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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 March 2024

Feng Chen, Zhongjin Wang, Dong Zhang and Shuai Zeng

Explore the development trend of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering.

Abstract

Purpose

Explore the development trend of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the technical standards home and abroad were analyzed. Laboratory test, field test and monitoring were carried out.

Findings

The performance design system of the chemically-improved soil should be established.

Originality/value

On the basis of the performance design, the test methods and standards for various properties of chemically-improved soil should be established to evaluate the improvement effect and control the engineering quality.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Yumei Zhang, Ming Lei, Xiangmin Lan, Xiangyang Zhang, Shenggen Fan and Ji Gao

As one of its major strategies, China has made a new plan to further expand High Standard Farmland (HSF) to all permanent basic farmland (80% of total farmland) for grain security…

Abstract

Purpose

As one of its major strategies, China has made a new plan to further expand High Standard Farmland (HSF) to all permanent basic farmland (80% of total farmland) for grain security over the next decade. Yet, what will be the impact of farmland infrastructure investment on agrifood systems? The paper aims to systematically evaluate the multiple effects (food security, economy, nutrition and environment) of expanding HSF construction under the context of the “Big Food vision” using an interdisciplinary model.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary model – AgriFood Systems Model, which links the China CGE model to diet and carbon emission modules, is applied to assess the multiple effects of HSF construction on agrifood systems, such as food security and economic development, residents’ diet quality and carbon emissions. Several policy scenarios are designed to capture these effects of the past HSF investment based on counterfactual analysis and compare the effects of HSF future investment at the national level under the conditions of different land use policies – restricting to grain crops or allowing diversification (like vegetables, and fruit).

Findings

The investments in HSF offer a promising solution for addressing the challenges of food and nutrition security, economic development and environmental sustainability. Without HSF construction, grain production and self-sufficiency would decline significantly, while the agricultural and agrifood systems’ GDP would decrease. The future investment in the HSF construction will further increase both grain production and GDP, improve dietary quality and reduce carbon emissions. Compared with the policy of limiting HSF to planting grains, diversified planting can provide a more profitable economic return, improve dietary quality and reduce carbon emissions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to better informing the impact of land infrastructure expanding investment on the agrifood systems from multiple dimensions based on an interdisciplinary model. We suggest that the government consider applying diversified planting in the future HSF investment to meet nutritional and health demands, increase household income and reduce carbon emissions.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Mostafa Abdel-Hamied, Ahmed A.M. Abdelhafez and Gomaa Abdel-Maksoud

This study aims to focus on the main materials used in consolidation processes of illuminated paper manuscripts and leather binding.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the main materials used in consolidation processes of illuminated paper manuscripts and leather binding.

Design/methodology/approach

For each material, chemical structure, chemical composition, molecular formula, solubility, advantages, disadvantages and its role in treatment process are presented.

Findings

This study concluded that carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, nanocrystalline cellulose, funori, sturgeon glue, poly vinyl alcohol, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), gelatin, aquazol, paraloid B72 and hydroxyapatite NPs were the most common and important materials used for the consolidation of illuminated paper manuscripts. For the leather bindings, hydroxy propyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, oligomeric melamine-formaldehyde resin, acrylic wax SC6000, pliantex, paraloid B67 and B72, silicone oil and collagen NPs are the most consolidants used.

Originality/value

Illuminated paper manuscripts with leather binding are considered one of the most important objects in libraries, museums and storehouses. The uncontrolled conditions and other deterioration factors inside the libraries and storehouses lead to degradation of these artifacts. The brittleness, fragility and weakness are considered the most common deterioration aspects of illuminated paper manuscripts and leather binding. Therefore, the consolidation process became vital and important to solve this problem. This study presents the main materials used for consolidation process of illuminated paper manuscripts and leather bindings.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Children and the Climate Migration Crisis: A Casebook for Global Climate Action in Practice and Policy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-910-9

Article
Publication date: 25 August 2022

Eman Salim and Rushdya Rabee Ali Hassan

The main aim of this study is to study the effect of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride on removing stains, yellowness and harmful metal ions on historical printed paper, as…

