people’s suboptimal health conditions. As a forerunner in developing the forest-based wellness industry, Sichuan province is known for its early development, proactive efforts, diverse models, and significant impact in this industry. It has achieved certain milestones in terms of top-level design, pilot demonstration, standardized guidance, and public awareness campaigns to promote the development of this industry. Therefore, this paper utilizes Sichuan as a case study to systematically summarize and analyze the key practices made by the province in promoting the rapid development of the industry by investigating the development trajectory of the forest-based wellness industry. Additionally, it examines the development trends of this industry from the perspectives of supply, demand, and consumption. Finally, this paper proposes several measures to facilitate the high-quality development of the forest-based wellness industry. These measures encompass nurturing specialized talent in forest-based wellness, enhancing market players’ capabilities in this domain, conducting extensive research on technologies that promote this industry, actively seeking support from relevant policies, and promoting integrated development across diverse sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the impact of economic modernization on carbon balance is an essential endeavor to achieve carbon neutrality and combat climate change. However, the spatial impact of economic modernization on carbon balance remains ambiguous. Therefore, this study aims to explore the spatial spillover effects of agricultural modernization, industrialization, and urbanization on carbon balance during the economic modernization process in China, taking 30 provinces and cities in China as examples from 2010 to 2021. This study utilizes the spatial Durbin model to derive the following results: In the past decade, the carbon balance ratio has shown a fluctuating and decreasing dynamic evolution trend. There is an increase in regions with serious carbon deficits. Further investigation into the spatial spillover effect of carbon balance unveils that for every 1% increase in the carbon balance ratio of a province, neighboring provinces experience a decrease of 0.833%. Additionally, the spatial spillover effects of the three modernizations in China on the carbon balance ratio behave differently. Agricultural modernization and urbanization demonstrate negative spatial spillover effects on the carbon balance in neighboring regions, while industrialization exerts a significant positive spatial spillover effect on the carbon balance of neighboring regions. Regarding control variables, the level of innovation solely contributes to local carbon balance realization without generating a trickle-down effect, whereas infrastructure development operates inversely. At the same time, there are differences in the spatial effects of agricultural modernization and industrialization on the carbon balance between the eastern region and the central and western regions. The study underscores the importance of economic modernization and development processes focusing on fostering synergistic growth between economic and environmental benefits within both local and neighboring areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the significant contribution of the ship recycling sector to the global economy and industrial development (e.g., Bangladesh's USD 800 x 106 turnover), concerns about safety and environmental impact necessitate a critical evaluation of current practices. While the Hong Kong Convention (2009) established a framework for safe and environmentally sound recycling, Bangladesh, a leader in this sector, faces challenges in aligning existing yards with these standards. This study aims to identify and address the challenges hindering Bangladeshi ship recycling yards from achieving compliance with the convention. Employing a comprehensive literature review technique, meticulously analysing relevant academic journals, industry reports and governmental regulations to identify existing knowledge gaps and best practices in achieving compliance with the Hong Kong Convention. The findings of the study encompass tailored recommendations, including the implementation of continuous monitoring for effective job scope management and transparent financial backing for yard enhancements. These insights can be served as a roadmap for advancing Bangladesh's ship recycling industry, fostering environmentally sustainable practices, ensuring worker safety and fostering sustained economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial workers in Saudi Arabia constitute about one million workers, which is about 5% of the workforce in general in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study dealt with the spatial analysis of industrial workers and its distribution in administrative regions and in various industrial sectors and aimed to analyze the factors affecting its distribution. spatial, and its developmental role in industry, and in the gross domestic product in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results showed the concentration of industrial workers in the regions: Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Mecca, and emphasized the role of population, housing, industrial facilities, capital, and the rate of urbanization. And the average income in the distribution of industrial workers. It also showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the role of industrial workers in industrial development and their contribution to the gross domestic product. The study recommended more attention to study variables such as road lengths and capital. In order to develop industrial workers, as well as direct industrial workers to engage in specific industrial activities, or specific areas; With the aim of