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of this study is to study the effect of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride on removing stains, yellowness and harmful metal ions on historical printed paper, as well as the effect of this cleaner on optical and chemical properties of treated paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessments after and before treatment were carried out using digital microscopy, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), pH measurement, color change and finally scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The results showed that the concentrations used under study (1% and 3%) cleaned the paper efficiently without any observed effect on the chemical composition of cellulose, which was confirmed by IR spectra. The most stains that completely disappeared were the soil spots, also the pH values had improved significantly after treatment, which confirms that the detergent is effective in neutralizing the acidity of cellulose. Moreover, the color change revealed an increase in the chromatic lightness of the paper after treatment, which agreed with the results of the scanning electron microscopy examination, as the paper appeared free of dirt, and the fibers and bundles became more cohesive.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a unique study, as there is no previous literature that has indicated the use of the effect of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride washing treatments for printed historical paper, as it was limited only to making disinfection materials and water purification products.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2024

Fei Xu, Zheng Wang, Wei Hu, Caihao Yang, Xiaolong Li, Yaning Zhang, Bingxi Li and Gongnan Xie

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coupled lattice Boltzmann model for the simulation of the freezing process in unsaturated porous media.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a coupled lattice Boltzmann model for the simulation of the freezing process in unsaturated porous media.

Design/methodology/approach

In the developed model, the porous structure with complexity and disorder was generated by using a stochastic growth method, and then the Shan-Chen multiphase model and enthalpy-based phase change model were coupled by introducing a freezing interface force to describe the variation of phase interface. The pore size of porous media in freezing process was considered as an influential factor to phase transition temperature, and the variation of the interfacial force formed with phase change on the interface was described.

Findings

The larger porosity (0.2 and 0.8) will enlarge the unfrozen area from 42 mm to 70 mm, and the rest space of porous medium was occupied by the solid particles. The larger specific surface area (0.168 and 0.315) has a more fluctuated volume fraction distribution.

Originality/value

The concept of interfacial force was first introduced in the solid–liquid phase transition to describe the freezing process of frozen soil, enabling the formulation of a distribution equation based on enthalpy to depict the changes in the water film. The increased interfacial force serves to diminish ice formation and effectively absorb air during the freezing process. A greater surface area enhances the ability to counteract liquid migration.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2024

Abhishek Saxena and Shambu C. Prasad

Food systems research is typically focused on productivity and efficiency. But in the face of impending challenges of climate, investment, markets, and incomes small holders may…

Abstract

Purpose

Food systems research is typically focused on productivity and efficiency. But in the face of impending challenges of climate, investment, markets, and incomes small holders may do well to shift to diversity and sufficiency. The transition requires institutions such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to play the role of intermediaries. This paper aims to understand this challenging phenomenon using a case from India.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, drawing from the emerging literature of PO as a sustainability transition intermediary, this paper uses the case study of a women-owned FPO and explores its role in contributing to sustainable food systems through practices of non-pesticide management of agriculture. This paper explores, through non-participant observer methods, focus group discussions and interviews with multiple stakeholders how an FPO embeds sustainability in its purpose and the challenges faced in transforming producer and consumers towards sustainable food systems.

Findings

The study argues for early articulation of the “sustainability transition intermediary” role in the FPO’s vision and mission. Second, FPOs’ role of being a transition intermediary is impacted by the key stakeholders and the durability of relationship with them.

Originality/value

By studying FPOs in India, from the framework of sustainability transitions, this article adds to the limited literature that looks as POs as sustainability transition intermediaries.

Details

Journal of Indian Business Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4195

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Neeru Bhooshan, Amarjeet Singh, Akriti Sharma and K.V. Prabhu

The role of Technology Transfer Units, examined in this study, was found to be vital to expedite the process of disseminating new varieties and their production technology.

Abstract

Purpose

The role of Technology Transfer Units, examined in this study, was found to be vital to expedite the process of disseminating new varieties and their production technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,000 households were surveyed in the sampled states. A probit model was used to analyse.

Findings

Age, education, land holding, tractor use and number of working family members in agriculture were found to significantly affecting adoption of the new seed varieties. Technology transfer through licensing has impacted the adoption of new seed varieties positively by highlighting Punjab possessing the highest adoption and western Uttar Pradesh was majorly adopting the old variety.

Research limitations/implications

The authors believed in farmers’ memory to recall the varietal information of wheat.

Practical implications

The study recommended various incentives to attract the seed industry in UP to minimize the economic loss potentially suffered by them.

Social implications

Quality seeds are germane to increase the productivity of crops, and it is paramount to disburse the seed varieties to the end users in an efficient way to achieve the overall objective of productivity enhancement.

Originality/value

In this context, a study was conducted in three states of India, namely, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (UP) to find out the adoption rate of newly developed varieties of wheat, HD 3086 after three years (2014–2015) of its commercialization by IARI as well as HD 2967, which was released in 2011.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2024

Cristian Pinto-Gutiérrez

This study aims to investigate the relationship between business group affiliation and CO2 emissions in Chile, providing insights into the pollution externalities associated with…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between business group affiliation and CO2 emissions in Chile, providing insights into the pollution externalities associated with business group structures and their implications for environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A hand-matched sample of industrial facilities and subsidiaries of listed firms in Chile was utilized to analyze the CO2 emissions of business group-affiliated firms compared to stand-alone firms. Fixed-effect regression analysis and propensity score matching were employed to examine the differences in emissions levels.

Findings

The results suggest that firms affiliated with business groups have higher CO2 emissions in comparison to similar stand-alone firms. This suggests that business group structures may weaken the pressures for emission reduction and maintenance of public legitimacy among affiliated firms.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are subject to certain limitations, such as the use of a specific dataset from Chile and the inability to explore certain factors due to data constraints. For instance, we were unable to examine the separation between control and cash-flow rights as well as the influence of manager characteristics on pollution levels. Future research should address these limitations and expand the analysis to other emerging market countries to further investigate the impact of lax or ineffective environmental regulations on pollution outcomes.

Practical implications

The research findings have practical implications for investors and policymakers. Investors interested in environmentally sustainable investments should consider the higher pollution levels associated with business group-affiliated firms. Policymakers can use these findings to design more effective regulations and incentives to encourage emission reduction efforts within business group structures.

Social implications

The study’s results emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the environmental implications of business group affiliation. By recognizing the potential for higher emissions in business group structures, stakeholders can advocate for sustainable practices, encourage transparency and promote responsible environmental management within corporate entities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on corporate governance, climate risks and pollution externalities by providing an empirical evidence on the relationship between business group affiliation and CO2 emissions. It highlights the importance of considering the influence of corporate structures on environmental performance, particularly in the context of emerging market economies.

Objetivo

Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la relación entre la afiliación a grupos empresariales y las emisiones de CO2 en Chile, proporcionando información sobre las externalidades de contaminación asociadas con las estructuras de grupos empresariales y sus implicaciones para el desempeño ambiental de las empresas.

Diseño/Metodología/Aproximación

Se utilizó una muestra recolectada de manera manual de instalaciones industriales y subsidiarias de empresas listadas en Chile para analizar las emisiones de CO2 de empresas afiliadas a grupos empresariales en comparación con empresas independientes. Se emplearon análisis de regresión de efectos fijos y modelos de emparejamiento por puntaje de propensión para examinar las diferencias en los niveles de emisiones.

Hallazgos

Los resultados sugieren que las empresas afiliadas a grupos empresariales tienen mayores emisiones de CO2 en comparación con empresas independientes similares. Esto sugiere que las estructuras de grupos empresariales pueden debilitar las presiones para la reducción de emisiones y el mantenimiento de la legitimidad pública entre las empresas afiliadas.

Originalidad

Este estudio contribuye a la literatura sobre gobierno corporativo, riesgos climáticos y externalidades de contaminación al proporcionar evidencia empírica sobre la relación entre la afiliación a grupos empresariales y las emisiones de CO2. Destaca la importancia de considerar la influencia de las estructuras corporativas en el rendimiento ambiental, especialmente en el contexto de las economías de mercados emergentes.