achieving comprehensive development and self-sufficiency in industrial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ictimaiyat is the property of Ictimaiyat and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Global climate change (GCC) is defined as a process that is considered the most crucial problem of the current century and will affect all living things and ecosystems in the world. In order to specify the potential impacts of this phenomenon, which does not seem possible to stop, it is necessary first to predict the change in climate types. Therefore, the current study aimed to define the shift of climate classifications (according to De Martonne, Erinç, and Emberger climate category) in 2040, 2060, 2080, and 2100 for Bursa, one of the largest cities in Türkiye, according to the SSPs 245 and SSPs585 scenarios, and compare it with its current situation. As a result, it was determined that the climate types in Bursa province would change significantly and primarily manifest as a shift into arid climate types. It is recommended to take precautions on a sectoral basis to avoid the devastating effects of GCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan is an island where the city and nature combine to become the most beautiful open-air museum in the world, known as Formosa. With climate change and industrial development as the main changes in consumption behavior, the integration of ecology, the environment, and agriculture into food culture is gradually becoming valued in Taiwan. This study explores the quality of the rural outdoor dining experience in Taiwan; therefore, questionnaires were distributed to outdoor dining attendees from the north, central, south, and east, and we obtained 396 valid questionnaires. The rural outdoor dining satisfaction experience can be improved using the innovative New Importance–Performance Analysis (NIPA) model, which is based on the original IPA methodology but modified by the performance of the risk management judge. Additionally, we applied the zone of tolerance (ZOT) to evaluate the quality of priority and the importance–performance analysis (IPA) to make innovation decisions. The model also encourages decision-makers to consider environmental factors and customer feedback. It has not only been used to measure customer satisfaction, assess customer behavior, identify customer needs, and determine areas where quality needs to be improved, but it can also be used to measure the success of business decisions and identify potential areas for improvement. The results show that rural outdoor dining experiences in Taiwan have led to the development of a low carbon economy and a new business model for operators in order to follow the result of NIPA and develop service marketing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource misallocation has the potential to reduce aggregate total factor productivity and undermine industrial development. Aggregate productivity losses are found to be particularly pronounced in emerging economies where large market frictions impede efficient resource allocation. Available estimates, however, almost entirely exclude firms in the informal sector that in some countries, such as Zimbabwe, make up a high share of overall production and employment. The exclusion of informal firms can result in either an over- or under-estimate of the aggregate productivity losses from misallocation. This paper, therefore, uses firm-level survey data to analyze how market distortions contribute to the misallocation of resources within and between the formal and informal manufacturing sectors in Zimbabwe. Applying the approach developed by Hsieh and Klenow (2009) to firm-level microdata, the results reveal extensive resource misallocation in both the formal and informal manufacturing sector. Market shares of informal firms are found to be low relative to their productivity—an outcome associated with relatively large capital market distortions. Misallocation is also more pronounced among relatively productive firms, thus exacerbating aggregate losses in total factor productivity (TFP). Estimates indicate that aggregated gains in TFP of 151.4 percent can be realized through efficient resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, the concentration of cadmium in soil has increased due to industrialization. Cadmium in the soil enters the human body through plant accumulation, seriously endangering human health. In the current study, two types of hydrogels were successfully synthesized using a free radical polymerization method: an ion-type hydrogel referred to as DMAPAA (N-(3-(Dimethyl amino) propyl) acrylamide)/DMAPAAQ (N,N-Dimethyl amino propyl acrylamide, methyl chloride quaternary) and a non-ion-type hydrogel known as DMAA (N,N-Dimethylacrylamide). In the experiment carried out in this study, the ion-type hydrogel DMAPAA/DMAPAAQ was introduced to cadmium-contaminated soil for vegetable cultivation. The study found that at cadmium levels of 0 and 2 mg/kg in soil, when exposed to a pH 2 solution, cadmium wasn't detected in the filtrate using ICP. As the amount of cadmium increased to 500 mg/kg, hydrogel addition gradually reduced the filtrate cadmium concentration. Notably, the use of the 4% hydrogel resulted in 0 mg/L of cadmium. For the 0% hydrogel, vegetable cadmium absorption was determined to be 0.07 mg/g, contrasting with 0.03 mg/g for the 4% hydrogel. The DMAPAA/DMAPAAQ hydrogel significantly boosts vegetable growth by efficiently absorbing nitrate ions through ion exchange, releasing them for plant uptake. In contrast, the DMAA hydrogel, used as a control, does not enhance plant growth despite its water absorption properties. In summary, the composite hydrogel shows great potential for enhancing vegetable yield and immobilizing heavy metals in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]