Limitaciones/Implicaciones de la Investigación

Los hallazgos de este estudio están sujetos a ciertas limitaciones, como el uso de un conjunto de datos específico de Chile y la incapacidad para explorar ciertos factores debido a restricciones de datos. Por ejemplo, no pudimos examinar la influencia de las características de los ejecutivos de las empresas en los niveles de contaminación. Investigaciones futuras deberían abordar estas limitaciones y ampliar el análisis a otros países de mercados emergentes para investigar más a fondo el impacto de regulaciones ambientales laxas o ineficaces en los resultados de contaminación.

Implicaciones Prácticas

Los hallazgos de la investigación tienen implicaciones prácticas para inversores y responsables políticos. Los inversores interesados en inversiones ambientalmente sostenibles deben tener en cuenta los niveles más altos de contaminación asociados con empresas afiliadas a grupos empresariales. Los responsables políticos pueden utilizar estos hallazgos para diseñar regulaciones más efectivas e incentivos para fomentar los esfuerzos de reducción de emisiones dentro de las estructuras de grupos empresariales.

Implicaciones Sociales

Los resultados del estudio enfatizan la necesidad de comprender de manera integral las implicaciones ambientales de la afiliación a grupos empresariales. Al reconocer el potencial de mayores emisiones en las estructuras de grupos empresariales, los interesados pueden abogar por prácticas sostenibles, fomentar la transparencia y promover una gestión ambiental responsable dentro de las entidades corporativas.

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Svitlana Magalhães de Sousa Ostapenko, Ana Paula Africano and Raquel Meneses

This study aims to further develop the CLC stage/path’s identification model that distinguishes between path’s emergence (emergence stage), path’s development (growth stage)…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to further develop the CLC stage/path’s identification model that distinguishes between path’s emergence (emergence stage), path’s development (growth stage), path’s sustainment (maturity stage), path’s decline (decline stage) and path’s transformation (renewal stage), and by applying it, define the current stage/path of the Demarcated Douro Region (DDR) cluster. The Port wine industry, which is the dominant industry of the DDR cluster, is at the maturity/decline stage – is the same for the cluster itself?

Design/methodology/approach

It is a case study with a longitudinal perspective based on the analysis of the dynamics of the parameters of cluster evolution using available secondary sources (cluster identity/brand; number of firms; number of employees; network; innovation; policies and regulations; and external markets – exports), especially addressing the past decade, that represent the stage of maturity/decline of the cluster’s dominant Port wine industry.

Findings

The conclusion is that since the 1990s the Demarcated Douro Region has gone through a “path transformation” where during the following 20 years new “anchors” for the cluster were gradually introduced, such as Doc Douro Wines, new forms of consumption of Port wine, tourism and olive oil. Since 2010 the cluster has entered a growth stage/(new) path’s development, where these “anchors” are in steady growth. The Douro brand is becoming more internationally recognized and established, the number of firms and employees is increasing, the network is restructuring with the creation of cluster-specific official institutions, innovation is especially reflected with increasing heterogeneity through diversification of the clusters into new activities and regulations and policies are supportive for expansion – all these parameters are indicating the rise of the new cycle for the cluster. Thus, the DDR cluster represents an attractive business environment and requires attention from regional policymakers to support the cluster’s development. Especially institutions have been highlighted as internal factors driving clusters growth, European integration as an external factor and firms’ strategies of diversification and internationalization as an appropriate de-locking mechanism for new path’s development.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the CLC theory by further developing and applying a CLC stage/path identification model. It provides a better understanding of the dynamics of the DDR cluster that diverge from its dominant industry life cycle, which is relevant for regional policies and firms’ strategies. This study has its limitations. It provides an exploratory application of the theoretical framework proposed, and consequently, no general conclusions are possible yet. More empirical studies with different clusters in different stages are necessary to test the framework.

Practical implications

These findings are useful to policymakers when designing their policies for cluster development but also for clusters’ entities and actors when making their strategic decisions as it allows based on the verification of the established parameter of CLC to identify its current stage/path of development.

Originality/value

The paper presents a theoretically grounded model for CLC identification and for the first time to the best of the authors’ knowledge applies it to a cluster case – the DDR cluster. This case applies the proposed model and illustrates its usefulness. The model provides the tools for a better understanding of cluster dynamics.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

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